he Aetherius Society is a new religious movement founded by George King in the mid-1950s as the result of what King claimed were contacts with extraterrestrial intelligences, to whom he referred as “Cosmic Masters”. The main goal of the believer is to cooperate with these Cosmic Masters to help humanity solve its current Earthly problems and advance into the New Age. It is a syncretic religion, based primarily on theosophy and incorporating millenarian, New Age, and UFO religion aspects. Emphases of the religion include altruism, community service, nature worship, spiritual healing and physical exercise.
The theology of the Aetherius Society is regarded as firmly based in theosophy, the Aetherius Society combines UFO claims, yoga, and ideas from various world religions, notably Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. The society asserts itself as a plural or liberal religion, stating “nor does God favor people of one religion over another – and certainly not people of one country or race over another”.
The Aetherius Society has been described as a UFO religion, and has been compared to other UFO religions such as the Raelian Movement and the Church of Scientology. The society has also been criticized for its use of pseudoscience and its claims of extraterrestrial contact.
The Aetherius Society is headquartered in London, England, and has branches in over 30 countries around the world. The society publishes a number of books and magazines, and holds regular meetings and events.
The Aetherius Society has been involved in a number of controversies, including its involvement in the UFO flap of 1954, and its claims that the 1966 Aberfan disaster was caused by a UFO. The society has also been criticized for its use of pseudoscience and its claims of extraterrestrial contact.
Despite these controversies, the Aetherius Society remains a popular religion with a growing number of followers. The society’s message of hope and optimism has appealed to many people who are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives.
History
The Aetherius Society was founded in 1955 by George King, a former taxi driver from London. King claimed that he had been contacted by extraterrestrial beings who told him that he was to be their messenger on Earth. The extraterrestrials, who King called the Cosmic Masters, told him that they had been observing humanity for centuries and that they were concerned about the direction in which humanity was headed. They said that they had come to Earth to help humanity evolve and to prepare for the coming of the New Age.
King began to hold public meetings in London, where he shared his messages from the Cosmic Masters. He also began to write books and articles about his experiences. In 1956, he founded the Aetherius Society to promote his teachings.
The Aetherius Society quickly grew, and soon had branches in many countries around the world. The society’s members believe that the Cosmic Masters are working with them to help humanity evolve and to prepare for the coming of the New Age. They believe that the Cosmic Masters have given them a number of tools and techniques that they can use to help themselves and others. These tools include meditation, yoga, and spiritual healing.
Beliefs
The Aetherius Society believes in a number of things, including:
- The existence of extraterrestrial intelligence
- The existence of a spiritual realm
- The importance of personal growth and development
- The importance of helping others
- The coming of the New Age
The society’s beliefs are based on the teachings of George King, who claimed to have received these teachings from extraterrestrial beings. The society’s teachings are also influenced by theosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.
Practices
The Aetherius Society has a number of practices that its members engage in. These practices include:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Spiritual healing
- Prayer
- Service to others
The society also holds regular meetings and events, where members can learn more about the society’s teachings and practices.
Organization
The Aetherius Society is a hierarchical organization. The society is headed by a President, who is assisted by a number of Vice Presidents. The society also has a number of regional and local branches, which are led by Directors.
The Aetherius Society is a registered charity in the United Kingdom. The society’s finances are overseen by a Finance Committee.
Membership
The Aetherius Society has a membership of over 10,000 people in over 30 countries around the world. The society’s members come from all walks of life.
Criticism
The Aetherius Society has been criticized for a number of things, including:
- Its use of pseudoscience
- Its claims of extraterrestrial contact
- Its involvement in the UFO flap of 1954
- Its claims that the 1