Gods eight levels above mankind,Steiner said. Standing in the middle rank of the First Hierarchy,they are also known as Cherubim. They dwell in the zodiac,where they help harmonize the solar system with the rest of the universe.
According to Anthroposophical teachings: demonic spirits,evil or at least abnormal gods. Also see "Spirits of Obstruction".
Spirits of Untruth.
Gods four levels above mankind,Steiner taught. They stand among the lowest gods of the Second Hierarchy. Centered in the sphere of the Sun,they help convey solar influences into our evolution and our form. Other names for gods of this rank include Spirits of Form and Authorities.
In Anthroposophical teachings: gods four levels above mankind; also gods nine levels above mankind. In the former case,they stand at the lowest rank of the Second Hierarchy,dwell in the sphere of the Sun,and help convey solar beneficence; in the latter case,they stand at the highest rank of the First Hierarchy,dwell beyond the solar system in the zodiac,and translate divine will into beneficent spiritual conceptions.
Spirits of Movement.
In Anthroposophy: gods five levels above mankind. Standing at the middle rank of the Second Hierarchy,they are centered in the sphere of Mars. Their task is to guide the motions of spiritual energy within the forms of evolution,thus maintaining the system of evolutionary advancement. Gods of this rank are also known as Dynamis,Mights,and Virtues,among other names.
According to Steiner: evil spirits,born of lies,who oppose man's proper evolution.
In Anthroposophical belief: Spirits of Darkness (q.v.),in particular those who oppose the revelation of spiritual truth. They may especially oppose Anthroposophy itself.
Steiner said these are gods three levels above mankind; they stand at the highest rank within the Third Hierarchy. Dwelling in the sphere of Venus,they oversee the epochs of human evolution,giving each period its character or personality. Other names for gods of this rank include First Beginnings,Primeval Forces,and Zeitgeists.
