The Aetherius Society is a new religious movement established by George King in the mid-1950s. King claimed to have made contact with extraterrestrial intelligences, which he referred to as “Cosmic Masters.” The primary objective of the society’s followers is to collaborate with these Cosmic Masters to assist humanity in addressing its current terrestrial challenges and progress into the New Age.
The Aetherius Society is a syncretic religion, drawing heavily from theosophy and integrating elements of millenarianism, New Age, and UFO religious beliefs. The religion emphasizes altruism, community service, nature worship, spiritual healing, and physical exercise. The society’s membership is international but remains relatively small. The organization believes in the existence of various spiritual masters from other planets and aims to foster cooperation between humanity and these extraterrestrial beings.
History
The Aetherius Society was founded by George King in the mid-1950s. King, born on 23 January 1919 in Wellington, Shropshire, England, was raised in a Protestant family with strong occult interests. Before establishing the Aetherius Society, King was deeply involved in spiritual healing and joined various metaphysical groups in London. In 1944, he delved into yoga and claimed to have developed psychic powers.
King asserted that in 1954, he received a message instructing him to “Prepare yourself! You are to become the voice of Interplanetary Parliament.” Following this, he claimed to have been visited by a renowned swami who guided him to form a group dedicated to aiding the planet. This training, according to King, enabled him to receive telepathic messages from Venus, the first of which came from a being named Aetherius. Based on these experiences, King founded the Aetherius Society. It’s worth noting that much of this history is based on the society’s own accounts and lacks external verification.
Structure and Organization
The Aetherius Society operates with a structure that resembles many religious organizations. Members gather in congregations similar to those of churches. While the society’s teachings and beliefs are rooted in the messages received by its founder, George King, from what he termed “Cosmic Masters,” the society’s practices and activities are relatively conventional. This has allowed it to attract members from mainstream society.
The society’s headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California, and London, England. Its membership, although international, remains relatively small. As of 2011, estimates suggested that the worldwide membership was in the thousands, with the most significant numbers in the United Kingdom, the United States (particularly Southern California), and New Zealand.
The Aetherius Society’s teachings emphasize the importance of altruism, community service, nature worship, spiritual healing, and physical exercise. They believe in cooperating with extraterrestrial beings, termed “Cosmic Masters,” to aid humanity. The society also engages in various spiritual practices and rituals, such as “Operation Prayer Power,” where they store spiritual energy in “Spiritual Energy Batteries” to be used in times of crisis.
George King, the founder, is now regarded by the society as an Avatar and Cosmic Master. However, during his lifetime, he did not claim these titles. The society believes that King was the only individual within their ranks to receive mental transmissions from the Cosmic Masters.
Functions and Operations
The Aetherius Society, founded by George King in the mid-1950s, is a new religious movement with a unique blend of spiritual and extraterrestrial beliefs. Central to its operations is the communication with “Cosmic Masters,” advanced extraterrestrial beings who convey messages and guidance to aid humanity.
One of the primary functions of the society is to cooperate with these Cosmic Masters to address Earth’s challenges and usher in a New Age. This involves various spiritual practices and rituals. A notable operation is “Operation Prayer Power,” where members channel spiritual energy into “Spiritual Energy Batteries.” This stored energy can be released during crises, with the belief that it can prevent wars or alleviate natural disasters.
The society also conducts “Spiritual Pushes,” where they meditate and pray to draw spiritual energy from an orbiting spaceship, “Satellite Number Three.” This is believed to increase the spiritual energy available to Earth.
Furthermore, between 1958 and 1961, King and members embarked on “Operation Starlight,” climbing eighteen mountains worldwide. These mountains were believed to be spiritually charged by the Cosmic Masters, turning them into potent sites for prayer and meditation.
Controversy
The Aetherius Society, while having a dedicated following, has faced skepticism and criticism over the years.
- Questionable Titles and Honors: George King has been referred to with numerous titles such as “Doctor,” “Sir,” and “Reverend.” However, many of these titles have been found to originate from obscure or unverified sources. For instance, his title of “Doctor” is believed to have been obtained from the “International Theological Seminary of California,” which is described as a degree mill with no accreditation. His knighthood does not appear to be from a recognized British source but from an unspecified foreign entity.
- Scientific and Technological Inconsistencies: The society’s beliefs, particularly about life on other planets in our Solar System, have been challenged by scientific findings. The society has tried to bridge these gaps by introducing concepts like ‘higher spheres of existence’ to explain life on other planets and the ‘lowly karmic position’ of mankind to rationalize why extraterrestrials do not make open landings on Earth.
- Media Coverage: While the Aetherius Society has highlighted certain media appearances as significant, contemporary media coverage of George King was mostly negative. For instance, in 1958, the society’s publication “Cosmic Voice” claimed to provide details of an atomic accident in Russia that was not known in the West until 1976. When this was later covered by the New Scientist magazine, it was placed alongside humorous news items, suggesting a skeptical take on the society’s claims.
- The Silence Group: The society alleges that a group called ‘The Silence Group’ has been suppressing information about extraterrestrial contacts with world governments. This group is said to use fear and ignorance to control humanity. However, the existence and influence of such a group remain unsubstantiated.
- Skepticism from Prominent Figures: Noted skeptic James Randi has pointed out that many of George King’s titles, such as ‘Reverend’, ‘Doctor’, and ‘Sir’, are unverified.
Impact on Ufology
The Aetherius Society, founded by George King in the mid-20th century, has left a distinct mark on the field of Ufology. Here’s an overview of its impact:
- Pioneering Contactee Movement: The society emerged during a time when the contactee movement was gaining traction. George King claimed to be in telepathic communication with extraterrestrial intelligences, and his detailed accounts of these communications added depth to the contactee narrative. His experiences resonated with many who believed they had similar encounters, bolstering the movement’s credibility.
- Spiritual Dimension to Ufology: The society introduced a spiritual dimension to the UFO phenomenon. They posited that extraterrestrials were not just advanced technologically but also spiritually. This perspective shifted the discourse from mere sightings and abductions to the spiritual teachings and messages these beings purportedly conveyed.
- Public Engagement: The Aetherius Society was proactive in engaging with the public. Through publications, radio broadcasts, and lectures, they disseminated their beliefs and experiences, influencing a segment of the population to view UFOs through a spiritual lens.
- Enduring Legacy: While many contactee groups faded away, The Aetherius Society has endured, maintaining its teachings and practices. Their longevity has ensured that their perspective remains a part of the broader Ufological conversation.
- Criticism and Skepticism: The society’s claims have also attracted skepticism. Their spiritual interpretation of UFOs has been both a source of intrigue and contention within the Ufology community. This dual reception has spurred debates and discussions, further enriching the field.
Conclusion
The Aetherius Society is a unique new religious movement founded in the mid-1950s by George King. Rooted in King’s claims of telepathic communication with extraterrestrial beings known as “Cosmic Masters,” the society blends spiritual beliefs with elements of Ufology. While its teachings emphasize altruism, community service, and spiritual growth, its practices involve rituals aimed at harnessing spiritual energy to benefit humanity.
Over the years, the society has faced skepticism and controversy, particularly regarding King’s titles and the veracity of his claims. Nonetheless, it has endured and maintains an international presence, continuing its mission of fostering cooperation between humanity and extraterrestrial intelligences. The Aetherius Society’s unique blend of spirituality and Ufology has left an indelible mark on both fields, making it a notable entity in the study of new religious movements and the UFO phenomenon.