Atlantis Rising
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Atlantis Rising
Brad Steiger's Atlantis Rising is less a definitive archaeological treatise and more a comprehensive catalog of Atlantean lore, a strength that also marks its primary limitation. Steiger excels at gathering disparate threads—from Plato's dialogues to purported psychic revelations—and presenting them without undue skepticism. The sheer breadth of material is impressive, offering a panoramic view of how the Atlantis myth has been sustained and reinterpreted across centuries. However, the work sometimes lacks critical analysis, presenting speculative theories with the same weight as historical accounts. A notable section discusses the geological implications of a sunken continent, yet it tends to favor theories that align with the myth rather than engaging deeply with counter-arguments from mainstream geology. Ultimately, Atlantis Rising serves as an invaluable compendium for the curious, providing extensive material for further investigation into the enduring enigma of Atlantis.
📝 Description
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### What It Is Atlantis Rising, first published in 1976 by Brad Steiger, is a seminal work exploring the persistent legends and theories surrounding the lost continent of Atlantis. Steiger compiles accounts, historical interpretations, and speculative evidence from various sources, presenting a comprehensive overview of the Atlantean mythos. The book examines ancient texts, geological possibilities, and the cultural impact of the Atlantis narrative on subsequent esoteric and archaeological thought.
### Who It's For This book is intended for readers interested in ancient mysteries, lost civilizations, and the history of esoteric thought. It appeals to those who approach subjects like Atlantis with an open mind, seeking to understand the diverse theories and historical underpinnings of the legend. It's particularly relevant for students of comparative mythology, ancient history, and alternative archaeology.
### Historical Context Published during a period of burgeoning interest in UFOs, ancient astronauts, and alternative historical narratives, Atlantis Rising emerged as a significant contribution to the Atlantean discourse. Steiger's work built upon earlier investigations by figures like Ignatius Donnelly and Edgar Cayce, placing the Atlantis legend within a broader context of New Age and occult studies that gained traction in the mid-20th century. Its appearance coincided with a growing public fascination with pre-diluvian cultures and unexplained archaeological anomalies.
### Key Concepts The book systematically examines the origins of the Atlantis myth, tracing it from Plato's dialogues to modern interpretations. It discusses various proposed locations for Atlantis, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, and explores potential connections to ancient Egyptian, Mayan, and other world mythologies. Steiger also investigates alleged psychic communications and historical records that purportedly offer clues to Atlantis's existence, culture, and catastrophic demise.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the foundational texts and historical figures, like Plato's Timaeus and Critias, that first described Atlantis, and how Steiger synthesizes these ancient accounts. • Explore the diverse geographical theories and archaeological speculations proposed for Atlantis's location, moving beyond simplistic notions to appreciate the range of proposed sites. • Grasp the evolution of Atlantean theories from the late 19th century onwards, including connections to Theosophy and figures like Helena Blavatsky, and their impact on modern esotericism.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Brad Steiger's Atlantis Rising first published, and what was the prevailing interest in Atlantis at that time?
Atlantis Rising was first published in 1976. This period saw a significant surge in public fascination with lost civilizations, UFOs, and esoteric theories, making Steiger's work timely for readers exploring these themes.
Does Atlantis Rising present archaeological proof of Atlantis?
No, Atlantis Rising does not present definitive archaeological proof. Instead, it compiles and analyzes various historical accounts, myths, geological theories, and speculative evidence related to the legend of Atlantis.
What role does Plato play in Steiger's exploration of Atlantis?
Plato's dialogues, specifically 'Timaeus' and 'Critias,' are presented as the primary ancient source for the Atlantis story. Steiger examines Plato's narrative in detail as the foundational text upon which most subsequent Atlantean theories are built.
Are there connections between Atlantis Rising and other esoteric traditions?
Yes, the book explores connections between the Atlantis myth and traditions such as Theosophy, spiritualism, and theories of ancient advanced civilizations, drawing parallels with figures like Helena Blavatsky and Edgar Cayce.
What geographical locations are commonly discussed in relation to Atlantis in this book?
The book discusses numerous proposed locations for Atlantis, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean (Santorini, Azores), the Caribbean, and even inland areas, reflecting the wide range of speculative geography.
How does Atlantis Rising contribute to the study of ancient mysteries?
It serves as a comprehensive survey of Atlantean lore, synthesizing historical texts, scientific theories, and esoteric interpretations. This makes it a valuable resource for understanding the enduring appeal and multifaceted nature of the Atlantis legend.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Plato's Atlantean Narrative
The book meticulously examines Plato's dialogues, 'Timaeus' and 'Critias,' as the foundational textual evidence for Atlantis. Steiger analyzes Plato's descriptions of Atlantean society, its advanced civilization, its powerful empire, and its eventual cataclysmic destruction. The work explores how Plato's philosophical allegory has been interpreted literally by subsequent generations, forming the bedrock of modern Atlantis research and speculation. It highlights Plato's role in not just recounting a story, but in framing a philosophical concept that would inspire centuries of inquiry into lost worlds.
Geographical and Geological Speculations
Atlantis Rising delves into the myriad proposed locations for the lost continent, ranging from the Atlantic Ocean's Azores and Bimini Road to Mediterranean sites like Santorini and Crete, and even landlocked regions. Steiger reviews geological theories, including those concerning continental drift, seismic activity, and rising sea levels, that could potentially explain the disappearance of a landmass. The text discusses how various archaeological findings, often interpreted outside mainstream consensus, have been linked to Atlantean civilization, fueling debates about Earth's ancient past.
Esoteric and Spiritual Interpretations
Beyond historical and geological arguments, the book extensively covers the esoteric and spiritual dimensions of Atlantis. It explores the influence of Theosophy, Helena Blavatsky's writings on ancient root races, and Edgar Cayce's psychic readings, which provided detailed descriptions of Atlantean life, technology, and spiritual practices. Steiger investigates claims of Atlantean psychic abilities, advanced energy sources, and their potential impact on global consciousness and subsequent human development, linking the legend to wider spiritual and occult movements.
Atlantis in Comparative Mythology
The work positions the Atlantis myth within a broader context of global flood myths and legends of lost, advanced civilizations. Steiger draws parallels between Atlantean narratives and stories from ancient Egypt, Mesoamerica, and other cultures, suggesting common archetypes or even trans-oceanic cultural diffusion. This comparative approach seeks to understand the universal human fascination with origins, lost golden ages, and the cyclical nature of civilization as reflected in the persistent legend of Atlantis.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Plato's account remains the primary wellspring from which all subsequent Atlantis lore has flowed.”
— This statement underscores the foundational importance of Plato's dialogues, 'Timaeus' and 'Critias,' in the genesis of the Atlantis legend. It highlights that despite numerous later theories and interpretations, Plato's original narrative is the indispensable starting point for any serious inquiry into the lost continent.
“The search for Atlantis is often a search for humanity's lost origins and a more enlightened past.”
— This captures the deeper psychological and spiritual appeal of the Atlantis myth. It suggests that the quest for a literal lost continent is intertwined with a yearning for a mythical golden age, a connection to ancient wisdom, and perhaps a critique of contemporary civilization.
“Geological shifts and catastrophic events are frequently cited as mechanisms for Atlantis's demise.”
— This paraphrased concept reflects the book's exploration of scientific and pseudo-scientific explanations for Atlantis's disappearance. It indicates that theories involving earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, or dramatic land subsidence are common explanations offered within the Atlantean discourse.
“Theosophical writings significantly shaped modern conceptions of Atlantis and its inhabitants.”
— This highlights the profound influence of esoteric movements, particularly Theosophy pioneered by Helena Blavatsky, on the popular understanding of Atlantis. It points to how these spiritual philosophies introduced concepts like root races and ancient advanced civilizations into the Atlantean narrative.
“Alleged psychic accounts and channeled messages offer detailed, albeit controversial, glimpses into Atlantean culture.”
— This refers to the integration of psychic phenomena and channeled information, such as that from Edgar Cayce, into the Atlantis narrative. It acknowledges that while these sources provide rich detail, they are often viewed as less credible than historical texts or scientific inquiry.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Atlantis Rising is deeply rooted in the modern esoteric tradition, particularly drawing from Theosophy and the lineage of channeled or psychic revelations. It extends the work of figures like Helena Blavatsky, who posited Atlanteans as a prior root race, and Edgar Cayce, whose 'Akashic' readings provided extensive details on Atlantean life, technology, and spirituality. Steiger's approach aligns with the New Age tendency to seek ancient, hidden wisdom and advanced civilizations as precursors to contemporary understanding, framing Atlantis as a spiritual precursor civilization whose legacy informs current spiritual quests.
Symbolism
Key symbols explored include the crystal, often depicted as an Atlantean power source and spiritual focus, representing concentrated energy and higher consciousness. The 'Pillars of Hercules' serve as a geographical and symbolic boundary, marking the entrance to Plato's fabled empire and representing the threshold between the known world and the unknown or lost realms. The recurring motif of catastrophic destruction—often via water or seismic events—symbolizes cyclical patterns of civilization, divine judgment, or karmic consequence inherent in esoteric cosmologies.
Modern Relevance
Steiger's comprehensive cataloging of Atlantean lore continues to influence contemporary esoteric discussions and practices. Modern authors exploring ancient advanced technologies, consciousness studies, and alternative archaeology often reference or build upon the theories presented in Atlantis Rising. The book remains a foundational text for those investigating themes of lost wisdom, spiritual evolution, and the potential for forgotten civilizations to offer models for contemporary societal challenges. Its influence can be seen in online communities, speculative historical forums, and among practitioners of various New Age spiritual paths.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Enthusiasts of ancient mysteries and lost civilizations seeking a comprehensive overview of Atlantean theories, from Plato's original account to modern speculative interpretations. • Students of esoteric history and comparative mythology interested in how the Atlantis legend has been shaped by Theosophy, psychic readings, and New Age thought. • Researchers of alternative archaeology and historical revisionism looking for a detailed compilation of evidence and arguments supporting the existence of a pre-diluvian advanced civilization.
📜 Historical Context
Brad Steiger's Atlantis Rising emerged in 1976, a period marked by intense public interest in esoteric subjects, UFOs, and alternative history, often termed the 'New Age' movement. This era saw a proliferation of books exploring ancient astronaut theories, psychic phenomena, and lost civilizations, building on foundations laid by figures like Charles Fort and the Theosophical Society. Steiger's work tapped into this zeitgeist, synthesizing a vast array of existing Atlantean theories. It arrived in the wake of Edgar Cayce's widely publicized readings about Atlantis and continued a popular discourse initiated by Ignatius Donnelly's 'Atlantis: The Antediluvian World' (1882). While mainstream archaeology and geology largely dismissed these theories, Atlantis Rising found a receptive audience among those questioning established narratives and seeking evidence of ancient, advanced cultures predating recorded history. It contributed to a broader intellectual current that challenged conventional historical timelines and explored the potential for forgotten, highly developed societies.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of Atlantis as a spiritual precursor civilization: how does this idea challenge conventional historical timelines?
Plato's description of Atlantean society: what ethical or political structures are presented as both advanced and cautionary?
Reflect on the symbolism of crystals as power sources and spiritual conduits in Atlantean lore.
Consider the recurring theme of catastrophic destruction in Atlantis narratives and its symbolic meaning.
How might the legend of Atlantis, as explored in this book, speak to contemporary societal anxieties or aspirations?
🗂️ Glossary
Atlantis
A legendary island or continent, first described by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his dialogues 'Timaeus' and 'Critias,' said to have been a powerful naval power that sank into the ocean.
Timaeus and Critias
Two of Plato's dialogues that provide the primary ancient source material for the story of Atlantis, detailing its history, society, geography, and destruction.
Theosophy
A spiritual movement founded in the late 19th century by Helena Blavatsky, which posits that an ancient wisdom tradition underlies all religions and that humanity has evolved through various 'root races,' including Atlanteans.
Edgar Cayce
An American psychic known for his 'readings,' which often included detailed descriptions of Atlantis, its advanced technology, spiritual practices, and catastrophic end, profoundly influencing modern interpretations.
Pillars of Hercules
In ancient geography, the name given to the rock formations at the Straits of Gibraltar, often cited by Plato as the boundary beyond which the island continent of Atlantis lay.
Root Race
A concept from Theosophy, popularized by Helena Blavatsky, referring to successive stages of human evolution, with Atlanteans representing a significant, advanced predecessor to modern humanity.
Akashic Records
In esoteric traditions, a compendium of all human events, thoughts, and emotions, believed to be stored in a non-physical plane. Edgar Cayce claimed to access these records for his readings.
