Drawing upon Rudolf Steiner’s prophetic indications from regarding the physical incarnation of Ahriman in the West “in the not-too-distant future,” this presentation will explore the mystery of evil through the lens of The Representative of Humanity sculptural group. We will trace the long-prepared groundwork for Ahriman’s influence: the rise of scientific materialism, the dominance of economic forces over cultural and spiritual life, divisive nationalism, racial hatred, the fundamentalist approach to the Gospels, and the increasing pervasiveness of lies and misinformation. Special attention will be given to the battle within the sphere of intelligence, contrasting the Michaelic and Ahrimanic approach, the tension between subnature and supernature, and the spiritual significance of the emergence of the Noosphere through the internet, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and the looming advent of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI).
In the face of these developments, which fit within centuries-long preparation for Ahriman’s incarnation, we will ask: what can those who are awake and watchful do? Among the essential remedies are a conscious orientation toward the Second Coming of Christ in the Etheric realm, heightened inner connection with the Archangel Michael as the Countenance of Christ and his new role as Archai, and the spiritualization of human intelligence through freely chosen inner development. Humanities, Collectively Crossing of the Threshold, calls for a new spiritual relationship based on freedom—while recognizing that Ahriman seeks to capture human thinking and lead it into the Eighth Sphere in collaboration with Luciferic powers. Understanding and meeting this challenge is crucial for the future of human evolution.