Islands of the dawn
Book Description
New Zealand's unique landscape has nurtured more than just stunning natural beauty. Throughout its colonial and modern history, this island nation has become fertile ground for extraordinary spiritual movements that challenge conventional religious boundaries.
Robert S. Ellwood takes readers on a captivating journey through two centuries of alternative spirituality in New Zealand, revealing how immigrant communities and pioneer societies create perfect conditions for spiritual innovation. From mysterious UFO encounters to secretive occult societies, from widespread Spiritualist gatherings to Theosophical lodges, these islands have witnessed a remarkable flowering of unconventional religious expression.
This pioneering exploration uncovers hidden chapters of New Zealand's spiritual heritage, including the enigmatic Order of the Golden Dawn that operated in quiet secrecy and the compelling story of Elizabeth Harris-Roberts, a revolutionary figure who championed Spiritualism during a time of social transformation. Ellwood examines why British settler communities became such powerful incubators for new religious movements, connecting New Zealand's experience to broader patterns of spiritual seeking.
The author weaves together scholarly research with engaging storytelling, making complex religious movements accessible to anyone curious about humanity's diverse spiritual expressions. For readers interested in understanding how geography, culture, and historical circumstances shape spiritual development, this work offers valuable insights into the conditions that allow alternative religions to take root and flourish in new lands.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 285 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Histoire
- ✓ Explore Kult
- ✓ Explore Cultes
- ✓ Explore Theosophy
- ✓ Explore New zealand, religion
- ✓ Explore Sectes
- ✓ Explore Cults
- ✓ Explore Sekte
