The Controversial Anastasia Ringing Cedars of Russia: An Analysis
Introduction to the Anastasia Ringing Cedars of Russia
The Anastasia Ringing Cedars of Russia series has garnered significant attention over the years, attracting both followers and critics. This series, initially launched by Vladimir Megre, has become a cornerstone for a unique spiritual and lifestyle movement in Russia and beyond. This article delves into the origins, content, and impact of this unconventional body of work.
Origins and Key Figures
The Anastasia Ringing Cedars of Russia series began in 1996 and ran until 2010 under the pseudonym of Vladimir Megre, whose real name is Pavel Puzakov. The series is centered around the conversations between Vladimir and a fictional character named Anastasia, who is believed to be a reincarnation of the Virgin Mary. The term "Ringing Cedars" is said to refer to the practice of ringing the branches of birch trees, symbolizing harmony and divine communication.
Anastasia is not just a character but a deity, representing the love of the earth and humanity. Megre, using the narrative of Anastasia, advocates for a holistic approach to living, emphasizing the importance of family, self-sufficiency, and ecological awareness. However, the legitimacy of Anastasia as a deity and the authenticity of Megre's claims have been widely debated.
Content and Ideological Foundation
The central idea of the Ringing Cedars of Russia series is the creation of a family homestead, often referred to as a rodovoye pomestye, or a "family estate" in Russian. According to the series, this homestead should be self-sufficient and surrounded by a hedge, with a water source, dwelling woods, a meadow, vegetable gardens, berries, herbs, mushrooms, a greenhouse, a sauna, and beehives. The homestead is intended to be a microcosm that aligns with the natural order, fostering health and enjoyment for current and future generations.
The books integrate deep ecologies, traditional family values, and worship of God Rod through nature. They contrast sharply with communal hippie lifestyles, promoting a more structured and community-oriented approach to sustainable living. Critics argue that this ideology is rooted in elements of esotericism, conspiracy theories, anti-Semitism, and even neo-paganism.
Impact and Global Reach
The series has achieved remarkable success, with over 11 million copies sold mostly in Russia. It has been translated into 20 languages, gaining a significant following in countries such as Australia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Russia, and the United States. The movement has also spurred the establishment of family settlements based on the ideas presented in the books.
A notable aspect of the movement is the active readers groups that have formed to support the creation of family homesteads. These groups have successfully attracted enthusiasts from various countries, contributing to the global reach of the series. In 2014, a conference in Vladimir city attracted delegates from over 150 family homestead settlements from 48 of the 89 regions of Russia, underscoring the movement's impact.
Critical Analysis and Controversies
While the Anastasia Ringing Cedars of Russia series has garnered a dedicated following, it has also faced intense criticism. Scholars and experts in anthropology and religious studies have attributed the movement to elements of Russian New Age spirituality, which includes esotericism, conspiracy theories, and neo-pagan practices. The series is often viewed as a schizotypal belief system, blending various spiritual and ideological elements into a cohesive worldview.
Critics argue that the movement's reliance on a fictional character named Anastasia as a deity and the claim that Megre possesses extraordinary abilities (such as clairvoyance) raise questions about the authenticity of the work. The books' emphasis on self-sufficiency and living in harmony with nature has been both celebrated and criticized, with some viewing it as a force for positive environmental change, while others see it as an overly rigid and dogmatic system.
Conclusion
The Anastasia Ringing Cedars of Russia series represents a unique blend of spiritual, ecological, and communal ideologies. While it has succeeded in inspiring a movement that spans multiple countries, it remains a subject of intense debate. Whether seen as a valuable contribution to modern spirituality or a schizotypal belief system, the series continues to shape the lives of those who find inspiration in its teachings.