By Jim Kingsnorth

This is basically what this group believes. They are a new age mystic organization. They do not hold the Bible as final authority for doctrine, as you will see.

People from all faiths study esoteric teachings and mystic philosophy through Astara. You may maintain membership in any religion and still become an Astarian. This is in essence a universalism type of teaching. They believe that any religion will do.

Astarians believe that they are able to express the hidden potential of the mind and the "Higher Self" through Astara. They believe that through Astara they will find healing for their body and soul. The Bible says that Jesus provided healing for our bodies.

They Also believe in the inner potential, another New Age belief. They claim that Astara is a Cosmic Expedition through the Aquarian Age. They believe this Cosmic Expedition is a search into the inner spaces of the soul and mind. This journey vehicle is the study of Astara's Book of Life.

Their claims of what the teachings provide:

• Help you organize your life on a new basis, harmonized with the eternal, mystic truths which have endured throughout time
• Instruct you in a secret mental technique of spiritual unfoldment, of Self-mastery and the pathway to illumination
• Give you a comprehensive view of life processes including birth, death, the afterlife
• Reveal how to use your 'third eye,' the all-seeing eye of the superconscious
• Unfold the science of soul progression as revealed in the teachings of the ancient Mysteries
• Explain the whole person, divine and human, including the Monad, oversoul, soul, auric forcefields, your higher bodies, the higher planes of life, immortality, the true meaning and mystery of salvation, regeneration, and the ultimate liberation of the soul
• Provide mystic teachings of the silver cord, seed atoms, the cosmic kundalini fire, chakras, the science of healing and numerous other significant arcane factors of your life 

As you can see by their claims the are nothing more than a new wrinkle of the New Age Movement.

 Quotes from Astara

"Walking the Astarian path offers the seeker a unique freedom. Unlike a cult, Astara presents an ever-widening image of spirituality, encouraging each seeker to walk his or her personal path. Never are Astarians told what or who to believe." Notice how they try to distinguish themselves as not being a cult. They like universalist's and some other cults try to separate themselves from known cults by saying "We accept everyone!" The one thing that most cults have in common is the fact that they claim to be The True Church of Jesus Christ.

"The Degree Lessons are available only to members of Astara. They have been channeled through Robert and Earlyne Chaney for many years from Masters of the divine hierarchy, teaching ancient Wisdom from the times of the Mystery Schools of antiquity. They light the way for the seeker of spiritual evolution. They reveal the arcane soul pageant from before birth, through life, death and the afterlife." Channeling is also part of the experience for those of higher degree's in the teachings. Basically a stairway to heaven.

"When confronted with a difficult problem regarding any of life's apparently unyielding situations, you may receive added prayer help by sending a 'Cosmic Help Petition' to Astara. We all share the same light when our needs are placed within it. Every problem is held in strictest confidence."  I guess my question is; Who do they pray to?

"Astara is a "Place of Light" where all paths merge, a point in the eternal plan where the light of the ages flows from the past into the present, illumining the future. Through the Astarian teachings, your search for truth becomes a thrilling adventure and a joyous experience. The spiritual fellowship of Astarians all over the world brings to each seeker the warm security of "family" which is unchanged by time, or death, or earthly limitation." Notice the remark about Astarians being part of a family. This is to draw in people who are either lonely or searching for relationships. The get a Warm Security from the Astarians. This is something that many people are looking for.

Conclusion: Astara is nothing more than the New Age in a new package. It has all the teaching of the new age and some new ones thrown in. They seem to be a mixture of Universalism, New Age, Unity, and TM. This group should be avoided.

Jesus said I am THE Way, The Truth, and The Life, not I am A Way, A Truth, and A Life. There is only one way and that is Jesus.

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