Introduction
Mount Shasta, California, has long been at the heart of American mystical lore. According to believers, it hides the last survivors of Lemuria—an ancient, super-advanced civilization destroyed by catastrophe. These Lemurians are said to live in crystal cities inside the mountain, appearing as tall, robed masters or vanishing ascended beings.
Origins
The myth started in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with occult writers like Frederick Spencer Oliver (“A Dweller on Two Planets”) and later Guy Ballard, whose “I AM” movement claimed personal encounters with Lemurians. The idea blends lost continent myths, Theosophy, and West Coast spiritualism.
Theories and Interpretations
- Esoteric: Lemurians are keepers of hidden wisdom, helping human evolution from their secret sanctuaries.
- Fictional: Skeptics say the Lemurian story is pure fantasy—an outgrowth of Victorian pulp and spiritualist “channeling.”
- Tourism: The myth draws spiritual seekers, UFO enthusiasts, and New Agers to Shasta every year.
Key Examples
- Guy Ballard’s “I AM” movement, which still draws pilgrims to the mountain.
- Enduring local legends and mysterious “Lemurian” artifacts sold in Shasta shops.
- Modern authors and “channelers” publishing messages from the Lemurians.
Critical Analysis
Whether ascended beings or New Age invention, the Lemurians of Mount Shasta are a testament to America’s spiritual hunger and the power of myth to shape landscapes.