Krotona facts for kids
Krotona was an important center for a spiritual philosophy called Theosophy. It was one of three main places in the United States for this group in the early 1900s. Krotona first started in Hollywood, California, in 1912. Later, in 1926, the community moved to Ojai, California. Today, it is known as the Krotona Institute of Theosophy and is still active there.
The Krotona Institute is located near State Route 33. It offers classes and workshops about Theosophy. It also has a large library focused on spiritual and hidden knowledge. There is also a small bookstore where visitors can find books and other items.
Krotona's History in Hollywood
The main Krotona building in Hollywood was built in 1919. It was located at Primrose and Vista Del Mar. Many different people lived or stayed there over the years.
Some famous residents included:
- Annie Sullivan Knudsen, from a wealthy family.
- Grace Shaw Duff, from New York.
- Henry Hotchener.
- Marie Russak.
- Movie stars like Mary Astor and Charlie Chaplin.
- Music producer Joshua Rumer.
The people of Krotona, who followed the teachings of Madame Blavatsky, felt that Hollywood was becoming too busy. They wanted a more peaceful place for their spiritual studies. So, they decided to move their community to Ojai, California. They have been there ever since.
Alice Bailey and Krotona
About a year before the Hollywood building was finished, a woman named Alice Bailey moved nearby. She later became a well-known leader and writer in Theosophy and Spiritualism. She moved to a small house on Beechwood Drive to be close to the Krotona community. She had come from Pacific Grove, California.
Alice Bailey had joined the Theosophical group in Pacific Grove. She was teaching and holding classes there. She explained that she had left her old Christian beliefs behind. Soon after, she felt she discovered a "great and divine Plan" for humanity. She believed there were spiritual leaders guiding people through history. She called these leaders the "Masters of the Wisdom." She believed they worked with Christ.
Alice Bailey said her own Master, named Lord K. H. (or Koot Hoomi), visited her every few years. She said these visits started in 1895. She believed K. H. was a master of love and wisdom.
When Alice Bailey was at Krotona, she said about 500 people were part of the community. Some lived right on the property. She started by helping with simple tasks, like emptying the garbage. Later, she worked in the vegetarian kitchen. She noticed that some vegetarians felt they were better than people who ate meat, while others did not. She stayed with the Theosophical Society until 1920.
