Steiner begins by speaking about our inner relationship to three ancient and sacred archetypal forms of the animal kingdom – Eagle, Lion and Bull – and to the forces of the cosmos that give rise to them. He goes on to deepen these themes by approaching the plant and animal worlds in the context of planetary and cosmic evolution. A new category is then introduced: the elemental nature spirits – the non-physical beings who work with plants, animals and humans. Steiner gives a unique and intimate description of them and describes the cooperation they offer to mankind. Finally, the human being, the central theme of earth evolution, is placed at the heart of this spiritual panorama of life.