Edna Anne Wheeler Ballard
Edna Anne Wheeler Ballard, also known by her pen name Lotus Ray King, was an influential figure in the early 20th-century spiritual movements. Born on June 25, 1886, in Burlington, Iowa, Edna became a pivotal co-founder of the Saint Germain Foundation and a leader of the I AM Movement, alongside her husband Guy Warren Ballard.
The Founding of the I AM Movement
The I AM Movement was established in the early 1930s, inspired by Guy Ballard's encounter with the Ascended Master Saint Germain during a hike at Mount Shasta in California. This spiritual encounter became foundational to the principles of the movement, which espoused the belief in the availability of divine enlightenment and guidance through the Ascended Masters, a concept derived from Theosophy.
Edna Ballard played a crucial role in the dissemination of these teachings through public lectures, publications, and the utilization of the radio, making the I AM Movement one of the precursors to what is now known as the New Age Movement.
Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Case
In 1944, Edna and her son, Donald Ballard, faced legal challenges when they were charged with mail fraud. The case, known as United States v. Ballard, reached the US Supreme Court, where the court ultimately ruled in favor of the Ballards. The decision was significant as it clarified the court's stance on not adjudicating the validity of religious beliefs, marking an important precedent in the protection of religious freedom in the United States.
Legacy and Influence
Edna Ballard's work through the I AM Movement significantly influenced contemporary spiritual practices and organizations, including the Church Universal and Triumphant led by Elizabeth Clare Prophet. Her teachings continue to attract followers and have contributed to the broader tapestry of American spiritual and esoteric traditions.
Her legacy is a testament to the enduring appeal of spiritual teachings that promise personal empowerment and the realization of one's divine potential.