In the tradition of the "mystical chronology" of the seven Archangelic Regents, the year 1879 marks the return of the solar being Michael to the direction of earthly evolution. Rudolf Steiner took great pains to articulate Michael"s hope for humanity, and described the Michaelic tasks that lie before us: the development of courage, the affirmation of individuality, the transformation of the knowledge and perception of nature and the cosmos, the creation of a truly world culture, and the cognition of the Christ. In this volume we have gathered together important and representative discussions of Michael"s mission in our time. Part I includes earlier (pre-1918) lectures by Rudolf Steiner. These deal with the event of 1879; Michael and Christ; Michael as Archangel and as Time Spirit; and Michael and the Fall of the Spirits of Darkness. Part II contains a new translation of the six lectures (1919) known as The Mission of the Archangel Michael. Part III presents the most significant Michael lectures of Rudolf Steiner"s last years and a selection from the Michael Letters, as well as an extract from Rudolf Steiner"s Last Address. The bulk of this volume has long been unavailable in English, making it an important collection for coming to terms with the serious spiritual needs of today.