Dr. Douglas Mackley Baker, BA, MRCP, LCRP, was born in London, England, in 1922 and later raised in South Africa. In 1939, with the onset of World War II, he enlisted in the Natal Mounted Rifles, a regiment within the South African Army. During his military service he fought alongside the British Eighth Army in North Africa and was seriously wounded in the Battle of El Alamein. He sustained further injuries in Italy, leaving him on the critical list. These wartime experiences prompted Dr. Baker to question traditional religious views and explore deeper philosophical inquiries into human nature.

Douglas pursued higher education in South Africa, earning a degree in Arts and Humanities. In 1964, he completed his medical studies at Sheffield University in England. Following this, he became a medical advisor at De La Warr Laboratories in Oxford where he conducted research into biomagnetism and its effects on the human aura and dark matter. His work, in collaboration with George De La Warr was published in the book Biomagnetism. Beginning in 1969, Douglas initiated a series of international lecture tours, teaching subjects such as esoteric astrology, alternative healing, esoteric psychology and theosophy. To support these efforts he established a printing press that enabled the production of his books on esoteric science. Over the next five decades, he delivered thousands of lectures and led numerous seminars on metaphysical topics, gaining recognition as a prominent lecturer in the field. His International Festivals of Esoteric Science, held in various countries, attracted participants from all over the world.

 

In 1977 in Potters Bar, England, Dr. Baker founded Claregate College which offered structured courses in esoteric sciences. While the college itself no longer exists, its programs continue online administered by the students of Claregate College. Baker authored a vast collection of works on subjects ranging from astrology and alternative medicine to psychology and quantum physics, making his written output one of the most extensive by a single author in the field of esoteric studies.

Baker’s work extended beyond the classroom and lecture hall. He conducted investigations into historical events, using both traditional and esoteric research methods. His research provided insights into notable mysteries such as the sinking of the Mary Rose, the disappearance of the crew of the Marie Celeste, and the authorship of Shakespeare’s works. With an academic background spanning four universities in subjects such as medicine, literature, and psychology, Baker was a Doctor of Esoteric Philosophy and also served as a professor of astrology at Claregate College. He published a comprehensive 11-volume series on astrology, as well as a three-volume set of astrological Dictionaries which are still used in study programs worldwide.

In addition to his academic contributions, Baker played a key role in the development of alternative medicine in Britain. His work at De La Warr Laboratories included research into biomagnetism and quantum physics, exploring the effects of these phenomena on human biology and consciousness.

Over his lifetime, Baker delivered more than 15,000 lectures and organized International Summer Schools and Esoteric Science Festivals in countries like the USA, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. His exploration of alchemy culminated in the publication of The Diary of an Alchemist. He also delved into the Akashic Records, offering new interpretations of historical enigmas like the Shakespeare authorship question. In his later years, Baker’s research focused on dark matter, dark energy, and occult chemistry. He investigated the role of the carbon atom in organic chemistry and explored the esoteric factors related to weightlessness in space. His scientific and esoteric research continued to push boundaries, linking quantum mechanics to esoteric science.

Dr. Douglas Baker passed away in 2011, just short of his 90th birthday. His extensive body of work, which includes over 100 published books and 400 recorded lectures remains influential in the study of esoteric science and philosophy. His contributions have left a lasting impact on fields ranging from astrology and metaphysics to alternative medicine and quantum physics.