Walk onto the grounds of Apollo, the sprawling 1,200-acre estate in Oregon House, California, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Renaissance painting. There are meticulously manicured gardens. There are marble statues. You see rows of Syrah grapes and a private theater that looks like it belongs in 18th-century Europe. It’s breathtaking. But for decades, locals and former members have whispered about what actually goes on behind those wrought-iron gates. This isn't just a high-end winery or a quirky art commune. This is the Garden Cult, formally known as the Fellowship of Friends.
The group was founded in 1970 by Robert Earl Burton. He wasn’t a gardener by trade, but he used the "Fourth Way" philosophy of George Gurdjieff and Peter Ouspensky to build something massive. It’s a group that prioritizes "conscious labor" and "intentional suffering." Sounds intense? It is.
Understanding the Roots of the Fellowship of Friends
Most people stumble upon the Garden Cult because they’re looking for meaning in a messy world. Burton’s pitch was simple: most humans are "asleep," and only through high culture, fine wine, and intense self-observation can one truly wake up. It’s a fancy version of self-help wrapped in a silk scarf.
The philosophy is dense. You’ve got the idea of "Esoteric Christianity" mixed with Greek mythology and a heavy dose of artistic elitism. To the Fellowship, God is an "influence" from a higher scale. They call these influences "C-Influence." They believe they are the only ones on Earth communicating with these higher beings. Honestly, it sounds like a sci-fi novel, but for the members paying 10% of their gross income to the group, it’s a lived reality.
The money matters here. A lot. Unlike many communes that reject wealth, the Garden Cult embraces it. They want the best of everything. They buy Pierre-Auguste Renoir paintings and rare antiques. Burton often told his followers that "beauty is the only truth." It’s a seductive idea. Who wouldn't want to spend their days surrounded by world-class art while believing they are spiritually superior to the rest of the "sleeping" world?
The Dark Side of the Garden
It’s not all wine and roses. Over the years, dozens of former members have come forward with stories that are, frankly, disturbing. The most common allegation involves the sexual exploitation of young male members by Robert Earl Burton.
In 1984, a multi-million dollar class-action lawsuit was filed against Burton. It was settled out of court, but the stories didn't stop. Former members like Troy Thigpen and others have detailed how Burton allegedly used his position as a spiritual "teacher" to coerce young men into sexual relationships. He reportedly told them it was part of their "work" to overcome their physical aversions. It's a classic power dynamic seen in high-control groups.
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Then there’s the prediction of the apocalypse. Burton is big on those. He predicted a nuclear holocaust in 1984. When that didn't happen, he moved the goalposts. Then it was 1998. Then 2006. The group even built massive underground bunkers at Apollo. Imagine spending your life savings on a bunker because your leader said the world was ending, only to wake up the next morning and realize you still have to pay taxes.
Life Inside the Commune
What’s a typical day like for a member of the Garden Cult? It’s structured. Very structured.
- The Morning Meeting: Members often gather for "talismanic" meetings. They discuss art. They listen to classical music. They try to remain "present" in their bodies.
- The Labor: There’s a lot of physical work. Tending to the vineyards, cleaning the statues, or maintaining the massive gardens. They call it "voluntary labor."
- The Fees: You pay to be there. Monthly dues are mandatory. If you want to attend a special dinner with Burton, that’s extra.
The group is also famously secretive about their "influence." They believe that certain historical figures—Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, Abraham Lincoln—were actually "conscious beings" who were part of their lineage. They even have "portraits" of these figures in their theater, believing their spirits are watching over the Fellowship.
Why the Garden Cult Still Exists Today
You’d think after the lawsuits and the failed prophecies, the group would have folded. Nope. They’re still there. As of 2026, the Fellowship of Friends still operates the Renaissance Vineyard & Winery.
Why do people stay? It's a mix of "sunk cost fallacy" and genuine community. If you’ve spent 30 years in a group, given them all your money, and cut off your "sleeping" family members, leaving is terrifying. You’d be starting from zero in a world you were taught to despise.
Also, the aesthetics are a powerful drug. The Garden Cult offers a life that looks like a permanent vacation in Tuscany. For someone feeling lost in the grayness of modern life, that's a hard thing to walk away from. The winery itself has won awards. Their wines have been praised by critics who have no idea about the group's internal politics. This "legitimacy" helps them recruit.
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The Recruitment Tactics
They don't usually lead with the "we communicate with dead angels" bit. Instead, they find you through interests. Maybe you’re into ballet. Maybe you’re a fan of fine wine. They host events that seem perfectly normal, even high-brow. You meet people who are well-dressed, articulate, and seemingly very happy.
It’s a slow burn. They don't dump the whole philosophy on you at once. First, it’s a book study. Then, a weekend at the estate. By the time you’re asked to give 10% of your paycheck, you’re already hooked on the feeling of being "special."
What Most People Get Wrong
People often call it a "hippie commune." That couldn't be further from the truth. Hippie communes are usually about "free love" and rejecting the hierarchy. The Garden Cult is the exact opposite. It’s rigid. It’s elitist. It’s obsessed with etiquette and form.
They aren't "dropping out" of society; they are trying to create a "higher" society. They view themselves as the cultural elite. If you don't appreciate Mozart or can't identify a certain period of French furniture, you’re seen as spiritually lacking. It’s a very specific brand of snobbery used as a tool for control.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
If you find yourself invited to a beautiful estate for a "philosophical discussion," keep your eyes open. High-control groups like the Garden Cult always share common traits.
- The Paywall for Salvation: If spiritual growth requires a percentage of your gross income, it’s a business, not a church.
- Isolation from "Sleepers": If they tell you that your family and friends are "asleep" and will hold back your progress, run.
- The Unquestionable Leader: Robert Earl Burton is treated as a living god. In the Fellowship, his word is final. There is no democratic process.
- Love Bombing: When you first join, everyone is your best friend. They overwhelm you with attention and praise. This isn't natural. It's a tactic to create an emotional bond that’s hard to break later.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you’re researching the Garden Cult because you have a friend involved or you’re just fascinated by the psychology of these groups, here is what you need to do.
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First, check out the work of Jenni Stone or Esoteric Freedom. These are platforms run by ex-members who provide a mountain of primary documents, from internal memos to recordings of Burton’s lectures. It’s the best way to see the gap between the group’s public face and their private reality.
Second, understand the legal history. Look up the 1996 civil suit and the more recent labor disputes. The group has been investigated for their hiring practices at the winery, specifically regarding whether they only hire members (which can be a form of discrimination).
Third, if you’re visiting the area, the winery is technically open to the public. You can go see the gardens. You can taste the wine. But go with your eyes open. Notice the silence. Notice how the workers interact with each other. The beauty of the Garden Cult is a facade designed to distract from the high cost of entry—not just in dollars, but in personal autonomy.
If you know someone in a high-control group, don't attack them. Attacking the group usually makes the member dig in their heels. Instead, ask questions. Ask them how they feel. Ask them if they’re allowed to disagree with the leadership. Sometimes, just planting the seed of a question is enough to start the "waking up" process for real.
The Fellowship of Friends is a reminder that cults don't always look like dusty compounds in the desert. Sometimes, they look like a glass of expensive Cabernet in a beautiful garden.
Next Steps for Research:
- Search for the "Apollo Files"—a collection of internal Fellowship documents leaked online.
- Read "The Fourth Way" by P.D. Ouspensky to understand the philosophical jargon the group uses to recruit intellectuals.
- Look up the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control records regarding Renaissance Vineyard to see their current legal standing.