Douglas Baker was raised in South Africa. He served during World War II, and was wounded seriously twice. He later went on to graduate in the Arts & Humanities in South Africa. In 1964, he qualified to practice medicine at University of Sheffield.

He has written extensively in the fields of astrology, meditation, healing and metaphysics. In the 1970s he established Claregate College both in the U.S. and UK, which specialises in teaching various courses based upon his writings.

His autobiography is entitled Wine, War and Valour.

Baker's teachings are based on those of Alice A. Bailey who was closely associated with Theosophy and the Theosophical Society.