General Worldwide 12/17

■ Anthroposophical Society

Preliminary invitation to the 2018 December 2017 • N° 12 Annual Members’ Conference at the

Anthroposophical Society What do we build on? 1 2018 Annual Members’ Meetings «What do we build on?» will be the motif of a conference to which the Executive Coun- 3 2017 Christmas Appeal cil and Goetheanum Leadership would like to warmly invite all members. The confer- 16 Christmas Community and ence will form part of the Annual Meeting and agm at the Goetheanum from 22 to 25 General Anthroposophical March 2018. Issues discussed will include future perspectives of the Anthroposophical Society Colloquium Society and a new approach to this annual gathering of members. 18 General Secretaries Conference 19 Italy: Youth Conference Seeking We would like to call your attention at this Our-Selves early date to the Members’ Conference 20 Footnotes to Ein Nachrichtenblatt which will be held just before Easter 2018. 20 Newssheets: ‹being human› As part of the development the Goethea- 24 Obituary: Hélène Oppert num is undergoing at present, the Annual 23 Membership News Conference as we know it and the agm, which is included in the Annual Conference, Goetheanum are also intended to be further developed 4 The Goetheanum in Development and newly designed. Discussions will fo- 5 Communication cus on future perspectives for the Anthro- 5 The Goetheanum Stage posophical Society and the continuation of the Goetheanum World Conference at School of Spiritual Science Michaelmas 2016. We would like to pres- 6 Youth Section ent the 2018 Members’ Conference as an 7 Natural Science Section event where members come together in The Members’ Conference: a place for 8 Humanities Section dialogue and conversation and rejoice in meetings and conversations (2016 9 Pedagogical Section meeting one another. Because the School of Goetheanum World Conference) 9 Section for the Performing Arts Spiritual Science is inseparable from the An- 10 Medical Section throposophical Society, constitutes its ness of anthroposophy, and therefore also 11 Curative and Social and is nurtured by it, freely rendered Class that of our Society, will develop in connec- Therapy Council Lessons will be offered at the beginning of tion with the challenges we currently face 12 Section for Social Sciences each day, with the opportunity to work on and with the needs of our time. 13 Section for Agriculture the School’s essence and its path of knowl- 13 Section for Mathematics and edge, and to contemplate ’s The future impulses of Astronomy sculpture of the Representative of Humanity. and 13 Visual Arts Section Can anthroposophy become a «medicine» 14 General Anthroposophical Section Connecting with the needs of our time for the world – as the French anthropologist We would then like to continue our work on and former who staff member Claudine Forum the Foundation Stone Meditation, focusing Brelet put it? And how can the Anthropo- 21 Members’ Day on Faust on the second verse. This verse links the sophical Society promote and support such 21 The culmination of Anthroposophy human ‹I› with the periphery: with the «I of a role? This brings us to the future impulses 22 Initiative for the rehabilitation of the World». By looking more closely at «true associated with Ita Wegman, while ques- Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede feeling», the «surging deeds of Worlds» and tions regarding the relationship with the 22 Overcoming difficulties the working of the Christ we will touch on today’s spiritual questions. The effective- continues on page 2 2 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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world and the macrocosm lead us to those Saturday, 24 March 2018 associated with Elisabeth Vreede. With this What do we build on? conference we would like to incorporate Future perspectives of the Prelude: Free rendering on the mantras the future impulses connected with these Anthroposophical Society of the 17th Class Lesson (for members of important personalities into the work of the School of Spiritual Science), Johannes our Society, discuss their developmental Kühl (German), Joan Sleigh (English). Or: The impulses in the evening lectures and correct Thursday, 22 March 2018 School of Spiritual Science (Paul Mackay). the tragic resolutions of 1935. 3 p.m. Welcome: Where do we stand in Or: Silent contemplation: The Represen- Opportunities will be provided during the the Goetheanum process? (Matthias Girke, tative of Humanity. Mornings: agm for members to discuss the Society’s Constanza Kaliks). agm I: Leadership state- demonstration (Stefan Hasler). Develop- activities and concerns. We hope that this ments, financial report, information on ments of feeling: individuality and commu- will enable us to enter into a fruitful dia- motions and concerns, questions of clari- nity (Jaap Sijmons, Bodo von Plato). Work logue on questions regarding the develop- fication. Evening: Macrocosm and Micro- groups on the activities of the Sections and ment of the General Anthroposophical So- cosm – Elisabeth Vreede (Frans Lutters). of the branch and group leaders. Afternoon: ciety and its School of Spiritual Science and Eurythmy (Goetheanum Stage Ensemble). agm III: decisions. Followed by: Goethea- to arrive at well-prepared decisions. There num worldwide (as 23 March). Evening: will also be afternoon forums for reports Friday 23 March 2018 Commemoration of the Dead. Eurythmy from the many countries, with extra time Prelude: Free rendering on the mantras of (Goetheanum Stage Ensemble). put aside for sharing and conversation. We the 16th Class Lesson (for members of the will be happy to report on the present stage School of Spiritual Science): Claus-Peter Röh Sunday, 25 March 2018 of developments at the Goetheanum and (German), Sue Simpson (English). Or: The Prelude: Free rendering on the mantras on the work of the Goetheanum Leadership School of Spiritual Science – an introduc- of the 18th and 19th Class Lessons (for and the Executive Council. tion (Bodo von Plato). Or: Silent contem- members of the School of Spiritual Sci- The eleven Sections will present their plation: The Representative of Humanity. ence), Matthias Girke (German), Virginia main activities in the various groups and, Morning: Eurythmy demonstration (Stefan Sease (English). Or: The Representative of beyond that, work on questions that are Hasler). Exercises for Spirit Awareness in Humanity (). Or: Silent contem- relevant today in their specialist areas. They our time (Stefano Gasperi, Ariane Eichen- plation: The Representative of Humanity. will also present their work in the Goethea- berg). Work groups on the activities of the Eurythmy demonstration (Margrethe Sols- num Foyer and be available for questions Sections of the School of Spiritual Science tad). Morning: The social challenges of our during the breaks. and meeting of branch and group leaders. time (Christiane Haid, Justus Wittich). The We are looking forward to our meetings Afternoon: agm II: Members’ conversation Goetheanum in development. Eurythmy: and conversations. With warm greetings! and consultation, discussion. Followed by: Foundation Stone Meditation. | Matthias Girke on behalf of the Executive Goetheanum worldwide (reports, current Council and the Goetheanum Leadership developments and projects from the An- Programme subject to alterations. throposophical Society in the world). Eve- The full programme will be published in ning: Anthroposophy as a medicine for the Anthroposophy Worldwide 1-2/2018 There will be a recommended fee for the Anthroposophy Worldwide appears ten world – Ita Wegman (Peter Selg). Eurythmy times a year, is distributed by the national Members’ Conference (Goetheanum Stage Ensemble). Anthroposophical Societies, and appears as a supplement to the weekly ‹Das Goethea- num› Publisher General Anthroposophical Society, represented by Justus Wittich Editors In the foyer the Sections will present their work an expression of the Goetheanum in the world. Sebastian Jüngel (responsible for this edition), and projects, there will be information about 8 Martina Maria Sam: The new edition of all of Michael Kranawetvogl (responsible for the the ten «Goetheanum in development» projects Rudolf Steiner’s books on eurythmy. 9 Ueli Hurter, Spanish edition), Margot M. Saar (responsible (Process Group), and possible presentations of Jean Michel Florin: What can biodynamic farming for the English edition), Proofreader for the other members’ initiatives. contribute to the future of the earth and of hu- English edition: Amadeus Bodenstein. Address manity? 10 Georg Soldner: How do we strengthen Wochenschrift ‹Das Goetheanum›, Postfach, Section workgroups: 1 Bodo von Plato: Ethical the human life-organization? From the work of 4143 , Switzerland, Fax +41 61 706 44 65, individualism as a principle of personal and social the Medical Section. 12 Gerard Häfner: 100 years [email protected] Correspondents/ growth. 2 Paul Mackay, Justus Wittich: Connect- of Threefolding. The modernness and topicality of news agency Jürgen Vater (Sweden), News ing the esoteric with the exoteric: How can spiri- the anthroposophical social impulse. 13 Johannes Network Anthroposophy (nna). We expressly tual science be made accessible, communicable Kühl: How can natural science be relevant to An- wish for active support and collaboration. and effective in society? 3 Marianne Schubert: throposophy? 14 Oliver Conradt, Matthias Moch- Subscriptions To receive ‹Anthroposophy Seeking the living in the dead. Future visions ner: How do we develop a spiritual relationship Worldwide› please apply to the Anthropo- in Rudolf Steiner’s artistic forms. 4 Constanza with the world of the stars? Elisabeth Vreede’s sophical Society in your country. Alternatively, Kaliks: Youth initiatives in the Anthroposophi- research impulse. 15 Christiane Haid, Jaap Sij- individual subscriptions are available at chf cal movement and Society. 5 Florian Osswald: mons: Light and warmth in the School of Spiritual 30 (eur/us$ 30) per year. An e-mail version between convention and Science and in the Society. The Michael letter of 9 is available to members of the Anthropo- art. Looking back on 99 years of development. November 1924 and the Foundation Stone Medi- sophical Society only at www.goetheanum. 6 Claus-Peter Röh: How does Anthroposophy live tation. 16 Ariane Eichenberg: «…we are what we org/630.html?L=1 © 2017 General Anthro- in Waldorf Education today? 7 Gioia Falk, Stefan have become through the word.» The importance posophical Society, Dornach, Switzerland Hasler: The future of the Goetheanum Stage as of literature for the individual and the community. Advent Christmas Appeal 2017

Dear members of the Anthroposophical Society, faculty» will be convened, consisting of six artists who will each continue their With the Goetheanum World Conference individual training activities in South at Michaelmas 2016 the Goetheanum Africa, the UK, Switzerland and Germany. storage facilities and possible exhibi- and all its co-workers have embarked These faculty members will rehearse tions. This will be done in close coop- on an energetic new development. a varied programme together with six eration with the Visual Arts Section. We would like to tell you more about additional eurythmists, who will be per- On pages 4 and 5 you will find a brief this path here as we launch this ap- manently employed by the Goetheanum, description of a plan for developing the peal for Christmas donations, hoping and they will also call on eurythmists in Goetheanum, on which the Goetheanum that you will be able to support us. We the area or from the nearby eurythmy Leadership will continue to work over still need to fill a hole of half a million school (Eurythmeum ch). Since last June the next three years. This project encom- Swiss Francs in this year’s budget and we have worked on ways of financing passes the deepening and extension of would appreciate if you could help this project so that, with savings and the activities of the School of Spiritual according to your financial means. additional income, a balanced budget Science, the fostering and developing It is thanks to the smaller and bigger can be achieved for the coming year. We of the Anthroposophical Society and donations we received this year from will continue to rely on donations and the intention to strengthen the con- members, foundations and compa- hope that you will support our decision! nection between the Goetheanum and nies – and particularly to the initiative With a Goetheanum Eurythmy En- the anthroposophical endeavours in of the treasurers of several country semble in place, 2019 will be a year institutions and enterprises worldwide. societies – that the financial gap we devoted to Rudolf Steiner’s Mystery Your support at the end of this year are left with is not even bigger. Bearing Dramas (with Gioia Falk as general would be a welcome statement of sup- the future tasks of the Goetheanum artistic director and Christian Peter as port for our future plans and activities. in mind, the treasurers decided in a scene director), while 2020 will see fur- We take this opportunity to wish you meeting before Easter that they would ther (evolved) Faust performances, with all a peaceful and blessed Christmas. make a concerted effort to raise funds Andrea Pfähler as director and Eduardo | Justus Wittich, treasurer by increasing the membership fees in Torres in charge of eurythmy. We are the more than thirty country societ- looking forward to welcoming you at ies worldwide by ten per cent (ca. CHF the Goetheanum for these events. 400,000). Anyone who is familiar with Donation accounts (reference: Christmas Donation Goetheanum): the situation in the various countries Deepening and extending the work of the School of Spiritual Science will know how difficult an undertaking From Switzerland / non-Euro countries this is – but there is hope that we can The various Sections of the School of Allgemeine Anthroposophische reach our target by the end of the year. Spiritual Science have also been very Gesellschaft, ch-4143 Dornach busy and active this year. The Goethea- Raiffeisenbank Dornach Changes for the Goetheanum Stage num Press (Verlag am Goetheanum) has bic RAIFCH22 iban CH36 8093 9000 0010 0607 1 With the financial situation as it is, the for the first time published a book that Goetheanum Leadership had to consider provides a broad overview over the histo- From Germany with charitable this year whether it will be possible to ry and research activities of the Sections donation receipt afford a eurythmy stage group beyond (Christiane Haid, Constanza Kaliks, Seija Förderstiftung Anthroposophie Margrethe Solstad’s term as ensemble Zimmermann: Goetheanum. Die Freie 70188 gls-Bank Bochum leader, which will end in 2018. But a Hochschule für Geisteswissenschaft). bic GENODEM1GLS Goetheanum without a eurythmy and As a result of an extensive inven- iban DE49 4306 0967 7001 0343 00 stage ensemble and a Main Audito- tory of the Goetheanum Art Collection From other Euro-countries rium without artistic presentations is more than 12,000 objects have been Allgemeine Anthroposophische inconceivable! In a meeting attended documented and evaluated, includ- Gesellschaft, ch-4143 Dornach by a small group of treasurers the ing drafts and works by Rudolf Steiner gls-Bank Bochum, de-44708 brave decision was taken to introduce and his many students. A fantastic bic/swift GENODEM1GLS radical changes to the department. achievement! Having this overview iban DE53 4306 0967 0000 9881 00 In autumn 2018 a «world eurythmy makes it possible to plan for suitable 4 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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Goetheanum Leadership The Goetheanum in development Since the initiative of the Goetheanum World Conference at Michaelmas 2016, the Goetheanum as the School for Spiritual Science has been developing dynamically. Within the next three years, the Goetheanum Leadership, together with the Executive Council, wish to have achieved clear changes and thereby come closer to Rudolf Steiner's original intention of founding the School for Spiritual Science.

The present time calls for a humanization interdepartmental and multidisciplinary of in all social spheres, as well as for training programme will be developed (in Call for a responsible approach to the earth: a responsible approach to the earth and to German and English), which will combine the world is reflected in the Goetheanum nature. This endeavour will not succeed professional training with a deepened without our recognition of the laws and pre- study of anthroposophy. This programme the project group in question will carry out conditions of that which is human, as well will complement the existing part-time an initial assessment in October 2017. This as a connection to self-knowledge. Such an and the international full-time anthropo- assessment aims to generate a picture of intention is at the very basis and thereby of sophical studies (in German, English and the tasks, goals, responsibilities and com- central concern for the anthroposophical Spanish/Portuguese). These programmes petencies of the Goetheanum Leadership cultural impulse. It is therefore more rel- aim to develop Anthroposophy as a source members. (Project leader: Florian Osswald) evant than ever to engage ourselves in mak- of professional practice. One of the particular future tasks of ing a contribution towards cultural changes. The further training programme will be the Anthroposophical Society should be designed in collaboration with existing to invite people to participate. This means New developmental impulses training centres and institutions. To this shaping a Society based on the unique- via projects and plans end, a working conference will take place at ness of every individual, a Society which is How can the School of Spiritual Science, the Goetheanum in December 2017. (Project therefore itself in a continuous process of differentiated as it is into the sections leader: Constanza Kaliks) evolution and transformation. At the same and yet sharing a common esoteric core Finally, when Margrethe Solstad’s time time it must create a space for the diversity through the meditative path of knowledge, as artistic leader of the Goetheanum Stage and complexity of a real global society. A work its way into the sphere of work of the will come to a conclusion at Easter 2018, first step on this path is the restructuring of individual institutions and organisations? with a World Eurythmy Conference, a new the Members’ Conference and agm before How can we bring our expertise to bear form of stage work will be introduced at Easter 2018. (Project leader: Joan Sleigh) upon the pressing emergency situations the Goetheanum: a «global faculty» con- Important within this context is the Com- facing our civilization and the earth? Can sisting of six eurythmists will be in charge munication Project, which is intended to Anthroposophy become a healing force for of eurythmy at the Goetheanum (Anthro- convey a new image of the (worldwide) all humanity and society? posophy Worldwide 11/2017). In 2019 the Goetheanum. As a result, the weekly jour- A first task is therefore to broaden under- focus will be on the four Mystery Dramas nal "Das Goetheanum" and the monthly standing for the School of Spiritual Science, and in 2020 on a further development of "Anthroposophy Worldwide" will become with the aim that the spiritual quality of the the present Faust production, directed by even stronger in their expression of the Section work and the meditative path of Andrea Pfähler (theatre) and Eduardo Torres overall orientation and aim of the School the First Class shall be practised as parts of, (eurythmy). (Project leader: Stefan Hasler). of Spiritual Science. Furthermore, the and form a coherent whole in, the School Goetheanum impulse should be adequately of Spiritual Science. The goal is the forma- Promoting collaboration within the present in social media and on the Internet. tion and collaboration between Sections Sections, in the Anthroposophical (Project leader: Justus Wittich). and their supportive circles in the various Society and within countries and shared interdisciplinary col- A second impulse concerns the cooperation Shaping the Goetheanum’s laboration. (Project leader: Claus-Peter Röh) between the Sections, the promotion of external and economic situation Closely related to this in content is the the Anthroposophical Society and public The third developmental impulse (target action research project which is particularly relations – areas where the Goetheanum image) refers to the effectiveness of the relevant in the fields of agriculture, educa- Leadership would like to see a more clear- Goetheanum as a School of Spiritual Sci- tion, the arts and medicine, as well as in cut definition of its tasks. As a body, it ence in the world: this refers to the external many enterprises, where spiritual knowl- represents the School of Spiritual Science design and presentation of the Goethea- edge can be applied in practice and where, within the General Anthroposophical Soci- num building and its grounds as a single in turn, questions arising from practical ap- ety and is responsible for its development. integrated campus. In addition to this is the plication can initiate new research. Project It tries to set future impulses and to carry development of a Goetheanum partnership leader: Ueli Hurter) out, and inspire, research. In order to make between the School of Spiritual Science and Study and Further Education is another sure that these aims are achieved and as a businesses, institutions and social initiatives. aspect of the School of Spiritual Science. An way of examining its own ways of working, A first start was made on 28 September Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 5

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Communication Goetheanum Stage 2017. On this day more than 20 enterprises, representatives of anthroposophical in- A matter of communication A clear profile stitutions and country societies met the Communications have become a central The Goetheanum Stage will be more existing project group Goetheanum As- aspect of the work at the Goetheanum project-based and perform more sociation in Dornach. The basic idea behind and the Communications Meeting is an eurythmy programmes in English. this initiative is to create a real partnership important instrument. between what is estimated at more than The Goetheanum Stage strives to explore 30,000 institutions and establishments Communication at the Goetheanum is a the relationship with the spiritual sources of which have anthroposophy at their source wide and highly differentiated field, served the arts and to make this relationship more (including farms and doctors' practices), by the various sectors and departments: visible. One of its particular aims is to provide and the School of Spiritual Science. How can flyers, posters and leaflets, online informa- experiences of the transformative power of these organisations connect themselves tion, the weekly journal (Das Goetheanum) the creative forces inherent in language and with the Goetheanum and what forms of and Members’ News (including Anthro- music. From these premises derives the task collaboration can be imagined with regard posophy Worldwide), media relations and of reflecting on its own work and linking the to the exchange of experience, the encoun- maintaining the social media presence. questions of contemporary art with those ter with the younger generation as well as Various tools have been created in order to of the anthroposophically inspired perform- shared projects? The "greater Goetheanum", coordinate, pool and develop these tasks: as ing arts. The Goetheanum Stage will con- actively represented by many thousands of part of the «Goetheanum in Development» tinue to be a place where Rudolf Steiner’s co-workers throughout the world, needs project the Communications Project Group Mystery Dramas and Goethe’s Faust 1 and 2 to be understood all over the world. The is drafting strategic plans for the future. In are performed. Over and above that, there diagnosis during Michaelmas 2017 was: the the Communications Meeting central areas will be smaller drama productions, such more we work out of the Anthroposophy and departments consult and coordinate as the present ‹Oscar and the Lady in Pink› that is living in the world and the less we with the communications officer appointed which is based on a novel by Eric-Emman- stay just with ourselves, the more some- by the Goetheanum Leadership. The work uel Schmitt, the pieces for speech choir thing will flow back. In the experience of involved includes digital, visual and verbal rehearsed and directed by Catherine Ann mutual giving and receiving lies also the communication. The edp systems of the Schmid, or productions in collaboration with key to the financing of the Goetheanum. members’ administration in particular need the Junge Bühne (youth theatre) . (Project leader: Georg Soldner) to be designed in a way that, for instance, A major goal of all the above mentioned gives members independent access. It is Aiming at an international audience projects is to make the Goetheanum eco- also important to meet the requirements The new Goetheanum Eurythmy Ensemble, nomically viable within three years. The of the imminent new European data pro- which will be assembled in autumn 2018 basis for this is trust in the Goetheanum tection regulations. (under a leadership team consisting of Gioia and its development. An important impulse Falk, Stefan Hasler, Tanja Masukowitz, Silke in this context is the initiative to strengthen Increased attention Sponheuer, Maren Stott and Eduardo Torres), and foster the relationship with the mem- The rate of media attention via the will serve the movement across the world bers. (Project leader: Seija Zimmermann) MyNewsdesk communication system has and will therefore focus more on English- The last, but not least, of the projects almost doubled from 13,000 clicks in 2016 language programmes. The Foundation is about the Goetheanum building, the to 24,000 clicks now (these are in addition Stone Meditation, too, will be shown in Eng- ensemble of all the buildings belonging to the click-to-open rates on goetheanum. lish as well as in German. There will be a clear to the Goetheanum and the design of org, Twitter and the Goetheanum’s diverse division of tasks: the group of 12 eurythmists the grounds – in short, the creation of a Facebook channels.) This increase is due to will rehearse a main annual programme Goetheanum Campus. The building and the higher number of media messages, ex- which will be performed repeatedly; a group the park have to be developed in such a tended distribution and more eye-catching of seven eurythmists will perform at smaller way that the campus shows its unique headlines. The weekly Das Goetheanum conferences; groups of two to three euryth- character as a School of Spiritual Science has a new inside layout (Anthroposophy mists will prepare programmes intended for with different Sections and their associ- Worldwide 11/2017) and a more progressive kindergartens, schools, social institutions ated work areas, as well as the stage. The editorial concept, with separate sections for and homes for the elderly. Eurythmists from Goetheanum campus should be a place news from the Goetheanum in Dornach the Dornach area will be invited to take part that enables spiritual research and work and from the «greater Goetheanum» across in major projects. A stage training will be while it is also an important architectural the world; the images and graphic work offered in cooperation with «Eurythmeum and cultural monument. Visitors should have also been enhanced for a stronger ch» and give students the opportunity to meet and experience Rudolf Steiner’s work overall statement. | Sebastian Jüngel gain experience on the Goetheanum stages. and biography here, in the work of the of The music sector will mostly be covered the School of Spiritual Science, the Sections www.mynewsdesk.com/de/goetheanum by guest performances and concerts of the and the Anthroposophical Society.| Extracts www.dasgoetheanum.com pianist Hristo Kazakov. | Sebastian Jüngel from project descriptions compiled by Justus Wittich, Goetheanum Leadership www.goetheanum-buehne.ch 6 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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Youth Section Conferences in 2017 The year began with the February Days, this time on the topic of digitality and therefore the question about spaces where reality can be experienced and known. In March we had a School of Spiritual Science meeting where we asked about ways of working and about the responsibility for the aspect of hu- manity in relation to a spirituality that Young people find out what young people want (taken at the 2017 students’ conference) lives, knowingly, for and in the world. In the student conference «Challenges of Our Time» in April possibilities for Youth Section: Youth (Re-)Search Project taking action in order to bring about changes were made visible and tangi- What will the world be like in 2030? ble. In July 40 people from 21 countries «Youth (Re-)Search: The spiritual striving of youth – define your reality» is a research gathered in The Hague (nl) for an initia- project that explores what motivates young people to take action. The study, which fol- tive meeting and the foundation of the lows the method of Aesthetic Research, will involve young men and women from five Dutch Youth Section. It was decided continents. Participants welcome! that the next events at the Goethea- num would be organized by people The statements and contributions of young question, which has been developed by a from different countries. During the people between 18 and 35 will cast a light group of young people: what would the (European) summer, youth conferences on their ideals and views – as individuals world be like in 2030 if what lives within took place in Buenos Aires (ar), Oriago and as members of their generation. The you becomes a reality, and what will you (it), Quito (ec) and São Paulo (br). There approach is meant to encourage candidates do to make it happen?» This main question was a Youth Faust Conference at the to enter into a reflective process by inviting of our research project can be the key to a Goetheanum, organized in collabora- them to engage with an examination part creative image of a world in which young tion with the Section for Social Sciences. of which is led by other young people in the people wish to live and actively realize their At all these meetings the question form of interviews and focus groups, and own impulses. arose of how relevant our own actions the other part is conducted individually are with regard to what is needed to- (creative data capture). Come join us day; the relationship between the inner The material will be evaluated with the Although society has a broad and diverse search for life and life as an inner search. help of a research workshop at Alanus interest in the younger generation, the way 2018 will also be about (young) peo- University in Alfter (DE), also following in which young people define their own ple meeting each other. The February the method of aesthetic research. The reality and identity is hardly reflected in Days will be about «Spiritual fellowship conclusions, which are meant to reflect scientific terms. Beyond statistics there are in service of the world: Rudolf Steiner’s the young people’s views and do justice to few platforms where young people speak impulse in the present time». In April their discourse, will be published and made directly of their experiences and of the way we will have another School of Spiritual available in the form of a creative archive. their social and ecological environment af- Science Conference, and our Summer fects their everyday life. More often than Conference will focus on «Becoming hu- Living and acting with not, the identities of the younger genera- man. Questions for a co-created future.» one’s own impulses tion are defined from the point of view of The concerns young people have regarding the older generation. Co-workers their commitment to cultural, economic, The project, which is a youth initiative, We say good-bye to Paul Zebhauser ecological and spiritual questions of their will make sure that young people will be the and thank him for his initiative, com- time are nothing new. The future is present voice and the authors of this study, which mitment and sense of responsibility. in them as a seed. Rudolf Steiner spoke of will make the process as such also relevant. Sophie Teske ended her work in the the inherent «wisdom of youth» that can If you would like to take part in this initiative, summer (we still receive wonderful bring new impulses for the transformation please visit www.youthsection.org/research feedback for the student conference of existing paradigms: what are the chal- for the necessary details. | For the Youth she organized together with Maxine lenges young people face when they speak Section team: Ioana Viscrianu, Andrea de Fowé). Ioana Viscrianu (ro), Guadalupe out of inner impulses and act out of their la Cruz and Constanza Kaliks, Section leader Oiozola, Juan Bottero (ar) and Andrea own inner initiative? de la Cruz (es) are now part of the team. A question put to young people by Rudolf www.youthsection.org | Constanza Kaliks, Youth Section leader Steiner in 1924 has inspired our research Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 7

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Natural Science Section How to deal with seeds Johannes Wirz has worked with the plant breeder Peter Kunz and Ueli Hurt- er, one of the leaders of the Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum, on an in-depth study into seeds that has now been published in German and English («Seeds as a Commons»). It has become common practice in recent decades to have new plants patented even though these plants are based on seeds that have been bred for thousands of years. These plants are a cultural asset and therefore common property. The study demonstrates how this commons Making Goethe’s Theory of Colours accessible: aspect can be re- Matthias Rang (third from left) at the Basel exhibition tained by involving all beneficiaries, a Natural Science Section step that does not seem compatible Complementary spectra with ‹patent pro- In 2017, the focus of the Natural Science Section’s Research Institute was primarily on tection› but with the cooperation with main-stream scientists. A key aspect was the further study and a ‹variety protec- presentation of Goethe’s Theory of Colours. tion›.

One experiment, which arose from a col- German Physics Association’s members’ Morphology laboration that goes back a number of years journal. It is the first publication of its kind! The Section’s autumn conference between Matthias Rang and Johannes was devoted to the topic of Evolv- Grebe-Ellis of the Bergische Universität in Theory of Colours exhibition ing Morphology and focused on the Wuppertal (de), continues on from Goethe’s Our Theory of Colours exhibition (called question of how today – 200 years discovery of complementary spectra (the «Colour Experiment») – assembled in 2010 after Goethe published his Journals green spectrum and the purple or magenta in the Natural Science Section by Johannes on Morphology and despite all the spectrum) by investigating this comple- Kühl, Matthias Rang, Nora Löbe, Jasminka molecular research – morphology re- mentarity in the infrared (heat radiation) Bogdanovic and Johannes Onneken – was mains an important branch of biology. and ultraviolet ranges. The infrared range shown in Basel in 2017. As part of the pro- The conference was a refreshing and of the ordinary green spectrum has a coun- gramme surrounding the exhibition, the friendly gathering of anthroposophical terpart in the infra-cyan range of the in- Philosophicum Basel organized a confer- and non-anthroposophical scientists. verted magenta spectrum, where it does ence (entitled «I did not build, but I have It had been prepared by João Felipe indeed get colder than in the surrounding. sowed» – a Goethe quote), where anthro- Toni, who is writing his Master’s thesis Similarly, experimental proof could also be posophical and mainstream scientists pre- on this topic, with support from Ruth provided that there is an ultra-yellow range sented their views in a relaxed atmosphere Richter und Renatus Derbidge. The which corresponds to the ultraviolet. The and discussed Goethe’s Theory of Colours main contributions will be published presentation of these results has been ac- and more recent works on the topic. We are in Elemente der Naturwissenschaft cepted by a peer-reviewed journal and will now preparing to present this exhibition in (elements of natural science), a journal soon be published. an English-speaking context by including edited by the Natural Science Section. new exhibits such as the work of Michael Experimenting with Goethe’s Wilson. Next year, the exhibition will be Other topics Theory of Colours shown in Stourbridge (gb), where Michael Other research topics currently worked Matthias Rang and Johannes Grebe-Ellis Wilson worked for many decades, carrying on at the Institute include: bees, heal- wrote an article together with Oliver Pas- out his own colour research. | Johannes ing plants, rhythmical changes of form son of the Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Kühl, leader of the Natural Science Section in mistletoe berries, brain research and presenting an overview of experiments ‹free will›, and ways of finding access to on Goethe’s Theory of Colours that have www.forschungsinstitut.ch quantum physics. | Johannes Kühl, Leit- been carried out in recent years. The article er der Naturwissenschaftlichen Sektion was published in the March edition of the 8 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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Humanities Section Literature makes us more human In previous issues (12/2013, 12/2014, 12/2015 and 12/2016) Anthroposophy Worldwide has reported on Christiane Haid’s and Ariane Eichenberg’s research into literature’s humanizing effect and educational value. In their research they investigate the idea of humanity from Pico della Mirandola to the present time in conjunction with statements by Rudolf Steiner and other philosophers on the effect of language.

as human beings? And how can these be a narrative that goes against the linearity developed so we can live as humans, not of time, separates itself from the primary The end of as machines, in the here and now? Faced content and presents the Journeyman Years human beings? with these recent developments we have with its individual stories as processes that decided to organize, as part of our research mirror each other. The story therefore needs Transhumanist thinking is spreading fast project, an interdisciplinary conference to be read as a multifaceted image. The fab- and begins to pervade all areas of life. In («The end of human beings?!») which will ric of images that will then arise is so mobile the face of these technological develop- take place from 7 to 9 September 2018 at and vibrant that it assumes imaginative ments we need to ask what it is that makes the Goetheanum. Artists and scientists of qualities. Inspirational qualities can be de- us human. The 2018 cultural conference every specialization have been invited to rived from the text structure: as Goethe will be on the essence of our humanity. discuss the question of the human being interweaves multiple narratives, we need Transhumanist science predicts the end together, and have accepted the invitation. to discern how they relate to each other, of human mortality for 2045, when indi- Among them will be the contemporary au- discover wider contexts and rhythmic anal- vidual consciousness will be able to exist thors Marica Bodrožic, Patrick Roth and Gal- ogies, and establish causal relationships. in artificial mechanical bodies and eternal san Tschinag, who will contribute lectures, And lastly, the act of reading stimulates life will be possible. conversations and readings. The scientists intuitive qualities in the reader: hardly any will include Roland Benedikter, Yaroslava of the stories come to a conclusion; even The beginning and end of human life Black-Terletzka, Michael Hauskeller, Peter the big objective – the emigration to Amer- This is the vision of Ray Kurzweil and Matthiessen and Christian Kreiss. ica and restructuring of society – remains Dmitry Itskov, founder of the «2045 ini- untold. The incompleteness of the stories, tiative». It is not a quirk but a terrifying or of the entire novel, has a correspondence reality that is silently creeping in with the in the many emerging mysteries. help of substantial financial investments. Individual and society Research laboratories worldwide are A story that continues to write itself working to bring artificial intelligence to Our work on the literary analysis of text Question after question emerges but can- such perfection that the hiatus between samples has made progress. The study of not be answered in an unambiguous way. man and machine can be overcome. Bio- Wilhelm Meister has taken up most of last The Journeyman Years is a story that contin- logical human bodies will no longer be year, which is not surprising seeing that ues to write itself. It is also a heterogeneous needed. These developments which aim Goethe worked on this almost all his life. image of life: pulsating, evolving, continu- at optimizing the human being will, how- The first diary entry is from 1777, the last ously changing, with ups and downs, never ever, ultimately eliminate human beings. revision was in 1829. The book describes ending. This also explains the final entry The question as to what it is that makes a successful process of individualisation in the Journeyman Years, which follows us human, what gives us our humanity, be- and development, but also the building after the poem on Schiller’s skull: «to be comes existential in all areas of life and soci- of a community in which the individual continued.» It is these qualities in particular ety. Our actions are steered by economic in- contributes to the wellbeing of all and to that make Wilhelm Meister a work that terests, implanted microchips replace pro- the realization of a divine order on earth. makes us more human: through its con- prioception, social freezing makes life plan- tent, but above all through its structure nable, even the fields of culture and the arts The individual within the community which holds evident secrets that we can are subject to utilitarian thinking as they are The book also speaks of very different, al- learn to read. | Christiane Haid, leader of the reduced to their entertainment value alone. most disparate, life plans which only when Humanities Section, and Ariane Eichenberg, The most pressing ethical questions taken together reflect life as a whole with literary scholar arise in medicine and jurisdiction: what all its ups and downs, its beauty, challenges is human life? When does it begin? When and mysteries. www.ssw.goetheanum.org does it end? These questions need to be Our main focus was on showing what the posed offensively when it comes to educa- structure and form of Wilhelm Meister’s tion, , philosophy, art and literature. Journeyman Years demand of and inspire What are our specific qualities and skills in the reader; because the reader expects Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 9

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Performing Arts Section The sources of art The Performing Arts Section supports the advancement of the performing arts by of- fering professional development opportuni- ties and by making new sources available. «We had a further training course every two to three weeks this year in the Performing Arts Section», says Section leader Stefan Hasler as he summarizes the Section’s ac- tivities. He finds it important that the art- ists not only come together in their artis- tic activities, but that they also share their experiences so that the anthroposophical artistic impulse can be further developed. This happened in 2017 at the International Graduation Meeting of the eurythmy and Enlivening the teaching out of the encounter with the students speech training courses with largely sold-out performances, and at the Solo-Duo Festival. Because of the internal shared interests be- Pedagogical Section tween the departments of speech, eurythmy, Pedagogical imagination: music and puppetry, there are frequent con- ferences which are organized in collaboration making the habitual original with other Sections, above all the Humani- ties Section: a conference in 2016 focused on Rudolf Steiner’s Twelve Moods, another, in Middle School Training for trainers 2017, on the weekly verses of the Anthropo- As it approaches its centenary, Waldorf Kindergartens and schools are about sophical Soul Calendar. The 2018 conference Education is faced with existential ques- learning. Adults are an important part of will be on the Foundation Stone Meditation. tions: a wealth of in-depth observations children’s life and learning. The question is and developmental impulses has emerged what kind of skills we need to develop as Vibrant eurythmy figures across three generations of teachers, par- adults so that we can inspire and foster a Two new books are to be published in ents and children, all of them relevant and joy in learning in the children. Many teacher 2018. The first of these publications, from topical in their own time. Many qualities training courses have taken this on board. the Eurythmy Research Institute (Martina that were developed in Waldorf education The Pedagogical Section is conducting a Maria Sam and Stefan Hasler), is about the and have proved themselves have come to project that aims to connect the training eurythmy figures. While only 45 original be good habits, but some have also become courses in the world, develop visions for figures by were known so far, «automatic» traditions. The main task of conveying the necessary skills and investi- their number has now gone up to 100, fol- Waldorf Schools today is to transform these gate the idea of training the trainers. lowing an in-depth search through various habits and traditions into lively and original personal legacies across Europe. This makes encounters with young people. Understanding the source a big difference because, as Stefan Hasler In order to support the development of What is the source Rudolf Steiner drew explains, «They are much more original, indi- the necessary, transformative imagination, from when he gave each specialist field vidual, expressive and simply more vibrant». the Pedagogical Section is presently focus- its particular orientation? What is it that The second publication concerns Rudolf ing on the middle school in particular: it is medicine, agriculture, art and education Steiner’s characterization of languages. Some during this challenging transition from the have in common? Exploring this source is of this work will flow into the International class teacher period to the upper school one of the tasks of the School of Spiritual Specialist Conference entitled Speech-Move- that changes of perspective and insecuri- Science. For each of these specialist fields ment which will be held at the Goetheanum ties come to light. much will depend on whether a way can from 2 to 6 April 2018 (in cooperation with Work conferences on the theme have be found to convey an understanding of the Medical and Pedagogical Sections.) The started in Europe. A study group has been this source that is appropriate for our time. conference is for eurythmists, speech artists, formed in collaboration with the Interna- | Claus-Peter Röh, Florian Osswald, leaders of eurythmy therapists and anyone else with tional Forum, exploring central themes the Pedagogical Section at the Goetheanum an interest in the subject.| Sebastian Jüngel such bringing imagination and a phenom- enological approach to teaching contents www.paedagogik-goetheanum.ch www.ssw.goetheanum.org and methods. 10 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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us from 22 to 24 January 2018 on a jour- ney of re-discovering and deepening this volume, including its history, composition, methodology and the manifold inspira- tions it holds in store for (www.medsektion-goetheanum. org/veranstaltungen).

Training, professional development and research As part of the global interdisciplinary training and professional development initiatives the ipmts are being continued, with a new ipmt starting in Romania in 2018. At the end of December 2017 the first globally accepted curriculum and ac- creditation guidelines were unanimously passed for further trainings that qualify physicians in Anthroposophic Medicine. Celebrating the completion of the three-year Rhythmic Massage training in Taiwan From 9 to 11 March 2018 an International Research Conference will take place at the Goetheanum, where a great number of Medical Section scientists will report about present and future research projects in Anthroposophic The practical answers Medicine. A very welcome and enjoyable of Anthroposophic Medicine scientific dialogue and cooperation have emerged, offering opportunities for dis- cussing perspectives and priorities, sharing experiences and arranging further steps in It has been a busy year in the Medical Sec- Publications Anthroposophic Medicine. The Ita Wegman tion, with multi-professional groups having Anthroposophic mistletoe therapy, which Campus will commence its activities with a started their work on the Section’s desig- celebrates its hundredth birthday this year, Class Conference on 8 and 9 December 2017 nated Care Areas with the aim of presenting has been included in the fourth edition on the topic of «The Therapeutic Signifi- the practical answers Anthroposophic Med- of the Vademecum of Anthroposophic cance of Meditative Actions – the Nature icine has to offer in connection with today’s Medicines, with a first time overview of and Practice of Anthroposophic Medita- urgent medical challenges. In the field of all manufacturers. Earlier editions of the tion» (www.medsektion-goetheanum.org/ pregnancy, birth and early childhood expe- Vademecum are now available in English, veranstaltungen). rienced representatives of all medical pro- Spanish, French and Italian. A separate fessions and of early childhood education online guide for external applications is Coordination are cooperating and a specialist group is de- available in three languages: Vademecum All the work that is going on in the many ar- veloping practice-related concepts for deal- of External Application in Anthroposophic eas of the medical movement is being held ing with infections and fever. Other groups Nursing (www.vademecum.org). together by the International Coordination are working on interdisciplinary therapy The manual on Anthroposophic Nursing of Anthroposophic Medicine (ikam). This concepts for trauma, anxiety and sleep is in the process of being translated into task will be made easier in future by the disorders, oncology and palliative medicine. several languages. In 2020 we will celebrate institution of an ikam Office which will be The main idea behind these endeavours the centenary of Rudolf Steiner’s first medi- managed by Mathias Hofmann. In the sum- is to make these practical responses com- cal course, Introducing Anthroposophic mer of 2017 François Bonhôte has joined prehensible and communicable and to Medicine (ga 312), with a revised new (Ger- the Medical Section team as Conference demonstrate the effectiveness of anthro- man) edition in the Complete Works series Coordinator. We thank both of them for posophic treatments. These treatments (Anthroposophy Worldwide 12/2016). An their energetic support.| Matthias Girke should be easily accessible to interested editorial team aims to publish a companion und Georg Soldner, leaders of the Medical physicians, nurses and therapists so that to this course that will include a commen- Section at the Goetheanum the distinct approaches of Anthroposophic tary on the course’s history, its relationship Medicine can become better known. First with other works in the series, a history of www.medsektion-goetheanum.org results are due to be published in time for its reception as well as references to more the Medical Section’s Annual Conference recent scientific findings. As an introduc- in September 2018. tion to this project we invite readers to join Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 11

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Plenary discussion at the Council’s closed meeting on 6 to 8 October 2017 · Leadership team: Bart Vanmechelen, Jan Göschel and Sonja Zausch

Curative Education and Social Therapy Council Individual development and forms of social inclusion

The Curative Education and Social Therapy development to global trends, ethical ques- - Physical self-perception in early Council comprises a network of almost 700 tions and an understanding of karma that childhood (Elena Abdulaeva) anthroposophically oriented organizations is right for our time. - Facilitating communication and institutions worldwide that support with non-speakers (Gisela Erdin) and care for people who are vulnerable Leadership because of a disability or because of their 2017 saw a leadership handover within the Growing more international social circumstances. The work of the Cura- Council. Rüdiger Grimm retired after head- The specialist journal Seelenpflege and the tive Education and Social Therapy Council ing this coordination department for 21 scientific series Anthropos both provide focuses on the one hand on an education years (Anthroposophy Worldwide 11/2016) platforms for publications and plans are that promotes individual development and and handed the leadership over to a team afoot to make them available in English on the other on developing inclusive social of three: Jan Göschel, Bart Vanmechelen as well as in German. This decision arose forms that will also contribute to creating and Sonja Zausch (Anthroposophy World- from one of the key issues identified by the a more humane society. At both those lev- wide 12/2016). International Curative Education and Social els – aside from education, adult education One of the established features to be Therapy Council in the leadership transition and social development – the therapeutic continued in the future is the annual Re- process, as part of which more weight was support of individuals and of social groups search Symposium in Kassel (DE). In 2017 assigned to the further internationalization also plays an important part. results from the following research projects of research and publication activities. These were presented at the symposium: endeavours – in conjunction with the en- Facilitating encounters hancement of the Class work which takes and relationships - The ‹client conference’ in care of the inner dimension of the research The broad and interdisciplinary set-up of social therapy (Anne Hallen) activity – will be among the Council’s main this field of work results in a rich and dif- - Personal planning for the tasks over the coming years. | Jan C. Göschel, ferentiated array of research topics, from future (Christiane Drechsler) leadership of the Curative Education and human development throughout life to - Masters of ordinary life – Social Therapy Council social-scientific questions regarding the curative education in the facilitation of encounters and relationship, home (Libby Sanders) www.khsdornach.org community building and organizational 12 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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Section for Social Sciences All human beings are ‹I› beings The World Social Initiative Forums (wsif) are places that bring together individuals and social organizations, foundations, and other supporters and people who have an interest in creating a more humane world. Part of this endeavour is to form networks and to help people to widen their image of the world, as well as familiarizing them with the valuable aspects of their own culture.

Sebastian Jüngel The wsif dedicates itself of violence: people come together – rep- to the needs of our time«. What exactly resentatives of social organizations, the does that mean? economic realm and the anthroposophical Ute Craemer Take the anthroposophical movement – and they become aware of initiative in the United States, for instance, each other and give each other strength. Young participants at the World Social Initia- whose members support prisoners. The Anthroposophy inspires them to appre- tive Forum in Brazil: establishing a relationship fact that somebody else connects with ciate the cultural achievements of other with one’s own culture them, can help them to explore their life’s countries more deeply and to find solutions. questions. Or there is the situation of the When ngos and the anthroposophical these people aware of the hidden treasures street children and the question of how world come together, both sides can learn in their culture’s consciousness soul. This is they can achieve a more dignified life. Or from each other, for instance that there are also enriching for anthroposophy: a Wal- take the refugees and their situation: what that foster the Christ impulse in dorf school in Brazil is not necessarily built does it mean to be a refugee? And how ways that are unexpected for Europeans. I in the classic Waldorf style. Some Waldorf does this concern us in Europe? once read in a book from New Guinea about pupils have no school at all! They have les- Jüngel What is new about your approach? a myth that promised the appearance of sons in workshops, in simple compounds, or Craemer Rudolf Steiner has established a child who would put an end to violence in the open air. An awareness arises of the ways of spiritually fructifying all kinds of and decadent rituals. This is the Christ needs in the world that call for solutions. fields of life, for instance by introducing child! The image once lived seedlike in the Waldorf Education and Anthroposophic consciousness of this country but was sup- Being even more human Medicine. However, there were situations pressed as a result of wars and genocide. Jüngel Do you not impose external refer- during his lifetime that were not so well Similar things can be found in all cultures. ence systems too when you use concepts known in Europe or that Rudolf Steiner was such as ‹Christ›, ‹consciousness soul›, and not consulted on. I am thinking of countries A sense of liberation ‹I-development›? that are today referred to as «third world» Jüngel Does the A Hundred Years of Wal- Craemer As I said: the cultural work is countries. These are countries that have dorf Education project not pursue the same seen as liberating. All human beings are unknown and undiscovered cultural trea- goals? ‹I› beings, after all. Up to 80 per cent of the sures and, at the same time, they face major Craemer The wsif’s starting point is not so world’s population are considered margin- social and economic problems. much education as the alized, some people to such an extent that impulse. In the WSIF the cultural/spiritual one must ask whether they will be able to Finding ways of relating and the economic life, possibly the po- unfold their true potential in this incarna- to one’s own culture litical sector too, can come together and tion. I will not give up hope that we can con- Jüngel What does anthroposophy contrib- learn to understand each other. In Brazil tribute to a world where every human being ute to this? people’s lives are still affected by margin- can be helped to unfold their potential. Craemer: It can bring light to these cultures alization. This is why we are trying, in Brazil and help relieve their suffering. On the one and elsewhere, to help people establish a hand, people need help – for instance the relationship with their own culture and The World Social Initiative Forum was founded in 2000 and has been under the young people in the favelas or townships, with their social needs. In Brazil we have umbrella of the Section for Social Sciences but also the ‹educated classes› – to find a included the country’s own mythology into in recent years. Its online platform, www. relationship with their own culture. On the the curriculum. wsif.org, was established in 2016. wsif other hand, they need to learn to relate to A feeling of liberation was the consequence. events are coordinated and organized at the Goetheanum by a team of supporters that which is universally human, to the ‹I›. Because there is something like a coloni- which includes Joan Sleigh, Andrea de la In Africa or Brazil, as anywhere else in the zation complex: Brazilians often feel that Cruz, Elizabeth Kuriakose and Juan Bottero. world, this means finding an answer to the everything that comes from outside is bet- World Social Initiative Forum events: usa question: how do I act as part of my family ter than what they have themselves. But (2002), Argentina (2011), Switzerland (2011, and of my social environment? Brazil has a particularly rich mythology! 2015), South Africa (2012), Brazil (2013, 2014, Jüngel What happens in the WSIFs? Most Brazilians have African roots, but they 2017) and India (2016). The next World So- Craemer: They create spaces for encoun- either don’t know or don’t appreciate them, cial Initiative Forum will take place from 29 March to 2 April 2018 in Japan. ters, often in regions where there is a lot although they are so precious. 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Section for Agriculture Section for Mathematics Soil, climate, nutrition and Astronomy The key topics of the Section for Agricul- Elisabeth Vreede’s ture in 2017 were seeds, soil, World Nutri- written work and tion Day and biodynamic viticulture. correspondence Early in 2017 a study was published on «Seeds as a Commons. Breeding as a Source The Section for Mathematics and Astrono- for Real Economy, Law and Culture» (see my at the Goetheanum will publish a new also Natural Science Section). In this study edition of writings by Elisabeth Vreede. Johannes Wirz (Natural Science Section), 2018 will see the 75th anniversary of the Ueli Hurter (Section for Agriculture) and deaths of Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede. Peter Kunz (plant breeder) give their view Interest has grown considerably in the last on seeds and the global loss of agrobiodi- two years within the Anthroposophical versity. They propose that – over and above Society in these two personalities, who the international agreements for the pro- were both appointed members of the first tection of agrobiodiversity – officially recog- Executive Council by Rudolf Steiner. At the nized user communities should be created, agm last spring several members moved guidelines for which have been established for the rescindment of the decision taken by the Nobel Prize winner Elinor Ostrom. at the Annual General Meeting of 14 April The international conference on «Soil 1935 to remove Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Fertility» organized by the Section for Vreede from office. The 2018 agm (pages 1f.) Agriculture at the Goetheanum – with a will be dedicated to the work of the two personal video greeting by Prince Charles women and to their future impulses. In (gb) – illustrated the connection between addition there will be an initiative at the soil quality, climate and food safety and Annual Conference to rehabilitate Ita Weg- In the Painters’ Workshop offered concrete proposals. It was also dem- man and Elisabeth Vreede. onstrated how fertile soil contributes natu- rally to climate protection and food safety. Life and work Visual Arts Section In the context of these developments the Biodynamic viticulture Section for Mathematics and Astronomy at Artist material The Section’s Nutrition Group published a the Goetheanum will make sure that Elisa- first media message on the occasion of this beth Vreede’s written work, her essays and Rudolf Steiner’s artistic work consists in year’s World Nutrition Day. Jasmin Peschke, the transcripts of her lectures will be made a great variety of drafts, sketches, ideas coordinator for nutrition at the Goethea- available again. The written work includes and proposals only few of which have been num’s Section for Agriculture, wrote that the astronomy newsletters (Astronomische realized so far. More than anything, it offers «Biodynamic farming claims to make an Rundschreiben) edited by Elisabeth Vreede possibilities for development and material innovative contribution to securing food for from 1927 to 1930, as well as essays that for artists to work with. The Visual Arts the world. Its mainstays are the long-term have become difficult to access. Section, in cooperation with the Art Col- cultivation of the soil by farms with crop We have also started to transcribe let- lection at the Goetheanum, will promote and animal farming, the active creation of ters written by and addressed to Elisabeth the working with and research into these biodiversity through biodynamic breeding, Vreede in order to make them available to works by setting up special workshops. The a close cooperation between production, a wider public. In October 2013 twenty-four Painters’ Workshop (Malerwerkstatt) at the processing and trade as well as the provi- letters and seven postcards from the cor- Goetheanum was opened in the autumn of sion of health-giving foods by using biody- respondence between Elisabeth Vreede 2017 and other workshops, for architecture namic preparations.» and the Mirbt family (changed to Mier from and sculpture, will follow in 2018. These Biodynamic wine-growing has met with 1940/1942) were published in the journal workshops also offer the opportunity to great interest in recent years. Its meth- «Jupiter». More will follow, in as much as link research and teaching and they are ods, practice and results have been docu- this will be possible, so that more people an attempt to actively support the current mented in a book edited by Jean-Michel will be able to gain an insight into Elisa- efforts to make Rudolf Steiner’s work acces- Florin (Biologisch-dynamischer Weinbau). beth Vreede’s life and work. | Oliver Con- sible to a wider public. | Marianne Schubert, | Sebastian Jüngel radt, leader of the Section for Mathematics leader of the Visual Arts Section and Astronomy www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org www.studium-goetheanum.org/ malerwerkstatt-general www.mas.goetheanum.org www.sbk.goetheanum.org 14 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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General Anthroposophical Section General Anthroposophical Section Class Holders’ Rudolf Steiner’s esoteric work prior to 1914 Conference For some years now an international working group has been meeting twice a year at the Goetheanum to work on «Rudolf Steiner’s esoteric work prior to 1914». The The Class Holders’ Conference from 3 to 5 group was initially open to all Class members but was closed to newcomers after November focused on the collaboration the first three meetings so as to ensure the continuity of its research activities. between the mantric work of the First Class and the fields of practical anthroposophi- cal activity. The work of this group arose from the fact any kind of revival but seeks to perceive, as that – even after the publication of volumes an essential part of Rudolf Steiner’s overall Picking up the impulse of the Goethea- ga 264, ga 265, ga 266/1, ga 266/2 and ga work, contents that have come directly num World Conference and of the last 267 – Rudolf Steiner’s esoteric work con- from Rudolf Steiner or of which reliable Class Holders’ Conference, the members tinues to be divided into ‹old› and ‹new›. transcriptions exist (examined as to their of this meeting looked, from the angle of Some also believe that Rudolf Steiner’s authenticity by Hella Wiesberger and her the various countries, at how class read- «early esotericism» was superseded by co-workers before being included in the ers experience their contact and dialogue the Christmas Conference of 1923/1924. Complete Works). Many topics have been with the fields of practically applied anthro- While this is true as far as its from is con- investigated from the very beginning of this posophy, such as farms, schools and other cerned, it is not true when it comes to its working group in 2009 by those involved institutions. Contributions by Sue Simpson substance which originates in Michaelic and their results have been presented in (nz), Auke van der Meij (nl) and Christian inspiration – as everything does that was the meetings. Schikarski (de/ch) illustrated how the spiri- given by Rudolf Steiner, a fact which he tual work with the Mantras, as presented emphasizes particularly in relation to the Future seeds of an early esotericism at the Christmas Conference of 1923/1924, School of Spiritual Science. His later esoteric This is a wide and diverse field of research always seeks a healthy relationship with work – after 1914, the year when this work as the following few examples will show, deepened life experiences. Rudolf Steiner came to a close (due to World War II, among which more or less follow the progression pointed out that dealing with life’s highs other things) – went through a major and of our studies: the works of Mabel Collins, and lows was in itself esoteric (ga 260a, 30 important transformation, for which one such as «Light on the Path» with Rudolf January 1924). With this in mind, Claus-Peter finds frequent early indicators. In a letter Steiner’s exegesis as practice material; Röh then spoke about the image of the hu- to Wilhelm Hübbe-Schleiden of 16 August the «General Requirements» with the ac- man being in Waldorf Education and Mat- 1902 Rudolf Steiner wrote, «I will rely on the companying feelings (ga 245); «How can thias Girke described perspectives of the force that can induce spiritual students to the Master-question be understood»; the encounter between physician and patient. enter the path of development». creation stories in the Old Testament; the importance of the Temple Legend in Ru- Space for dialogue Ritual work dolf Steiner’s work; Cain and Abel – motifs This conference, too, explored the question In chapter 32 of Rudolf Steiner’s Autobiog- in eurythmy; a dramatized reading of the of how the relationship between content raphy we find a passage about the Theo- «Ritual text for Admission to the Second and form can be developed in the work of sophical Society. Around a year and a half Degree» (ga 265) and a conversation about the School of Spiritual Science. The clear im- before her death, in 1891, Helena Blavatsky the rituals; the rites of the Cathars; the age that arose was that of a broad School of founded an «Inner Group» for advanced gnostic mood and motifs of the Parzival Spiritual Science which includes the ‹fields spiritual pupils. Rudolf Steiner had similar character. Presently we are looking at Rosi- of life’ and has the work on the Mantras intentions in 1904. He thought of admitting crucian motifs in the Esoteric School and in of the nineteen Class Lessons at its heart. to the School and to its rituals such seri- the ritual work, transformations of which From there the conversation led on to the ous seekers as were prepared to practise can occasionally be detected in the lessons deep interest young people have today in and witness, or even perform, the ideas of of the First Class. Anthroposophy, particularly in education. spiritual science in the form of rituals as Rudolf Steiner’s esotericism prior to 1914 How can they connect with the School of demonstrations (Autobiography, chapter encompasses several levels as well as seeds Spiritual Science and its First Class (mant- 36). This Esoteric School is thought to have for the future. The Complete Works makes ric) work in particular? For instance, when had 800 members in 1914, with around it generally accessible. The terms «old» and teachers offer a work group that introduces 600 participating in the demonstration of «new» can be misleading: «early» and «later» the School of Spiritual Science, they do not rituals and lessons. The people in question would be the more accurate designations. need to use the Mantras, but can present continued to meditate throughout their | Virginia Sease, emerita member of the Ex- the spiritual images of the Class lessons lives, including ten years later, after the ecutive Council at the Goetheanum as motifs in a way that creates an opening institution of the First Class which Rudolf which in turn can lead to the free decision to Steiner, towards the end of his earthly life, become a Class member. | Claus-Peter Röh, referred to as the Michael School. The Bodo von Plato, Goetheanum Leadership present working group does not intend Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 15

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General Anthroposophical Section General Anthroposophical Section Focus on Meditation A new English edition of the Class Lessons

With and after the Goetheanum World The Executive Council of the School of members worldwide, for financial support, Conference it became apparent that a new Spiritual Science has decided to publish either in the form of donations or loans. relationship needs to be established be- a new edition of the Class Lessons for the We hope and intend to cover all publishing tween the fields of applied anthroposophy English-speaking world, in bilingual form. costs in advance so that this edition can be and the practical Section work on the one The original German text will be printed made available at a reasonable and afford- hand and the life and spiritual content of alongside the English, thereby hoping to able price. We look forward to hearing from the First Class on the other. A project group stimulate cross-referencing and a deeper you. With warm greetings and in gratitude and the leaders of the General Anthropo- understanding of the content. This edition for your interest and support | Joan Sleigh, sophical Section (the Executive Council at will be made available for purchase to all member of the General Anthroposophical the Goetheanum and Virginia Sease, who members of the First Class worldwide, with Section leadership team will retire from this office at the end of the a particular focus on the growing numbers year) will pursue this thought further. Of all of those who at first can only access An- the tasks assigned to the General Anthropo- throposophy through the English language. sophical Section in 2003 – knowledge of the Bank details uk Revised translation human being, meditation and inner culture, Please make financial contributions to and karma, Christology and The intention is to publish a well-edited, Hermes Trust, The Old Painswick Inn, the Hierarchies, general social competence high quality and ‹normal sized› set of three Gloucester Street, Stroud, GL5 1QG. 01453 763900, hermes. [email protected] and questions regarding the spirit of the volumes which will include, apart from the times, the theme of Meditation and its texts and mantras in German and English, Account Name Hermes Trust a/c number 71284029 practice in particular has been expanded also the drawings and a number of addi- Sort code 40-20-09 and deepened – mostly with the help of the tional English translations in an appendix. worldwide Goetheanum Meditation Initia- The current English text, translated from Please use the reference ‹Class lessons›. If you are a uk taxpayer and would like to tive – with the aim of encouraging the shar- the German original by George Adams, will make your donation under Gift Aid, please ing of experiences people have had with be carefully edited and possibly slightly email Hermes Trust who will send a gift aid an anthroposophically inspired spiritual revised, with a revised translation of the form for you to sign and return. This will in- path or of promoting meditation in the pro- mantras worked into the existing text. This crease the value of your donation by 25%. fessional context. Thanks to conferences new translation of the mantras has been Bank details USA and books such as Michaela Glöcker’s book developed by a group of translators, au- Bank details of the General Anthroposophi- on meditation in Anthroposophic Medi- thors and Class Holders, who have given cal Society in Dornach cine (Anthroposophy Worldwide 11/2016), their time freely and willingly to the project. Account Name Allgemeine Anthroposo- awareness of this possibility has grown in These new translations have been based on phische Gesellschaft some professional fields. an intensive study of different translations, Bank Raiffeisenbank Dornach including the George Adams, Michael Wil- bic RAIFCH22 Individualizing meditation son, Ernst Katz, Crispian Villeneuve and Ed- iban CH37 8093 9000 0010 0605 3 (Euro account) The Worldwide Goetheanum Meditation inburgh translations. We intend to launch Reference Class Lesson Books Initiative has also developed further. Initi- this edition by the end of 2018 or, failing this, ated by members of the School of Spiritual at the English Class Conference in London Science, it has gradually grown as other (gb) in August 2019. As there are very few people were invited to join. For the July sets of the large original English edition left, 2017 summer conference («Living Connec- which will not be republished in the same tions») not only all Class members were in- format, we intend to offer the possibility to vited but members of the public also, staff pre-purchase or pre-order the new edition. members of anthroposophical institutions This large scale project, requiring mul- in particular (Das Goetheanum 23-24/2017). tiple resources of time, skill and money, More than 400 people attended. According has been met with much gratitude and to Bodo von Plato one of the results of the enthusiasm. Many people have offered their conference was that the concept and qual- assistance and are working on the edit- ity of anthroposophical meditation became ing, scanning and layout processes, which noticeable without the concept being fixed leaves the hard costs still to be financed. into a definition. | Sebastian Jüngel With this letter we wish to appeal to all members, colleagues and friends who may benefit from, or wish to assist in making such an edition available to all interested 16 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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Constructive cooperation (Joan Sleigh on the left)

second Colloquium, the following themes were addressed:

1. How and where do we experience the Christ Quality in our work and in the world? 2. What do we understand as leadership out of the spirit?

The contributions and small group conver- sations created a colourful and tangible picture of both the struggles as well as a growing opening up to a new awareness of «unapologetic religiosity» in the face of an unpredictable and unsettled future. The meeting ended on Sunday with a warm understanding and commitment to meet again, but also to work individually in an ongoing spirit of support and collabora- tion. This resonated in the recognition that Second Christian Community and General Anthroposophical Society Colloquium it is precisely in the differences of the two movements that an enhanced understand- Shared responsibility ing of the particular strength of each can live. It was decided that the Leadership and General Anthroposophical Society met from 10 to 12 of the Christian Community and the Ex- November 2017. It was their second meeting, but the first to include members of the ecutive Council of the Goetheanum will Goetheanum Leadership, the Christian Community Lenkers (coordinators) and the review the colloquium in their meeting in General Secretaries of the anthroposophical societies in the world. There is a strong January and make suggestions for further wish to overcome the separation between the two movements and celebrate what networking. | Joan Sleigh, Executive Council they have in common, without trying to blur the differences between them. at the Goetheanum

logue and to share themes, challenges and Reflections from the experiences with which we are confronted Reflections from the perspective Goetheanum Leadership: in our daily working lives. An additional of a General Secretary: Mutual support focus was placed on preparations for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Building relationships and collaboration Christian Community at the Goetheanum at the «I to I» level first in 1922. A century later, is there a need Over the past few years, due to deep and for a new approach which could lead our The intention of this gathering was twofold. constructive work between the Leadership movements with increased vigour out of On the one hand, supported through the of the Christian Community and the Execu- the twentieth and into the twenty-first presence of the General Secretaries, the tive Council at the Goetheanum, inspired century? In this respect our conversations aim was to build a picture of the reality by our shared spiritual scientific strivings, motivated the intentions of owning the of the working relationships between the the impulse emerged to look more intently difficulties of the past and embracing the Christian Community and the Anthropo- into the current world situation. As part potentials of the future. sophical Society around the globe. On the of this, the question arose regarding an other hand, out of this picture, we were enhanced connection and collaboration Unapologetic religiosity invited to address the question of how we between the two movements, in relation As a next step towards active, intentional might – and why we should – work together to the needs of our times. co-working, another colloquium was held more into the future. A first colloquium between priests of the from 10 to 12 November 2017, to which the Christian Community, who are members General Secretaries of the Anthroposophi- Conscious of differences of the First Class, and the Goetheanum cal Society and the Lenkers of the Christian and shared strivings Leadership took place in January 2015. The Community, as colleagues and represen- As it was the first time General Secretaries aim of this gathering was to meet in dia- tatives worldwide, were invited. At this had participated, space and warmth were Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 17

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given each day to sharing inner experiences Christ at work in the world. Working with so-called Christological section was raised. of the Christ Quality in work and life. Char- Christ does not depend on naming Christ Is this term obsolete? Could priests work acteristic of all these contributions was the or even knowing his name. He is at work in the School of Spiritual Science to help to quiet inwardness with which each indi- when people affirm life by trying to trans- deepen Christological research? We felt that vidual spoke, and the endeavour to find the form their own existence and the existence there was a new opportunity to re-engage universal in what were, of necessity, deeply of others, particularly in moments when, with this impulse and also saw potential personal experiences through encounters quite unexpectedly, the true nature of the in the fact that so many priests are mem- with individuals in life and death, with the Other becomes tangible. Such moments bers of the First Class and that all priests work of artists, with places such as Birkenau of transformation are temples, which commit themselves to working from an [a Nazi concentration camp] that have been require people who can be witnesses of esoteric source as part of their . indelibly shaped by human hand. their existence. In social interactions, such In addition, members of the Goethea- The stories and reports from around the temples arise when the words from the num's leadership affirmed that the spiri- world revealed the diversity, complexity Act of Consecration of Man: "Christ in you!" tual home of the Christian Community and challenging nature of the current situ- become real. The Christian Community has was open to the celebration of its 100th ation. The will to overcome the history of the task of making this possible on the re- anniversary. The question also arose as to separation between the two movements; ligious path; it needs anthroposophy as a whether it would not be necessary to go the need to be – and become more – con- method to understand its own task, and more deeply into the history of the some- scious of both the differences between to deepen its theology. times difficult relationship of the two move- the two and the shared strivings which We heard reports from general secretar- ments as we approach this anniversary. we could look to mutually enhancing; the ies and Lenkers from all over the world, who Also refreshing was a round dedicated need to understand better the relevance of described the very different situations of to the question "Why work together?" Al- being – or not being – ordained; the need the work of both movements in their re- though the situation in different countries to delve further into the meaning of the gions. In general, the old prejudices seem is very different, we realized the importance different forms of authority manifested to have broken down. Are there ways that of holding together in a time when we are by each; the will to reinforce our common we can give each other more support in our approaching a very open future. The signifi- impulse and commitment to service of the respective tasks? We heard about the devel- cance of the Act of Consecration of Man spiritual world; the will to consciously and opments in the US, where a younger genera- and of ritual work as a whole for the life healthily make more space for the pres- tion of priests strongly promotes the specif- of the earth, and of the tasks that Rudolf ence of the Christian Community in the ically religious life in the communities. Does Steiner also suggested for members of the Goetheanum – these are just some of the that make the relationship between the anthroposophical movement were images themes that were discussed. Society and The Christian Community freer? that moved us. In differentiating the tasks While a range of possible initiatives of both movements, we saw a potential was proposed, it was above all clear that The centenary of the that could be fruitful in cooperation. building relationships at an individual Christian Community in 2022 level, «I to I», is a necessary precursor to An important theme was the celebration Altar and lectern developing collaboration of any kind, and of the anniversary of the founding of The In the last round, the picture of a spiritual I for one came away heartened to engage Christian Community in 2022. From much space was created in which both the altar more closely with Christian Community of what Rudolf Steiner said, it is clear that and the lectern of the Class Lessons stood; Colleagues in my own country. | Jan Baker- the foundation in 1922 was embedded in in the middle were the people who aspired Finch, General Secretary of Australia the destiny of the anthroposophical move- to the Spirit in the spirit of the new mys- ment. How can we reflect this fact today? teries; the bearers of the two movements The spiritual world was able to lend as- have a common responsibility, even if their Reflections from a sistance to the founders of the Christian tasks are not identical. Christian Community Lenker community through Rudolf Steiner and the Overall, the conversations in this rela- Goetheanum, which enabled the founding tively large group were refreshingly candid The importance of of the Movement for Religious Renewal; and authentic. In many of the contribu- rituals for the earth how can we realize the connection with tions on the experience of Christ in the the new mysteries, which Rudolf Steiner world, we were reminded of Christ’s words: Joan Sleigh drew our attention to the fact clearly foresaw for the priests, for example "Where two or three are gathered in my that this was the first meeting of general by accepting the priesthood into the School name, I am in their midst." The listening secretaries and lenkers, together with the of Spiritual Science? What responsibility space that we create together brought us leadership of The Christian Community and do we have towards the spiritual beings back to this experience again and again. the Goetheanum. At a time when so much is who enabled the founding of The Christian | Tom Ravetz, Lenker of the Christian Com- in transition, it seems important that we can Community as part of the inauguration of munity in Great Britain strengthen our work through collaboration. the new mysteries, and of whom we can In short presentations, we looked at the imagine that they still look upon our work question of where and how we experience today? In this context, the question of the 18 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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General Secretaries’ Conference Open for encounters: the relationship of forms in the Goetheanum’s Southern façade. Cooperation as a key concept lowed busy people like teachers to take part. The General Secretaries’ Conference from 7 to 10 November deliberated the imple- One question that will be asked in mentation of the ‹Goetheanum in Development› reform project in the various coun- the future is how the Foundation Stone tries, agreed on the whole to support the rehabilitation of Elisabeth Vreede and Ita Meditation, which has been taken up Wegman and considered the of Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato at by the Goetheanum World Conference the 2018 Annual General Meeting. and is now worked on more intensively, lives among the staff of the diverse in- stitutions. «We must reconnect with the Jaap Sijmons (nl) said of one of the main increasingly be a model for the Societies in spiritual source,» said John Bloom (usa). issues discussed at this conference, «The the world.» Ingrid Reistad (no) thinks that «If one establishes a relationship, a con- Goetheanum Leadership has made the «there are a lot of ideas – now it’s time for nection, a community, can arise on the 2016 Goetheanum World Conference into actions. As a country Society we have to basis of shared experiences». Arie van a movement – for members and non- deliver now.» Ameringen (ca), Christiane Haid (Goethea- members. In a way it is a matter of open- num), Bodo von Plato, Ingrid Reistad, Jaap ing up the Goetheanum to the world. The Annual theme: from Sijmons and Sue Simpson (nz) will be the ‹Goetheanum in Development› reform the head to the hand Conference’s contact persons for this. plans are a first step in this direction.» The The example of the annual theme illustrates general secretaries can contribute to the how this change begins to take shape. This A living research centre success of the scheme by cooperating, by theme is meant as a suggestion that is not A survey among the general secretaries conveying its intentions to the members only studied in the Branches but that will, resulted in the following topics (as sum- in their countries, and by working in their if possible, unite all anthroposophically in- marized by Jan Baker-Finch): countries towards a «living relationship» spired institutions worldwide by providing between the Anthroposophical Society, them with a shared content, motif or focus. 1. «Connecting the dots» What are the School of Spiritual Science and the The search for Anthroposophy is more alive effective methods of bridge building anthroposophically oriented enterprises, in the anthroposophical institutions than across the Society between General organizations and institutions. Mats-Ola one generally thinks, was Florian Osswald’s Councils, Class Holders, Section Lead- Ohlsson (se) added, «Cooperation is a key impression (Pedagogical Section) in relation ers, and Association Leaders (Waldorf concept. The tasks of the Anthroposophical to the Waldorf movement, to which Bodo Schools, Biodynamics, etc.) in order Society are to open up a space for encoun- von Plato (Goetheanum) added that it was to develop a shared sense for holding ters, offer cooperation and make sure that «sought in a different form from before». In- the whole together? How can the An- the individual groups can come together. grid Reistad spoke of a «transformation to- throposophical Society in a country When it comes to the transformative pro- wards the spirit in everyday life»; Wolfgang as big as a continent maintain the cesses that inspire us the Goetheanum will Tomaschitz (at) added that this, in a way, al- relationship to the branches? Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 19

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The rehabilitation of Ita Wegman Italy: Youth Conference – 2. Can we rethink membership in the and Elisabeth Vreede «Seeking Our-Selves» Society to expand access and sup- port more financial sustainability? The conference of general secretaries gen- Spiritual science as Brotherliness in the economic field. erally welcomes the concern promoted by How can seminars, courses, lectures, the Executive Council and the three groups an impulse for young etc. be financed so that the founda- who moved during the last agm (see Mo- people today tions of a culture of brotherliness can tion 6 in Anthroposophy Worldwide 3/2017) gradually be laid down? that Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede From 7 to 9 July 110 mostly young should be rehabilitated («we agree from people met for a seminar on the 3. Developing effective language, our hearts», Jaap Sijmons). It also supports theme of «Seeking Our-Selves. Spiri- messaging and methods to com- the Executive Council’s plans to submit a tual Science as a Youth Impulse». municate anthroposophy beyond motion that documents the rehabilitation On 30 March 2016 – Rudolf Steiner’s our current limited structures and in a spiritually and legally appropriate way. birthday – the five youngest mem- membership? Is it a matter of re- bers of the Anthroposophical Soci- source priorities, expertise, research, Confirmation due in 2018 ety in Italy met for the first time to networking? Especially developing a At the 2018 agm Paul Mackay and Bodo von prepare a seminar for young people culture of «awakening to the other…», Plato will have to be confirmed as Execu- aged between 18 and 35. The seminar, grasping and taking up contempo- tive Council members if they are willing to entitled «Seeking Our-Selves» then rary questions and the perceived high stand for a further period of seven years. took place at the Oriago Waldorf threshold to enter the Society. Wolfgang Tomaschitz summarized the con- School from 7 to 9 July, with financial sultations by saying that «the large majority support from the Anthroposophical 4. Future care of the «Meditation of the general secretaries would welcome Society in Italy and the sponsors Wala, Worldwide» Initiative and how to fur- it if Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato were , Argital and EcorNaturaSì. ther amongst members the aware- prepared to stand again. There were votes Of the 110 people who were pres- ness of the renewed grasp of the from every country society as well as per- ent 30 were former Waldorf pupils, School of Spiritual Science’s actual sonal points of view. The group takes the 86 were attending (average age: 26), impulse in 2016. The relationship of fact very seriously that there were critical five were organizers (average age 27), the General Section to the others, voices, too.» Any reservations brought for- nine lecturers (average age 33) and ten or of meditation and life practices, ward will be considered in the time leading eurythmists from Germany. The only from the daughters to the mother or up to the agm and will be discussed before person older than 35 was Constanza however one wishes to formulate it. as well as during the meeting. At the same Kaliks, the leader of the Youth Section The shallow level of anthroposophical time it is true to say that both Executive at the Goetheanum, who gave some knowledge, understanding and ex- Council members are highly esteemed out- of the lectures. perience in many of our institutions side the narrower geographical confines of The seminar included courses on eu- across Section areas is weakening the Goetheanum. And they both play a vital rythmy, speech and painting as well the ability of the co-workers to sus- part in the «Goetheanum in Development» as on Biodynamic farming, Waldorf tain themselves and their work and reform process. Jaap Sijmons said, «The education, social threefolding and strangling the vitality and effective- expertise of both these members is beyond Anthroposophic Medicine. The crite- ness of institutions. What forms and any doubt. We would be concerned if they ria for the choice of lecturers were: approaches to training and further were no longer part of the team after Palm who is the youngest Waldorf teacher education are appropriate to today’s Sunday 2018.» | Sebastian Jüngel in Italy? Who is the youngest euryth- conditions and how can these be cre- mist in Italy? And so on. The eurythmy ated and funded? performance presented by the Novalis The above article draws on reports by Ensemble Stuttgart (de) was greatly 5. The Goetheanum Leadership is tak- John Bloom (us), Paul Mackay (Goethea- appreciated.| Alberto, Giorgia, Sergio, ing steps through the Project groups. num), Mats-Ola Ohlsson (se), Bodo von Rossana and Delia (it) How do we meet them with awak- Plato (Goetheanum), Ingrid Reistad (no), Jaap Sijmons (nl), Wolfgang Thomaschitz ened interest for the Goetheanum as (at), Justus Wittich (Goetheanum) and a lively research centre? Somehow, Jan Baker-Finch (nz). For more information visit we as a collective have the task of www.coraggiovani.it building enthusiasm in the world- wide Society not only for individual meditation but also for spiritual re- search that is for all. How can Anthro- posophy better meet the needs (phys- ical, soul and spiritual) of the time? 20 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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Newssheets (5) Following a member’s suggestion at the 2017 agm we have pub- lished self-portrayals of anthroposophical newssheets in recent issues of Anthroposophy Worldwide (cf. aw 7-8, 7, 10 and 11/2017).

usa The final section of being human brings news of the Anthroposophical Society and ‹being human› life stories of members who have crossed The Anthroposophical Society in America the threshold. The name «being human» (ASA) has had member communications points to one of the primary intentions: in English since around 1930. A decade ago, to speak in terms that can resonate today. these were News for Members and the Rudolf Steiner observed (13 Feb 1923) that Journal for Anthroposophy, plus the asa’s the word «anthroposophy» should be in- Rudolf Steiner Library Newsletter. In 2008, terpreted as «the consciousness of one’s the General Council decided to create a new human condition» (Bewusstsein seines Dornach 1987, p. 92. The passage about a full-color publication for «outreach» as well Menschentums), so perhaps to see the newssheet as a means to convey interest as for members, and to present the visual words «being human» and consider why in the world – «[…] we need the broad ho- arts effectively. It began publishing in 2009, they name a small magazine is already an rizon» – is from ga 260a, Dornach 1987, p. generally four times a year, and in 2011, for entry point into anthroposophy itself. 162/163; the reference regarding the «heal- the 150th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner’s ing effect» from the same book, p. 217/218. birth, it adopted the name being human Available online The sentence «Roland Tüscher was co- with the subheading «personal and cul- Five thousand copies are printed of each founder in 1987/1988 and chief editor of the tural renewal in the twenty-first century.» issue, though budget restraints mean that Swiss Anthroposophical Society’s member- we are doing only two issues each year. Of ship organ Schweizer Mitteilungen aus dem Four sections these 3500 are mailed to US members, the Anthroposophischen Leben (Swiss com- The content is organized into four sections. remainder given free at branches and other munications from the anthroposophical The first section is «initiative!» and it covers centers. After a few months, each issue life)» had the following footnote: «Now: as widely as possible the work inspired by is made available free at anthroposophy. Anthroposophie Schweiz, Mitteilungen aus Rudolf Steiner. Its first portrait was of the org/bh and at issuu.com online. We have dem anthroposophischen Leben, editor: House of Peace in Massachusetts; other sto- offered one issue in a mobile-friendly pdf Konstanze Brefin-Alt.» ries have ranged from the pharmaceutical format. | John Beck, ‹being human› (us) The statement relating to Anthroposo- testing and research of the Lili Kolisko Insti- phy Worldwide, «This organ does not as- tute to the social arts initiative Free Columbia. pire to the range and differentiation Rudolf The second section, «arts & ideas,» has Steiner envisaged for a newssheet and it had remarkable contributions on many sub- neither applies the contemporary judge- jects. Frederick Amrine of the University of Contact [email protected] ment» has this footnote: «Rudolf Steiner, Michigan produced a lengthy biographical ga 260a, Dornach 1987, p. 92», and the sketch of Rudolf Steiner’s importance for continuation of that sentence («nor the the first being human in 2011, and has since Correction: footnotes interest in spiritual achievements outside linked Steiner’s work with the leading cur- to Ein Nachrichtenblatt anthroposophy intended by Rudolf Steiner, rent work in philosophy and other fields which would add the necessary counter- today. His latest essay is «The Beauty of The newsletter initiative Ein Nachrichten- poise to the internal Society news.») has the Anthroposophy, or: What’s Scientific about blatt introduced itself in Anthroposophy footnote « ‹How are the achievements of Spiritual Science?» This section often has Worldwide 11/2017. Ein Nachrichtenblatt the Society in the world to be evaluated at poetry and includes a four-page visual gal- 23/2017 published a complaint stating that all, if not within the Society?’ Rudolf Steiner, lery that is usually paired with the cover art. the footnotes had been left out from its ga 259, Dornach 1991, p. 497». The section «research & reviews» has presentation. This was due to an error: The sentence, «Pointing out the differ- research reports and book reviews. In our the footnotes did not come up when ences between Anthroposophy World- latest issue Walter Alexander, a profes- the file was opened – only later when wide and the expectations Rudolf Steiner sional writer for publications on medicine, a different programme was used. The had of a newsletter is merely a stating was able to share a review of the English footnotes are as follows: of facts that can be verified by referring edition of Peter Heusser’s Anthroposophy Rudolf Steiner’s statement regarding a to the collection of statements Rudolf and Science (cf. Anthroposophy World- separate article in the bylaws («This is a Steiner made on this point» has the foot- wide 1-2/2017) which he wrote first for clause…») is from ga 260, Dornach 1994, note «Source at the end of this contribu- an online/print publication distributed p. 55; the following quote («[…]everything tion», for instance via the email address to 200,000 holistic care practitioners. spiritual has this quality» from ga 260a, [email protected]. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 21

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To the Faust Members’ Response to Andreas Day, organized as decid- Heertsch’s contribution ed at the 2017 agm (An- regarding the culmina- throposophy Worldwide tion of anthroposophy in 5/2017, p. 9f.) Anthroposophy World- wide 9/2017 At first I thought I had to leave the room: I felt there were too My article «Remarks on the many undifferentiated attacks. Culmination at the end of These attacks led, however, to the twentieth century» was a «more humane» response published in jupiter, Vol. 6 from the members of the (2011) (The journal of the Executive Council, noticeable Mathematics and Astronomy from their choice of words Section at the Goetheanum.) and the way they replied. In that article I posited my Stephen E. Usher in Austin, Texas (us) What a culture! To be able to working hypothesis that the respond so «appropriately» to Faust 1: Anne-Kathrin Korf as culmination had succeeded. such attacks! Heart stirrings Gretchen and Katja Axe as Martha My research started with the and spiritual forces from the became audible. suspicion that the culmination supersensible world.» (April 16, had failed, but a very careful 1924) So, Steiner stated that Disappointment Pathos of the past reading of Steiner's remarks this spiritual current flowing The word ‹appropriate› – if It was wonderful to hear grati- changed my perspective. into earthly would reach I remember rightly – came tude being conveyed, after This change in perspective its high tide at the end of the up several times, especially all, to Christian Peter for his concerned how the Culmina- century, and presumably start during the accusations regard- achievement. A dignified way tion would manifest. From to recede thereafter. ing the art of speech. I ask of building bridges. my initial readings of the My article also observed myself: appropriate for what The «red sauce» that was relevant material in the early that the working of this or whom: the past, the pres- allegedly poured over every- 1970s – while I was a student spiritual current – the anthro- ent, the future? Rudolf Steiner thing and the somewhat vio- at the University of Michi- posophical movement – was expresses himself differently lent emotions just before the gan – I had assumed that the connected with human ini- today – not because the spirit end were expressions either great leaders of Chartres and tiative. Steiner had stressed of the time (which often is of disappointment about be- Rudolf Steiner would emerge the importance of taking not even a spirit but more of ing excluded from the artistic among us and be publicly vis- initiatives in the lives of those a demon) demands this but, I event, or they reflect the na- ible. This, one would suppose, connected with the anthro- think, rather because the pa- ture of this somewhat muti- would lead to an absolute ex- posophical streams. «Be a thos of the past and a certain nous spirit – in which case the plosion of the movement. person of initiative,» he says, compulsion connected with procedure was warranted. «and beware, lest through this does not speak to young At best, one could reflect Culmination at the end hindrances of your own body, people today or to those who on more suitable approaches. of the twentieth century or hindrances that otherwise have kept up with the times. That would be appropriate for But Steiner stated something come in your way, you do Of course there are scenes anthroposophists, wouldn’t it? that did not square with this not find the center of your which some people would In any case, this rather emo- picture. «[A]t the end of the being, where is the source of have liked to see differently tive intervention was unable twentieth century […] at the your initiative. Observe that realized, but it is, after all, to reverse the positive feelings Culmination point the great- in your life all joy and sorrow, Mephisto’s nature to ‹incorpo- I had by then about the deli- est possible expansion of the all happiness and pain will rate› things, even if it is a pact. cate bridge-building between anthroposophical movement depend on the finding or not Freedom is just not his thing. disparate opinions and inter- will be attained.» (August 8, finding of your own individual Whether electronic music is pretations. I hope you felt 1924) This means that a peak initiative. This should stand appropriate for eurythmy is a the same. or plateau would be achieved written as though in golden question one can argue over I am looking forward to at the end of the twentieth letters, constantly before the for hours – but when used the revised production and I century! Now to make sense soul of the anthroposophist. briefly with a particular ef- think it will be good.| Ursula of this one must also under- Initiative lies in his karma, and fect in mind, to portray the Reichert, Kassel (de) stand what Steiner means much that meets him in this subhuman, it is certainly a le- by the term «anthroposophi- life will depend on the extent gitimate artistic tool that does cal movement.» He states to which he can become will- not in the least interfere with that it is a «Spiritual current high spiritual standards. guided by spiritual powers continues on page 22 22 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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ingly, actively conscious of it.» ligence to Michael, its personalities – if possible ing that it is so transcendent (August 4, 1914) rightful regent. together with the Sections for the development of the once led by them: the Medical modern world and humanity Sufficient Michaelites to Accusations of racism do Section (Ita Wegman) and the in general". I invariably end up meet the conditions for not negate a culmination Section for Mathematics and with the same answer, maybe a culmination No doubt the accusations of Astronomy (Elisabeth Vreede), with different shapes and col- After quoting this passage, racism have had a hampering and in addition to the confer- ors, but it is always the same my article went on to ex- effect on the outward prog- ences, events and publications content at the end regardless amine the initiatives taken ress of anthroposophical cul- planned for 2018 to honour of the angle at which the mat- by anthroposophists during ture in the world. I attempted the two women and their ter is considered. The deep- the course of the twentieth to address these issues in my achievements – through the est and mightiest ideas of century. Even a partial inven- article, «Race – The Tapestry recognition of the injustice Anthroposophy will only find tory of those initiatives is very of Love.» (Journal for Anthro- done at the time and the re- their place in this troubled impressive. My tentative con- posophy, Easter 2002). But scindment of 1935 resolution world if we prepare our souls clusion was, and remains, that these outward occurrences do by the 2018 Annual General to receive them, in the same sufficient Michaelites gained not negate a successful Meeting. For more informa- manner that the soil is worked capacity for initiative during Culmination. tion please contact info@ and prepared to welcome the course of the twentieth Martin Barkhoff, from a wegman-vreede.com or visit the living seeds that the century, that the conditions different perspective, also www.wegman-vreede.com. farmer sows. for a culmination had been reached the conclusion that Translations into English and met. These Michaelites will the culmination succeeded in Dutch are available and can Overcoming selfishness carry this new earned capacity his article, «Erste Kulmination, also be accessed online. These ideas are waiting for into the future evolution of Grab und goldene Zeit.» (Ein | Thomas Heck, Dornach (ch) us to welcome them! But we the earth. Nachrichtenblatt, November should know that they will on- The culmination condi- 13, 2016) For that same issue The initiative has been ly truly start to manifest and tion can also be expressed in Mr. Barkhoff translated my signed by flourish in our consciousness if these words of Rudolf Steiner, Jupiter article – in a shortened we make ourselves worthy of «This means – as you can form – into German. So both Péter Barna, Liesbeth Bis- perceiving them. If we want terbosch, Pieter van Blom, realize – that through anthro- articles appeared in that edi- Marc Desaules, Tatiana to work towards this goal we posophy something must be tion. | Stephen E. Usher, Austin, Garcia Cuerva, Marion Fis- must start by taking the first introduced into the spiritual Texas (us) chbach, Johannes Greiner, steps and not waste our time Lucius Hanhart, Marijcke van evolution of the Earth, for all trying to walk the paths that Hasselt, Thomas Heck, Eva kinds of demonic, Ahrimanic Lohmann-Heck, Kirsten Juel, are higher on the moun- powers are taking possession Aart Klein, Gerd-Mari Savin, tain or nearer the source of of human beings.» (July 19, Initiative to rehabilitate Angelika Schuster, Leonhard the light. Because it is only our Ita Wegman and Elisa- Schuster, Ingrid Schleyer, 1924) My tentative conclu- Peter Selg, Clara Steinemann vanity that makes us want sion is thus that through what beth Vreede and Roland Tüscher. to start walking at the high- Rudolf Steiner brought and est and most sublime parts through the way the mem- At the 2017 agm the motion By 20 November 2017 an- of the journey. Looking back other 300 people had joined bers developed free initiatives to rescind the resolutions of the Initiative. to these first steps and truly based on what they had re- the 1935 General Meeting, understanding them should ceived from the great initiate, which excluded Ita Wegman constitute our main concern if a sufficient spiritual impulse and Elisabeth Vreede from the we want to be practical. was «introduced into the evo- Executive Council, (Motion We should recognize right lution of the earth.» 6) was withdrawn because at the very beginning of our While the anthroposophical of reservations expressed in Overcoming difficulties efforts in serving the world movement, the spiritual cur- the last minute. These res- in the Anthroposophical that we will not be able to tru- rent, is now receding, earth ervations turned out to be Society and anthropo- ly welcome and receive these evolution has been sufficiently unfounded (Ein Nachrichten- sophical initiatives essential ideas if we don’t fortified, so that the key blatt 29 October 2017; www. decide to make the effort battle ahead can be won: the wegman-vreede.com) and I have been working during of abandoning and renounc- battle for the cosmic intel- there are no other arguments these last years, trying to ing our self-appreciation and ligence. The rest of my article that speak against the re- figure out and answer the vanity. Day by day I am more deals with the nature of the scindment of the 1935 resolu- question about "What is it convinced that the slightest cosmic intelligence and this tions. This initiative therefore that tends to keep the An- presence of vanity in our souls key battle, the battle to return proposes to actively promote throposophical Society from literally erects a wall that dominion of the cosmic intel- the rehabilitation of the two freely flourishing, consider- keeps us away and separated Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 23

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We have been informed that the following 62 Luise Sumser Vienna (at), 10 October 2017 from those holy-living-ideas. members have crossed the threshold of death. Kim Lapré Son (nl), 12 October 2017 As our dear Rudolf Stein- In their remembrance we are providing this Christian Gerblich Saarbrücken (de), 13 October 2017 er already warned us in the Anna Hablützel Uetikon am See (ch), 1. October 2017 information for their friends. |The Membership highest sense of the word in Margarete Schatz Therwil (ch), 13 October 2017 Office at the Goetheanum his Credo (ga 40), "He who Frithjof Finkbeiner Augsburg (de), 15 October 2017 does not deaden the selfish- Raimo Mattila Voltti (fi), 15 October 2017 Gertrud Lange Bremen (de), 26 November 2016 ness within himself during Markus Singeisen Gelterkinden (ch), 15 October 2017 Peter Grien Hazelbrook (au), in 2016 Lore Misselwitz Berlin (de), 18 October 2017 his lifetime has no part in the Gisela Schmidt Dortmund (de), 24 January 2017 Peter Nantke Wuppertal (de), 18 October 2017 universal life, which is immor- Heinrich-Johannes Mayer Dortmund (de), 25 Jan. 2017 Mary Carmack Whybray North Vancouver (ca), tal; he has never been, and he Annemarie Bauer Stuttgart (de), 30 May 2017 19 October 2017 has never experienced true Kundry Willwerth Cortland/ny (us), 1 June 2017 Wilhelmina van den Burg Zeist (nl), 20 October 2017 existence". I think we should Harthwiga Schwabe Stuttgart (de), 3 June 2017 Ruth Gerke Frankfurt (de), 20 October 2017 Hans Joachim Ullrich Nordstemmen (de), in July 2017 surrender our egos for a mo- Wendela ter Horst Grolloo (nl), 20 October 2017 Erika Grantham Ashurst Wood (gb), 4 August 2017 Linde Naumann Holm (de), 20 October 2017 ment and listen once and for Margaret Raas Basel (ch), 5 August 2017 Gretel Schopf Bad Liebenzell (de), 20 October 2017 all to these enduring and most Otto Schlegel Reussbühl (ch), 7 August 2017 Anders Møller Gabel Hellerup (dk), 22 October 2017 beloved words! Because the Annelie Wharton Bexhill-on-Sea (gb), 20 August 2017 Ben Hendriks De Lier (nl), 24 October 2017 true content of Anthroposo- Raoul de Sénerpont Berkel-Enschot (nl), 1 Sept. 2017 Uwe Lemke Bromma (se), 25 October 2017 phy is in fact universal, and Sofie Diemer Friedrichshafen (de), 8 Sept. 2017 Marie-France Lefebvre La Malène (fr), 26 October 2017 we will not be able to truly Elisabeth Schiffner Vienna (at), 11 September 2017 Françoise Marcadé Gimel (ch), 26 October 2017 Gheorghe Aur Braşov (ro), 15 September 2017 grasp and perceive this living Chantal Hueber Wintzenheim (fr), 27 October 2017 Malcolm Attfield Claremont (za), 18 September 2017 Almut Schröder Dornach (ch), 28 October 2017 content if we don’t fight and Dietmar Grimm Datzeroth (de), 18 September 2017 Jobst Wolter Ottersberg (de), 29 October 2017 defeat our selfishness. Cornelia Müller Sachsenhausen (de), 21 Sept. 2017 Renate Wolf Frankfurt a.M. (de), 30 October 2017 Helmut Sturm Munich (de), 21 September 2017 Mia Rist Dornach (ch), 2 November 2017 Acts, words, initiatives Karl-Heinz Siebenhaar Klempau (de), 26 Sep. 2017 Gerhard Staufer Basel (ch), 2 November 2017 We also need to know and be Rolf Hinrichs Lübeck (de), 27 September 2017 Angelika Wiedemann Berlin (de), 2 November 2017 sure that the world will come Barbara Riedel Bielefeld (de), 27 September 2017 Rolf Bader Stuttgart (de), 7 November 2017 Wilhelm Klütz Munich (de), 28 September 2017 to our aid, but only if we pre- Birgid Rüschmeier Ingelheim (de), 9 November 2017 Fritz Baumgartner Zollbrück (ch), 4 October 2017 Brigitte Köber Walkringen (ch), 11 November 2017 pare ourselves to give back Ute Bredow Fossberg (de), 5 October 2017 to the world what the world Hartmut Brunnenkant Mannheim (de), 5 October 2017 From 10 October to 13 November 2017 the So- needs, which are the acts, David Clark Loughborough (gb), 5 October 2017 ciety welcomed 80 new members. 219 are no words and initiatives that are Simone Corboz Lausanne (ch), 5 October 2017 longer registered as members (resignations, born from the marriage of the Lukas Hablützel Walkringen (ch), 7 October 2017 lost, and corrections by country Societies). dignified human soul and the Jack Moens Zeist (nl), 7 October 2017 living ideas of Anthroposophy. | Nicolas S. Olmos, Chile (cl)

Picture credits p. 1: S. Jüngel ■ School of Spiritual Science | p. 3: z.V.g. | p. 4: S. Jüngel | p. 6: Csengele Horn-Barta | p. 7: z.V.g. | p. 9: Charlotte Fischer | p. 10: z.V.g. | p. 11: Younger than expected Matthias Spalinger | p. 12: Lea Wolf | p. 13: Hannes Wei- Looking at the statistics, the age of members who This means that 72 per cent of new Class members gert | p. 16: S. Jüngel | p. 18: S. have newly joined the School of Spiritual Science are younger than 60 at the time of joining. The Jüngel | p. 21: Georg Tedeschi | p. 21: z.V.g. | p. 24: z.V.g. since 2000 comes as a surprise, because the figure relationship shifts if one includes the age of all is lower than one might expect. Between 2000 Class members.| Sebastian Jüngel and 2016/, between 417 and 548 new members joined the School of Spiritual Science on average every year.

- Of these 42 per cent were between www.goetheanum.org/allgemeine-anthroposo- 20 and 50 years of age (26 per cent phische-sektion were between 41 and 50). - 30 per cent were between 51 and 60, - 28 per cent were older than 61 (with 18 per cent between 61 and 70). 24 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

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Michel and Claire. Alongside her family life, Hélène taught at the Perceval Waldorf School in Chatou (fr) and at the American 15 October 1923 • 1 February 2017 School in Neuilly (fr). She also worked with the children of the Chatou curative school. Hélène Oppert In each of these places she put on magical performances with the children. For four years she also gave eurythmy courses for the students of Laurent Cochet’s drama As twilight fell on 1 February 2017, the win- school, before she founded the first French ter sky lit up in magical colours. Bright and eurythmy school in 1976, a step suggested solemn, the sickle of the moon rose over to her by the eurythmist Simonne Rihouët- Paris, accompanied by Venus in her radi- Coroze and supported by Rudolf Grosse, ant splendour. Hélène Oppert was ready Elena Zuccoli and Hagen Biesantz. to cross the threshold. Via the Paul Coroze Foundation Simonne Her departing was expected al- Coroze was able to offer them a house with though – right up to her death – she re- garden, the Eurythmée Paris. The school tained her clear thinking and her fine sense attracted a great number of students, from of humour that formed such a contrast France, Spain, Switzerland, the , to her deep earnestness. Her enchanting Canada, Romania, Russia and Venezuela. smile, through which the mystery of love, She managed to gain Armula Erik and Ma- illumined by a spiritual communion, shone, rie-Claire Couty as co-workers. moved everyone most profoundly. Hélène Oppert never tired of studying For several years Hélène Oppert had lived Rudolf Steiner’s original indications. The En- in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (fr) in the house semble L’Eurythmée Paris travelled through of her daughter, the cellist Claire Saïtkoulov. in Dornach, once staying in ’s Europe and was invited to perform at con- Her living room reflected the culture she house. Hélène went to the Waldorf Kin- ferences at the Goetheanum. She also went grew up in, filled as it was with works of art dergarten there. She lived between Dor- to the US to give summer courses. that her father had brought with him from nach and Paris, and at times also with her Asia: marvellous pictures and buddhas, ar- grand-parents in New York. Eurythmy at the ranged to perfection and in harmony with National Theatre in Lyon the colours of the well-ordered old books. Lessons with Elena Zuccoli In 1991 Hélène Oppert was asked by Jean- She radiated cheerfulness, serenity and In 1950 a eurythmy performance with Elena Paul Lucet, the director of the National The- trust, although she had to admit, with Zuccoli was shown in Zürich (ch). As the atre Les Célestins in Lyon, to work with him sadness, that the impulse of eurythmy, to curtain opened, a pointed finger appeared on his production of a piece called Loire which she had devoted her life, continued from behind the scenes, followed by an arm. by André Obey, which included twelve to live in a germ-like state in France, still Hélène Oppert immediately recognized the eurythmists and twelve actors. Hélène waiting to break through. great artist’s immense power of expres- designed eurythmy forms for the water sion. After the performance she went to spirits in a river that flooded the country Between Dornach and Paris Elena Zuccoli and asked if she could have during a storm. The opera’s solo dancer, Hélène Oppert was born in Asia of an Amer- private lessons with her … The courses took Michaël Denard, who represented the ican mother, whose ancestors came from place in the Schreinerei at the Goethea- spirit of the storm, spoke for the euryth- Ireland, and a French father, François Trive, num. It wasn’t long before others heard mists and moved as an actor among the who worked in Vietnam as an engineer. Her about them and asked to join. This is how water spirits. Later he would accompany mother, Eleanor Dougherty, was a dancer the first course of the Zuccoli Eurythmy the Ensemble L’Eurythmée Paris at the and poet, who worked with the American School in Dornach came about. Soon after Paris Auditorium Châtelet. poet Vachel Lindsay. He was looking for that Hélène Oppert performed with Elena In April 2016 Hélène designed the second ways to express his poetry in movement, Zuccoli on the Goetheanum stage and went part of a programme performed by the through dance. He spoke and she danced. on tour with her. Together with her moth- Ensemble Citadelle in Dornach. Vachel drew forms that inspired Eleanor. er she organized extended tours through On February 9, 2017, the day of her cre- She came across anthroposophy through the United States. mation, the weather was dull. But the skies her physician and met eurythmy through cleared as the flames conveyed Hélène Op- Elena Zuccoli in Dornach (ch). With her chil- The first French eurythmy school pert to the elements. The full moon and the dren Hélène and François, who was three In 1956 she married the physician Georges Sun witnessed her departure – a resurrec- years older, she spent longer periods of time Oppert. The couple had two children, Jean- tion took place …| Jehanne Secretan, Paris (fr)