General Worldwide 6/18

■ antroposophical society June 2018 • N° 6 General Anthroposophical Society Anthroposophical Society 1 Contact by email? May we contact you by email? 2018 Annual Conference and agm 4 Switzerland: Respecting, understanding and Dear Members, implementing the results @ 5 Switzerland: Open discussion Anthroposophy Worldwide will take a new 6 : A question step in 2019 and the General Anthroposophi- This shared awareness and participation is of perspective cal Society will make another attempt at to become possible for many more members 7 More members’ voices reaching as many members as possible in the future! 9 Meeting of all treasurers 13 Annual motif: The second electronically – wherever this is feasible. It can be achieved today via email and Foundation Stone For this we will need your help. the internet which means that there will be rhythm as a seed As an association of people of many no expensive printing and dispatching and 15 Membership News coun­t­ries, languages and cultural regions the most remote places can be reached be- the Anthroposophical Society and many cause most members have internet access. Anthroposophy Worldwide 2 Ireland: conference institutions inspired by have We will make sure, however, that printed «Exploring Hibernia» spread across the whole world. To create a versions go out to those who wish for this newsletter for as many of the more than (subject to a charge). 40,000 members as possible and promote 3 Leadership: Second a shared awareness regarding questions of Fast and direct letter to the Members anthroposophy requires multilingualism In order to reach you quickly and directly 12 Leadership: World Goetheanum Association founded and the use of emails and the internet. in future, it would be best to contact you 14 Art Collection: Bronze cast of via your email address. If you don’t have an Reaching as many members as possible Rudolf Steiner’s bust of Christ email account and do not wish to set one The historical supplement for members, up, please let us know. School of Spiritual Science «What is happening in the Anthroposophi- If you are not sure whether the Goethea- 10 Book on the history and research of the Sections (interview) cal Society», published in German and sent num has an up-to-date email address for 12 Annual meeting of Class Holders: out ever since the Christmas Conference you, please send us your email address – to How to deal with mantras today of 1923/1924 to everyone subscribing to ensure correct identification please add your 14 Natural Science Section: the weekly journal Das Goetheanum, was name and postal address – using the online Summer University gradually transformed into Anthroposophy forms, which are available in English, French, 15 Three summer events Worldwide after Michaelmas 1998. Now it German and Spanish: dasgoetheanum.com/ at the Goetheanum reaches around 18,000 members world- email. Thank you for your help! Initiatives wide and is presently published in German, Your email address will be used exclu- 14 Appeal: Where is the jewellery English and Spanish. sively for future issues of Anthroposophy of the last hundred years? After the 2018 Annual General Meeting Worldwide and other communications from at the Goetheanum, Anthroposophical So- the Anthroposophical Society. You can un- Forum 15 On the seven rhythms of the cieties in many countries expressed their subscribe at any time. We will continue to Foundation Stone Meditation wish to receive more information on what is inform you on this matter in the next issues happening in the General Anthroposophical of Anthroposophy Worldwide. | Justus Wit- Feature Society and in the School of Spiritual Science. tich (as publisher), Sebastian Jüngel (as editor) 16 Trigon Foundation: KunstSchauDepot - a centre for anthroposophical art 2 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18

■ Editorial ■ anthroposophy worldwide

Irland: Exploring Hibernia conference Dear readers, Exploring Hibernia in this edition, too, you will find diverse, sometimes oppositional, ways of looking Hosted by the Anthroposophical Society at the same occurrence. Does this have to in Ireland, but a joint working with the surprise or even annoy us? In the German Romanian and Swiss Societies, what was newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung (19/20/21 in effect a research gathering took place May 2018) the British Indian writer Salman on Inis Mor, an island off the west coast Rushdie claims that «in the nineteenth of Ireland, 13–15 April, attended by some century, there was relatively wide-spread 60 souls from Ireland, Switzerland, Ro- consensus in the West regarding the nature mania and the usa. of truth». Today, he continues, it falls to the writers to «establish communication on The content of the lectures was of such a reality between author and reader». Editors richness depth and breadth that it is al- have a similar task. most impossible to convey it to someone A coast of Inis Mór Speaking of literature: in the chapter who was not present. On the other hand, ‹The Indian Life› of his book The Glass Bead three themes merit drawing attention to Game, the German author Hermann Hesse because they were not self-evident at the certain culmination within the Deed of deals with the relationship between in- outset, when planning the gathering, when Rudolf Steiner, enacted as it was through ner reality and outer events. Dasa’s life the speakers prepared without cross-refer- the refounding of the Anthroposophical unfolds in an escalation of tragic events encing with one another, or in the material Society at the 1923 Christmas Conference. until he reaches the lowest point and re- when presented. It wells up within that event, giving rise to alizes, shocked and relieved at the same financial and legal subtleties that a future time, that «all that crowded reality had Culminating in the humanity will one day look back upon with been a dream!» Images contain reality. The Christmas Conference wonder. They will see the extent to which question is ‘what reality?’ Could this con- The first was the huge span of history from Rudolf Steiner understood the rights life flict of views be the chance to see more the Fifth Atlantean period to the current and economic life of our times in a depth reality – precisely because of the diver- Fifth Post-Atlantean period, and the mo- that few today seem to have any inkling of. sity of viewpoints - than one would see if mentum that such a journey gives rise to there was uniform, possibly only imagined, and on which, as it were, one can ride out to Foundation Stone and Building consensus? Could it be that consensus de- meet the incoming, and at times inrushing, Ignore this aspect of the Christmas Confer- pends less on unity and more on respect future. For the anthroposophical movement ence or eclipse it with earthly organisa- for multiple approaches to life and to has a date with destiny, which it is not sure tional methods, and the risk is great that the implementation of anthroposophy? that it will be able to meet. Separated from the Anthroposophical Movement – neither | Sebastian Jüngel the ‹deed of Rudolf Steiner› for which the unto itself nor as representative of wider Christmas Conference provided the vehicle, humanity – will not find its way out of the it is unclear if the logic currently guiding it is cul-de-sac in which it seemingly currently Anthroposophy Worldwide appears ten times a year, is distributed by the national Anthroposoph- from this or the other side of the threshold, finds itself. It is perhaps a mystery in its ical Societies, and appears as a supplement to from earthly organisational concepts or own right that so few people seem to have the weekly ‹Das Goetheanum› Publisher General those that informed Rudolf Steiner’s actions. noticed this dimension of Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophical Society, represented by Justus The second was the context that this vast Deed, focusing in the main instead on the Wittich Editors Sebastian Jüngel (responsible for panorama gave to more close-to facets, Foundation Stone Meditation, rather than this edition), Michael Kranawetvogl (responsible for the Spanish edition), Margot M. Saar (respon- in this case the destinies of the ‘building’ erected on it. In English it is sible for the English edition), Proofreader for the and Marie Steiner. Not as personalities clear that a foundation stone is at the base English edition: Amadeus Bodenstein. Address with the frailty of anyone who is touched of a building. In this case the ‹building› is Wochenschrift ‹Das Goetheanum›, Postfach, by or touches history, but as examples of the Anthroposophical Society as bearer of 4143 , Switzerland, Fax +41 61 706 44 65, the complexity and fraughtness of hu- the School of Spiritual Science. [email protected] Correspondents/ news agency Jürgen Vater (Sweden), News Net- manity’s karma, – from which no one can But those few will eventually multiply, for work Anthroposophy (nna). We expressly wish expect to be immune. to deny or not recognize a deed does not for active support and collaboration. Subscrip- The third theme, and perhaps the most refute or undo it. It just delays the moment tions To receive ‹Anthroposophy Worldwide› important one for our times, was the way when its true leaves replace the cotyledons. please apply to the Anthroposophical Society in in which the inherent logic and purpose Key in this process is for the roots to reach your country. Alternatively, individual subscrip- of the initiation process, especially à la Hi- the water table, as it were, for then with tions are available at chf 30 (eur/us$ 30) per year. An e-mail version is available to members bernia, evolves with supreme consistency, the fullness of time the sun cross will be- of the Anthroposophical Society only at www. albeit ‹accommodating› the incisions of come by red roses enwreathed. | Christopher goetheanum.org/630.html?L=1 © 2017 General the many spiritual battles along the way. Houghton Budd, Folkestone (gb), treasurer Anthroposophical Society, Dornach, Switzerland And how this logic and purpose finds a of the Anthroposophical Society in Ireland Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18 | 3

■ Goetheanum

Goetheanum Leadership Second letter to the Members In its second letter after the 2018 Annual General Meeting the Goetheanum Leadership provides information on the transition period until its summer retreat on 11 and 12 June. Some questions are still open. A decision that has been taken is that there will be a fresh start for Faust.

Dear Members,

The weeks after the Annual General Meet- Involving the members worldwide ing have been extremely intense at the At present we are receiving many urgent Goetheanum. The non-affirmation of a fur- messages regarding the possibility of how, ther term of office of Paul Mackay and Bodo in the future, members of our Society dis- von Plato raises the question with many tributed around the world can be appropri- members near and far, above all also among ately involved in decisions of the General the co-workers at the Goetheanum, as to Assembly, e.g. in the reaffirming of Council how work will continue after the agreed members, amendments to the statutes or transitional period. The previously well- the membership subscriptions. The Goethe- established in-house operations, as well as anum Leadership has now mandated Ger- the connections all over the world need to ald Häfner (Head of Social Sciences Section) be reorganized. After our first report of 13 and Justus Wittich (Member of the Execu- Many questions regarding the future: the Goetheanum in transition April (see Anthroposophy Worldwide 5/2018) tive Council) to launch a process by the end there now follows a second letter, allowing of June that will lead to proposals for new you to participate in the further progress. forms of participation. These can then be (assistant producer), Eduardo Torres (direc- discussed, and possibly decided upon, at tor of ), Agnes Zehnter (artistic New appointments the 2019 Annual General Meeting. speech coach), Stefan Hasler (director) and of mandates and tasks The General Anthroposophical Society, Nils Frischknecht (production manager). The Executive Council and the Goetheanum as it exists today and has developed on a Management and operational meetings Leadership have defined a clearly struc- worldwide scale, should be visible and re- We also want to mention that the in- tured process for all upcoming changes. flected right down to the statutes. Involved house organization of the Goetheanum has The outcomes of these analyses, evalua- in this from the outset are the nineteen been through various stages of develop- tions and decision-making processes are General Secretaries, representing eighteen ment and upheaval since the agm. Therefore, still open in many areas, but the process country societies on five continents. At the the newly established management team: is progressing steadily. At present, we still same time, the interaction with the other Stefan Hasler, Justus Wittich and, until June, assume that the new appointments of fourteen country societies (with less than Paul Mackay, is now dealing with the inter- mandates and tasks for all management 500 members) is being intensified this year. departmental work processes within the areas will be finalized on 11 and 12 June at organization. A weekly operational meeting the retreat of the Goetheanum Leadership. A fresh start for Faust with ten carrying co-workers ensures the In the deliberations it is clear that the An important decision has been made re- interface of the eleven sections and the determination of the future leadership garding the intended next performance of house management with the leadership. of the General Anthroposophical Section Faust, scheduled for 2020. There will not Finally, there have been a number of within our School of Spiritual Science is a be a modified repeat of Christian Peter’s changes within the co-worker body, as part particular challenge. Related to this are the production of 2016/17. In discussion with all of this development process. For example, questions of profile, the current themes the participants of the stage ensemble and Martin Zweifel, the long-standing head of and focus of the research of this section, Goetheanum Leadership – as expressed in a the Building Administration who was in which is important for the overall develop- letter of the responsible mandate group – it recent years also responsible for the suc- ment of the School. All this will be hard to became clear «that it is not productive to cessful renovation of the Goetheanum, was clarify in the four weeks leading up to the stand in the past and at the same time want elected by the Municipal Council on May retreat. Nevertheless, here too we stand by something new.» In this respect, there is 1st 2018 as director of the Construction Ad- our decision regarding all the tasks at the now a complete restart! Due to a lack of ministration of Dornach. We congratulate Goetheanum: the management mandates resources for a large-scale project, there him warmly and thank him for the great will be reassigned at the June retreat. In the will be a shorter version in 2020 with «high- achievements of recent years. In the coming interim, Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato lighted accents of important aspects of the months we will now reorganize our Build- continue to carry out their previous respon- content». The production team which has ing Administration department. | For the sibilities within the currently responsible come together consists of Andrea Pfaehler Goetheanum Leadership Ueli Hurter and Collegium of the Sections. (for drama production), Isabelle Fortagne Justus Wittich. English by Joan Sleigh 4 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18

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Switzerland several years have had themes related to the Respecting, understanding Christmas Conference 1923/24; in our partici- pation in other events at the Goetheanum; and implementing the results in our regular meetings and discussions; in The Council of the Anthroposophical Society in Switzerland explained its views regard- our commitment to art at the Goetheanum; ing the vote in its newsletter Anthroposophie – Schweizer Mitteilungen. The statement etc. However, that does not mean we are in also expresses willingness for continued support of the Goetheanum and working to- agreement with everything, or that we must gether with the Executive Council. necessarily agree with everything. We view an independent and critical dialogue on dif- We have received numerous letters since during the meeting, it was obvious to us that ficult issues as the kind of help the Goethea- the Annual General Meeting of the Gen- we should not enter into the debates about num currently needs. No one is served by an eral Anthroposophical Society and the vote the pros and cons. unconditional loyalty paralyzed by continual that did not reaffirm Paul Mackay and Bodo In preparing for the February 2018 Annual concern about an imminent loss of harmony von Plato, two former members of the Ex- General Meeting of the Anthroposophical or a «split». We can read about this in the ecutive Council. These letters addressed Society in Switzerland we had already con- work of Rudolf Steiner when he hoped for the situation, and some were quite conten- sciously decided that questions about reaf- more attentiveness and co-responsibility, tious. We would like to offer a response here, firming the Dornach Executive Council mem- more individuality and less group pressure or if only in brief. bers would not be on the agenda during the group identity in regard to situations like this. As we reported in the last issue of the members’ meeting or the annual conference. Swiss Society’s newsletter, we –along with This was done to avoid any electioneering Favoring a new course all the other leadership groups in the An- and leave members free in the way indicated Our members who have followed and ac- throposophical Society and the School for earlier. We did respond to individual inquiries companied our work in recent years are Spiritual Science – were asked at the end of and, of course, we shared our thoughts—but aware of situations in which we have repre- October 2017 for our view about a possible we were careful to make clear that these sented critical views: We did not agree with 7-year extension of the mandates for Paul were our own, individual thoughts. Council the dismissal of the highly talented Mirela Mackay and Bodo von Plato. They had already members also have a duty to decide honestly, Faldey, or with the concept for creating a served for 22 years and 17 years respectively, based on knowledge and conscience – and «museum at the Goetheanum». We repeat- and we did not recommend this further ex- each of us did just that. edly asked for a clearer representation of tension after such a long time. Instead, we anthroposophy – in the public arena as well. advocated for new beginnings. Each of us Respect and cooperation We went through difficult crises during the offered our own reasons individually and We found the procedure of surveying the attempt at a joint edition of a book on the these were met with respect. Why else responsible groups and committees and then Representative of Humanity. And in various would opinions be solicited from colleagues? the members to be eminently fair. Despite other situations we advocated for a differ- claims to the contrary at the Annual General ent anthroposophical direction. We have No electioneering Meeting and in later publications and letters kept our members informed about all these We intentionally did not approach our Swiss we have a good working relationship with matters during our member and delegate members with our own thoughts about the the Dornach Executive Council and many meetings. One of the many consequences of question of a renewed, extended mandate individuals in the Goetheanum Leadership. these situations was Marc Desaules’ with- because we – as Council members – were We have consistently asked members of the drawal from the meetings of the so-called asked for our personal views, and we neither Goetheanum Executive Council and the lead- extended Executive Council. could nor would speak for the entire mem- ership of the Sections to speak at the annual Nevertheless we viewed it as improper to bership in which there are, of course, various conference of the Swiss Society. These invita- enter into debates over such underlying is- experiences, ideas, and hopes. tions were accepted and the contributions sues during our meetings or even during the In 2011, when the Goetheanum Executive were quite substantive – as our members recent Annual General Meeting. We would Council put forward a new by-law that re- can attest. Justus Wittich, Matthias Girke, not have viewed reaffirmation of the two quires reaffirmation of Executive Council Joan Sleigh, Johannes Kühl, Johannes Wirz, Executive Council members as any kind of members every 7 years, it was the wish and Florian Oswald, and Gerald Häfner have all catastrophe, and we would have carried on will of that Executive Council to strengthen spoken at our recent conferences. with our cooperative work. However, we did not only the leadership groups of the Society We greatly respect the devoted work being feel that we were free to vote against a con- and the School, but the sense of responsibil- done at the Goetheanum during a difficult tinued period of service and for setting a new ity among the members as well. The Annual political and economic-social period world- course. We did so, taking full responsibility. General Meeting is without doubt the place wide—and we take an active part in that Given that this was a democratic en- where the members can fulfil their respon- work. Because of our physical closeness to deavor, we have been deeply disturbed by sibility in this regard. In our view, members the Goetheanum ours is a more active role how we have been characterized both dur- must be completely free in casting their bal- than that of any other national society. This ing and after the meeting. A present-day lots, i.e., free to vote based on their personal is evident in our large February conferences Goetheanum Executive Council – not Ru- knowledge and conscience alone. Before and at the Goetheanum which during the last dolf Steiner – introduced the reaffirmation Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18 | 5

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Switzerland of Executive Council members. As we noted earlier, the Executive Council sought a greater Open discussion sense of shared responsibility from the mem- bers. Prior to the Annual General Meeting it Because of the turbulences caused by the General Anthroposophical Society’s became apparent that the leadership groups 2018 Annual General Meeting the Council in Switzerland felt called upon to of the Society and the School were largely in invite, at short notice, all leading representatives of the Swiss Anthroposophi- agreement with another seven-year term for cal Society to its delegate conference on 28 April in Bern in order to discuss the Paul MacKay and Bodo von Plato – but that situation. And it found support. objections from some were being dismissed. This was also very clearly expressed during the The fact that the two Executive Council the few shrill voices had been balanced by meeting. Despite what was reported to be the members Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato hundreds of calmly reflected statements. view of the leadership groups, the majority of were not reaffirmed at the General -An the participants at the Annual General Meeting throposophical Society’s agm in March has New quality of dialogue voted otherwise. These were people who came elicited strong reactions in Switzerland too. Quite a few expressed their joy – despite to the Goetheanum from many countries be- The Council of the Anthroposophical Soci- their consternation – at the tangible greater cause of a sense of great personal involvement; ety in Switzerland therefore changed the openness that was reflected in the greater thus the conference itself was not just «Swiss». agenda for its delegate conference at the participation of members and branches in These members wanted something different Bern Rudolf Steiner School and invited all the now changing situation at the Goethea- based on their own experiences and expecta- members in responsible positions (branch num. Some spoke of the positive and open tions. These members who were present and leaders, delegates, representatives) in order conversations the branches around the competent form the foundation of the Society. to clarify the situation. Goetheanum have had with the Executive Council after the agm, before and now with Working for the future Foundations of judgement Justus Wittich and Joan Sleigh, which seem Enormous pressure has since been brought to The discussion was open and respectful, but to show that a new quality of dialogue can bear on the Swiss Council – which has been not without emotions. Individual members be cultivated to replace former procedures blamed for the decision not to reaffirm. This described their profound consternation at where the members were expected to nod view does not correspond in any way with what the discussions about the reaffirmation their approval of what was presented to actually took place. In addition, arguments that of Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato at the them. It became apparent that many of draw parallels between the deliberately tar- agm, the way this question was handled those present welcome the new situation as geted expulsions in 1935 and this unsuccessful in the Main Auditorium and the negative a chance for anthroposophical restructuring. bid for reaffirmation (instituted and requested atmosphere around the Goetheanum. Here The request to rejoin the extended by the individuals themselves) are specious. in Switzerland, too, the growing distance meetings of the Goetheanum Executive We would strongly reject these kinds of one- to Dornach played a part … The problem Council and strengthen the cooperation sided and objectively false interpretations of as to how one should vote on the involve- was welcomed by the Swiss Council. The the vote, and we completely understand the ment of individuals in an anthroposophi- cooperation, it was said, had never been irritation and dismay felt by many members. cal executive body was also touched on. interrupted and if their participation in Nonetheless when members are asked to On what foundations should any such the extended Executive Council meetings express their views, the outcome must be re- judgement be based? The Swiss Council at the Goetheanum was wished for they spected and understood, and efforts must be was asked whether it was maybe enjoying would be glad to accept. made to implement the resulting changes. It its critical role too much. The meeting expressed understanding for would be important to look at these events As the meeting went on, more and more the contradictory signals coming from the objectively and soberly, and to work decisively of the members present expressed their Goetheanum in recent weeks, given that it for the future. We will discuss the details of gratitude for the laudable conduct of the was first of all important to create continu- these circumstances with Branch representa- Council which had left the Swiss members ity for the Goetheanum and the Society in tives and friends during our forthcoming del- free to decide for themselves and for its ex- the transition period after the agm. The egate conference in Bern. Of course, we are also emplary statements on the events – even new allocation of tasks will soon take place. currently in conversation with the Goethea- though some of them will have voted differ- While people were not unanimous at num Executive Council about these matters. ently from the four Swiss Council members. the end of these discussions, they felt rec- | With cordial greetings, Marc Desaules, Clara Others pointed out that those living closer onciled and united in the wish to take on Steinemann, , Johannes Greiner to the Goetheanum were not simply nega- the future. Signs are pointing to coopera- tive; that they often felt a particularly close tion in all directions. | Konstanze Brefin Alt, From the Swiss Anthroposophical Society’s connection with the Goetheanum, but had Basel (ch) Newsletter Anthroposophie – Schweizer Mit- also been through difficult experiences, for teilungen 5/2018, p. 9. Translated into English instance when it came to artistic questions by Marguerite and Douglas Miller From an article published in the newslet- or the Goetheanum’s staff policy. Others ter of the Anthroposophical Society in Swit- again did not find that the mood at the zerland (Schweizer Mitteilungen), 6/2018, abridged by the author. agm had been all that negative, seeing that 6 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18

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Netherlands A question of perspective In Anthroposophy Worldwide 5/2018 Peter Selg explained the position of the Swiss Anthroposophical Society’s Council with regard to the re-affirmation of Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato. Jaap Sijmons, the General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in the Netherlands, adds his view on the matter.

I would like to add a few points to Peter be the end of the anthroposophical cause Selg’s presentation in Anthroposophy in the world». Of course, that is not what Worldwide 5/2018. As a personal statement I think and it is not what I said either; nor it needs to be accepted as presented to can I remember any of my colleagues saying the readers: his joy at the rehabilitation anything of the kind. It is nonsense, really, of Ita Wegman and , for but it shows what I believe to have been the instance, and his irritation that this was case which is that Peter Selg – and possibly overshadowed by the emotions vented the entire Swiss Council – did not really hear because of the non-affirmation of Paul what I (and I believe most of the general Jaap Sijmons during the 2018 Mackay and Bodo von Plato as Executive secretaries) actually said. Because it is not Annual Conference and agm Council members. I think that many will so much about anthroposophy in the world. share these sentiments. Anthroposophy is there and will find its way. aelmas 2016 as well as in the conception and realization of the «target images». His As much honest Practice-oriented connections with institutions – not only information as possible Many individuals and institutions who wish Weleda – are an important aspect. Peter Selg stated that the reaffirmation to work out of anthroposophy do not nec- Bodo von Plato’s ability to enter into after seven years could have been better essarily want to do this in connection with dialogue with people, however different prepared: with an in-depth statement of the Sections (as Rudolf Steiner wished). The their views, to build bridges not only to past activities and future plans. This is a rea- question is whether enough people can anthroposophical friends worldwide but to sonable thought, but it comes somewhat connect with the Anthroposophical Society. other cultures generally, is an indispensable late. The Swiss Council stated as early as This is what the Goetheanum Leader- asset, particularly in guarding against the November 2017 – when preparations were ship, together with the general secretaries, accusation of sectarianism. still in full swing – that it was not in favour has been working towards for some years: I will keep this short, but it has not of the reaffirmation. Better procedures may the three «target images» serve above all been appreciated enough that the Ex- have been desirable, but would obviously to rekindle the impulse of the Christmas ecutive Council and the Goetheanum not have made a difference in this case. Conference of 1923/1924 in our time and Leadership – after lengthy and complex Peter Selg points out above all how to illustrate how relevant the Goetheanum consultations – wished for an extended taken aback he was at the «vehement ar- as a School of Spiritual Science is to the term in office for Paul Mackay and Bodo guments» put forward by some general areas of practice. This makes the Anthro- von Plato because they believed in a secretaries and country representatives posophical Society so important for the fruitful cooperation (which is not neces- during the Óagm. This revealed, he said, a anthroposophical movement. sarily one expected to be smooth) that dangerous tendency towards «collective We, as «functionaries», must be con- would stand up to the difficult tasks opinion-forming». As a general secretary I cerned when we have the impression ahead. How can hearing these clear and feel this may have been aimed at me, given that the Society is focusing too much on reasonable arguments set out by several that I went on the stage because I felt I had itself and its history, and then they even speakers be «collective opinion-forming»? to inform the members (and what would argue amongst themselves. Which (young) have been better, in the spirit of Ita We- modern person would wish to join it un- Respecting other views gman, than presenting as much honest der these circumstances? (Some young I am sorry that the Swiss Council feels it has information as possible from all sides?) people even said as much on the Saturday to defend itself. But I’m also sorry that it, in One can, of course, not contradict a morning during the agm). my opinion, withdrew from the discussion feeling and I won’t even try to do that. But This is – in my view – why we need an to a certain extent, so that Peter Selg feels the actual perspective presented by some Executive Council and a Goetheanum Lead- called upon to say in his contribution that «functionaries», myself included, can easily ership that can draw from cooperation and there were no clear reasons for the argu- be overlooked. And therefore I cannot let from mutually complementing strengths. ment put forward (by me). Peter Selg’s statement go unchallenged or Paul Mackay is one of the architects and I do respect that one can also see things leave it there as the final word on the matter. main implementers of the Goetheanum in differently, but if one withdraws from dia- It seems like a strawman argument, as if Development project; he has been involved logue one cannot accuse others of collectiv- pressure had been exerted by me or my col- in the preparation of and invitations for the ism. | Jaap Sijmons, general secretary of the leagues saying that non-affirmation «would Goetheanum World Conference at Mich- Anthroposophical Society in the Netherlands Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18 | 7

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Readers’ letters on the 2018 Annual General Meeting Volleys of bitter accusations from every- More members’ voices where – how are we to understand this? Could it be a lack of «insight», particularly The consequences of and responses to the non-affirmation at the 2018 agm con- on the part of those who live further afield? tinue to be the subject-matter of letters to the editor of Anthroposophy Worldwide. A lack that casts a shadow on the de- While the main topics in Anthroposophy Worldwide 5/2018 were the consternation cision-making process? How do people and concerns regarding the future of the Anthroposophical Society, the present is- around the globe come by the knowledge sue focuses on the reasons for the result and the effect of some responses. they need? Shining visions are not enough. But if the factual foundations for making decisions are missing, our heart force will Practising how to what they are encouraging. also go astray. How can it know if and • Sue Simpson from New Zealand was where word and deed are no longer one, deal with democracy particularly clear in this respect, even but are drifting apart? Could it be that not A few years ago a procedure was introduced speaking of «working for instead of only the most streams are emanating for the affirmation of Executive Council against something». Did those who from the Goetheanum, however much we members. Yet, the fact that two members voted ‘no’, in using the possibility to wish they were (see the carefully written were not reaffirmed at the end of March led make a free decision to the best of their testimonies of Sergei Prokofieff and Peter to a sense of helplessness and a few quite belief, work against something in what Selg, for instance). emotional responses. This is not surprising, was implied to be a bad way? Do we not have to live knowing that drift- since the Executive Council had wished • In Anthroposophy Worldwide 4/2018, ing apart is possible, always and anywhere for and recommended the reaffirmation, page 11, Constanza Kaliks already (with a sidelong glance at our own soul) broadly supported by the Section lead- seemed to suggest, I believe, that and that social life is always about making ers and so on, and had already planned those who voted ‘No’ have incurred an effort to bring the «drifting boat» back accordingly. Does this mean that the reaf- guilt («the remedy … is forgiveness»). from shallow to safer waters? The exten- firmation was not originally envisaged as Is this how one sees a membership sive information that many people have a democratic instrument and most people vote at the Goetheanum? And rightly? devoted themselves to faithfully in years had not been well enough informed of this? • In the same article Constanza Kaliks of quiet work (without glossy rewards) are I don’t know. writes of agreements needing to be also part of this task. I assume that some At any rate, the members present kept and that such an agreement had would no longer judge the difficult events thought independently – as explicitly been made in the Executive Council at the Goetheanum so harshly if such quiet demanded and promoted by anthroposo- etc. – those involved clearly did not efforts which strengthen our overall con- phy – and a majority arrived at a result that consider that a majority in the Main sciousness were more visible or known. differed from what the Executive Council Auditorium would feel free to ignore In the end we all know that true harmony expected. What shocks me now, after read- the recommendations from above, can only blossom when we act selflessly out ing Anthroposophy Worldwide 4/2018 and that, in other words, such binding of our love for the truth, in the constant joint 5/2018, is this: agreements should only be made af- striving to bring light to all the work on our ter the members have been consulted. earthly organism which is stifled by materi- • Parallels are constructed with Ita We- alism. Then young people, too, who are now gman and Elisabeth Vreede, whose I come to the conclusion that, in our missing harmony, will be able to see that exclusion was, however, an entirely Society, «democracy» – if it was intend- harmony does not appear by itself but needs different matter. ed – should either be abolished again or to be gained with ever deepening efforts. • «Absurd majority decisions» (without one needs to practise how to deal with it. May Rudolf Steiner’s universal spiritual a question mark) is the title the editors I am glad and grateful that the Swiss seed grow in all of us into future social gave to one contribution, even though Council was allowed to make a statement forms of living, kindling a fire in us, trans- one has the impression that it does in Anthroposophy Worldwide 5/2018, was forming us for a future brotherhood of all not really do justice to the present even invited to make it, and that Peter Selg humankind. | Maja Schmid, Kreuzlingen (ch) and generally known conditions for was given an entire page for this. the reaffirmation. I am equally happy about all other contribu- • Bodo von Plato and Paul Mackay, I tions that deserve to be called «factual» and New trust think I have read, were accused and «constructive». | Peter Gerber, Langnau (ch) On the one hand one hears members who sentenced without defence. If this wished to reaffirm the Council members choice of words is appropriate, I do speaking of division and separation, even believe that the two men have been New forms of living of shameful behaviour. With all respect for wronged. Was that really the case? Deep pain speaks out of many a reader’s compassionate souls: it is not the task of • Accusations are made of fractions, fac- letter. Incredible injustice appears to have Council members to hold leading positions, tions etc., and those who speak like been done. The freedom of others not re- but to devote their forces for the thriving that may not realize that this is exactly spected, no free spiritual life in Dornach? of the cultural impulse that should radiate 8 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18

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out from the Goetheanum, so that it can We therefore also found out that on 24 spirit of Anthroposophy and carry on with always be a noble source for those who March 2018, the day of the vote – particularly the genuine moral impulses and wisdom seek anthroposophy as a modern science of on Motion 1 – the number of members pres- that Rudolf Steiner shared with the world the spirit. For other members the outcome ent in the Main Auditorium had grown con- so that humanity would continue with its of 24 March is just right, because they saw a siderably. The figures mentioned in the re- spiritual evolution and rise from the abyss 15-million-Francs disaster and the Faust fias- port in Anthroposophy Worldwide confirm of materialism. co, to name but the most visible problems. this: we are informed that, when the agm The responsibility that weighs upon our So, there are serious concerns and there is began on 22 March, around 650 members shoulders is immense, and those who try to the hope that the great responsibility of the were in the Main Auditorium. On 24 March, attack our movement from the inside and Executive Council will move into a positive however, 937 votes were cast on Motion 1! cause chaos and hatred are in fact pushing direction again, with capable individuals. It had also become known before the towards the destruction of humanity. I am When it comes to the Goetheanum and ballot that there was considerable resis- aware that people might dislike this last the task of representing Rudolf Steiner’s tance in the Anthroposophical Society in sentence, but it is just the truth, and the spiritual science in a dignified manner in our Switzerland to extending Paul Mackay’s truth needs to be spoken and not get hidden. time, we must strive for factual knowledge. and Bodo von Plato’s terms in office. We If we want to defend this precious spiri- At annual general meetings the community at the Sophia Branch have received the tual movement we need to be awake and of members meets the individuals who impression that the rejection of Motion fully aware of the «beings» and «forces» have responsibility and are expected to 1 was mostly the result of votes cast by that want to take away and silence the justify their actions. Then it is up to the members of the Swiss Society or by people light and voice of the spirit. Because causing members to consider their reports, or the living in and around Dornach. Can it be chaos, hatred and division is in fact the best fact that there aren’t any, earnestly and possible that issues regarding the global and most effective way to do that. factually and either grant or deny the can- Society are largely decided by members Democracy has no place in a spiritual didates a further term in office. living close to Dornach? movement, in fact, democracy opens the If the sentient soul, which is all too easily If there is to be a vote, a way must be gates of evil because in this earthly world influenced by sympathy/antipathy, inter- found of ensuring that all anthroposophists truly wise people are always a minority. feres with our contemplations, we are at worldwide are being taken into account. | Nicolas Olmos, Maria Pinto (cl) risk of not founding our decisions on factual We would like to thank Paul Mackay and knowledge. Two Council members leaving Bodo von Plato warmly for their untiring the leadership group is a great challenge, in commitment as members of the Anthro- Exerting influence itself and for the Goetheanum community. posophical Society’s Executive Council. I have read Peter Selg’s comments on the I hope that the new organ of responsibil- | Jochen Jahn und Christian Michaelis-Braun, 2018 Annual General Meeting with inter- ity will inform the members better about Sophia Branch, Mühlheim-Oberhausen (de) est. His proposal that Council members existing tasks and developments so that expecting to be reaffirmed should in future they can judge for themselves. present proper statements of their past We have shaped the past together, and The dignity of activities and future plans: smug but ap- we need to face the consequences together. the human being propriate in principle. His criticism of the Let us therefore decide together to give general secretaries for trying to promote new trust to each other so that we can take What a paradox! Ita Wegman and Elisabeth the two Council members: ok! But why well-considered steps towards the future. Vreede are rehabilitated while two other does the Council of the Anthroposophical | Alice Huber, Romanshorn (ch) Council members are expelled on the same Society in Switzerland, of which Peter Selg day. Did the ways of our movement really is a member, not take this to heart, but change or is everything just a lie? declares, as we learn from the lead para- Untiring commitment It is extremely worrisome to say the graph, in the same meeting through Marc In our branch we trusted that the 2018 agm least that on the verge of world chaos the Desaules how the Swiss Council thinks would proceed appropriately even in our anthroposophical movement is behaving about the extension of mandates, exerting absence, because we knew that Motion 1 in like this. We should be acting towards the immense influence on the Swiss members particular (the extension of Paul Mackay’s realization of harmony; we should create by doing so? Is that worthy of the Society? and Bodo von Plato’s terms in office) had spaces for human dignity, for moral awak- | Wolfgang-M. Auer, Vidar-Zweig Bochum (de) been agreed by the Executive Council, the ening and self-improvement. But instead Goetheanum Leadership and the General we are witnessing how people act out of Secretaries’ Conference. personal preferences, inspired by their blind General wish to In mid-March one of our branch mem- desires while affecting and damaging the renew our Society? bers decided to travel to Dornach none- whole of our society. theless, which meant that, in addition to When personal interests prevail, the gen- After reading and rereading and ponder- the reports in Anthroposophy Worldwide uine spiritual endeavors are destroyed. We ing on the statements in Anthroposophy 4/2018, we received a personal impression can only hope that an increasing number Worldwide 5/2018, the following questions of the meeting. of members will stay true to the original came up: is the non-affirmation connected Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18 | 9

■ antroposophical society

with these two, quite different, individuals in particular (and what, in this case, are the concrete criteria)? Or are the actual reasons for this outcome the sign of a general wish to renew our Society? Should/could the general secretaries in this case (or after every Dornach agm) visit various cities in their countries and discuss any upcoming questions directly with as any members as possible? Might such an interim solution be a conceivable way of actively informing the members worldwide?| Margareta Habekost, Helsinki (fi) Treasurers Venue for the global treasurers’ conference: Rudolf Steiner House London We received more letters than could be Annual meeting printed here. In order to include as many views as possible priority has been given of all treasurers and a new initiative was born. Marc De- to shorter contributions. | Sebastian Jüngel At their meeting on 21 March 2018 at the saules, the treasurer of the Anthroposophi- Goetheanum, the treasurers of the vari- cal Society in Switzerland, suggested 9 and ous Anthroposophical Societies decided 10 November 2018 for the first such trea- that, from 2018, all treasurers will meet surers’ meeting. Everyone present agreed once a year in order to discuss financial with this date. All treasurers worldwide are questions effectively. explicitly invited to this meeting. The idea is Three summer not that of a meeting of a few treasurers (of events at the During a meeting of treasurers chaired by four Anthroposophical Societies in Europe), Justus Wittich and Oliver Conradt in the which already exists, but of a worldwide Goetheanum run-up to the 2018 agm at the Goethea- meeting for all treasurers without excep- num, Klaus Bohne, the treasurer of the tion. This invitation also includes Justus For the first time the Goetheanum Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain, Wittich (Executive Council) and Oliver Con- will host a meeting of Rom­ance- suggested that all treasurers should meet radt (Goetheanum Leadership). speaking countries: once a year independently of the general Coordinator Oliver Conradt secretaries. In 2018 this meeting should be Alma Humana held at Rudolf Steiner House in London, the I would like to use this occasion to thank (The human soul), from 7 to 11 July. world’s financial centre. Justus Wittich for his valuable support of this proposal – and Oliver Conradt for his This meeting is the result of a The role of the treasurer cooperation with general secretar- help in the matter. Oliver took on the role ies/ country representatives and The proposal was prompted by the thought of coordinator and said he would contact Council members of the countries that, given the Anthroposophical Society’s all treasurers worldwide in order to make in question (Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian – and massive financial difficulties, the role of the meeting possible. English): www.goetheanum.org/ treasurer seems to be as important today The extremely difficult financial situation i8727.html as that of the general secretary and that of the Goetheanum and of most Anthro- separate treasurers’ meetings are abso- posophical Societies worldwide makes this The youth conference lutely necessary in order to address these meeting of all treasurers essential and I Becoming Human problems. The treasurers, he added, had the hope very much that many of my col- will take place from 14 to 18 July: expertise required to discuss and decide on leagues will attend it. www.becominghuman2018.com financial questions effectively. If you have any practical questions re- Another colleague added that treasurers garding this meeting please contact Oliver The conference Rudolf Steiner’s have the responsibility to make difficult Conradt as the coordinator. I am also happy Mystery Dramas financial decisions and that it would be to answer any questions you might have. Around the World. more efficient if they could discuss financial | Klaus Bohne, treasurer of the Anthropo- Performing, Experiencing & Ex- matters among themselves. A separate sophical Society in Great Britain ploring Destiny Community, from 21 to 25 July, shows scenes from treasurers’ meeting would therefore facili- the Mystery Dramas presented by tate targeted discussions that could focus Contact persons ensembles from many countries: on the financial situation of the General www.goetheanum.org/8690.html [email protected] Anthroposophical Society worldwide. [email protected] (Klaus Bohne) Both proposals were unanimously carried 10 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18

■ School Of Spiritual Science

The editors: Christiane Haid, Seija Zimmermann, Constanza Kaliks

of Spiritual Science only became consolidat- ed in the last twenty to thirty years, when the Sections really began to work together. Haid The basic underlying idea of the Christmas Conference of 1923/1924 with re- gard to the Sections was not really put into practice until the 1980s, and then thanks to Jörgen Smit and Manfred Schmidt-Brabant. In 1995, at Michaelmas, Michaela Glöckler organized the first conference during which all the Sections presented themselves to Book on the history and research of the Sections the members. In the 1960s the performing Knowledge that shapes reality arts and the Mystery Dramas, Faust and ways of celebrating annual festivals were For the first time a book has been published that explores the history and research of given priority. That the Sections include the Sections at the Goetheanum (without the Section for Social Sciences). The book the spheres of life (the fields of applied also explains the tasks of the Sections, which include basic research, its application and anthroposophy) is a new step. verification through practice research as well as ways of making it effective in society. Zimmermann We also realized that the School of Spiritual Science has a place Sebastian Jüngel You are the editors of demic world has – but in an extended and within the academic landscape. this book. You have studied and earned complemented form, because we are inter- doctorates at universities. What did you ested in entirely new questions and in the The evolving human being learn from that? totality of the subjects. Haid What is needed for this is a height- Seija Zimmermann That research is hard Haid In the context of our work in the ened interest in each other, not least in or- work. And that one is part of an ongoing Goetheanum Leadership this means that der to avoid isolation, or excluding oneself process in one’s subject. Each subject has its we all widen our horizon because we are from current developments. With regard particular culture of discourse where con- working together from our diverse ways to anthroposophy, we must find ways of troversies are argued out. It is my heart’s of looking at the world and, for this, each being productive so that its many inher- wish to overcome the antipathy towards of us needs to let go to an extent of her ent ideas can be creatively developed and academic study. Rudolf Steiner was sur- own subject. Since 2008, our joint artistic pursued. Research – both academic and rounded by highly educated people, some activities (eurythmy and art contempla- anthroposophical – is about innovation of whom – like Hermann Beckh – held two tion) have played an important role in this, and cultural-spiritual progress. doctorates. too. The meditative path of the School of Jüngel Is the perspective of the spiritual Constanza Kaliks In academic studies one Spiritual Science is a central, constituent question one of the differences? learns to deal with ways of thinking and part of this for each of us. Knowledge and Kaliks Yes. Anthroposophy is about human with principles, and that there are founda- esoteric practice are brought together. beings in relation to the cosmos, about hu- tions of knowledge which can help you to Jüngel Where do you see differences be- man evolution, about reality in all its facets. find out what you need to know in order tween the academic and the anthropo- But the questions of anthroposophy are not to understand. At the same time you learn sophical approach? necessarily exclusive or unique, because about the consequences of seeking partici- Haid In the School of Spiritual Science we natural science is also interested in the hu- pating knowledge. have many approaches and a direct link to man being. Depending on one’s perspective Christiane Haid What I find essential is the practical application. This can be a challenge the approach might change, for instance awareness of methods and the ability to when it comes to methodology, an aspect when one includes elements of life. The use differentiate between multiple ways of that was one of the reasons for producing of mantras in the First Class of the School accessing a topic. One is required to con- this book. The book documents how differ- of Spiritual Science is also an essential basis. sider diverse approaches, reflect on them, ent the anthroposophical approaches are. Haid They provide a holistic approach that establish a distance to oneself and get to «Different» does not mean arbitrary, how- is, initially, without specialization. In ar- know the wider context and content. ever: we try to present the approaches so eas like philology or philosophy spiritual that they can be understood. Because of the questions also play a part, but previously Equal access, practical relevance complexity of this task we had to hold back established boundaries first need to be Jüngel Are information and the rejection with the methodology question. We started overcome there. The question as to the of dogmas a concern you share? with historical outlines – as a basis for the spirit is constituent to the School of Spiri- Zimmermann We have in the School of question of methods, which remains open. tual Science. The way it is posed illustrates Spiritual Science everything that the aca- Zimmermann We realized that the School the connection between the physical and Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18 | 11

■ School Of Spiritual Science

the spiritual reality as a developmental Haid It became clear to me how much the question and as a task in all spheres of life. Anthroposophical Society has achieved – a Zimmermann It is all about being open, and fact it is often not aware of. As the bearer about being aware of signs and directions of the School of Spiritual Science it has, for that might change the way the question is ninety years – and with the help of donations, asked. Anthroposophy can provide unique legacies and contributions from institutions concepts to any question of evolution. and foundations – facilitated a free spiri- tual life without the influence of economic Platform for particular questions interests and without state funding. This Kaliks The School of Spiritual Science sees school – and that is a unique feature – ex- knowledge as something that shapes reality. clusively serves the inner human being in Haid The arts are an essential element of its relationship with the spiritual world. experience because they widen the way we look at things. They convey immediate Science and sensitivity results that need to be addressed. Jüngel Are you working together at a dif- Jüngel: The historical outlines presented in of knowledge. Not all knowledge is ready- ferent level within the School of Spiritual the book give the impression that research made. The Youth Section, for instance, can Science compared to academic institu- in the School of Spiritual Science used to find much in Christiane Haid’s book Auf tions – as a foundation for spiritual research, be more classically academic in the past der Suche nach dem Menschen (In search for instance? than it is today. of the Human Being), which is about an- Haid The School shapes destinies in a Haid Ita Wegman had a large circle of throposophical youth and student work. In way – as a precondition for individuals to co-workers with whom she did research. addition, I learned more about individual enter this context. Controversy is fruitful worked more for himself, personalities and how they were part of for each specialist field. Working in self-suf- doing research and writing poetry. At the their time. In the Youth Section particularly, ficient groups does not bring you forward. moment the Sections at the Goetheanum current concerns have always been closely The question is how can one provide the focus more on bringing people together connected with those who are shaping the right soil for fruitful controversy? This brings and giving impulses; the research part of Section work together. In a way this is only us to a question of methodology: are we things needs to be strengthened – this is natural – but it also shows in which direc- prepared to be transparent in this respect? what we are working on. tion things want to move. Or are we defending a personal view, an ide- Kaliks Research is not only done at the ology? Science, professional expertise and Goetheanum today. There are research A karmic community spiritual sensitivity are closely connected. groups, for instance, on early years’ educa- Haid Rudolf Steiner was not interested in Zimmermann If you are not able to place tion or on the cultural inclusion of Waldorf establishing «abstract» specialist areas. your personal achievements into a wider Education. Dissertations are being written He chose the Section leaders quite delib- context you remain isolated. This is why on anthroposophical topics at universities erately – and the Sections form a karmic the capacity for dialogue is so important, in various countries. The Sections provide a community. The leader, or head, of a sec- and finding a language that is suited to your platform for particular questions. But there tion determined its way of working and subject-matter. You need to be interested is certainly still great potential for research. its main themes. Today, the horizons of in the questions of the world without los- Zimmermann Peter Heusser has made a the sections have become wider, because ing your own identity. It is a balancing act, contribution to the scientific discourse cooperation within and among the sections individually as well as for the community with his book Anthroposophy and Science. is more important. and there are no ready-made recipes. ● He demonstrates where Rudolf Steiner Zimmermann I had an aha moment when contributed to contemporary issues and I realized that what could be seen as a thereby – to come back to your initial ques- weakness of the School of Spiritual Sci- Contact person for ideas regarding fund- tion – created a foundation for anthroposo- ence compared to conventional academic ing for the planned English edition: Chris- phy to enter a stream of continuity – of institutions with their research and teach- tiane Haid, [email protected] academic continuity, too. Medicine is an- ing is not actually a weakness, but a new Christiane Haid, Constanza Kaliks, Seija other example. It was important for Rudolf approach to higher education. Zimmermann (eds): Goetheanum – Freie Steiner that anthroposophical physicians Kaliks As we were putting the book to- Hochschule für Geisteswissenschaft. Ge- had a mainstream medical qualification. gether, we spoke to each other about where schichte und Forschung der Sektionen, Today around 60 per cent of anthroposophi- we each stand in the research process on Dornach 2017. | Peter Heusser: Anthro- posophy and Science. An Introduction, cal physicians worldwide are specialists, the history of our Sections. This led to the New York 2016.| Christiane Haid: Auf which means that anthroposophic doctors Goetheanum World Conference in 2016. der Suche nach dem Menschen. Die meet high academic standards. The community-building did not remain anthroposophische Jugend- und Studen- Jüngel What new perspectives have opened restricted to ourselves, but led on to a more tenarbeit in den Jahren 1920 bis 1931 mit einem skizzenhaften Ausblick bis in die up for you due to this book? conscious perception and appreciation of Gegenwart, Dornach 2001. Kaliks The reality of becoming as a form the spheres of life. 12 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18

■ Goetheanum ■ School Of Spiritual Science

Goetheanum Leadership Annual class holders’ meeting World Goetheanum How to deal with the mantras today Association founded uk Class Holders held their annual weekend meeting at Hawkwood College from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 April. This time, we were joined by Joan Sleigh from the Executive Council at the On 17 and 18 May 2018 leading represen- Goetheanum. As usual, Marjatta van Boeschoten, our General Secretary, also joined us as a guest. tatives of 75 firms and institutions and from self-employment gathered at the Goetheanum and founded the World Joan Sleigh began our work on Friday evening ping from the «outside world» into a place Goetheanum Association. by giving a free rendering of the Seventh Class where the Archangel Michael may be present. Lesson. This inspiring beginning, together with There are questions about who is entitled to According to its charter, the World Goethea- eurythmy with Ursula Browning the follow- introduce the content of the Lessons. In some num Association creates «a global forum ing day, working with motifs from the Lesson, places, a prepared contribution to a local group for the future of humanity and the earth». provided a foundation for a conversation on conversation is given by a member who is not It aims to provide an open space for en- Saturday evening. necessarily a Class Holder. A more radical step trepreneurs to share questions of associa- is being taken in one area, where sometimes tive economics and strengthen their links Esoteric content widely available a lesson is given by a member rather than a with the Goetheanum as the centre of the A major theme that Class Holders are currently Class Holder but always with a Class Holder School of Spiritual Science. concerned with is how the Michael School can present. In both cases, the principle being fol- According to Gerald Häfner, head of the move forward in a world where its esoteric con- lowed is that in a Michael community there is Section for Social Sciences, one of the As- tent is ever more widely available. Does Rudolf no hierarchy amongst members: all are equally sociation’s main tasks will be to promote Steiner’s warning still apply: that the School’s responsible and all are qualified. a culture based on brotherliness. For this it mantric verses lose their power if they are By the same token, members are free to was necessary «to achieve a connection be- possessed by people who have not taken the meet together in study groups and work on tween spiritual activities and economics», step of joining the School and consciously unit- the School’s content without a Class Holder said Fabio Brescacin, the president of Ecor- ing their destiny with the Archangel Michael? necessarily being present. However, it is good if NaturaSì (Italy), at the founding meeting. It is not easy to answer this question, but these groups maintain a connection with Class Thomas Jorberg, executive spokesperson those who work with the School’s content can Holders and thereby to the School’s leadership. at the ethical GLS (), pleaded ask themselves how they experience these There is a general view that the ritualistic end- that the School of Spiritual Science, as a verses in their own meditative lives. It can ings which Rudolf Steiner introduced should source of innovative ideas to which the be said that it was inevitable for the School’s be confined to lessons given by Class Holders gls Bank also owed its existence, should meditative content to become available be- and not used in study groups. be supported. yond its membership. The important question is how the esoteric life of the School can be Narrative presentation Impulses for the economic life ever more strengthened. Speaking from the School’s leadership at the The founding of the World Goetheanum Goetheanum, Joan referred to the need to recon- Association had been prepared since 2017 Responsibility to the spiritual world nect the Class with the Sections of the School by a group consisting of members of the The main question we worked with was how and areas of work inspired and developed out of Goetheanum Leadership and partners from to distinguish between the eternal principles of anthroposophy. One aspect of this is to present agriculture, commerce, banking, education, the School and earthly arrangements that be- the School and its meditative path in confer- medicine and social therapy. The associa- long to a particular time and place. What is our ences as a narrative, without using the mantric tion aims to promote anthroposophical responsibility to the spiritual world and what are verses, including those where non-members impulses in companies, institutions and the human aspects of the work of the School? are present, some of whom may not even be self-employment, as well as cooperation The one requirement that Rudolf Steiner gave members of the Anthroposophical Society. in the form of associations and, connected for being a member of the School was being This impulse may be objected to by those with this, the development of the School willing to be a representative of Anthroposophy. who feel the School’s protective sheath may of Spiritual Science. | Jonas Lismont Joan Sleigh spoke of this as being a vessel be breached but, in this situation, we can be for the spiritual world on earth, on the one reassured by Steiner’s vision of the School as World Goetheanum Forum hand, and, on the other, becoming an instru- being the heart and soul of the Society and 28 to 30 September 2018 at the Goethea- ment for the spiritual hierarchies. This intention therefore visible to the world, provided its num. Discussions on current issues and lies behind Steiner’s often repeated injunc- mantric essence is honoured and shared only presentations of enterprises and institu- tion for members to treat the School and its among its members. | Andy Beard, Stroud (gb) tions. With Helmy Abouleish (Sekem, content with deep earnestness. This in turn Egypt), Haci Bayram (Par-ce-val youth leads to outer practices connected with hold- aid, Germany), Peter Blom (, Andy Beard is a Class Holder in Stroud (gb). Netherlands) and Ha Vinh Tho (Gross Na- ing the School’s Lessons. For example, the ap- Next meeting 24 November 2018, Rudolf tional Happiness Centre, Bhutan). parently outer requirement of showing blue Steiner House London. Contact a.beard44@ Contact Sonja Schüler, cards on entry to a room where a Lesson is btinternet.com [email protected] to be held denotes that members are step- Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18 | 13

■ Antroposophical Society

«Your own I»: the second rhythm (in: Rudolf Steiner, ga 260)

cosmic thinking» illuminate each other. And also with «Unite your own ‹I› / With the I of the World / – feel / within the working of the human soul» we sense an inner correspon- dence with «She feels», where ‘she’ refers to the world soul. And lastly, the «I am» from the beginnings of the Esoteric School appears in the Foundation Stone Verse, but dynamically enhanced in the mysterious word «erweset» (comes into being). In God’s I the «I am» is always in the process of becoming. But where in the Foundation Stone do we find the «He wills» of the old Esoteric School? Annual Motif of the Anthroposophical Society for 2018/2019 In the rhythm discussed here the words «for free and active willing» are a promise The second Foundation Stone rhythm as a seed for the future, which is why free thinking is bestowed on us as a gift. «He wills» can Rudolf Steiner’s Foundation Stone Meditation is the General Anthroposophical Society’s only be achieved in its entire fullness after current annual motif. Up until Christmas various authors will write about ways of ap- the appearance of the Christ, in the fourth proaching the «rhythms» of this meditation, which are, as Rudolf Steiner indicated, re- verse of the Foundation Stone Meditation, lated to the days of the week. right at the end, in a superpersonal sense: Rudolf Steiner sank the foundation stone of the world. ‹He› in ‹he wills› refers to God, «That good may become / What we / Would for the Second Goetheanum into the hearts to whose will we commend our entire being.3 found from our hearts / What we / Would of the members who were present at the Let us look at the second rhythm of the guide from our heads / With purposeful will.» ceremony – as a metamorphosis of the first Foundation Stone of 1923/1924. Rudolf Steiner building. The First Goetheanum was also a introduces it by saying, «Again, we will write a Words of orientation metamorphosis, Rudolf Steiner pointed out rhythm into our soul so that we can gradually We must, however, not allow these contem- in early December 1923 in the weekly journal penetrate spiritually to the structure. From plations to disturb us as we meditate; they Das Goetheanum1: the metamorphosis of the the first verse we take the words ‹Your own are only meant for preparation. Rudolf Steiner entire anthroposophy that had grown in the I / In the I of God / Comes into being›. From says of his own explanations that they merely hearts of active members even before the first the second verse, which contains a second serve «as orientation. They should not be pres- Goetheanum was erected – through Rudolf soul process, we take the words, ‹Unite your ent in our consciousness when we meditate. Steiner’s public work, through the conferenc- own I / with the ‹I› of the World›. And from They would disturb the mantric character of es and lectures for members, but most of all the third verse we take, ‹Bestow […] / On your the rhythm»5. What has been said here about through the work of the Esoteric School which own I / For free and active willing›. With these the second rhythm must therefore also be for- Rudolf Steiner had established in 1904. All the words, to form the corresponding rhythm, we gotten once we begin our meditation. | Mich- texts of this School have been published2 and now unite the words that always resonate iel ter Horst, Foundation Stone Initiative Group we can now discover the seeds from which with them and that have an inner connec- the Foundation Stone Meditation has grown tion with what I have already written on the All page numbers in the following through the metamorphoses mentioned. blackboard: ‹And you will truly live / In human footnotes refer to the German edition. world-all being.› And from the second verse, In relation to «I am – It thinks …» ‹And you will truly feel / Within the working 1 Rudolf Steiner: ga 36, p. 334. Let us look at the second rhythm with of the human soul.› The third verse concludes 2 Thanks to Hella Wiesberger, Martina Maria Sam and Walter Kugler the texts the «words of power» in mind that Rudolf this harmony: ‹And you will truly think / in were included in the Complete Works Steiner planted into the hearts of the mem- depths of human spirit.›»4 (ga) in the 1990s: ga 264, ga 265, bers in connection with the Esoteric School Rudolf Steiner then wrote a slightly different ga 266a-c, ga 267 and ga 268. Some around the year 1905. «I am – It thinks – She and shortened version on the blackboard, each important parts of these had been pub- lished before by Marie Steiner in Guid- feels – He wills.» In these statements, Ru- time omitting the words «and you shall truly», ance in Esoteric Training. dolf Steiner pointed out, the ‹it› of ‹it thinks› which were, however, spoken in the full version. 3 Rudolf Steiner: ga 267, p. 121-122. Cf. refers to the universal cosmic thinking that If we now look at the words «think in ga 267, p. 496: ‹He› is here the «word of lives in an impersonal way in our words. In depths of human spirit» in connection with power for the will of the world, the spirit ‹she feels› she refers to the world soul; this the exercise outlined above from the Esoteric of the world.» means we are not meant to feel personally, School, «It thinks», we can sense how the 4 Rudolf Steiner: ga 260, p. 105. but impersonally, in accordance with the soul «depths of human spirit» and the «universal 5 Rudolf Steiner: ga 267, p. 136. 14 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17

■ School ■ Goetheanum ■ Initiative

Summer University Polarities in Space and Time

From 23 July to 4 August 2018 the Goetheanum will host the Natural Science Section’s inter- national Summer University. Appeal We would like to introduce Where is the jewellery of our students to the essentials of the last hundred years? Goethean Science which reflect what humanity is destined for, Together with the goldsmith bringing together the richness of Bertha Meyer-Jacobs, Rudolf the sensory world and that of the Steiner worked on renewing the soul, and therefore – through art of jewellery and seal making. exact observation and re- As a spiritualized art impulse it flection – mind and matter. belongs to the cultural initia- In the first week we will be at tives of the twentieth century. the Goetheanum (ch) and prac- With the exception of a book tise the paths to knowledge de- with Rudolf Steiner’s designs we veloped by Goethe for the study Goetheanum Art The head of the Representative have no publications on this art of inorganic nature, plants and Collection: appeal of Humanity: in plaster (left) and form, and this art of jewellery wood (right) animals. Two field trips, to the making can be learnt hardly any- Jura and the Vosges Mountains, Bronze cast of where today. Goldsmiths have will be devoted to the topic of Rudolf Steiner’s We have received a generous graduated from the jewellery- «limestone and silica». donation from the Humanus making school founded by Ber- bust of Christ Foundation but still need 4,700 tha Meyer-Jacobs for decades, From the valley Swiss Francs so we can realize however. Their work is distrib- to the glacier Around Easter of 1915 Rudolf this plan. Any contributions, uted all over the world and of- Steiner created a bust of Christ small or large, will be grateful- ten ends up with people who We will spend the second week as a preliminary study for the ly received. | Dino Wendtland, do not understand the art form. in an Alpine valley, the Lötschen- monumental wooden statue of Goetheanum tal, where we will work on Ru- the Representative of Humanity Publication and archive dolf Steiner’s Foundations of between Lucifer and Ahriman. Accounts for donations (ref- The Jewellery Art Foundation Human Experience (formerly It is a more detailed, life-size erence 4901 / Bronze-Büste): (Stiftung für Kleinodienkunst) «Study of Man», ga 293) and on execution of the previously is looking for and collecting ev- the stages of human evolution. fashioned, smaller Christ head. From Switzerland and other erything connected with this im- non- countries: We will explore the geology, flo- With its focus on how this pulse for a comprehensive publi- General Anthroposophi- ra and fauna from the bottom being appears to the spiritual cal Society, 4143 Dornach, cation: designs and photographs of the valley up to the mouth researcher who is able to per- Switzerland. Raiffeisenbank of pieces, texts, biographies and of the glacier. Following the ceive in the spiritual world, this Dornach, 4143 Dornach, bic: the addresses of artists world- retreat of the glacier from the piece is a representation of the RAIFCH22, iban: CH36 8093 wide, whether they are still ac- 9000 0010 0607 1. valley to the mountains we will risen Christ that is unique in the tive or have passed away, so that experience several centuries in history of art. From Germany with tax- the art form can be preserved the biography of a landscape. The bust was made of plas- effective donation receipt: and documented for future gen- The daily activities will con- ticine and placed on a wooden Förderstiftung Anthroposo- erations and made accessible phie, 70188 , gls- clude with exercises and con- base prepared by . Gemeinschaftsbank Bochum, for them. The Foundation is also templations on the path of inner As early as the 1960s the mod- bic: GENODEM1GLS, iban: looking for jewellery, everyday development. The conference el, which is sensitive to heat, DE49 4306 0967 7001 0343 00. and cultic objects, seals etc. in languages will be English and was so badly damaged that it order to set up an archive for ex- From other Euro countries: Mandarin. | Johannes Wirz, needed to be restored. This was hibitions and training. We are General Anthroposophical Goetheanum done by John Wilkes. So far, this Society, 4143 Dornach, Swit- grateful for any information. piece of art has been preserved zerland, gls-Gemeinschafts- | Annette Hug-Risel, Dornach (ch) in plaster casts. Because of the bank, 44708 Bochum, Germa- Information and programme ny, bic/Swift: GENODEM1GLS, fragility of this material we are, Contact stiftung@kleinodi- (in English): www.forschun- iban: DE53 4306 0967 0000 gsinstitut.ch/studium/som- however, considering a bronze 9881 00. enkunst.ch. Information meruniversitaet-2018 cast as a more durable solution. www.kleindienkunst.ch. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/17 | 15

■ Forum ■ Anthroposophical Society

On Foundation We have been informed that the following 46 mem- that higher levels of conscious- Stone Meditation’s bers have crossed the threshold of death. In their re- ness can be attained. Spirit seven rhythms membrance we are providing this information for their Beholding stands for Imagina- friends. | The Membership Office at the Goetheanum Size and content of the Foun- tion, Spirit Awareness for Inspi- dation Stone Meditation are so ration and Spirit Recalling for Thomas Waldherr Mammendorf (de), 31 July 2016 that we are unable to grasp it Intuition. Meditation means Vincent Winter Crowborough (gb), 3 May 2017 in its entirety. Only by entering that we experience how, with Eileen Lloyd Leatherhead (gb), 13 November 2017 into its seven rhythms can we Intuition, we join the creative- Hertha Leonhard Hamburg (de), 30 November 2017 penetrate to its structure and ness («holding sway») of the Ilona Roeske Cologne (de), 30 November 2017 Elfriede Stark Klosterneuburg (at), 19 December 2017 explore it meditatively. Dur- Father, with Inspiration that of Meta Wahl Fellbach (de), 22 December 2017 ing the Christmas Foundation the Son and with Imagination Monika Koz Achern (de), 23 December 2017 Conference of 1923/1924 Rudolf that of the Spirit (third rhythm). Valerie Rücker Vienna (at), in 2017 Seiner recommended «to make With the fourth rhythm we Paul Balmer L'Ametlla de Mar/Tarragona (es), 21 Jan. 2018 the soul aware of these inner can experience that Intuition, Elisabeth Erhardt Meiler (ch), 25 January 2018 rhythms and meditate, that is, Inspiration and Imagination Dorothea Nusbaum San Francisco/ca (us), January .2018 calmly reflect on them». They are connected with the way Patrick Korngold Thionville (fr), 15 February 2018 Erda-Maria Schnell Reutlingen (de), 27 February 2018 could then be experienced as the higher hierarchies are at Maria Schmidt Berlin (de), 4 March 2018 «utterances of cosmic mysteries, work in the cosmos. The fifth Edith Völmle Niefern-Öschelbronn (de), 5 March 2018 so long as these cosmic myster- rhythm finally mentions the Hartmut Pietsch Schwerte (de), 12 March 2018 ies are resurrected as human motive and reason for the Veronika von Hausegger Ottobrunn (de), 21 March 2018 self-knowledge.» (ga 260, p. 107 threefold practising: «[…]That Robert Desprat Paris (fr), 25 March 2018 in the German edition) good may become […]». The Marc Lachèvre Ceret (fr), 1 April 2018 Through meditation we can sixth rhythm points beyond Ilse Kauls Dortmund (de), 3 April 2018 Ute Feldmann Wildberg-Effringen (de), 6 April 2018 come closer to an understand- the human being by addressing Brian Wills Crowborough (gb), 6 April 2018 ing of the difficult concepts of our responsibility for the three Herbert Hopferwieser Salzburg (at), 7 April 2018 Spirit Recalling, Spirit Awareness realms of nature. The elemen- Katharina Fischer Coburg (de), 9 April 2018 and Spirit Beholding. We look at tary spirits «hear» the Christ Winfried Petters Munich (de), 12 April 2018 these from a different direction impulse that passes through Gudrun Schlegel Überlingen (de), 12 April 2018 in the first rhythm compared the world, redeeming them Ursula Voegelin Küsnacht (ch), 12 April 2018 to the three central rhythms too, but they also know that Manfred Brinkhoff Essen (de), 14 April 2018 Christa Fischer Dornach (ch), 14 April 2018 (the three ‘practise rhythms’). this impulse can only be made Eberhard Balle Berglen (de), 17 April 2018 In the first rhythm we look at effective by human beings: William House St. Gallen (ch), 17 April 2018 the creation and evolution of «May human beings hear it!» Rosemarie Wermbter Stuttgart (de), 17 April 2018 human beings as long as they When we meditate the sev- Ingrid Küstermann Dortmund (de), 18 April 2018 were in the hands of the gods. enth rhythm, which establishes Eva-Maria Völger Berlin (de), 18 April 2018 It rises from «coming into be- a relation between the physi- Ursula Pasdzierny Kassel (de), 22 April 2018 ing» to «uniting» to «bestow- cal human body and the divine Ron Cashin Auckland (nz), 25 April 2018 Maria-Luise Lange Rostock (de), 28 April 2018 ing». More precisely: from the trinity, a cosmic mystery can be Manfred Lambertz Heidenheim (de), 29 April 2018 Father (Old Testament) to the resurrected in us that is both Ursula Schroeder Buckfastleigh (gb), 30 April 2018 Son (New Testament) to the knowledge of the world and Helga Laubscher Mannheim (de), 1 May 2018 Spirit (Eternal Gospel)1. It was knowledge of the human be- Ernst Sumpich Vienna (at), 1 May 2018 divine intention that the human ing: the physical body as the Ragnhild Uebelhack Mannheim (de), 2 May 2018 individuality should be free. And starting point for a new Earth. Erika von Asten Kimberton/pa (us), 5 May 2018 human beings are from now on «Physicality is the end of the Claudio Rauch Santiago (cl), 7 May 2018 Regine Traub Hombrechtikon (ch), 9 May 2018 involved in and responsible for works of God […] Physicality is the future evolution. the beginning of the works of From 17 April to 14 May 2018 the Society welcomed 2 In the second rhythm we be- human beings. | Hans-Jürgen 79 new members; 125 are no longer registered as mem- come aware of the faculties of Pingel, Hamburg (de) bers (resignations, lost, and corrections by country soul and spirit that we have for Societies). interfering in the work of the 1 Lessing, in his Education of gods: thinking, feeling, and liv- the Human Race (sections ing (for willing). 85 and 86) promises a fu- In the following rhythms the ture Eternal Gospel (as a third elementary book for human being is addressed as co- free human beings. Picture credits page 1: cc | p. 3: S. Jüngel | p. 6: S. Jüngel creator. The practising is at the 2 Quoting Michael Debus | p. 9: S. Jüngel | p. 10: S. Jüngel | p. 14: O. Rietmann, © Goetheanum centre. The three soul forces in Das Goetheanum 33- Dokumentation need to be strengthened so 34/2004 16 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 6/18

■ Feature

Careful listening and observation: the Trigon Foundation’s KunstSchauDepot

After World War II, light was also central for the Zero artists. They reduced «colours and forms to a minimum, in order to give sufficient space to the light». It would be worthwhile, Kugler added, going part of the way with these artists. As a former rhythm and special needs teacher Bea Heim felt drawn to the spiritu- al-philosophical ambience. She is concerned with «bringing politics, economics, culture and practised humanity together so that they can bring us forward, as individuals and as society as a whole». Art, she said, offered us the possibility to transform our- Trigon Foundation: KunstSchauDepot selves and connect in a feeling and com- passionate way with what is going on in A centre for anthroposophical art the world around us. Colours and forms On 28 April, John C. Ermel, the chairman of the foundation council, opened the Trigon can generate strength – «for the individual Foundation’s art warehouse («KunstSchauDepot») in Dornach (ch). The speakers at and the community». This was important, the opening ceremony, to which more than 100 people came, were curator Walter because «if you shape your world, your path Kugler, David Hoffmann, head of the Rudolf Steiner Archives, and two leading local will not be determined by others». politicians, Sabine Pegoraro and Bea Heim. Works of art for hire The Trigon Foundation, which has legal re- of the collection in public exhibitions. An The obstacles one can meet on the way were sponsibility for the art warehouse Kunst- additional building is planned for artistic described by Sabine Pegoraro who spoke SchauDepot, was founded in 2008. Its goals activities and events, with seating for up about architecture as an art. «Architecture include dealing with land in a socially ac- to seventy people. cannot claim artistic license in the same ceptable and ecological way, promoting a way as the arts. It is restricted by countless humane and ecological architecture, the Gaining autonomy building and design regulations». The build- conservation and curation of fine art ob- More than a hundred interested people ing authorities, on the other hand, should jects based on anthroposophical impulses attended the opening. The addresses were be there to support rather than prevent. and providing suitable premises. more profound than the usual congratula- With a view to the Second Goetheanum tory speeches. David Marc Hoffmann ex- Sabine Pegoraro made it clear that a build- Thousands of pictures, plained the nature of the gesamtkunstwerk ing which initially ‘sticks’ out can eventually hundreds of sculptures and the striving for unity. «In anthroposo- turn out to be a «stroke of luck». Remark- On 28 April the Trigon Foundation opened phy – as a comprehensive reform move- ing on various pioneering buildings in the an art warehouse in the grounds of the ment, with its new image of the world, earth region, the politician said of the Kunst- Juraweg estate in Dornach. The art collec- and humanity – art, science and religion, SchauDepot, «I do hope that this project tion is based primarily on the collection of world creation and human creations, all the of the Trigon Foundation will soon be well John C. Ermel, an architect and designer, arts from architecture, sculpture and paint- known in the area and across the border». who has been collecting art for more than ing to speech, literature, drama and music Some of the works of art can also be hired. thirty years. The collection includes the es- to applied arts such as education and medi- All works and documents are available for tates of twenty artists, including Rex Raab, cine are united by the striving for unity.» art history research. | Sebastian Jüngel Walther Roggenkamp and Erich Zimmer, A tour of the premises right at the be- as well as individual pieces by 34 artists, ginning showed that the anthroposophi- Contact Trigon Foundation, Dornachweg including Beppe Assenza, Edgar Ende, Chris- cal art on show here does not obey to any 14, 4143 Dornach, Switzerland, phone +41 61 tian Hitsch, Emica Mohr-Senft and Gerard uniform clichés. Walter Kugler picked out 701 78 88, +41 79 321 30 38, www.stiftung- Wagner – thousands of pictures and hun- one motif – light – based on Albert Steffen’s trigon.ch dreds of sculptures, utility art, furniture remark, «The rainbow is the painter’s best KunstSchauDepot opening hours in May and architectural models. teacher. It makes him independent of the and June: Mondays to Fridays, 5 to 6.30 p.m. While these objects will continue to be colours. […] The light’s activity teaches him Special exhibition (from 7 July): Rosa Rosa- spread across various places, the Kunst- freedom of spirit.» rum. Rose pictures by Doris Harper based on rose poems in various languages. SchauDepot now provides a centre, offering Transparency, Walter Kugler said, would the possibility to store and show a large part become an experience of transcendence.