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General Worldwide 3/17

■ Anthroposophical Society Invitation for the Annual Conference of the anthroposophical movement and the 2017 Annual General Meeting of the General Anthroposophical Society on 7 to 9 April 2017 Responsibility for the evolving world – March 2017 No 3 the tasks of the anthroposophical movement

Anthroposophical Society Dear members and friends, Annual Conference and AGM we warmly invite you to this year’s An- 1 Invitation nual Conference of the anthroposophi- 2 Agenda cal movement and to the Annual General 3 Introducing Matthias Girke Meeting of the General Anthroposophical 3 Motions 1 and 2 Society. 4 Motions 3 and 4 In seven years’ time (2023/2024), we 5 Motion 5 will look back on a century during which 6 Motion 6 the Anthroposophical Society and the 8 Denmark: new general secretary School of Spiritual Science have evolved Niels Henrik Nielsen and become part of the world. They belong 10 Norway: new contact Ingrid Reistad to the twentieth century, which they have 14 Obituary: Adriana Onofrei influenced and by which they have been 15 Obituary: Vojislav Jancović shaped. Many tasks are emerging today

15 Membership news that need to be faced and taken on. It will Sebastian Jüngel Photo: be a hundred years in 2017 since Rudolf Encounters at the World Conference School of Spiritual Science Steiner first presented his threefold con- 7 Section for Social Sciences: World cept of the human being and of society. tion in dialogue with people from many Social Initiative Forum Looking at the challenges we encounter in different places and backgrounds, private 8 Medical Section: Anthroposophical todays’ world makes us aware of how rel- and professional. The impulses arising from Art Therapy Conference evant this impulse continues to be. those meetings will also inform the Annual 14 Literary Arts and Humanities Sec- How can anthroposophy bring new life General Meeting and the annual conference tion/Antroposofische Verenig- to its task of contributing to the way hu- of the anthroposophical movement: as a fo- ing in Nederland: Chymical manity and the world are evolving? How rum, a place of dialogue, for what wants to Wedding can the anthroposophical movement con- be founded and directed, as described in the 14 Literary Arts and Humanities Sec- tribute to shaping the future with ever Foundation Stone Meditation. The newly tion/Cultural Science Research greater responsibility? These questions appointed general secretaries, among oth- Group/General Anthroposophi- are also reflected in the annual theme, ers, will speak about this question. cal Section: Riddles of the Soul “Light and Warmth for the Human Soul. The Goetheanum Leadership and the How can the Foundation Stone Meditation Executive Council have worked intensive- Anthroposophy Worldwide promote peaceability?” (see page 7). The ly with the impulses of the Goetheanum 11 Portugal: Light Ensemble School of Spiritual Science is here to pro- World Conference. As one of the results of vide the knowledge that we need in order this work we would like to suggest to the Forum to actively promote what wants to evolve General Meeting to agree to the appoint- 12 Appeal: A hundred years of social in the world. Can the anthroposophical ment of Matthias Girke as an additional threefolding movement, the Society and the School of member of the Executive Council. Matth- 13 Letters in response to Stephen E. Spiritual Science find the way forward, out ias Girke is someone who is fully and ac- Usher and Thomas O’Keefe of their awareness of this responsibility? tively committed to the Anthroposophical 13 Earthquake in Italy What steps do they need to take? Society and its future. The Goetheanum World Conference of We are looking forward to seeing you Feature September 2016 asked exactly that ques- at this year’s Annual Conference and AGM. 16 The Hibernia: a currency for the Goetheanum 2 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17

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Friday, 7 April 2017 Agenda of the 2017 Annual General Meeting 5 – 6.30 p.m. Musical prelude (Niels Henrik Nielsen, Cello) Contributions on the theme of the Annual Con- Saturday 8 April 2017, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. ference (Wolfgang Tomaschitz, John Bloom, Mi- 1. Opening of the meeting chael Schmock) 2. Executive Council reports with discussion 6.30 – 8 p.m. Evening break 3. Motion 1 to vote by secret ballot 8 – 9.30 p.m. Work groups on the theme of the Annual Confer- 4. Motion 2 to count abstentions in votes ence 5. Motion 3 to announce the “Ein Nachrichtenblatt” initiative in Anthroposophy Worldwide Saturday, 8 April 2017 6. Motion 4 for a full report and members’ day on the Faust 9 – 10.30 a.m. Musical prelude (Niels Henrik Nielsen, Cello) project Annual General Meeting of the General Anthro- 7. Motion 5 to change the motion procedure posophical Society 8. Motion 6 to revoke the Annual General Meeting decision 10.30 – 11.15 a.m. Coffee break of 14 April 1935 11.15 – 12.45 AGM of the General Anthroposophical Society 9. Presentation of the 2016 financial statement, with discus- 12.45 – 3 p.m. Midday break sion 2 – 2.50 p.m. Guided tours – Auditors’ report 3 – 4.30 p.m. AGM of the General Anthroposophical Society – Motion to approve the 2016 financial statement 4.30 – 5 p.m. Coffee break 10. Appointment of auditors 5 – 6.30 p.m. Contributions on the theme of the Annual Con- 11. Motion to discharge the Executive Council ference (Ute Craemer, Michaela Glöckler, Gerald 12. Motion to agree to Matthias Girke’s appointment as an ad- Häfner) ditional member of the Executive Council 6.30 – 8 p.m. evening break 13. Conclusion 8 – 9.30 p.m. Commemoration of the dead, with artistic con- tributions (moderator: Seija Zimmermann) Presentation of the pink membership card is required for ad- mittance to the Annual General Meeting of the General An- Sunday, 9 April 2017 throposophical Society; booking is not necessary. | On behalf of 9 – 10.30 a.m. Work groups on the theme of the Annual Confer- the Goetheanum Leadership and the Executive Council at the ence Goetheanum: Oliver Conradt, Jean Michel Florin, Gerald Häfner, 10.30 – 11 a.m. Coffee break Christiane Haid, Stefan Hasler, Ueli Hurter, Matthias Girke, Con- 11 – 12.30 Contributions on the theme of the Annual Con- stanza Kaliks (Executive Council), Johannes Kühl, Paul Mackay ference (Ingrid Reistad, Bart Vanmechelen, Mat- (Executive Council), Florian Osswald, Bodo von Plato (Executive thias Girke) Council), Claus Peter Röh, Marianne Schubert, Virginia Sease, Joan Musical conclusion (Niels Henrik Nielsen, Cello) Sleigh (Executive Council), Georg Soldner, Justus Wittich (Execu- tive Council), Seija Zimmermann (Executive Council)

Simultaneous interpretation into English and French will be pro- Programme of performances on 9 April 2017 vided. 3 p.m., Ways of Cain: On the occasion of Maximilian Voloshin’s There will be no group catering. 140th anniversary. Based on the poem “Ways of Cain. Tragedy The Speisehaus Restaurant will be open during the Annual Con- of Material Culture” by Maximilian Voloshin, with music by ference at the following times: Jean Mar¬cel Poulenc and a Speech Choir. Eurythmy Ensemble Friday and Saturday, 12 noon to 3 p.m., and Sunday 12 noon to Moscow, Russia; Tatiana Khazieva, artistic director 4 p.m. Please book in advance by phoning +41 61 706 85 10, weekdays 4.30 p.m., Poetry Evening IV: “One marvelled at his survival”, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Maximilian Voloshin (1877-1932) the resistance fighter. Poetry Evening with and the Russian Speech Choir; Elena Krasotkina, director; in collaboration with the Sections for the Performing Arts and for the Literary Arts and Humanities

Anthroposophy Worldwide appears ten times a year, is distributed by the national Anthroposophical Societies, and appears as a supple- ment to the weekly Das Goetheanum • Publisher: General Anthroposophical Society, represented by Justus Wittich • Editors: Sebastian Jüngel (responsible for this edition), Michael Kranawetvogl (responsible for the Spanish edition), Margot M. Saar (responsible for the English edition). Address: Wochenschrift ‹Das Goetheanum›, Postfach, 4143 , Switzerland, Fax +41 61 706 44 65, [email protected] • Correspon- dents/news agency: Jürgen Vater (Sweden), News Network Anthroposophy (NNA). • We expressly wish for active support and collaboration. • Subscriptions: To receive ‹Anthroposophy Worldwide› please apply to the Anthroposophical Society in your country. Alternatively, individual subscriptions are available at CHF 30.- (EUR/US$ 30.-) per year. An e-mail version is available to members of the Anthroposophical Society only at www.goetheanum.org/630.html?L=1 © 2016, General Anthroposophical Society, Dornach, Switzerland Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17 | 3

■ Anthroposophical Society ■ Anthroposophical Society Introducing Matthias Girke was born in Berlin (DE) in 1954 and at- Motion 1 Itended the School in Ber- Motion for secret-ballot voting at lin all the way through to A Levels (“Abi- Annual General Meeting tur”). After studying medicine at Freie Universität Berlin, I worked as medical as- e move that the Annual General sistant in Internal Medicine, followed by WMeeting decide by separate and several years in the oncology department secret ballot of a Berlin hospital. During that period I 1. “that all votes on motions (with the also worked in intensive medicine and as exception of procedural motions) are an emergency doctor on the ambulances secret if the presenters of the motion in of the Berlin fire brigade. question request this.” 2. “The vote to discharge the Executive Internal medicine Council is always secret.” After completing my specialization Rationale: Considering the situation of in internal medicine (to which I later the AGM at present, one cannot say that added diabetology and palliative medi- the vote is uninfluenced and free. It is part cine) I took over – with the support of of the special situation in Dornach that my wife, Anja Girke – the mainstream a great number of members attend the medical practice of my first boss, which Sommer Heike Photo: AGM who are in various ways dependent I then turned into a practice for internal Matthias Girke on the Goetheanum, because they are – . freelance or employed – staff members, During that time I also deepened forty years now. Since 1995 the Class annuitants, tenants or occasionally com- my relationship with anthroposophi- work has been among my central con- missioned artists. One can imagine that cal curative education to which I had a cerns. This work is now prepared by the they may sometimes not feel free to vote, long-standing connection through my Berlin Class leaders and consists of reg- for instance, against the employer who parents and grand-parents: whilst run- ular Class lessons as well as Class con- is sitting directly opposite them on the ning my own practice I also provided ferences on central topics of the School stage. A truly free ballot therefore needs medical care for the residents of the of Spiritual Science and its meditative to be secret. With adequate preparation Caroline von Heydebrand Home, con- path. the additional efforts necessary for this ducted child conferences and attended will be tenable and made up for by a result Medical Section Leader college meetings. that reflects the actual situation. In 1995 I co-founded the Havelhöhe On 18 September 2016 I took over Dornach, 9 February 2017 Community Hospital for Anthropo- the leadership of the Medical Section Tatiana Garcia-Cuerva, Thomas Heck, sophic Medicine, taking responsibility together with Georg Soldner. It is my Gerd-Mari Savin, Angelika Schuster, Leon- for general internal medicine and dia- wish to bring my practical medical ex- hard Schuster, Roland Tüscher betology and later, within our Oncology perience of 33 years to my task as sec- Centre, also for interdisciplinary oncol- tion leader: to the deepening of the di- ogy and palliative medicine. During verse specialist areas, to training, to the that time I was also actively involved support and cohesion of professional with the hospital management. My on- therapy groups and to the further de- Motion 2 going endeavours include the deepen- velopment of the work in the School of ing of anthroposophic medicine in the Spiritual Science. Motion to count abstentions from various specializations of internal med- I am deeply grateful to my wife and voting at the Annual General icine, medical training – we also estab- my two now grown-up daughters for Meeting lished the Academy for Anthroposophic supporting me in taking this step. The We move that the Annual General Medicine within the Havelhöhe Hospi- Section leadership is not like a “motor Meeting decide in a secret-ballot vote tal, which includes an anthroposophic- nerve” but like the heart of the medical “that abstentions are counted in all votes.” medical training – the promotion of in- movement, manifesting itself in atten- Rationale: With votes regarding the terdisciplinary approaches in medicine tive perception, inspiration, integration election, or re-election, of Executive and therapy and the meditative path and the giving of impulses. I am very Council members and also those to dis- of inner development of the School of grateful for the warmly expressed trust charge the Executive Council, it is impor- Spiritual Science. and all the good wishes I have received tant to differentiate between affirmative from within the medical movement for votes, negative votes, and abstentions. Class work this seven-year leadership task in the Presently abstentions are treated as if the I have actively supported the anthro- Medical Section on which I embarked members abstaining were not there at posophical work in Berlin for around in 2016.| Matthias Girke all. Abstaining is, however, an important 4 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17

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way of expressing an opinion that lies be- publication, in the form of a positive per- tween a definite ‘yes’ and a definite ‘no’, ception for instance, by the Leadership of particularly when it is about discharging the GAS. After six years the members have Motion 4 the Executive Council. It is therefore not still not been informed of its existence by [for a full report and a members’ appropriate to deal with abstentions as if the editors of Anthroposophy Worldwide, day on the Faust Project] the members in question were not even although such an announcement has present for the vote. been requested repeatedly. “Ein Nachrich- We move that the Annual General Dornach, 9 February 2017 tenblatt” has hundreds of subscribers by Meeting decide “to commission the Ex- Helmut Eicher, Tatiana Garcia-Cuerva, now. The feedback from readers is largely ecutive Council to publish a full report on Thomas Heck, Gerd-Mari Savin, Ange- positive; there clearly is a need for an inde- the Faust Project by the end of 2017, and lika Schuster, Leonhard Schuster, Roland pendent newsletter so that some degree to make it possible that a members’ day is Tüscher of free spiritual life can be realized within held where all those in charge are available the General Anthroposophical Society. for members to ask questions and receive Anyone who wishes to get an impression information on the Faust production. of “Ein Nachrichtenblatt” can apply for Rationale: a complimentary copy, either per email The present Faust cycle will go down Motion 3 from ein.nachrichtenblatt@startmail. in the history of the Goetheanum Stage com, or by mail from Ein Nachrichten- with three superlative attributions at Motion to make the initiative ‘Ein blatt, R. Tüscher, K. Juel, Apfelseestr. 21, least: as the shortest, the worst and the Nachrichtenblatt’ known in An- 4147 Aesch, Schweiz. It should be in the most expensive. After just over a year this throposophy Worldwide interest and intentions of the GAS organs cycle will end in the summer of 2017, while We move that the 2017 AGM decide to promote and support a lively exchange performance periods in the past stretched that “The Annual General Meeting will and diversity of publication in the sense over seven to ten years – as had been the ask the Executive Council of the General of a free spiritual life. It should therefore original plan for this cycle, too. So there Anthroposophical Society to make it pos- be possible for the Ein Nachrichtenblatt must be good reasons for this decision. sible, as an expression of a free spiritual initiative to introduce itself to the entire Those in charge seem to think, however, life, for the initiative ‘Ein Nachrichten- membership in Anthroposophy World- that the brief announcement in Anthro- blatt’ [a newssheet] to present itself in wide; and there should be scope for con- posophy Worldwide 1-2/2017 is sufficient. Anthroposophy Worldwide in order to structive cooperation seeing that one pur- According to the Bylaws of the Anthro- make itself known to all members.” sues the same anthroposophical aims. We posophical Society, which was founded Rationale: In 2011 it was decided to therefore ask the Annual General Meet- during the Christmas Conference of 1923 cease the publication of the Newsletter ing, in the interest of a free spiritual life, and which the Executive Council claims “What is Happening in the Anthropo- to vote in favour of this motion. to perpetuate (see accession statements sophical Society” which was founded by Dornach, 9 Februar 2017 of Bodo von Plato and Sergei Prokofieff of Rudolf Steiner and had come out weekly Tatiana Garcia-Cuerva, Thomas Heck, 2001), “the Executive Council gives a full since 1924. It has since been replaced by Eva Lohmann-Heck, Gerd-Mari Savin, An- report” to the Annual General Meeting. Anthroposophy Worldwide which ap- gelika Schuster, Leonhard Schuster For years, only short and hardly informa- pears ten times per year. Its publication tive versions, if any, have been presented frequency and scope do not allow for the List of supporters of the above motion: Ernst- (Bodo von Plato at the 2014 AGM). Felix von Allmen, Julia Arnold, Iris Blankenhorn, former diversity of contributions, such as We think, however, that a report on the Beate Blume, Jan Fontain, Tatiana GarciaCu- letters from members, articles, a variety erva, Bernard Frank Gerritsen, Mozes Foris, Lu- failed Faust project is urgently necessary, of reports, basic presentations of Society cius Hanhart, Thomas Heck, Monica Heredeu because of its dimension and importance matters, discussions of controversial top- von Allmen, Herbert Holliger, Sirpa Honko- and because the spiritual and material Linde, Dagmar Jessen, Christian Jüttendonk, ics etc. etc. Members therefore no longer Eva LohmannHeck, Thomas O‘Keefe, Thomas damage will certainly be considerable. Nu- have the possibility of a lively and topical Pittracher, Cora Bettina Richter, Elke-Maria merous members will have helped to make exchange with one another or with the Rischke, Gerd-Mari Savin, Klaus Schäfer-Blan- this project possible in good faith, expect- Goetheanum Leadership. This kind of ex- kenhorn, Ingrid Schleyer, Roswitha Schumm, ing a new production in accordance with Angelika Schuster, Leonhard Schuster, Stephen change does, in fact, no longer take place: E. Usher, Carina Vaca Zeller, Paul Peter Vink and Rudolf Steiner’s intentions. We therefore you just need to compare the present con- 27 others think that a full assessment and transpar- tent with that published around the mil- ency towards the members are absolutely lennium. necessary. All responsibilities should be In order to ensure that there is a lively made visible and the experiences gained organ of communication, members have made fertile for future tasks and projects. taken the initiative to publish ‘Ein Nach- Below is a list of points in need of richtenblatt’, now in its seventh year, for clarification. For most members in the members of the Anthroposophical So- spatial and informal surroundings of the ciety and friends of anthroposophy. So Goetheanum it was clear from very early far, there has been no recognition of this on that this production would not do jus- Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17 | 5

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tice to the intentions of Rudolf Steiner it comes to visitor numbers, a comparison ted by members in agreement with the and anthroposophy. This was apparent with the Mystery Dramas may be helpful: Executive Council members. There have from, among other things, the choice these plays are certainly less attractive to always been vehement conflicts at AGMs of directors, the obvious preference for “normal” audiences than Faust, but they between groups of members and the Ex- non-anthroposophical actors, the rejec- are still well attended after a running time ecutive Council. Many members will re- tion of competent co-workers and artists, of several years. The following questions member the situations in the 1990s and reports from those involved, the advertis- need to be asked: around the millennium. ing posters, publications from the produc- 1. Who commissioned the directors? The possibility that members can make tion, also on the internet, and much more. 2. Who wanted this style of production motions is highly valuable and is explicitly The dramaturgical responsibility, for in- that give no consideration to Rudolf mentioned in the Bylaws of the Anthro- stance, was given to Martina Maria Sam. A Steiner’s indications? posophical Society as founded at Christ- few months later her name was no longer 3. What is the extent of the material mas 1923. This is particularly important mentioned in connection with the Faust damage? because in these Bylaws Rudolf Steiner production; no official reasons were given. 4. Who will take responsibility for the consciously refrained from using unnec- In short: everyone in Dornach - apart from spiritual and material damage? essary or even generally customary for- those in charge at the Goetheanum? - 5. What steps will or have to be taken by mulations. knew where this production was heading. those in charge? Members have taken the initiative in The first rehearsals, or the preliminary An in-depth report is urgently needed, the past to change the motion procedure, performance at the latest, must have re- particularly with regard to spiritual con- on the one hand so as to make the annual vealed to the Executive Council the inten- siderations. Countless members will have general meetings run more smoothly (a tions pursued with this production. Even if made donations, expecting that the new deep and justified wish, especially of those one had ‘forgotten’, when this production production would do justice to Rudolf members who travel to Dornach from all was commissioned, to agree on its inten- Steiner’s impulses. The material damage over the world), and on the other hand in tions, this would have been the time to in- – which probably amounts to millions – order to create a legal organ that allows tervene. The question is why this did not also needs to be made known. It must the members and the Executive Council happen, and how it could come to such a therefore be allowed to ask about per- to meet and share their views at eye-level. production at the Goetheanum. sonal responsibilities and consequences. Karl Heyer relates, for instance, how he It also needs to be established why the We therefore ask the Executive Council failed with such a motion as early as 1930 performances were so poorly attended. As to publish a detailed written report and (source: Karl Heyer, “Betrachtungen über is apparent from numerous conversations to arrange for a members’ day that can be die Anthroposophische Gesellschaft”, in and from the feedback to the analysis of moderated and shaped by several mem- Mitteilungen für die Mitglieder der AAG, the Faust production (see Ein Nachrich- bers and by supporters of this motion. 8/1950). tenblatt, 25/2016), many people decided Dornach, 9 February 2017 The results of members’ initiatives af- on the basis of the symptoms described Thomas Heck, Eva Lohmann-Heck, ter the millennium, which could only be above and the advertising style, that they GerdMari Savin, Angelika Schuster, Leon- dealt with within the GAS due to a reso- would rather not attend this produc- hard Schuster, Roland Tüscher lution made at the 2001 annual general tion. After the preliminary performance meeting, were not taken into consider- of Faust I, the only one to be sold-out, a ation by the leadership of the Society. In- review was published in the journal “Die stead, the Executive Council tried repeat- Drei” (10/2015) by Ute Hallaschka, who edly, as part of the planned reactivation also described the state of this production. Motion 5 of the Christmas Conference Society on One began to ask oneself uneasily, what 28 and 29 December 2002, to restrict the Motion to change the motion pro- Faust II would be like – a play, for which Ru- possibility to make motions as much as dolf Steiner had given entirely new artis- cedure in the GAS possible (documented in Ein Nachrichten- tic indications as regards its mythological The often embarrassing and inappro- blatt 4/2017 of 19 February 2017). beings and characters. In September 2015, priate situations arising in the processing The development against the demo- the preliminary performances of Faust II of motions are among the experiences cratic participation of people in creative began and these fears were confirmed. that are painful for everyone involved in societal processes that can be observed All this seems to have had the effect that the annual general meetings of the GAS. in the world today must not prevail in our the informed and anthroposophically ori- This has been the case for decades, and Society if we continue in our aspiration to ented core audience stayed away from anyone looking into the history of the be a model for the world. “The Anthropo- the performances and people around GAS will find plenty of similar reports of sophical Society must unite people who them were obviously not inspired to at- embarrassing situations during annual feel that they are the centre of a move- tend the performances. This means that general meetings. ment that needs to grow in human civi- the often officially cited positive feedback The problem emerged soon after Ru- lization so that humanity can truly move must have mostly come from visitors who dolf Steiner’s death, culminated for the forward and earthly life will not become had either no interest in or knowledge of first time when members were excluded decadent.” (Rudolf Steiner, lecture of 2 the Goetheanum’s true intentions. When in 1935 following the motions submit- May 1923, GA 224). The proposers of this 6 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17

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motion would therefore like to make a Agenda items 3 and 4: revoked and a full investigation of these new attempt to develop within the Soci- “Motion I. events within the society has never taken ety an appropriate and fruitful organ of The Annual General Meeting of the place. the legal life for dealing with members’ General Anthroposophical Society of 14 motions. April 1935 states that the two Executive At the 1948 Annual General Meeting We move that the Annual General Council members Dr Ita Wegman and Dr only parts of the resolutions of 14 April Meeting decide to “ask the Executive , who have expressed 1935 were revoked, and these did not re- Council to set up a work group that in- their disrespect of the will of the Society fer to the exclusion of Elisabeth Vreede volves the Social Sciences Section and through actions which have self-exclusive and Ita Wegman (see Nachrichtenblatt that will develop proposals for a motion character, will no longer be recognized as 16 of 18 April 1948 and Emil Leinhas, Ei- procedure that is right for our time and ap- members. In accordance with the legal re- nige Gesichtspunkte zum Verständnis der propriate for the GAS. The work group will quirements, the Annual General Meeting Vorgänge in der Anthroposophischen Ge- report on its progress from time to time decides that sellschaft nach Rudolf Steiners Tod [Some and one will aim to make a decision on its ‘Dr Ita Wegman and Dr Elisabeth aspects in explanation of the events in results by 2019.” Vreede are excluded from the Executive the Anthroposophical Society after Ru- Dornach, 9 February 2017 Council of the General Anthroposophical dolf Steiner’s death], published privately Thomas Heck, Eva Lohmann-Heck, Society’. in 1963). GerdMari Savin, Angelika Schuster, Leon- The General Meeting decides that the The proposers of this motion think that hard Schuster, Roland Tüscher persons mentioned are no longer entitled now, after more than 80 years, it is time to to act on behalf of the General Anthro- formally revoke the decision of 1935. posophical Society.” (Nachrichtenblatt They therefore ask the Annual General 11–12/ 1935 of 17 March 1935). Meeting to decide that This motion was passed with 1691 af- “We hereby revoke the decision taken Motion 6 firmative votes (76 against and 53 absten- at the Annual General Meeting of 14 April tions). Although it has been known for 1935 with regard to Motion I, item 3 of the Motion to revoke the resolutions decades that this motion and decision, in agenda.” of 1935 particular the “memorandum” of 1935 (cf. Dornach, 9 February 2017 At the Annual General Meeting of 14 E. Zeylmans von Emmichoven, Who was Tatiana Garcia-Cuerva, Eva Lohm- April 1935 the following motion was made Ita Wegman?, volume 3, Mercury Press) annHeck, Gerd-Mari Savin, Angelika Schus- with regard to Ita Wegman and Elisabeth were based on false and incorrect claims, ter, Leonhard Schuster, Roland Tüscher Vreede, and passed with great majority: the resolution has never been formally Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17 | 7

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India: World Social Initiative Forum Conference people in the region of Andhra Pradresh. Ute Cramer spoke about the Brazilian ini- The Riddle of Relationship tiatives of the Monte Azul community and “Healthy Earth, Healthy Body, Healthy Society: The Riddle of Relationship” was the title of the the Childhood Alliance in Brazil. most recent World Social Initiative Forum Conference, which took place in Madurai (IN) from 8 Florian Kraemer of Vulamasango in to 10 November 2016. The conference explored the various ways in which humanity can change South Africa delighted everyone with im- our planet and the way we live in it. ages of the children’s performances around Europe, whilst Pinky Stuurman and Lusanda Bali, project managers and musical directors at the orphanage, gave a live performance: a beautiful gift that truly showed how deeply art touches the human soul.

Everyone has a role to play There is an undeniable connection be- tween the state of the Earth, our bodies and the societies of which we are a part. Each of these elements influences and nurtures the other, offering the possibility to work from different disciplines – such as agriculture, medicine, education or social work – to begin a process of devel-

Foto: Elizabeth Kuriakose Elizabeth Foto: oping and healing ourselves, our relation- We each have a role to play, whatever our standpoint or walk of life ships and the environment. The mystery of this relationship broadens our horizons he Biodynamic Association of India, Pat Pit-making workshops gave everyone and allows us to ask what does it take Tthe farms of Muhil/Karmuhil and the the chance to understand some of the pro- from each one of us to support the move- Section for Social Sciences at the Goethe- cesses involved in preparing the earth for ment towards healthier communities, anum hosted the gathering at the Pillar . “The way in which relationships, lifestyles and ultimately a Centre in Madurai, where attendees from Bio-Dynamic practices have been taken up healthier environment for all beings on all corners of the globe came together to reflects once again the great energy and planet Earth. All of us, from our different discuss, listen, and share the challenges above all the deep devotion with which standpoints and walks of life, can play a and new ideas emerging for social initia- India seems to take everything up, with role. The WSIF 2016 speakers and partici- tives. The welcoming location provided a great attention to detail and a mixture of pants reminded us all of this and of how warm space to meet, reflect and practise stern pride in individual mastery, deep re- much could be achieved. the social networking dynamics. Every spect for the teacher and gentle humility The World Social Initiative Forum will morning began with exercises on rhythm towards the Gods,” said Rob Small, founder continue to grow in 2017 by creating an and movement to awaken the body and of the Farm and Garden National Trust online platform to showcase a variety of the group spirit, followed by key lectures social initiatives aligned with anthropos- on the subjects of relationships (Joan Presentations ophy, and working towards a more inclu- Sleigh), society (Gerald Häfner) and caring In the afternoon an open space was cre- sive, freer society. A new website - www. for the Earth (Jean-Michel Florin). ated for initiatives to present their achieve- wsif.org - is being developed and a team Social exercise sessions led by Joan ments and missions. Amongst the organi- led by Joan Sleigh and the Social Sciences Sleigh and alumni of the Anthroposophi- zations presenting was Timbaktu, a collec- Section at the Goetheanum will manage cal Studies at the Goetheanum, sought to tive working in over 150 Indian villages for the network, whose primary responsibil- bring a new level of depth to the words sustainable development, whose vision is ity will be to listen, research and under- spoken in the lectures by giving partici- for “rural communities [to] take control of stand the initiatives and their needs. pants the chance to experience what it their own lives, govern themselves and live If you know of a project that would like takes to forge meaningful relationships. in social and gender harmony while main- to become part of this growing communi- The dynamics aimed to develop trust, ob- taining a sustainable lifestyle”. ty and could benefit from receiving news servation skills and cooperation. Rob Small showed how they fight about projects, opportunities and events against poverty and unemployment in you can now get in touch with Elizabeth Understanding local life and customs Cape Town through the creation of urban Kuriakose and Andrea De La Cruz of the The afternoon sessions provided ev- micro-farms managed by local people; and WSIF team. | Andrea De La Cruz Barral, eryone with unique opportunities to David Hogg from Naandi showed attend- Guadarrrama (ES) understand the local life and customs ees the outstanding work that the foun- Contacts: of Madurai. A tour around the farms of dation carries out to improve health, basic Elizabeth Kuriakose, [email protected] Muhil/Karmuhil and Compost and Cow education and sustainable livelihoods for Andrea De La Cruz, [email protected] 8 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17

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Medical Section: Anthroposophic Art Therapies Conference Sebastian Jüngel: How do you recognize other Danes when you are abroad? “The world of the senses is uniquely individual” Niels Henrik Nielsen: Usually from the More than 150 art therapists, eurythmists, physicians and artists from several conti- very informal – sometime maybe too non- nents attended the Anthroposophic Art Therapy Conference at the Goetheanum from chalant – way they dress and behave. 5 to 8 January 2017. Following their studies of the lower senses in 2016, their focus this Jüngel: What do you miss about Denmark year was on the middle senses. when you are abroad? Nielsen: I always enjoy being abroad. I Sebastian Jüngel: What was your inner Jüngel: What kind of content was offered even used to be sad as a child when we question in approaching this conference? at this conference? came back to Denmark after being away. Johanna Gunkel: The question was, ‘How Gunkel: The sensory world is something But as I grew older I ‘discovered’ how can each perception be stimulated and uniquely individual – we each may perceive quaint and beautiful nature is in Denmark. dealt with in a way that allows an artistic the same things, but our sensations are The North Sea coast is truly unique: the impulse to arise from it?’ Because they are individual. The nervous system is formed elements interact here, creating the most linked to perception the middle senses can through experience; the sensory world wonderful music. I often miss that. And of be seen as gateways to the arts. This gives helps us to gain clarity about our own course I miss my family, friends and col- rise to more questions: What is the role of selves and to become individuals. Diversity leagues. Most of all I miss our bread, espe- fostering sensory perception in contrast thanks to an interprofessional approach cially the dark variety. to working with the feeling world which is Jüngel: What are the central statements adjacent to it? What therapeutic task do that can be derived from this conference? Danish-German relations these senses have as mediators between Gunkel: All the senses are interconnected Jüngel: Denmark and (Northern) Germany inner and outer worlds? How do we work and they are intimately linked with the lev- have a special relationship because each with these senses in therapy? els of human existence. We had so many has members of the other living in it and work groups and the most diverse interpro- they each recognize and grant special Making good what was neglected fessional cooperation – such as music and rights to this minority population. What Jüngel: What solutions do you have? visual art, modelling and medical aspects, makes these two peoples, who used to Gunkel: Because human development pro- psychotherapy and artistic speech, visual fight as well as support one another, so ceeds from the lower senses via the middle arts and eurythmy – there should really be a open to each other? senses to the higher senses, it is important report from each of these groups! Research Nielsen: It is a special kind of coexistence in therapy that the senses which were ne- and work are being done in all of these fields. between the Danish minority in northern glected are given the chance to catch up The method we used was interesting in that Germany and vice versa. The relationship with their development. Last year’s con- the presentations by Michaela Glöckler were between Denmark and Germany in gen- ference on the basic senses showed how worked on afterwards in twelve different eral is rather complicated. strong an influence our very first sensory seminar groups, each with its own approach. My mother came from Germany; she ar- experience – the sense of touch – has on It is more difficult to derive particular state- rived in Denmark in 1963. I have had close our life and how important it is to experi- ments from the artistic presentations and experience of the relationship between ence boundaries, first of all physical bound- the project reports we had from all over the the Danish and German cultures (my fa- aries: Where does my body end, where does world. The creative and artistic involvement ther is Danish): for a long time Denmark that of the other person begin? And then at with the methods and approaches was in- depended on Germany culturally as well the soul level: Where is my ‘I’? Where is that tensive and was further enhanced in per- as economically. Many Danes admire Ger- of the other person? Finding the answer to sonal conversations. many, but they also feel somehow inferior. these questions involves an essential pro- Jüngel: What did you personally find par- World War II and the occupation of Den- cess of individualization and ‘I’-maturation. ticularly inspiring? mark have, on the other hand, created a Take an example from the middle senses: Gunkel: I am personally really excited deep sense of insecurity towards every- the sense of taste: How do I make some- about meeting people from all corners of thing German. It has not always been easy thing part of myself, as the beginning of an the world: the experience that anthropo- for my mother to live in Denmark. Luckily, entirely individual digestive process? sophic art therapy is made available on all the situation has become more relaxed in Jüngel: What do clients appreciate most continents – by so many wonderful indi- the last 25 years. Nowadays we are occu- about art therapy? viduals. This great thought inspires me, pied every summer by Germans, but they Gunkel: The non-verbal possibilities of art as did the experiences in my work group come with peaceful and friendly inten- therapy are the main reason for its popu- on light and darkness, based on Liane Col- tions – as tourists. larity. Something appears that cannot be lot d’Herbois: that you can really sense it Jüngel: How much of the Viking mentality put into words, but because the clients physically when light is created on paper! still lives in Denmark today? meet it – either on the paper in painting Nielsen: Today’s image of the Viking men- therapy, or in sound in music therapy, they Johanna Gunkel is one of the art therapy tality is rather distorted: Vikings are seen coordinators in the Medical Section at the can distance themselves from it and this is Goetheanum as fearless, wild, ‘mjöd’ (mead)-guzzling, often helpful and constitutes a first step International Art Therapy Conference on all-conquering warriors. But individualiza- towards change. the four higher senses: 4 to 7 January 2018 tion and globalization play an important Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17 | 9

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Denmark: New general secretary Niels Henrik Nielsen “The effects of anthroposophy will become apparent in future” Niels Henrik Nielsen was born in Denmark in 1964. After spending 18 months in Camphill Scotland, he started work as a cellist at the Music College and spent many years playing in orchestras and chamber ensembles. He is married to a pianist and the couple have two daughters (15 and 18). He is now a Waldorf teacher working in teacher training.

part now and the old forms are breaking State-funded Waldorf Schools down – as everywhere else. In this mood of Jüngel: Is it good for the Waldorf move- departure one occasionally senses a kind ment that there are so many private of Viking nostalgia – a longing for a glori- schools in Denmark? ous past that one is proud of. We Danes Nielsen: Yes and no. Private schools have have been a peaceful, open and tolerant a tradition in Denmark; they are regulated people for a long time. But changes are by the law and given quite a lot of free- underway; a certain polarization is taking dom. The state pays around 75 per cent Niels Henrik Nielson: musician, teacher, general place; a certain intolerance is noticeable of the school fees. This means we are still secretary in the media; people distance themselves relatively free in the way we work in our and judge more easily. schools. But there is also competition, and Class lessons. But that is gradually chang- I am not sure if that is a good thing. I think ing now. There is active section work go- Floating rather than striving it has the effect that Waldorf schools are ing on and people meet regularly to share Jüngel: What is Denmark striving for? less visible. But opinions diverge on this their ideas about various questions. As Nielsen: That is difficult to say. I think we point. far as I can see there is no actual spiritual are struggling with the same problems as Jüngel: How do you see your role as gen- research going on, however. But there are the other European countries. Maybe it eral secretary: more like an administrator, people who address and study various is more appropriate to speak of floating manager, healer or pastor? questions competently. The Danish sci- rather than striving. Nielsen: I am “only” a general secretary. entist Jens-Otto Andersen, for instance, Jüngel: How does Denmark’s spirituality Troels Ussing is still president. I see my has gained international acclaim with his express itself? task mainly as a facilitator between Dorn- work on capillary dynamolysis. Nielsen: That’s another difficult question. ach, the other countries and Denmark. But Jüngel: What needs doing? Rudolf Steiner said that the Danish have I also see that I need to get a sense of how Nielsen: First of all, a genuine connection the task to develop the ‘I’ in the intellec- the Danish anthroposophical work reso- needs to be made between the School of tual soul – and we are struggling with this, nates with the work in the world. It will Spiritual Science, its fields of practical ap- also when it comes to spirituality. Spiritu- take a few years to find my way. But I feel plication and the Society. Then one needs ality either becomes very abstract and dry, really positive after getting to know the to find the people who are able and willing or the opposite: it manifests in spiritual other general secretaries and the Execu- to conduct scientific research. At the mo- feeling experiences (New Age). The well- tive Council members. ment we are trying to establish among our known clairvoyant and spiritual scientist Jüngel: Does being a musician help? Council members and Lectors what spiri- Martinus presented his teachings very Nielsen: I think so. Music is, among other tual research actually is. systematically, using tables and symbols. things, a future image for the social life. Maybe the answer to that question must Anthroposophy, on the other hand, speaks My work as a musician is very limited now. not be too narrow. The tasks of the School to the consciousness soul – this is really a I used to do a lot of ensemble music. Liv- of Spiritual Science also include the arts challenge for us. I think that Søren Kierkeg- ing with the great works of classical music and universally human aspects – both of aard, the philosopher, and Hans Christian has instilled in me a sense of what social which are important for people’s spiritual Andersen, who is best known for his fairy forms and time processes could be like – and vocational needs. While it is very im- tales, are eminent representatives of the but for now they remain ideals. How I am portant to have an academic and scientific Danish intellectual soul. doing in this respect in actual life situa- orientation, I can see a great danger if this Jüngel: What is the role of anthroposophy tions is for others to say. becomes too one-sided and if there is too or of the Anthroposophical Society in this? much adaptation. Nielsen: Not a big one, certainly not in the The School of Spiritual Science Jüngel: Last question: what did you play public life. And yet, I am convinced that Jüngel: What kind of research is typical with as a child? Be honest – was it Lego? the anthroposophical work has an effect of the School of Spiritual Science in Den- Nielsen: No, it was Playmobil. – which will, however, only become appar- mark? ent in the future. Nielsen: For many years the School of Spiritual Science was identical with the www.rudolfsteiner.dk 10 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17

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Norway: New contact Ingrid Reistad “A place where the future comes to life” In September 2014 Frode Barkved stepped down as general secretary and, after a transition period, Ingrid Reistad became the contact person for the Anthroposophical Society in Norway in April 2016. Ingrid Reistad is a eurythmist, kindergarten teacher and a lecturer at the Oslo University College for .

Sebastian Jüngel: Norway has the high- awareness and sharing economy in par- est standard of living in the world – even ticular. But it is difficult to be an activist higher than Switzerland. Do you agree in a country where everything is “just so”. with this estimation from the World Eco- nomic Forum’s report on growth and de- Second language: new-Norwegian velopment? Jüngel: Norwegian literature is influential Ingrid Reistad: Yes, as regards material outside your country too. Henrik Ibsen is a standards, Norway is certainly right at the theatre classic; Karl Ove Knausgård’s auto- top. This makes life in Norway very com- biography has become a bestseller. How fortable and easy, in some respects. But do Norwegian’s relate to language? Ingrid Reistad: eurythmist, early years’ teacher, lecturer prosperity also has its dark sides. One of Reistad: Norwegians are avid readers. Lots them is that one feels so comfortable that of books are written in Norway, thrillers one becomes a bit “sleepy”. In my view, above all. We also have many dialects and Reistad: One aspect has been demon- this undermines one’s sympathy and un- therefore have a second official language: strated by the poets: the human spirit- derstanding for people and nations whose new-Norwegian, our written language. It soul working in harmony with nature; in situation is very different, because their makes it possible to keep dialects alive, other words, the experience of the spiri- reality bears no resemblance to one’s own. also in the public life. Most Norwegians tual in nature and finding one’s own ‘I’ as Secondly, a society with a high standard speak English well and, because of the af- spirit. There is one other quality that is of living also generates high expectations. finity of the Scandinavian languages, they particular to us Norwegians: we don’t like Young people in Norway often have to are also understood by speakers of Danish authority; we don’t like to be told what to cope with pressures – to succeed and to and Swedish. Because ours is not a global do. We could also put it negatively and say be perfect – and that is not always easy. language, we need to know at least one we have a certain tendency to stubborn- foreign language in order to widen our ness and complacency. Yet, in conjunction Living at the edge of Europe own linguistic sphere. with prosperity and detachedness from Jüngel: What is your present perception of Jüngel: Is there anything about the Nor- old traditions that are no longer relevant the Norwegian attitude towards life? wegian cultural life that is too little this quality could be a wonderful basis for Reistad: In his book “Europe, Europe”, known? free initiatives and deeds. Hans Magnus Enzensberger describes Reistad: Many things. But anything that Jüngel: What is the role of the Anthropo- Norway as an anachronism. We have is not expressed in English will hardly be sophical Society in Norway in this? material wealth with social and private received outside Scandinavia. We have Reistad: Anthroposophy is no unknown security on the one hand. Everyday life some very good poets in Norway, for in- quantity – thanks to earlier and present is managed by mobile phone and Apps; stance. One of my favourite poets is Hans writers. In literary, and increasingly also in banking, train tickets, shopping, commu- Bǿrli, who managed, in his poems, to academic circles anthroposophy is talked nication – all done by smartphone. On the blend subtle nature observations with in- about and sometimes controversially dis- other hand there is the dream of authentic ner spiritual experiences. It is this gentle cussed. The Anthroposophical Society, on nature experiences, of the simple life and interweaving of natural and human as- the other hand, is not so well known. I do its traditions. The two have been discon- pects that you find with many Norwegian hope, however, that we can become more nected for some time. poets. prominent in the future, and I believe that I often say: in Norway we live at the We also have some very good comedians our love of self-determination in particu- edge of Europe. We are connected with in Norway; they can certainly be seen as lar will make it possible for us to develop the whole world, we are informed about part of the cultural-spiritual life. Their as- new ideas and take new steps within the everything, we live in a kind of prosper- tute observation and analysis of society Anthroposophical Society. ity vacuum where old traditions are no and human beings are very much to the Jüngel: Is the Anthroposophical Society in longer viable and where difficult global point. Sometimes the comedians are the Norway well equipped for its tasks? events are easily brushed aside. Living in only ones who can speak the truth. Reistad: We are doing our best. It is im- this kind of discrepancy is challenging for portant to point out that individuals in individuals. But there are also many posi- No slaves to authority the Anthroposophical Society have done tive initiatives, started by younger or older Jüngel: What, in your eyes, is Norway’s much over time to support the anthropo- people: projects to do with environmental spiritual contribution to the world? sophical work. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17 | 11

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New ways of nurturing the spiritual life Reistad: The following sections are active Portugal: Light Eurythmy Ensemble in Norway: Jüngel: How do you intend to increase the - General Anthroposophical Section, From Faust to Saint Odile activities of the Anthroposophical Society - Pedagogical Section, From 20 to 22 January 2017 the first Portu- in Norway? - the Section for the Performing Arts, guese national Waldorf Teachers’ Confer- Reistad: We want to maintain and - The Social Sciences Section and the ence was held in Lisbon. The Light Euryth- strengthen our public presence. We also Medical Section, which includes the Agri- my Ensemble from was there. want to develop the good cooperation cultural Section. we have within our organization. It is high There is no actual research going on in time, however, to develop new ways and those sections right now, but work is be- forms of cultivating the spiritual life. My ing done to deepen various topics, and wish is that spiritual exercises become as individual members of the Pedagogical normal and matter-of-fact as the physical Section are involved in research projects exercises are that we do to keep fit. For elsewhere. this the gap, which some people still ex- perience between the spiritual life and ev- New translation of the Class lessons eryday reality, needs to be bridged; we can In the autumn of 2016 a new translation achieve this, for instance, by working even of the nineteen Class lessons was pub-

more concretely with anthroposophy, lished and offered to the Class members. LichteurythmiePhoto: Ensemble spiritually and practically in our everyday This was an important achievement and from the program ‹Saint Odile› lives. That would certainly be a positive highly welcome. The language of this Nor- and enjoyable endeavour. wegian translation is very good and makes ore than 150 teachers and students Jüngel: What should the Anthroposophi- it possible for people to study the lessons Mfrom diverse anthroposophical cal Society in Norway be in the coming in their own language. education initiatives came together in years? Several Class members have expressed the premises of Lusófona University. The Reistad: We can always dream! I would the wish to make these texts also avail- mood was inspiring and intensive. Pedro wish that the Society becomes a place able to members of the Anthroposophical Miguel, one of the organizers, said there where people experience the reality of the Society who have not joint the Class yet. was so much interest in this event that spirit-soul through their own actions, be This is something that needs to be dis- not all applicants could be accepted – so it through artistic activity or meditation; cussed further and that would certainly everyone is looking forward to the next a place of study, research and discussion; require further work on the texts. conference. a place where the future comes to life – Jüngel: Some of your colleagues have re- The Light Eurythmy Ensemble was in- through lively exchange with anyone who vealed something about themselves that vited to provide the artistic programmes wishes for a spiritual dimension in their others would not necessarily expect. How in the evenings. On the first day they pre- life. is that with you? sented a public performance, to a packed Jüngel: What is the situation of the School auditorium, with eurythmy scenes from of Spiritual Science in Norway? What kind Goethe’s Faust. Pamela Lippke, who is a of research is being done there? www.antroposofi.no eurythmist at the Waldorf School on the Algarve, pointed out in her address that this was the first ever public eurythmy performance in Portugal. A second performance for conference members, with an introduction and dem- onstrations, rounded off the second eve- ning. Hans-Peter Strumm and Sonja Wudy presented two eurythmy workshops on Petition artistic and pedagogical eurythmy as part of the conference programme. No to the digital Kindergarten On 22 January the ensemble travelled t the symposium entitled “A right to childhood – the responsibility lies with further north to visit Casa de Santa Isabel, Aus”, which was held in Hamburg (DE) on 19 November 2016, the former a curative education centre in São Romão, leader of the Medical Section in Dornach, Michaela Glöckler, and the neurosci- where they also gave two eurythmy perfor- entist Manfred Spitzer, among others, initiated a petition against the digitali- mances, this time featuring the legend of zation of early years’ education. Their aim is to collect a minimum of 100,000 Saint Odile. Here too, they received a very signatures by 21 May 2017. 28,600 people have signed so far (as of 20 Februa- warm welcome, from Fernanda and Fritz ry). | Sebastian Jüngel Wessling. | Sonja Wudy, Oftersheim (DE) Sign online: https://eliant.eu/en/news/petition-no-to-the-digital-kindergarten/ www.eurythmie.com 12 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17

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Appeal: 100 Years of Threefolding of 1919 is impressive, “We these ideas into practice” (GA were able to reach the broad 190). These words show the ne- No more waiting masses. It gradually dawned on cessity to bring new thoughts As we approach the centenary of the impulse them what the impulse of the into people’s heads and hearts considerations are afoot on how one could go about making Ru- threefold social organism was against the resistance of old dolf Steiner’s social ideas more widely known. Ulrich Schöne has about. […] People only have dif- concepts. They tell us that collated a few thoughts on the topic. ficulties understanding this be- this cannot happen on a small cause they are unable to leave scale, but that the wider public their old thinking patterns be- needs to be addressed and that n light of the present confu- fied and adapted for today’s hind. […]” (GA 76, lecture of 8 we cannot wait with teaching Ision and disastrous events in readers in accordance with Ru- April 1921) people about the right social the world I would like to appeal dolf Steiner’s wishes in regard thinking until we have become to everyone who knows and to the evolving social organism. Knowing how other people anthroposophists because it appreciates the idea of social Today we are no longer, as live could be too late by then. threefolding to join forces and Rudolf Steiner was, dealing What Rudolf Steiner said to spread the basic ideas underly- with the “unused intelligence” the Swiss members in Dornach Summary ing this concept among more of a proletariat of European on 3 October 1919 can help Many people need to be and more people in the world. industrialized countries at the to overcome any reluctance, aware of this shared task and Common sense tells us that end of a horrible war. Today “If everything depended on join forces, since otherwise three vital forces are needed there is a worldwide move- people first becoming anthro- the goal of making the social for human beings to live to- ment of people who have a posophists before they can threefolding impulse fertile in gether peacefully. Together strong sense of justice and who apply the right social thinking, the world cannot be achieved. these forces preserve the life of are seeking ways out of the it might well be much, much We must prepare ourselves for any social organism. As human chaos of today’s crises in the too late. We therefore have the possibilities and ways of beings we each midst of a global war that has to consider placing the three- introducing the social three- - make sure that our needs been going on for decades, be- folding idea into the world by folding impulse in national and are met; tween rich and poor. In this war itself – even if that means that international work groups in - help to shape and adhere countless people have fallen it rests on less solid founda- a way that is suitable for our to social agreements and victim to hunger, displacement tions. […] It will be necessary, time. An important first step in rules; and even violent death. however, that this threefold- this direction has been taken - place our own faculties and ing idea is corroborated […] by by Rainer Schnurre with his ideas in the service of the New communities the way the members of the Appeal (“Auf-Ruf”), see Anthro- community when we work. Many of the communities, anthroposophical movement posophy Worldwide 12/2016, In this process one will expe- initiatives and free organiza- live their lives […]. We must try page 2. | Ulrich Schöne, Witten rience oneself as another – in- tions that are emerging all to represent a social life that (DE) wardly transformed – person, over the world follow the voice people can see as trust-inspir- and one will get a sense of how of their conscience and their ing because of the way you are the three areas mentioned re- sense of moral responsibility. representing it, even if it is not late to the three great ideals of They become active and take possible for us to establish the modern humanity: fraternity, steps to protect and bring anthroposophical foundations equality and freedom. peace to the earth and to cre- fast enough.” Rudolf Steiner ate a more dignified life. Could then went on to speak about New thoughts they become the force that the right way of representing There are plenty of indica- will fundamentally renew the this social movement, saying tions by Rudolf Steiner that can social life? How can we reach that “we need to get rid of the give us orientation for our task them? habit of walking past people of disseminating the impulses We should consider what without knowing what kind of of social threefolding. The ap- Rudolf Steiner said in a lecture life they live.” peal, which has been expressed in November 1918, where he The same message also in many places, “to bring new pointed out that social renew- speaks clearly out of the ap- thoughts into people’s heads”, al was only possible on a large peal Rudolf Steiner addressed The original version of this is as relevant today as it was a scale, not “in some piecemeal to his listeners on 14 April 1919 abridged contribution is avail- hundred years ago (GA 185a, fashion […] or […] in a small in Dornach, outlining as our able from the author. lecture of 17 November 1918). way” (GA 185a, lecture of 22 task “to spread enlightenment Contact: [email protected] The thoughts put forward in November 1918). […] and teach people to change the book Towards Social Re- What Rudolf Steiner said the way they think, […] teach For Rainer Schnurre’s appeal newal are still new today, even about the way he explained so- them in a universal way about (Auf­Ruf) visit: if the book needs to be modi- cial threefolding in the spring what is needed […] and put www.alternativ3gliedern.com Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17 | 13

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and common sense to see the ment – which is the crux of the To the contributions by citation, in the context of this matter – it remains a mystery “Ars Herbaria” author affec- Stephen E. Usher and Tho- exhibition, for what it is, even why he studies him so keenly. ted by earthquake in Italy mas O’Keefe in Anthroposo- if one belongs to the “less in- Zander “speaks” less about phy Worldwide 1-2/2017 formed” whose advocate Ste- Steiner than about himself: ast summer my husband phen E. Usher claims to be. from a great distance, he pres- Land I moved to the central took part in the 2016 Goethe- ents a few hypothetical state- Marche region of Italy in order Ianum World Conference and Zander speaks about himself ments about Steiner which to set up a small study cen- witnessed the events described The Zander citation con- in actual fact characterize his tre and a school for medicinal by Justus Wittich in Anthro- tains no image of Rudolf Stein- own scientific approach – they plants in the commune of Ga- posophy Worldwide 12/2016 er, merely speculation. The are parts of a self-portrait. gliole. This medieval village from up close. I also attended style of the presentation says was badly damaged in the the exhibition in question. more about Zander himself Open to conversation recent earthquake; our house My impression is that Ste- than its content does about In my experience Johannes next to St. Michael’s church phen E. Usher and Thomas Rudolf Steiner. Unlike the other Nilo, head of the Documenta- is now uninhabitable – as is O’Keefe picked a detail out of citations, which reflect person- tion Department, and Bodo the entire walled-in centre of its context and communicated al experiences, Zander claims von Plato, as a member of the this ancient village: of the 650 it – pointedly – to the anthro- universality while his thoughts Executive Council, are always inhabitants 300, us included, posophical public using various about Rudolf Steiner lack any open to conversation, even live in shelters or share flats in routes including flyers, emails experiential foundation: with with the “dissatisfied”. Such quakeproof houses. and newssheets. It surely is no Steiner it could be like this, a conversation can also take All of central Italy has been more than a detail. The exhi- or like that, or it could be dif- place by phone or email. Why affected by the tremors and bition showed 30 artistic im- ferent altogether. First there was this way not chosen in- the earth has not calmed down ages and the exhibition guide is the thesis that the “snow” stead of rushing to hand out yet. Thousands of animals are contains 22 short citations Steiner mentioned may have flyers at the Goetheanum left in the cold outside, many from contemporaries or later referred to cocaine. But be- World Conference? | Uwe Wer- are dying; schools threaten authors regarding their ‘im- cause this has long been dis- ner, Malaucène (FR) to collapse and snowfall has age’ of Rudolf Steiner. One was carded – a fact which Helmut made the whole situation even a citation taken from Helmut Zander omits to mention – he more difficult. This will have Zander’s attempt at a Steiner goes one step back and points here have always been dire consequences for the eco- biography. out that Steiner’s decades-long Tthose in the history of the nomic situation in Macerata occupation with “meditative world who spread horrible lies and Ascoli Piceno, Umbria, La- If comments, then comments practices” would hardly be rec- about highly developed indi- tium and the Abruzzi. on all citations oncilable with the consump- vidualities. Luckily the human None of the very different tion of cocaine. But here he also ‘I’ is strong enough to differen- Keeping going citations gives the impression has reservations: Steiner as an tiate and to not give credence My partner Giorgio is a bio- that it reflects the “opinion” of esoteric disciple had remained to such lies and malice or al- dynamic gardener and works the Goetheanum’s Documen- “largely concealed to us” – low them to be spread. I am for a social cooperative, La tation Department, especially these are the words of a univer- sure that Rudolf Steiner would Talea, where he is in charge of because they are so varied. It sity professor who claims uni- never pay any attention to such growing Demeter vegetables. I would be rather strange to ask versality, for it would have to calumnies. By disseminating will continue to give courses on for such an opinion. One does be “to him”, or in his words “to such statements one feeds the Goethean and practical herbal- find differentiated comments me”. Zander ignores Steiner’s adversary forces. One needs to ism and nature observation in in catalogues of major exhi- detailed descriptions of paths know them, but not propagate the Camaldolese monastery of bitions and such a catalogue of esoteric experience that re- them! Serious disciples of an- Fonte Avellana. I am working would be highly interesting move any doubts as to Steiner’s throposophy would take such on a new book and on setting in this case, too, since it could esoteric discipleship. This dis- a situation as an opportunity up a work group on agriculture. provide historical context on cipleship is therefore anything for more intense inner, spiritual Please write to me if you can of- the diverse author personali- but “concealed”. It seems that work, so that the shining force fer help: we welcome any kind ties, but not on Zander alone, Zander did not personally ven- of our spiritual-scientific path of solidarity, visitors and gener- please! ture on any of these paths and of knowledge can unfold and al interest in our shaken coun- Asking the Documentation therefore lacked the personal lies can be transformed into try.| Karin Mecozzi, Gagliole (IT) Department for a comment on experience that would have al- truth. | Aban Bana, Mumbai (IN) the Zander citation only looks lowed him to have an opinion like calling for an “authorita- on the subject. We will not hold tive opinion” – something that this against him, however. But Contact: would better be avoided. It on- if he is not really interested in [email protected] www.karinmecozzi.wordpress ly needs a bit of inner distance Steiner’s path of inner develop- 14 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17

■ School of Spiritual Science ■ antroposophical society

Section for the Literary Arts and Humanities 14 Dec. 1935 to 6 Nov 2016 Antroposofische Vereniging in Nederland Adriana Onofrei Chymical Wedding driana Onofrei was born the youngest of five chil- The Alchemy of the Soul in Imaginations, 5 to 7 May 2017 A dren and grew up in the small he images of the Chymical Wedding never cease to invite us to hamlet of Frumuşica in north- Tunlock their secret and experience the initiation of Christian eastern Romania, surrounded Rosenkreutz, because they reveal to us the journey of the human by a glorious landscape. Her soul to the spirit. In October 2016 a conference on this subject father was a notary, whom was held by the Anthroposophical Society in Holland. Amsterdam people held in high esteem, and The Hague are cities which have a strong connection with referring to him as “the man Jacob Boehme and the Rosicrucians. Some of the artists involved of justice”. Her mother’s moral in that conference will now present motifs from those seven days, strength accompanied her all phy. Later she would say, “My expressed through eurythmy. We were also able to secure a bril- her life; she, too, was a “person life suddenly had a very differ- liant exhibition (“Divine Wisdom and Divine Nature”) of original of initiative”. Adriana was still ent substance; my existence Rosicrucian manuscripts from Amsterdam’s Bibliotheca Herme- at school when she heard the received new dimensions and tika, an excellent collection of original esoteric documents from call of a world that lay beyond goals.” One could add, “Her po- the hermetic and Rosicrucian traditions. The conference will also the reach of the physical sens- etic talent was also given wings. focus on the individuality of Christian Rosenkreutz and the impor- es. As a psychologist and active The Societatea Anthroposofi că tance of Rosicrucianism for the future of anthroposophy. | Chris- scientist she was disappointed din România (SAR) which was tiane Haid and Jaap Sijmons with the image of the human founded in 1928, and banned in being that prevailed in her field 1947, could be newly founded www.goetheanum.org/8504.html of work. Always in search of the in 1990. Adriana was a member essence, she moved in her six- of its council for many years. ties, also as a poet, among the With her deep affinity to lan- Section for the Literary Arts and Humanities upright people who informed guage she – with two or three Cultural Science Research Group the cultural life in her country others – worked on translating (Hochschulkreis für Kulturwissenschaften) and made no compromises the Mystery Dramas, the Class General Anthroposophical Society with the communist regime. lessons and other works by Ru- Some people were arrested dolf Steiner. From around 2009 Riddles of the Soul as a consequence and Adriana onwards, her fruitful work was Fundamentals of Human Threefoldness in the Age of the Con- Onofrei had to leave her re- unfortunately increasingly im- sciousness Soul, 19 to 21 May 2017 search work behind. peded by a debilitating illness. Rudolf Steiner referred to his work “Riddles of the Soul”, in At the age of 34 she was In the early morning of 6 No- which he developed the functional-anatomical threefoldness of faced with the unexpected vember 2016 Adriana Onofrei the human organism, as the “justification of the anthroposophi- death of her fiancé and friend. was released from her suffer- cal path of knowledge”. As the result of his research it forms the Three years later, her destiny ing. | Gheorghe Paxino, Stutt- basis of the anthroposophical image of the human being and is led her to meet anthroposo- gart (DE) an inspiring foundation for understanding the scientific nature of this image. But this conference will not only dwell on scientific- theoretical or philosophical questions, but also consider the trans- formed reality of life resulting from such anthropological three- folding. Aside from fundamental questions regarding “Riddles of the Soul” we will deal with the practical effects of the threefold I am the last crane human image in medicine, education, agriculture, social science, Adriana Onofrei in the Youth Section and in general anthroposophy. In composing the Foundation Stone Meditation of the Anthroposophical Soci- The last crane in these parts am I ety Rudolf Steiner crystallized this research result into the central Flying towards the “Light shine forth!” meditation of world and self-knowledge. It can be the foundation Above me infinite skies stone for communal activity in a society and school. We would like - Below, boundless, ocean’s chalice to make this initial moment of the threefolding impulse, its social And around me such expanses and spiritual dimension, accessible to as many people as possible. That my heart grows dense with fear Interpretation into other languages will be provided if a minimum And a prayer is my flight: of twenty speakers of that language apply. | Christiane Haid, Eckart May my wings carry me! Förster, Harald Schwaetzer, Bodo von Plato In this flight, so stern and eager, Am I in these parts the last crane. www.goetheanum.org/8503.html Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17 | 15

■ antroposophical society

6 Feb 1918 to 22 Jan 2017 We have been informed that the following 50 members have Vojislav Jankovic crossed the threshold of death. In their remembrance we are providing this information for their friends. |The Membership ojislav Jankovic was born Office at the Goetheanum Von February 6, 1918 in Nice, France. After 1919 he lived in Jitka Dvořáková Liberec (CZ) in 2015 Belgrade (RS), where he finished Flemming Ishøj Charlottenlund (DK) 28 January 2016 the Terazije primary school (1924 Ana Kunica Santiago (CL) 19 February 2016 to 1928) and completed his sec- Werner Decoodt Heusden (BE) 8 April 2016 Willy Eykens Deurne (BE) 16 April 2016 ondary education (1928-1936). In Lily Wilda São Paulo (BR) 7 July 2016 1936 he enrolled in the depart- lis, “Development of musicality Heidi Nogueira Rio de Janeiro (BR) 15 July 2016 ment of Mechanical Engineering, in childhood” by Edmund Pracht, Fem Owen-Wahl Pinelands (ZA) 30 July 2016 University of Belgrade, where he “Excerpts from Eurythmy” by Susanne Wetzel Basel (CH) 25 August 2016 finished the two preparatory Wolfgang Veit. Jan Meyns Werchter (BE) 23 September 2016 years. From 1939 to 1940 he at- For science, he wrote „The Gertrud Herzog Salez (CH) 3 October 2016 tended the School for reserve mathematical approach to René Pandelaers Kalmthout (BE) 8 October 2016 officers in Sarajevo. He was in spiritual science“, „On Science,“ Gerda Navis Zutphen (NL) 12 October 2016 the war from 4 to 15 April 1941, (translated into English), “On Na- Raimond Maris Arnhem (NL) 18 October 2016 when he was captured. Vojislav ture”, “Let’s put our thinking into Maria Emck Zeist (NL) 8 November 2016 spent the rest of the war in an order“; he translated Andre Bjer- Anke Maasböl Ahrensburg (DE) 24 November 2016 JoAnne Karp Spring Valley / NY (US) 25 Nov. 2016 officers’ prisoner-of-war camp ke’s „Goethe versus Newton.“ Otto Franke Berlin (DE) 30 November 2016 in Germany. He was liberated by For history, he wrote “Esoter- Carolyn Getson Akron/OH (US) im November 2016 the Americans, and returned to ic interpretation of Serbian folk Johanna Hartsuiker Den Haag (NL) 2 December 2016 Belgrade on 30 June 1945. poems „,“ Decline of the West, Claire Trives Valleraugue (FR) 2 December 2016 From 1946 to 1958, he first yes or no,’‘ “At the end of the Bernd Ehlen Bieldside (GB) 7 December 2016 worked as a senior technician twentieth century“,“ Historical Karl-Günther Mastaglio Eckernförde (DE) 10 December 2016 in the technical administration, symptomatology,” „Peter de Ro- Mary LeBeau Sylmar/CA (US) 15 December 2016 and subsequently as a freelance sa Writes, I Comment “, “What is Carmen Ravanal Depassier Santiago (CL) 16 December 2016 designer and a technical direc- of the present and what is of the Richard Latessa New York / NY (US) 19 December 2016 tor of a small company, “Invest- past in human thinking”. Cesare Rebesco Musestre (IT) 23 December 2016 Import”. From 1959 to 1978, he For religion, he wrote „The Carla Zom Bergambacht (NL) 23 December 2016 Ursula Heinle Murrhardt (DE) 29 December 2016 worked in foreign trade in the Christian Mystery” (translated Zdeněk Helus Praha (CZ) im Jahr 2016 export of complex industrial in- into English), “Masonic order of Felix Irmiš Praha (CZ) im Jahr 2016 stallations. He went three times, Henry Tort-Nouguès”, „On Je- Ludmila Nejedlová Březnice (CZ) im Jahr 2016 for extended periods, to India, suitism “, „ The interview with Simone Barrault Chatou (FR) 1. January 2017 Burma, Sudan, Vietnam and Danilo Lazic“. Werner Martens Pforzheim (DE) 11. January 2017 Brazil. He retired in July 1978. Eva Hitschler Villingen-Schwenningen (DE) 13 Jan. 2017 Copies and online blog Eleonore Mayer Wintersingen (CH) 16 January 2017 Commitment to anthroposophy For geopolitics, he wrote Thomas Witzemann Wetzikon (CH) 16 January 2017 In 1953, he encountered an- „Four double streams towards Salvatore Chimento Palermo (IT) 17 January 2017 throposophy through Slobodan the Serbs“, “Call to Serbian Lilo Bühler Münchenstein (CH) 21 January 2017 Velicki. He was in the inner circles people.” Stella Hellström Järna (SE) 22 January 2017 Marianne Klare Sankt Augustin (DE) 22 January 2017 of anthroposophists in Belgrade. For the renewal of culture, Doris Hoeltz Beringen (CH) 23 January 2017 Since his retirement, he was he wrote „Belgrade, a city of Margareta Solyom Cluj-Napoca (RO) 26 January 2017 working as a translator and writ- free spiritual life“, „Proposal to Else Tietze Bochum (DE) 27 January 2017 er. Starting in 1988 and up until amend the Constitution”, “Ac- Paul Reinhardt (DE) 29 January 2017 today, he put a special emphasis quiring knowledge and mor- Cinzia Balos Trieste (IT) 31 January 2017 on the threefold social order and als“, „Threefold social order.“ Hélène Oppert St-Germaine-en-Laye (FR) 1 Febr. 2017 on attempts to spiritualize cul- Theatres and publishers re- Verena Haag Gonten (CH) 5 February 2017 ture (in the manner of R. Steiner): fused all of his work. Writings Neeltje Prior Titirangi/Waitakere (NZ) 6 Febr. 2017 For the arts: he wrote five dra- of Vojislav Jankovic circulate as Helga Jatho Basel (CH) 8 February 2017 mas: “We All Want That,” “Grand- photocopies and over the Inter- father’s Stories,” “The Golden Key net. His blog can be found on From 17 January to 13 February 2017 the Society welcomed 82 new members. 253 are no longer registered as members for the Princess,” “Dark Province,” troclanstvo.blogspot.rs (resignations, lost, and corrections by country Societies). and “The New Age”; two poems: Mr Jankovic died in Obreno- “Ballad” and “Hymn”. His trans- vac on January 22, 2017.| Slobo- lations include “Esoteric Stories dan Žalica, Sarajevo (BA) trans- and Poems (selection)” by Nova- lation by Svetlana Correa 16 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 3/17

■ Feature

A currency for the Goetheanum ready held there, or else seek or generate them ‘locally’. This is not a complex mat- The Hibernia ter; ask any foreign currency dealer. The Christopher Houghton Budd, treasurer of the Anthroposophical Society in Ireland, has difference is that the Hibernia currency created a virtual currency, the Hibernia, which he thinks can serve the better percep- is an instrument for perceiving the world- tion of financial streams within the Anthroposophical Society and movement. He sug- wide economy of the Anthroposophical gests that the Goetheanum should use this currency too. Society/Movement, not a means of prof- iting from exchange rate differ- he Hibernia (HIB) was conceived as sequent history of Ireland, ences. Tthe counterpart to an important spiri- especially that portion of The Hibernia flows tual event, namely, the establishment of its history as the first, and would be one-way – to- the Anthroposophical Society in Ireland possibly worst-treated wards (or should that be as one society active in two countries of England’s colonies. from?) the future as it – the Republic of Ireland and the United Or that from Ireland as a unfolds through the will Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern whole we can hopefully life, for which donations Ireland. This means, however, that the af- build a bridge that arches are the best medium. Ex- fairs of the Irish Society are conducted in across Europe, from Hiber- change rates only become two currencies – the pound sterling (GBP) nia to Golgotha. For such a problems when the amount and the euro (EUR) – yet the Society makes bridge is urgently needed. of money available for giving its remittances to the Goetheanum via a away is not enough to cover such euro account held in Germany. This ar- The Hibernia Mysteries problems or when one expects money to rangement is presumably designed to mi- In 1998, two Swiss colleagues – Marc come back – as is the case where econom- nimise exchange rate ‘losses’, but is it not Desaules (Treasurer and General Secre- ic life relies on lending. possible instead to conduct our affairs on tary of the Swiss Anthroposophical So- the basis of a world currency – not, how- ciety) and Anita Grandjean, co-founder The community of humanity ever, as the instrument of a supranational with Marc of L’Aubier near Neuchatel – In all this it may be that the Irish An- economy or central bank. Not to effect and I published research into the links be- throposophical Society is punching above monetary affairs, but to reflect them. tween global money when understood as its weight – the more so because it aims accounting, Rudolf Steiner’s ideas about to remit the full amount due per member Building a bridge across Europe money, and the essential characteristics to the Goetheanum, something very few In the case of Ireland the need was of the Hibernia Mysteries. national societies currently do. But in fi- twofold. Firstly, to avoid either of the na- In essence we suggested links be- nance, as in much else in life, things subtle tional currencies being our official or pre- tween: have more significance than things gross. ferred currency, yet enabling members in i) Trading (represented by income and ‘Leverage’, for example, can be under- each currency area to see (and think) the expense accounts), the saying “I am stood as financial ‘homeopathy’. And then Society’s affairs with the ease that is as- knowledge but I lack being”, and the there is timing, world timing – as Daniel sured when they are presented in one’s fact that the male/sun/winter pillar Dunlop might have put it – concerning ‘own’ currency. Secondly, in order to evalu- returned to its original shape when which three final observations: ate and indeed ‘see’ our link to the General pressed against – a fact reflected in Firstly, were it to adopt the Hibernia, Society. For this one needs to be able to the closing or bringing to zero of all ac- the General Anthroposophical Society ‘read’ in the currency used by that society, counts at year end, and would stand ‘free’ of the Swiss franc, en- which is the Swiss franc (CHF). Accord- abling one to see more clearly the karma ingly, the Irish Society’s finances are now ii) Capitalisation of capacities (represent- of locating the Goetheanum in a particu- conducted in three currencies – HIB, EUR ed by the balance sheet), the saying “I lar ‘corner’ of Europe now known as Swit- and GBP – with the Hibernia valued 1:1 to am phantasy but I lack truth”, and the zerland. Secondly, the risk of the Swiss the Swiss franc. fact that the female/moon/summer franc being usurped by the euro would So much game-playing? Trivialising the pillar retained any impressions made also become evident. Thirdly, the fact that Hibernia Mysteries? Maybe, but probably in it – a fact reflected in the fact that the Irish Society straddles two countries not. The world is not entirely asleep. Just the values on a balance sheet do not would not be affected by ‘Brexit’. after we published our budget in Hiber- disappear. National currencies keep old habits nias the Irish Republic issued a 2 Euro coin and old enmities alive. However, ‘Europa’ depicting Hibernia with an image reminis- Creating a currency matched to the refers to humanity as a whole, not to a cent of Samothrace’s Nike (see pictures). Swiss franc enables the Society world- particular region on earth or political bloc, Here is not the place to reiterate the many wide to operate above all national curren- still less to supernations and their curren- things Rudolf Steiner said about Hiber- cies. It can then ‘see’ its worldwide nature cies, for which the European Union and nia, but it is interesting to consider some directly in its own accounts. For example, the euro are forerunners. Nothing of this things he did not say – at least not directly. if we know there will be an event some- kind informs the Hibernia. | Christopher For example, Hibernia preceded the sub- where in the world we can use funds al- Houghton Budd, Folkestone (GB) Position: linke obere Papierkante, Größe 100%

General Anthroposophical Society Anthroposophy Worldwide 1-2/17

■ school of spiritual science General Anthroposophical Section: “Living Connections” Conference Anthroposophical Meditation Ten years ago the Goetheanum Meditation Worldwide initiative was formed. What January|February 2017 started as a small group then has grown into a vibrant network with more than 300 No. 1-2 active members. In a conference entitled “Living Connections” the group will for the School of Spiritual Science first time publicly present, and offer the opportunity to experience, the diversity of ap- 1 General Anthroposophical Section: proaches to practising Anthroposophical Meditation. Anthroposophical Meditation 2 Section for the Performing Arts: editation is a much talked about 2018 Mystery Dramas worldwide Msubject today. Innumerable courses 3 The scientific nature of anthroposophy offering a wide range of practices, such 4 Medical Section: Research as Buddhist meditation for instance, are Goetheanum widely available. Rudolf Steiner’s intima- tions on meditation are less well known, 2 Goetheanum Stage: Faust – even though he created a whole wealth from 2016 to 2017 Daniel Ginat Photo: of meditations for private as well as pro- An individual practice that creates its own form Anthroposophical Society fessional use (Anthroposophy Worldwide 6 USA: new general secretary 11/2016). However, he gave above all ex- reflect on a meditative activity and wish to John Bloom tensive introductions and instructions for work with others gather under that head- 8 Austria: new general secretary esoteric training, emphasizing for instance ing. The actual practice, he points out, usu- Wolfgang Tomaschitz the importance of developing one’s moral ally begins with a spiritual-scientific idea, 9 General Anthroposophical Society: forces. His indications regarding medita- a verse or with the book Knowledge of Seija Zimmermann will leave tion as such are less extensive and less the Higher Worlds. “What seems to me to Vorstand in 2018 systematic. In recent years, people who be most specifically anthroposophical is 10 2017-2018 Annual Theme: Light and are connected with anthroposophy have that its contents, practices and methods Warmth for the Human Soul developed diverse approaches to medi- enhance individuality.” That made it pos- 14 Obituaries: Gerda Schmidt, tation, and a series of conferences called sible “to trust increasingly on one’s ‘I’ as the Robert Lord “Meditation and Self-Knowledge” brings source of the relationship with the spirit.” 15 Membership News meditative practices from East and West Anthroposophical Meditation, he contin- into dialogue. The next conference will ued, was the continuously evolving result Forum take place from 17 to 19 March 2017 at Ru- of an “individual, self-reliant spiritual prac- 12 Response from Stephen Usher dolf Steiner Haus in Stuttgart (DE) – visit tice that creates its own forms”. According 13 Letter from Thomas O’Keefe www.meditationostwest.de for more in- to Aina Aasland, who is part of the organi- 14 Appeal regarding Sergei O. Prokofieff formation. Representatives of various an- zation team, meditation is about the living Feature throposophical approaches have repeat- connection “with oneself as well as with edly met to share their experiences and other people and with the world.” This is 16 Trigon Foundation: are now ready to offer those interested why it is so important to work and conduct Soil Fertility Fund their insights into the diverse practices of research together and to ask questions, 16 Petersburg conference to celebrate Anthroposophical Meditation. she says. | Sebastian Jüngel Marie Steiner’s 150th birthday Finding one’s own way Preconference: The Nineteen Class Lessons. A But what is Anthroposophical Medita- Meditative Path, 5 to 7 July 2017, Goetheanum tion? For Robin Schmidt, one of the initia- (German, English). Conference: Living Con- nections – Worldwide Perspectives on Anthro- tors, this designation constitutes neither posophical Meditation, 7 to 9 July 2017, Goe- a definition nor a demarcation; it is more theanum (German, English, Spanish and that anthroposophists who practise and French), www.living-connections.info 2 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17

■ school of spiritual science ■ goetheanum

Section for the Performing Arts Goetheanum Stage The Mystery Dramas Faust: in 2018 from 2016 to 2017

Dear friends of the Mystery Dramas worldwide, Dear members and friends of Faust, rom 21 to 25 July 2018 the Goethea- aking on a project such as performing Fnum’s corridors, rooms and stages Tthe unabridged Faust means taking on will be thrown open to those who have a considerable risk. The fact that we were studied, or wish to study, Rudolf Steiner’s able, in 2016, to stage six full performanc- four Mystery Dramas by reading or acting es, each seventeen hours long, is mostly them out. Hundreds of questions sudden- due to the great commitment of the en- ly come up, such as “Who is playing the semble – and everyone behind the scenes,

part of Theodora elsewhere – and how is the Goetheanum’s infrastructure, the Tedeschi Georg von aus Fotos Montage she interpreted? How do we deepen the members, the donors and the audience. Faust 2017: The new advertising poster karmic aspects of the individual parts? We would like to thank all these people How can we consciously take hold of, and most warmly, because they are helping himself, with Urs Bihler continuing to play promote, the community-building forces to make sure that the Goetheanum con- the others. After Elena Conradt has left inherent in these dramas? How can the tinues to be a place where one can see the ensemble, the part of Gretchen will be various levels of reality be understood Goethe’s entire Faust – this unique mas- played by Anne-Kathrin Korf. Some other and portrayed? What are the challenges terpiece about the seeking human being. parts will also be newly cast, some scenes we meet in the cosmic midnight? We will be changed, and particular attention would like to make use of the fruits of Response to the performances in 2016 will be given to the language and to the re- your work and organize a public summer The six performances, directed by lationship between eurythmy and drama. conference with discussions, work groups Christian Peter, have mostly been posi- We are grateful that these transformative and the presentation of individual scenes tively reviewed in the media and have processes, which will require the greatest from the various Goetheanum produc- received very diverse responses from indi- devotion from the players and directors, tions, which will centre around our work- vidual viewers, ranging from enthusiasm will be made possible. ing together and sharing of experiences. and standing ovations to complaints that We, the preparatory team, look forward the production has not done justice to the Three performances in 2017 to a lively exchange in the run-up to this Goetheanum and its mission. Overall, at- The performances in the summer of exciting event.| Stefan Hasler, Gioia Falk, tendance at the performances, with the 2017 will be embedded in conferences Silke Kollewijn, Agnes Zehnter, Christiane exception of the premiere, has fallen be- with specific themes: Haid and Bodo von Plato hind our expectations. In the meantime, - “Goethe and his Faust. The search for there have been many detailed reviews identity and threshold experiences”, Anthroposophy Worldwide appears ten in various constellations. In conversations with lectures by Ariane Eichenberg, times a year, is distributed by the national between the Goetheanum Leadership Wolfgang Schad and others, 17 to 19 Anthroposophical Societies, and appears as (represented by Christiane Haid, Stefan July 2017 (overall responsibility: Jo- a supplement to the weekly Das Goetheanum Hasler, Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato) hannes Kühl); • Publisher: General Anthroposophical Soci- ety, represented by Justus Wittich and the directors and Goetheanum Stage - “True and False Paths. Faust’s Wan- • Editors: Sebastian Jüngel (responsible staff (Christian Peter, Margrethe Solstad, derings between the Worlds”, with for this edition), Michael Kranawetvogl (re- Andrea Pfaehler, Nils Frischknecht and lectures by Michael Debus, Christiane sponsible for the Spanish edition), Margot Alexander Höhne) aspects of the pro- Haid, Martina Maria Sam and Jaap Si- M. Saar (responsible for the English edition). duction’s content, artistic presentation, jmons, 20 to 24 July 2017 (Christiane Address: Wochenschrift ‹Das Goetheanum›, Postfach, 4143 Dornach, Switzerland, Fax organization and social issues have been Haid); +41 61 706 44 65, [email protected] discussed in-depth. We realized that ma- - “Faust Power Money”, with lectures • Correspondents/news agency: Jürgen jor artistic projects of this kind can no by Hanjo Achatzi, René Becker, Herta Vater (Sweden), News Network Anthroposo- longer be delegated in the way this was Däubler-Gmelin, Nikolai Fuchs, Gerald phy (NNA). done in the past, but need to be car- Häfner and Martina Maria Sam, 27 to • We expressly wish for active support and collaboration. • Subscriptions: To receive ried out in closer cooperation with the 30 July 2017 (Gerald Häfner). ‹Anthroposophy Worldwide› please apply to Goetheanum Leadership. At the end of A youth conference will be integrat- the Anthroposophical Society in your coun- the year we made the decision that cru- ed in the latter of these events. These try. Alternatively, individual subscriptions cial changes, including restructuring and three performances will conclude this are available at CHF 30.- (EUR/US$ 30.-) a new emphasis, will be implemented for Faust production. See you there! | For the per year. An e-mail version is available to members of the Anthroposophical Society the 2017 performances – to the extent Goetheanum Leadership: Christiane Haid, only at www.goetheanum.org/630.html?L=1 that time and funds will allow for this. At Stefan Hasler, Paul Mackay, Bodo von Plato © 2016, General Anthroposophical Society, our urgent request, Christian Peter will Dornach, Switzerland take on essential parts of the Mephisto www.faust2017.ch Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17 | 3

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The scientific basis of anthroposophy Anthroposophy and Science The scientific nature of a true human medicine forms the essence of the book “Anthroposophy and Science” which was written by Peter Heusser, professor for Medical Theory, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine at Witten/Herdecke Foto: Jürgen Appelhans Jürgen Foto: University (DE). The book is available in German, English and Finnish. German: Peter Heusser: Anthro- he demand to increase humaneness experience, that is, to certainty. This posophie und Twhilst retaining scientific stan- results in an “ontological idealism”, in Wissenschaft. dards constitutes one of the greatest which the laws generated by the think- Eine Einführung. 395 Seiten, Verlag am Goe- theanum, Dornach 2016. English: Peter challenges of modern high-tech medi- ing are objective, real and inherent to Heusser: Anthroposophy and Science. An cine. Humaneness in medicine means the phenomena in question as their de- Introduction. 368 Seiten, Peter Lang, Frank- that the whole human being, with its termining essence. furt am Main, Berlin, Bern, Bruxelles, New physical, spiritual, mental and social York, Oxford, Wien 2016. Finnish: Peter Ontological idealism Heusser: Kehittyvä Ihmiskuva ja Tiede. Osa 1: dimensions, is being perceived. Can Tietoteoreettista pohdintaa, 422 Seiten; Osa we investigate and explain the organ- P eter Heusser then applies the con- 2: Antropologista pohdintaa, 201 Seiten, ism’s living processes, the human soul cepts of science and reality, as devel- Suomen antroposofisen lääketieteen lääkä- or even mind with the same scientific oped by ontological idealism, to the riyhdistys ry (SALLY-Press), Helsinki 2016. rigor that we know from pathology, central questions of modern science. anatomy, molecular biology or medical He demonstrates how the required per- ly. Health and illness are then no lon- imaging? Integrative medical systems ceptive possibilities, laws and constel- ger the result of ongoing processes of such as Anthroposophic Medicine sci- lations of forces can be found on each molecular interactions alone, but the entifically examine the emergence of of the four levels of matter – life, soul consequence of a complex interaction life, soul, mind and spirit on the basis and mind/spirit – and how they can en- of the various levels of emergence in of physical, atomic-molecular natural hance the understanding of substance an organ, organ system, or in the whole science. in physics and chemistry: in molecular organism. This is what Anthroposophic biology and morphogenetics, in mod- Medicine is based on. Knowledge and reality ern neurobiology and the body-soul Peter Heusser begins his treatise problem, and finally in the philosophy Research in Anthroposophic medi- with a concise epistemological inquiry of mind with its central question of free cine into the principal question of knowl- will. edge and describes three stages of Ontological idealism can also be the Peter Heusser describes the pres- scientific cognition: the perceiving of foundation for an expanded anthropol- ent state of research in Anthropo- empirical phenomena, the forming ogy, as proposed by Paul Vital Troxler sophic Medicine, which sees itself as of concepts, i.e. the laws that explain (1780–1866) and Immanuel Hermann an evidence-based medical system. what has been perceived within a cer- Fichte (1796–1879). They both pro- The great wealth of studies, which en- tain context, and the conjunction of tested that anthropology informed by compass examples of the most diverse percept and concept in the forming of natural science and psychology only specialist fields in medicine as well as a judgment that precedes knowledge. recognized what had been effected in basic research and numerous clinical The actual joining of the two is seen as the human being. They demanded that trials on the effectiveness and safety being achieved by the human subject. A the boundaries of knowledge needed of anthroposophic therapies, reveals problem that is being widely discussed, to be overcome so that one could arrive that the evidence in Anthroposophic particularly in the world of medicine, at an empirical knowledge of the effec- Medicine is constantly growing. Peter is that of subjectivity. How does the tive agent. They both referred to this Heusser also includes examples of how knowledge acquired by the subject re- approach as “anthroposophy”. Rudolf Steiner’s therapeutic indications late to the objective truth? According to An anthropology that is based on em- can be verified with modern research Rudolf Steiner the required objectivity pirical phenomenology will also affect designs, in the laboratory (in vitro) as is possible when the cognitive process medicine in that it does not reduce re- well as in clinical trials (in vivo). This is itself becomes the object of observa- ality to atoms and elemental particles, a scientific textbook and therefore not tion. The act of thinking relates to the but sees the empirically emergent phe- an easy read, but the universal validity thinking content as the activity of per- nomena of body, life, soul and mind/ of its content, the immensely careful ceiving does to the perceived content. spirit as ontologically autonomous en- research and its clear structure make The recognition of the inner identity of tities, each with its own specific laws. this volume a true treasure chest for law and concept leads to an objective Anthroposophy complements this kind all those who are concerned with ques- cognitive judgement and to the expe- of anthropology by investigating the tions of knowledge and truth in science, rience of the real congruity of law and effectiveness of these laws empirical- independently of their specialization. | Peter Zimmermann, Hollola (FI) 4 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17

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Medical Section: Research Vital networks and projects A broad network of researchers has developed over the past thirty years in and around the Medical Section. Most of them are based in Switzerland, the Netherlands or Ger- many, but also in Great Britain, Italy and beyond Europe, in Brazil and the United States.

nthroposophic Medicine has been tending survival times, at a very moderate Afocusing on various key issues: aside cost. from spiritual science and Goetheanism, clinical and health services research have Professorships in Anthroposophic Medi- become more prominent in recent years cine and the results of this work are becom- Ursula Wolf was appointed the first ing more widely known. The very recent professor of Anthroposophic Medicine response to Branko Furst’s publications at the University of Bern (CH). Richly dif- Start of a new training course at Klinik Arlesheim (CH) regarding heart function are particularly ferentiated research in Anthroposophic gratifying: in the scientific context, and Medicine is underway under Peter He- field of social therapy and education for commented on by the American cardio- usser’s professorship at Witten/Herdecke special needs, as well as nursing, euryth- logic community, the view of the heart University (see page 3). my therapy and art therapies – cannot be as a pump is being critically addressed Erik Baars, a professor at Leiden Uni- mentioned here due to lack of space. for the first time; alternatives are being versity, is heading a major, now European- Successful clinical research projects are considered and one of the most essential funded research project on the avoidance increasingly interprofessional. It is only tenets of Anthroposophic Medicine and of antibiotics (and antibiotic resistance) in through collaboration between nurses, cardiology is being positively discussed, complementary medicine. Armin Huse- pharmacists, art and body therapists and with Rudolf Steiner acknowledged as the mann, director of the Eugen Kolisko Acad- physicians that the whole efficacy of -An original author. emy in Filderstadt (DE), is publishing a se- throposophic Medicine can be revealed. Anthroposophic researchers such ries of books on the results of Goethean Interdisciplinary collaboration and re- as Gunver Kienle and Helmut Kiene in research in medicine. The ARCIM Institute search of yet another kind is being con- Freiburg (DE) have made an impact on the headed by Jan Vagedes at the Filderklinik ducted in the field of social therapy and scientific world – their work developing has gained international attention for his special needs education, as well as educa- criteria for evaluating individual cases, for research on the human rhythmic system, tion in general (such as concerning early example, has been published in interna- among other things. Roman Huber has enrolment), where medical aspects are tional publications together with that of published a variety of works, on anthropo- essential, but doctors assume a different the world’s leading experts in this area. sophic medicines for instance, at Freiburg role than in clinical medicine. The Havelhöhe Research Institute in University (DE). Berlin has made important contributions That Anthroposophic Medicine can Research at the Goetheanum to health services research in private prac- make a valuable contribution next to con- Johannes Weinzirl has accepted a part- tice and hospitals under the leadership of ventional, often life-saving treatment of time position with the Medical Section at Harald Matthes and his colleagues. Mat- children with cancer was shown by Alfred the Goetheanum beginning January 2017. thias Kröz is conducting studies on auton- Längler’s research, who holds a professor- He will work with Peter Heusser and Peter omous regulation (based on Rudolf Stein- ship for integrative paediatrics at Witten/ Selg on a comprehensive annotated edi- er’s anamnesis questions) at the institute Herdecke University. Peter Selg has un- tion of Rudolf Steiner’s 1920 first course and has completed a major prospective dertaken extensive research particularly for doctors (Anthroposophy Worldwide study on chronic fatigue syndrome in can- concerning the contextualisation of Ru- 12/2016). cer patients. dolf Steiner’s research, and the founding An essential task of the Medical Sec- Research on training by Friedrich Edel- of Anthroposophic Medicine by Steiner tion is to promote a mutually fruitful häuser, Christian Scheffer and Diethard in collaboration with Ita Wegman. Selg is network of research in Anthroposophic Tauschel at Witten/Herdecke University currently researching the activities of an- Medicine. In Germany Georg Soldner and (DE) has drawn international attention throposophic physicians in Germany dur- Friedrich Edelhäuser of the Akademie der and offers examples of pilot projects for ing the Third Reich. As part of this he has Deutschen Anthroposophischen Ärztege- better, more patient-oriented training evaluated 1438 original documents from sellschaft have been organizing research of medical students. Of note among the the Friedrich Husemann Klinik covering colloquia and seminars. In addition, each many published studies in the area of clin- the period 1933-1945. His appraisal of this year there is an international meeting of ical research is Wilfried Tröger’s much-dis- material is noted by leading medical his- researchers at the Goetheanum during cussed work with Serb patients suffering torians studying the history of medicine the annual medical conference. The Medi- from advanced pancreatic cancer, which under National Socialism in Germany. cal Section and the German academy will showed that mistletoe therapy improves Numerous additional researchers and increase their collaboration. They have patients’ conditions as well as clearly ex- research activities – particularly in the already jointly developed an international Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17 | 5

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(particularly a reduction of the far too are used to collect the therapeutic expe- high rate of caesarean sections, riences of doctors worldwide, screen and ▪ the development of scientifically as- publish them, now in five languages (in- sessable, broadly applicable therapeu- cluding Italian). Due to the project’s open- tic concepts for acute and febrile in- ended approach it has found resonance fections, with the aim of lowering the with licensing authorities and courts as a use of antibiotics (thereby avoiding the reference for anthroposophic medicines. problem of resistance to antibiotics), The first Spanish edition appeared in 2016; ▪ sleep disturbances, anxiety and trau- the second English edition will become ma sequelae available in February 2017, and the fourth ▪ the care of people with cancer German edition, planned for September, ▪ palliative care, especially for chronic will include a new section with detailed

Photo: Heike Sommer Heike Photo: pain, and end of life care practical options for mistletoe therapy in Such a focus can help concentrate our oncology. This work is linked to the most Start of a new training course at Klinik Arlesheim (CH) research efforts, bundle our resources, ob- comprehensive data bank of literature on tain more public funding in the mid-term anthroposophic medicines, which enables training for instructors in all medical pro- – because these questions have public the material to be researched digitally. We fessions (Teach the Teachers), in order to relevance – and develop a higher profile have such a tool mainly thanks to Reinhard firmly integrate new methods used in in the medical field and within public dis- Schwarz in Austria. adult training today into anthroposophic course. To achieve this it is decisive to pro- medical trainings. vide solid research results, including major The School of Spiritual Science In a series of annual colloquia estab- clinical studies. Of central intersectional importance lished by Michaela Glöckler work is done for research and teaching at the Goethea- on core topics in Anthroposophic Medi- Anthromedics.org num is the inner connection to the School cine, such as study of the bodies consti- The online portal Anthromedics, initi- of Spiritual Science founded by Rudolf tuting the fourfold nature of the human ated by Matthias Girke and available in Steiner. Its path of inner development and being, with a view to establishing a sci- German and English, enables users to lo- the medical meditations form the spiritu- entific basis for Rudolf Steiner’s approach cate and research all that has been pub- al foundation of the scientific work. The to this research. One important aspect of lished on Anthroposophic Medicine in question of the up-and-coming genera- this concerns the international use of ter- the specialist periodical Der Merkurstab tion arises here too, as research activity minology, particularly in the English lan- from 1946 to the present. The next phase will depend to a large extent on the dedi- guage, that should become as coherent of this project will consist in describing cation of the younger generation. An aim as possible. This project, among others, is state-of-the-art Anthroposophic Medi- of the Section leadership is to examine under the guidance of David Martin. cine in the most important specialist ar- and work with fundamental therapeutic Intersectional projects will become eas. Marion Debus in collaboration with questions in their relation to the School increasingly important for the Medical the Section leadership is the coordinator of Spiritual Science, inviting interested Section in the coming years. Here the so- of the specialist editorial teams. This ma- colleagues from all medical professions in cial sciences are significant, in addition to terial will be preceded by a general de- a way that both opens up this work and agriculture and education. All institutions scription of the fundamentals of Anthro- respects the form of the Michael School. currently working in the medical field face posophic Medicine, written especially for Closely related to this is an orienta- social questions, such as how to cultivate young colleagues by Johannes Weinzirl. tion to the spiritual source of medicine, to a leadership culture that is both modern The Anthromedics project will shift to the Raphael/Mercury. In 1924 Rudolf Steiner and in harmony with human nature. A responsibility of the Medical Section from founded an international group of doctors number of institutions have fallen into 2017 onwards, continuing in close collabo- to consolidate and cultivate this impulse crisis because they lack suitable new staff ration with the editors of Der Merkurstab within the Medical Section, with research or innovative efforts in this area. in Berlin. Dagmar Brauer, as research assis- tasks unique to this group. One basic ques- tant to the Section leadership, will serve tion in Anthroposophic Medicine concerns Key issues as an Anthromedics editor. the karmic dimension of illness. Here too For the new leaders of the Section it it is necessary to develop an appropriate is essential to link research, teaching and Vade Mecum attitude and method of research. This also medical practice. Regarding research the Since 2005 at the initiative of Georg has practical importance for our medical Medical Section can focus on areas of care Soldner, an international editorial team of and general dealings with people with that concern medicine worldwide and doctors has been collaborating with ap- special needs, and for questions of special have not yet been satisfactorily solved, proximately 230 colleagues from around education, psychiatry, geriatrics and pas- but where Anthroposophic Medicine can the world on the Vade Mecum of Anthro- toral medicine. | Mathias Girke and Georg contribute something of value (Anthro- posophic Medicines. A standardised ques- Soldner, leader and deputy leader respec- posophy Worldwide 11/2016): tionnaire and a data bank in four languag- tively of the Medical Section. English trans- ▪ Pregnancy, birth and early childhood, es (German, English, French and Spanish) lation by Carol Brousseau 6 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17

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USA: New General Secretary John Bloom Experiencing one’s own humanity In October 2016 John Bloom took over from Torin Finser as General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in America. The Rudolf Steiner Foundation’s vice president of organizational culture is familiar with many charitable organizations; he first learnt about anthroposophy through a Waldorf school initiative and he loves painting.

Sebastian Jüngel: As an advisor to many ship of members. non-profit organizations, you are familiar The Society does serve as a voice for Ru- with how they work. I what ways is the dolf Steiner and his work. Currently, the So- Anthroposophical Society similar to them ciety supports the Rudolf Steiner Lending and how is it different? Library, and houses the Anthroposophical John Bloom: Of course, each non-profit Prison Project, which places reading and organization has a distinct charitable mis- study material in the hands of incarcerated sion, usually something of a spiritual-cul- individuals who request it and occasion- tural or social services nature. The Anthro- ally does on site study groups. This is a lot posophical Society in America has the spe- of activity to keep track of for a small staff. Keeping Rudolf Steiner and his work alive: John Bloom cific purpose of furthering Rudolf Steiner’s work and those inspired by it in the United Research depends on funding intensively, and others who like to find so- States, and to participate actively with Jüngel: Anthroposophy is considered a lutions through observing what is present the world-wide Society. Any non-profit spiritual science. When does personal through direct and practical engagement organization that has a spiritual founda- reading and then working in a study group with the world. What are your thoughts tion and purpose needs also to embody become research? on this topic? the values and practices indicated in that Bloom: Research is a methodology, while Bloom: I cannot decide whether I should spiritual stream. So you would expect, for science is about knowing. If a group de- read up on this question, or just speak example, that the Anthroposophical Soci- cides to take up a question, they might from experience. First, I will say that we ety would incorporate policies that reflect read material, but it only becomes research need both approaches. One starts from threefold social principles. when there is a methodological discipline. theory and builds practice based upon it. While there is much more to the life of The individual or group forms hypotheses The other starts in experience, in the prac- the Society than this, it is structured in a based on observation, and through testing tical, and builds theory based upon it. But way that is consistent with New York State those hypotheses through consistent and they are both about learning! Some of your corporate law and US charitable tax law. coherent experiments, they report on the readers may also sense the play between In this way it is quite similar to other non- results. Others might replicate the experi- the Apollonian and Dionysian streams. The profits. There are members, the General ment. If the results of the experiments are challenge is in not being guided by the ten- Council (board of trustees) and manage- consistent, then one might say that they sion between them, but rather that a third ment staff. are derived from scientific methodology. way of knowing holds both. Jüngel: And how does the Society support Culturally diverse and geographically this research? A lot of wisdom expansive Bloom: Right now there is very little sup- Jüngel: How would you describe the cur- Jüngel: What is typical of the work of the port for this kind of research. The whole rent membership of the Anthroposophi- Anthroposophical Society in America? movement would need to see the value cal Society in America? Bloom: The United States is culturally di- and the results of this research so that it Bloom: We have 3,520 members: 75% are verse and expansive geographically. The is motivated to find the resources to sup- 50 years old or older; 16% are between 40 vast majority of activities are going on port it. In reality, the financial resources of and 50; 7% between 30 and 40; 2% are in the regions. This would include group the Society are only as extensive as mem- younger than 30 years old. So you could and branch work, the work of the School bers and friends contribute. say we have an aging population. You for Spiritual Science. The Society has two One aspect of the work ahead is to make could also rightfully say we have a mem- important partners, the Collegium, com- the case that spiritual scientific research bership that has accrued a lot of wisdom posed of leaders from the Sections, and has already made significant contribu- with not enough young people to share the Council of Anthroposophical Organi- tions, and can also be the leading edge that wisdom with. However, there is quite zations, composed of leaders from asso- of practical knowledge, such as farming, a surge in young people involved in bio- ciations of Waldorf Schools, Biodynamics, education, and medicine. The question is dynamic agriculture, social entrepreneur- Camphill and more. If you add to that the how we identify what needs to be known ship, and social activism. One of our tasks work inspired by Rudolf Steiner such as in a practical way, but augmented by the is to engage them all in cross generational schools, farms, and other enterprises, it is wisdom of spirit. dialogue, and also to be open to the im- clear that there is a need for a centralized Jüngel: I sense a tension between people pulses they bring, the questions they resource for the cultivation and steward- who study the work of Rudolf Steiner very bring and the way they engage the world. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17 | 7

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Trust me, they do not want to listen to lec- Jüngel: … and what for the General An- Steiner’s work came in Albuquerque, New tures or be lectured. They want to speak throposophical Society? Mexico where we were living at the time and be heard. They see injustice, broken Bloom: I am only four months into my (1977). Next to our small health food food systems, inequity of opportunity, the term as General Secretary and have a long coop, there was a little store called the degradation of the environment, and they way to go to understand what the living Living Toy and Book Nook. Since we had a want to act to remedy it. And they have no issues are for the General Anthroposophi- very young child we went in. I did not no- patience for arrogance, dogma, or being cal Society. I am sure that the worldwide tice a whole bookshelf of Steiner books, judged. So we have our work cut out for us. Society is not immune from all the same but I did pick up a brochure for a Waldorf Jüngel: On this basis which tasks do you factors we carry in the US—the world school they were trying to start. I was in- see for the work of the Anthroposophical economy, shifting demographics, political trigued by some of the quotes. When I fin- Society in America? polarization, just to name a few. I am also ished graduate school two years later, we Bloom: I sense a need for the kind of re- sure that we share the challenge of secur- moved to San Francisco and were ready to newal that is about awakening to the ing adequate funding to sustain the work have our second child. Our neighborhood present. Many of us have studied, worked of the Society. birth instructor told us that there was a on ourselves from the perspective of self- In addition, how to maintain a voice of group meeting to talk about starting a development, looked at the destiny of vo- equanimity and invitation so that anyone Waldorf school and we should check it Keeping Rudolf Steiner and his work alive: John Bloom cation. All of this has just been a kind of who carries spiritual-life questions feels out. Well, we met the founding teacher, preparation for what is being asked of us welcome and supported is a key to en- Monique Grund, and we decided to enroll now. We need to find each other in a new gaging and retaining members. Then the our son in a school that did not yet exist. way, and we need to reach out to others task will continue to be how to make the We helped start and open the school and who may have interest or pain and ask extraordinary spiritual-scientific research had the honor of hearing lectures at least the Parzival question: What ails thee? Our increasingly visible and accessible. Such once a week from noted anthroposophists work is to be present for people in a way research is one way to make the case for and Waldorf people from Europe and the that they experience their own human- a deeply human view of a complex world, US. Because Rene Querido was involved ity. The work of the Society is social and and to demonstrate a kind of leadership with the school, people would stop in San needs to focus on becoming an inclusive that is the counterforce to materialism. Francisco on their way to teach or give community based on the sacredness of workshops at Rudolf Steiner College. I also relationships. What people really care about shortly thereafter met two biodynamic Jüngel: Worldwide companies and orga- farmers and helped them to start the first A welcoming gesture nizations often use catchphrases or tag- Community Supported Agriculture group Jüngel: What would you like to achieve as lines, like “Doing now what patients need west of the Mississippi River. Nothing like General Secretary in America? next” (La Roche), or “Open for business” ploughing behind a team of horses to Bloom: I feel very strongly that the im- (Maersk). What could be a tagline for the learn about the sacredness of the earth, pulse for threefold commonwealth has to Anthroposophical Society? and the intense nature of farm labor. It be rekindled in a way that is accessible and Bloom: Taglines are useful if they are re- made me a very appreciative eater. engaging. People know that something is ally right. The idea is that a tagline is short- not right in the social world; it is out of hand for the company’s identity—even if Photography, painting – and the grand- balance. Their own intelligence wants to it does not make sense in a logical way. children work towards more equilibrium. They can For example, Progress is our most impor- Jüngel: Is there something in your life partner with us if we are open. Also other tant product (General Electric, 1950s). what would not normally be expected of a spiritual streams have wisdom, but they The question I would have is: What is the member of the Anthroposophical Society? do not have the breadth of practical solu- Anthroposophical Society’s brand? What Bloom: It is hard to know what would be tions we have developed based on Stein- is the Society promising and then how expected. I have written and published a er’s wisdom. This is another place we can does the member or potential member number of books on money and econo- build partnerships that can have a healing experience the Society. Does it live up to my—but, this would make sense for some- quality for the world. its promise? I think it would be very dif- one working at RSF Social Finance. How- There are many other things I would like to ficult for the Society to really articulate a ever, I have a professional background in support happening, but the last key piece promise that does it justice, and then to photography and painting, and I continue I would add is that the Society’s work is have everyone agree with it. It would be to paint on a regular basis. I do have work to keep Rudolf Steiner and his work alive easier to create a sequential inquiry that in major collections such as San Francisco and present in all the practical work so starts by asking people what they really Museum of Modern Art, Detroit Institute that practitioners stay connected to an- care about, why they care about it, and of Arts, International Museum of Pho- throposophy’s origins and as a source of then how they might deepen their under- tography (New York), and the Museum of inspiration. Teachers, farmers, doctors standing of what they care about. Art, Rhode Island School of Design. More should want to join the Society as a direct Jüngel: How did you first meet anthro- importantly, I also always look forward to way to manifest their relationship to the posophy? spending time with my grandchildren in gifts that Rudolf Steiner brought. Bloom: My first meeting with Rudolf Puebla, Mexico, and Washington, DC. ó 8 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17

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Austria: New General Secretary Wolfgang Tomaschitz Genuine interest in our time In November 2016 Wolfgang Tomaschitz took over from Helmut Goldmann, who served as general secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in Austria for many years. Wolfgang Tomaschitz is 55 years old, father of two children and managing partner at TrendCom polling firm in Vienna. He wants to promote communication so that people know more of each other.

Sebastian Jüngel: In 2006 a generational anyone in the Anthroposophical Society transition took place in the Council of the being aware of it. Among the good points Anthroposophical Society in Austria that are the autonomy we have and the indi- involved you as well. Now you are the Gen- vidual initiatives. The down side is the lack eral Secretary. Is this another step in the of cooperation and of forms for communi- generational change project for you? cation and exchange. This is certainly one Wolfgang Tomaschitz: The term ‘gen- of our main tasks. erational change’ will probably give the Jüngel: … and how about the General An- wrong impression. What we have in Aus- throposophical Society?

tria is more like a ‘coexistence’ of more Tomaschitz: I have to find out from the Zinner Photo: traditional and more modern styles of group of general secretaries what I can Wolfgang Tomaschitz: Self-organization as a cultural approaching anthroposophy. It is the only contribute at that level. It will certainly in- technique way for us to make sure that the way peo- clude being a kind of messenger between ple live anthroposophy is not narrowed the Goetheanum and what is reflected who said, “The light of publicity casts ev- down. there from the global society, and the situ- erything into darkness.” We clearly have Jüngel: You are one of the managing direc- ation in Austria. to communicate with one another – not tors at TrendCom, a market and opinion Jüngel: How are you intending to achieve only in Austria – about how we want to research institute. If the Anthroposophi- your goals? live as a society. This conversation can- cal Society in Austria came to you as a Tomaschitz: Talking about things, giving not succeed without the media. But the client, what course of action would you reports, explaining my intentions, adver- media reduce everything and everyone to recommend to them? tising projects, establishing and fostering trivialities and negotiate important ques- Tomaschitz: To reflect on their core mes- spiritual friendships. tions in the style of the 1970s. That is not sages and develop a language to commu- the way forward. nicate these messages. A question of solidarity Jüngel: What is specific about the Aus- Jüngel: Can you give an example of such a Jüngel: Austria has been much talked trian spirituality? core message? about in the (European) press recently, Tomaschitz: The Austrian spiritual life Tomaschitz: ‘Self-organization’ will be mainly because of its presidential election. tends to be somewhat inarticulate when one of the new cultural techniques of To what extent is the situation surround- it comes to serious topics. There is a great the twenty-first century. Anthroposophy ing this election (close results, challeng- temptation to hold on to traditional forms teaches us how to cultivate this in a way ing of the election, mistakes made with and phrases. On the other hand, people that allows us to actively participate in the postal vote envelopes) typical of Austria? in Austria have a ‘natural’ feeling for the world as empathetic contemporaries. Tomaschitz: Not at all! Like most societ- inauthenticity of these forms, which are ies of its kind, Austria is going through easy to slip into but also easy to move Plenty of active interest but little coop- a phase when consensus and solidarity, away from. In this respect, Austrians are eration which have so far supported a relatively very spiritual and have always understood Jüngel: What are your plans for the An- positive development, can no longer be that ‘reality’ is just a figure of speech. throposophical Society in Austria? established by the same narratives, pro- Tomaschitz: Within the council we de- cesses and institutions as before – cer- More publicity cided some time ago to promote commu- tainly not for all citizens. The temporary Jüngel: How would you describe the rela- nication so that we know more of each extreme polarization is simply an expres- tionship between the Anthroposophical other. This task goes beyond the society sion of this challenge that has not yet Society in Austria and Austrian society in and includes the anthroposophical insti- been overcome. general? tutions as well. We have, however, only Jüngel: And which other important Aus- Tomaschitz: There is no relationship to been moderately successful with this so trian events went unnoticed because of speak of. Austrians are hardly aware of far. the general preoccupation with these anthroposophy. They are aware of the In Austria it can happen that the General mishaps? schools, of the special needs centres and Secretary finds out by accident that there Tomaschitz: Most things! With the kind of biodynamic farming, but hardly of the is a group of 20 or 30 people who meet of reporting we experienced recently, it is fact that these arise from anthroposophy. regularly to read Rudolf Steiner without really appropriate to quote Hanna Arendt, The anniversary celebrations in 2011 (of Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17 | 9

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Rudolf Steiner’s 150th birthday), which Goetheanum Executive Council constituted the beginning of a more “of- fensive” publicity campaign, have shown Seija Zimmermann will leave the Executive that the art impulse, or maybe the creative Council in 2018 side of Rudolf Steiner, elicit most interest in this country. We are planning a wider During the Goetheanum Leadership Retreat from 4 to 7 December 2016 Seija Zimmer- publicity campaign again for 2022, at the mann announced that she will retire from the Executive Council at the 2018 Annual latest, when we will celebrate the 100th General Meeting. anniversary of the Vienna West-East Con- gress. Preparations for this have started. he reason for this decision, which has Tnot been an easy one, is the way the situ- Research and impulses ation of Anthroposophic Medicine is chang- Jüngel: Is there any research as part of ing in my home country, Finland, where I the anthroposophical work in Austria that continue to practise as an anthroposophic should be better known? physician, albeit to a very limited extent. Tomaschitz: Anthroposophy would first As I have pointed out on various occa- have to be presented convincingly as an sions, the legal and political situation is impulse and source for education, spe- very difficult in Finland generally when it cial needs education, medicine, farming comes to complementary or integrative and diverse social initiatives. I have the medical approaches, but particularly so in impression that we have to compose in- the case of Anthroposophic Medicine. This troductions, explanations and instruc- has to do with the immense resistance tions on almost all topics in order to steer from mainstream medicine, which not people towards anthroposophy. I fear only the physicians but also the therapists Seija Zimmermann that without such efforts Rudolf Steiner’s get to feel, and all those who are speaking work will become less and less accessible up publicly in favour of non-mainstream grative medicine in general, they are also every year. As general secretary I would healing methods. Not even the research in essential for the future recognition of An- wish that achievements (also in the aca- the field of complementary therapies can throposophic Medicine. demic field) such as Friedrich Glasl’s con- be discussed in academic circles without Because the anthroposophic physi- flict research or the teaching and research bringing opponents to the scene. One of cians play a leading role within the Forum, activities of the Centre for Culture and the main reservations expressed by these their active commitment is now more Education (Zentrum für Kultur und Päda- opponents is, interestingly, that there is important than ever, as is my presence in gogik) in Vienna are noticed more widely not sufficient research to corroborate the Finland. This kind of work cannot be done as anthroposophical initiatives. But I also safety and effectiveness of complemen- from a distance, by email or conference see that the anthroposophists have a part tary medicine. call. At the end of November 2017 I will to play in this, by presenting anthroposo- reach the legal retirement age and I hope phy in a contemporary way so that people Anthroposophic Medicine in Finland that I will be able to use the working time will feel positive about recommending it. The few anthroposophic physicians and forces I still have to support Anthro- Jüngel: What are the tasks for the future? we have in Finland initiated an academic posophic Medicine in my home country. What needs doing urgently? debate in the 1990s and their efforts ul- | Seija Zimmermann, Executive Council at Tomaschitz: One of our main future timately led to the foundation of the the Goetheanum themes will be “Integration and cultural Finnish Forum for Research in Integrative diversity”. We invited Albert Schmelzer Medicine in the autumn of 2014. One of and other anthroposophists, who are very the Forum’s first public activities was 2017 Living Branches active in refugee work in various conflict the successful organization of a research Meeting areas, to speak at our annual conference conference at Tampere University in No- in March. In the course of this year we will vember 2015 on questions of Integrative n 5 and 6 April the branches and hold an event on Islam in order to dem- Medicine, which was attended by more Ogroups of the Anthroposophical So- onstrate that we take a serious interest than 400 people. This was a historic event ciety will continue their dialogue at the in current global events and to generate since questions of complementary medi- Goetheanum. The main theme for this a more profound understanding of these cine had never before been discussed on meeting will be “Why humanity needs events among anthroposophists. such a scope at a Finnish university. anthroposophy in the form of a society”. Jüngel: Is there anything that other people The event set off an entire movement, Interested members can get authoriza- don’t know about you or wouldn’t expect? leading to new research projects, PhD dis- tion to participate from their own group Tomaschitz: I have always fared well with sertations and initiatives for further semi- or branch. | Rüdiger Krey, Bonn (DE) the motto “Love being unknown”. ó nars which were closely monitored by the Forum. Even if these initiatives serve the To register please contact: www.anthroposophie.or.at consolidation of complementary and inte- [email protected] 10 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17

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2017/2018 Annual Theme Beholding, each of which constitutes a separate whole. Next year we will focus Light and Warmth for the Human Soul on Spirit Recalling in particular. May the How can the Foundation Stone Mediation promote peaceability – a hundred years forces we can draw from the source be after the birth of the social threefolding impulse? our guiding star! Threefold practice in 1923 in a new way and thus prepare Dear members of the Anthroposophical So- The appeal to the “human soul” ad- the ground for harmonious and active ciety, dear supporters of the anthroposoph- dresses us as human beings in a three- collaboration. When we work medi- ical movement, dear friends! fold way. The three dimensions, in which tatively with the Foundation Stone, a n recent years we have approached the we learn to feel ourselves cosmically “light of thoughts shines towards us” questions of self-knowledge and world embedded, connect us with the “Father- I and enables us to draw new inspiration knowledge from various angles in our for our actions from the “spirit holding Spirit of the Heights”, the “Christ-Will work, asking also about the mission of sway in the radiant light of thoughts encircling us” and the “Spirit’s world- evil in the evolution of the spiritual (or around the dodecahedral stone of love”. thoughts”. This sense of being connect- consciousness) soul. Current events, with In the next years we would like to devote ed can gradually evolve as we respond the constant increase of wars, terror at- ourselves to the spirit of the Foundation through practice to the threefold call. tacks, social tensions as well as the con- Stone and encourage the striving for a Who is it that speaks to us in this way? centration of political power in the hands deeper understanding of the threefold Who asks us to carry out these exercis- of individuals, affect us in existential human being – of body, soul and spirit – es? As we practise we become aware of ways. The loss of reality that comes with through inner practice. basic orientations of soul and spirit, and digitalization as well as new technologies While there is a wealth of spiri- we are gradually led to a knowledge that which even presage the end of humanity tual knowledge that has already been encompasses our earthly and cosmic confront us more urgently than ever with passed down to us, it is essential today being. This knowledge will increasingly the question as to our true inner essence that each individual ‘I’ finds and expe- form the foundation for new insights, and spiritual destiny. How we think of riences the original impulse anew. For feelings, experiences and actions in the ourselves – whether we see ourselves as this to happen, self-knowledge must world, with other human beings. animals or machines – will determine our not remain a subjective act, limited to reality. “Practise Spirit-Recalling” the understanding of one’s own individ- The experience of the Goetheanum uality, but we must seek to understand The very first invocation, “practise World Conference, which was attend- what is universally human in us and in Spirit-Recalling”, inspires a wealth of ed by around 800 people from all over others. questions, moods and exercises. Re- the world who embarked together on a membering is the central soul activity searching, future-oriented process, was The transformative power of the of the ‘I’. When we focus on our memo- permeated by the Foundation Stone Foundation Stone ries, a wide landscape, built up in the Meditation. The positive response we The objectivity of the Foundation course of our life, appears to the inner received has confirmed our endeavour Stone’s spirit light can transform the an- eye. Memories give us identity: we feel to devote our work in the coming years throposophical life. Rudolf Steiner saw as individualities with our own distinc- – with annually changing emphasis – the Foundation Stone as the ground on tive biography that began at a particu- on the Foundation Stone Meditation, in which individuals can erect a “building” lar point in our life on earth and evolves the attempt to develop an inner organ together. In the years ahead we would towards a point that is still concealed of self- and world knowledge. Rudolf like to use the three great exercises of from us. Steiner pronounced this “new Apollo- “Spirit-Recalling”, “Spirit-Awareness” In the cycle that accompanied the nian word” of the “Know Yourself” for and Spirit Beholding” as the basis of our Christmas Conference (“World History the first time on 25 December 1923, working together. Every year we will and the Mysteries in the Light of An- when he presented the result of his spir- introduce a new emphasis within this throposophy”) Rudolf Steiner looks at itual investigation of the human being, overall theme. the memory of early humanity, inviting after a maturation period of over thirty Without neglecting the development us to consider entirely different soul years, clothed in the mantric words of of the spiritual (or consciousness) soul, configurations: post-Atlantean human- the Foundation Stone Meditation. working on the Foundation Stone can ity needed to set up signs, or memorials, The radiant light of thoughts inspire elements of a socially effective on earth to help them remember. In a and healing culture of the Spirit-Self. later period memory became rhythmic Many members have been working The three exercises must not be misun- and, with the beginning of Greek phi- with the Foundation Stone Meditation derstood as fixed spiritual techniques, losophy, our present temporal memory at a deeper level for some time. A fresh however. They inspire spiritual life in emerged. Could it be that even today approach to this meditation can help three spheres and help us to develop the we may find different forms of memory us to embrace the impulses connected individual and social dimensions of Spir- spread out across the world, and could with the laying of the Foundation Stone it Recalling, Spirit Awareness and Spirit these forms of memory aid us in discov- Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17 | 11

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ering and understanding other forms of calling then means entering the realm Recommended reading: consciousness? Anthroposophy asks us of the timeless ether. to give a spiritual direction to our mem- We are not meant to dwell on our Rudolf Steiner: The Christmas Con- ory through practising. own thoughts and views when we look ference for the Foundation of the Ge- In the context of the Christmas Con- back, but on what comes to meet us in neral Anthroposophical Society 1923- ference Rudolf Steiner mentioned exer- 1924, GA 260, Hudson NY 1990, tr. J. the outside world, in reverse order, so cises for the enhancement of memory. Collis, M. Wilson. Lecture of 25 Decem- that our will can tear itself away from In the lecture cycle “Mystery Knowledge ber 1923, 10 a.m. the physical. We expand into the world and Mystery Centres” he recommends Rudolf Steiner: Mystery Knowledge around us and experience how this that we meditate on an event in our and Mystery Centres, GA 232, Forest world has formed us and what we have childhood or youth. This memory exer- Row 2013, tr. P. Wehrle. Lecture of 23 become through it. cise can help us to feel at one with na- November 1923 ture and to experience the sunrise in a This kind of review, which can gradu- Rudolf Steiner: World History and the new way. As we enter ever more deeply ally become spirit-recalling, enables us Mysteries in the Light of Anthroposo- into this experience, we can meet the to meet others in an imaginative way. phy, GA 233, London 1997, tr. G. Adams. first hierarchy in the radiance of the ris- The will effort involved in the review Lectures of 24 and 25 December 1923 ing sun and establish a new relationship exercise promotes spirit-beholding. Be- Rudolf Steiner: Anthroposophy and with the world of the Father. A spiritual- cause we have cultivated spirit-recall- the Inner Life. An Esoteric Introducti- ized form of recall is now possible. ing, others can become image in us and on, GA 234, Bristol 1994, tr. V. Comp- In extending our gaze beyond the express themselves imaginatively in ton-Burnett. Lecture of 10 February boundary of birth we enhance memory. spirit-beholding. And more than that: 1924 We may ask ourselves what decisions were made before birth that have led we find in this activity the foundations Rudolf Steiner: Karmic Relationships, to our present incarnation. This is not of the modern initiation experience. GA 240, London 1975, tr. D. Osmond. about speculating or about finding out Lecture of 25 January 1924 How thinking becomes vision about our own karmic past, but about Rudolf Steiner: Approaching the Mys- awakening to other origins and desti- Rudolf Steiner explained the transi- tery of Golgotha, GA 152, Great Bar- nies, because they determine our work, tion from thinking to vision through rington 2006, tr. M. Miller. Lecture of 7 our encounters and relationships in will application in more general terms. March 1914 an essential way and confront us with When we make a true thinking effort, by challenges as we try to live and work to- adopting and practising a thought or- gether, especially when we meet people ganism as outlined in The Philosophy of with whom we don’t seem to “gel” or Freedom (GA 4), our thinking becomes feel an affinity. Within the Anthropo- free. At the same time, our will needs sophical Society we are called upon to to become transparent to us. As long as work together as a community. A rightly we are ruled by obscure will impulses cultivated memory can make us open for new ways of working together, for a and as long as we refrain from gaining new “sun karma” that will be a precon- clarity about our own will, our thinking dition for us to create a new culture of will remain philosophical. If we become humaneness. more and more transparent to our- 1 Rudolf Steiner, The Karma of Untruthful- selves, however, through exercises such ness, GA 173b, lecture of 13 November 1917. 2 Rudolf Steiner, GA 260, p. 65 and 69. Review and Spirit-Beholding as reviews, and if we learn to behold the 3 Rudolf Steiner, GA 260, p. 280f. The review asks us to develop our will spiritual world through our will being, 4 Cf. Rudolf Steiner, An Outline of Esoteric and our thinking at the same time. The once it has become transparent, our Science, chapter 2 (The makeup of the hu- fourth verse of the Foundation Stone man being). thinking will become vision. By practis- Meditation can therefore be seen as a 5 Rudolf Steiner, GA 234, lecture of 10 Febru- ing spirit-recalling we will become able ary 1924 (on the fourfold metamorphosis of practical exercise in spirit-recalling that to achieve spirit-beholding and receive recollection). takes us back to the “turning point of 6 Rudolf Steiner, GA 232, lecture of 23 No- time”, the original Christ impulse, which impulses for our actions from the spiri- vember 1923. 7 Rudolf Steiner, GA 240, lecture of 25 Janua- gives light and warmth to our souls, tual world. In taking this step of working ry 1924. on the Foundation Stone Meditation to- keeps the darkness from taking over 8 Rudolf Steiner, GA 186, Lecture of 7 Decem- and enables us to behold the spirit. The gether, out of the whole of anthroposo- ber 1918, p. 124-129. review allows us to exercise our will by phy, we hope to bring these fundamen- 9 See bibliographical notes in Rudolf Steiner, Strengthening the Will: the Review Exerci- giving us the opportunity to go beyond tal exercises to life.| Christiane Haid, ses. Edited and introduced by Martina Maria the ordinary memory – which is merely Goetheanum Leadership, and Jaap Sij- Sam, Forest Row 2010, tr. Matthew Barton, a repeating of the past – and to acquire mons, General Secretary of the Anthro- chapter 5 the ability to actually move in time. Re- posophical Society in the Netherlands 12 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17

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9:30 pm the evening before Drama, Scene 12). When this is that the quote published in the Stephen Usher’s reply to I traveled to Zurich to catch a understood, it is clear that this exhibition brochure was a dis- Justus Wittich’s article “No plane to London. Mr Wittich is a serious matter. For it is, in tortion. This had unfortunately slander involved” in AWW claims I spoke with Vorstand reality, an attack on the future been omitted.” Mr Wittich goes 12/2016 members in Switzerland after development of Christianity on to say that this should “not he following slanderous I discovered the Zander pas- itself, because the future rev- give rise to any doubt as to the Tpassage from Helmut sage. This is false. elations of Christianity depend orientation of the Goetheanum Zander is the topic of my ar- My original article (Ein on the existence of a Science of or its documentation depart- ticles, published in two an- Nachrichtenblatt PLUS Sept. the Spirit. “The world will rec- ment.” Mr Wittich’s statement throposophical e-newsletters, 28, 2016 & Deepening Anthro- ognize that what we proclaim does not free me of doubt Ein Nachrichtenblatt (ENB) posophy 5.2 October 4, 2016) as spiritual science is the Word about the orientation of those and Deepening Anthroposo- called for the firing of the par- of Christ.” (Basel June 1, 1914, responsible for publishing the phy (DA): “Unfortunately, we ties responsible for publishing GA 152) Zander statement. Moreover, know next to nothing about this passage, including Mr Bo- other members suffer this same Steiner during his time as an do v. Plato who is the head of The authority of a Goethea- doubt. A number of them have esoteric student [.] critics and Goetheanum Dokumentation. num publication made their concern public in Ein scholars have also wondered Dr Peter Selg spoke on While astute students of Nachrichtenblatt and Deepen- about Steiner’s psychological March 30, 2012 about the sell- Rudolf Steiner would likely see ing Anthroposophy. (See, for disposition: whether (polemi- ing of Mr Zander’s books in the the Zander passage as slander- example, ENB issues 23 and cally speaking) he was ‘insane’ Goetheanum. “What would ous lies, less informed people 24/2016) I am quite certain that or (more seriously) suffering Rudolf Steiner have said about might not. First, they would their doubts did not originate from ‘schizophrenia.’ Howev- the fact that Helmut Zan- assume that a text about Ru- with my articles, but rather were er, more recent psycho-medi- der’s books are well-displayed dolf Steiner, reprinted in a long standing. My article merely cal considerations are lacking. and sold in a profitable man- Goetheanum brochure with- provided an opening for them to Or did he perhaps take drugs? ner within the Goetheanum? out comment, would not be express their concerns. Along with snuff (which he He would have closed that a slanderous lie! Second, they loved) could he have also in- book store and dismissed all might reflect as follows: ‘In the More than an innocent gested cocaine (‘snow’ as it is responsible persons – in my course of history there have mistake called in his letters)—perhaps view, there is no way around been a number of creative ge- Mr Wittich also writes that consciously, perhaps without this conclusion.” (Crisis in the niuses who were schizophrenic my articles in ENB and DA knowing it? Hallucinogenic Anthroposophical Society and or used cocaine or other mind- caused more damage to the substances—if he took them— Pathways to the Future, Sergei altering substances. Think, for Goetheanum than did the fail- might explain individual ex- O. Prokofieff and Peter Selg, example, of Vincent van Gogh, ure of Mr Nilo and Mr v. Plato periences but do not take Temple Lodge, 2013, p. 44) the mathematical economist to state clearly that the Zander into account his involvement John Nash (subject of the passage is false. Mr Wittich’s with meditative techniques An attack on Christianity movie A Beautiful Mind), or statement assumes that they over the course of two and a An informed, serious An- Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The have simply made an innocent half decades. Steiner remains throposophist would likely rec- Goetheanum is apparently sig- mistake; but I sense the prob- largely hidden from us as an ognize the Zander passage as naling acceptance of the idea, lem is deeper. My articles are ir- esoteric student. We know a fundamental attack on the expressed by noted Steiner bi- ritating, like the initial work of much more about Steiner as idea that Rudolf Steiner was ographer Helmut Zander, that a doctor, who first must raise a teacher.” (Helmut Zander, capable of objective spiritual- Rudolf Steiner may have been the problem out of the depths Rudolf Steiner, Die Biografie, scientific research, and indeed, a case of this kind.’ I believe of the organism onto the skin, Piper Verlag, 2011, p. 236) an attack, mainly in the form of this unfortunate conclusion where it becomes clearly vis- (English of this passage by unfounded insinuations, on the could have been reached both ible, after which a real healing Doug and Marguerite Miller) idea that such research is pos- by those who discovered and can begin. sible at all. This, because it puts read the brochure outside the So where do we go from Point of departure in the mind of a reader the pos- context of the exhibition and here? If a circle of Rudolf Stein- This passage was published sibility that all of Steiner’s re- those who discovered it in the er’s earnest students would by the Goetheanum Doku- search arose from the activity exhibition. focus their consciousness mentation in a brochure titled of an insane or drug-influenced In the section of his article toward the spiritual health “Rudolf Steiner Bilder” and consciousness. Truly, this Zan- titled “Statement,” Mr Wittich and illness at the center of was characterized simply as an der passage can be compared writes that “Bodo von Plato as our movement, I trust a step “imaginative encounter” with to the sort of thoughts that the Leadership member respon- would be made in a healthy Rudolf Steiner. The brochure came into the mind of the Mys- sible for the Documentation direction. | Stephen E. Usher, was sold by the Goetheanum tery Drama character Ferdi- Department and Johannes Nilo Austin (Texas/US) and I found a copy in a private nand Reinecke under the influ- as head of that department re- home in Dornach, at about ence of Ahriman (4th Mystery gret that it was not made clear Contact:[email protected] Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17 | 13

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constructively with these only a capitulation to the Letters in response to Jus- themes. dogma of public opinion. Request concerning Sergei tus Wittich’s article “No A central point at issue However, the question of O. Prokofieff slander involved” in AWW here is whether we are able how we can authentically 12/2016 to develop a sense for the and effectively defend Ru- Dear friends of the work of spiritual effect that is cre- dolf Steiner in our time is Sergei O. Prokofieff, t is encouraging to hear ated when it appears per- not self-evident and needs I from Justus Wittich that missible for distorted repre- to be worked on. n collaboration with As- the Goetheanum Leader- sentations of Rudolf Steiner As active members of the I trid Prokofieff, the Ita ship and the editors of the to stand unchallenged in Anthroposophical Society, Wegman Institute for Ba- brochure from the Images the Goetheanum. Develop- do we not inwardly stand sic Research into Anthro- of Rudolf Steiner exhibition ing a deepened sensitiv- before the responsibility to posophy in Arlesheim (CH) regret not having made ity for the spiritual reality cultivate care and concern is collecting documents on clear that the quotation by of truth and untruth is an that a true image of Rudolf the life and work of Sergei Helmut Zander was a dis- essential task of spiritual- Steiner is represented in O. Prokofieff (1954-2014) tortion. It would be a deed scientific schooling: “Most the world? In the midst of and would like to ask for of yet further significance systematically must the es- all of life’s tasks and ob- support from anthroposo- if this were to be followed oteric student turn his at- ligations, it is a matter of phists worldwide, who feel by a public defense of Ru- tention to his soul life: and an ever newly-enlivened connected with him and his dolf Steiner by means of he must bring it about that heart’s concern to come to work. We would be most corresponding publications what is logically incorrect is know and protect the being grateful for copies of let- – clarifying that the state- a source of pain to him, no of Rudolf Steiner – actually ters you may have in your ments by Zander are actu- less excruciating than phys- to feel pain at an untruth- possession, but would also ally nothing less than an ical pain; and conversely, ful representation. An ear- ask you to consider writing attack on Rudolf Steiner’s the ‹right› must cause him nest striving toward this down and passing on to us spiritual integrity. real joy and delight.” (Ru- seems to me needed also, any personal recollections As editor of Deepen- dolf Steiner, The Stages of and not least, from those of his lectures and semi- ing Anthroposophy, before Higher Knowledge, GA 12, who intend to be of service nars, or of encounters and publishing Stephen Usher’s Ch. ‘Inspiration’) to anthroposophy through conversations with him article I contacted two their work at the Goethea- you may have. We are not members of the Vorstand; I Contemporary Defense num. And members of the looking for literary quality, regret not having done the While in our time it is Anthroposophical Society but simply wish to record same with those directly re- generally esteemed and re- know that they have a re- experiences that would sponsible for the brochure. garded as courageous when sponsibility to voice their otherwise be lost. Our aim a person takes upon himself conscience if they feel that is to prepare the documen- The effect of distorted the task of defending an- anthroposophy is being tation needed to complete images other who has been unfair- misrepresented or the rep- his legacy and create a For many members, this ly misrepresented – when it utation of Rudolf Steiner ir- foundation for a future bio- recent incident involv- is a matter of defending Ru- responsibly neglected. graphical review of his life ing the Images of Rudolf dolf Steiner, the inner pres- and work, both of which Steiner exhibition appears sure to wish to meet with Responsibility for Integ- he devoted to anthroposo- symptomatic, as another the approval of ‘public opin- rity phy. Any contributions will example of a certain at- ion’ is overwhelming. There If Stephen Usher’s ar- be treated confidentially titude observable at the arises a kind of subliminal ticle has led to a situation and will not be published Goetheanum. Sergei Pro- pattern of feeling: “To de- in which we are now able or made accessible to third kofieff’s and Peter Selg’s fend Rudolf Steiner is old- to sincerely engage with parties. Your help would be lectures and publications fashioned and appears fun- the question of how to greatly appreciated. Please in 2012 are an essential damentalist.” If we are not uphold our responsibility send your contributions to contribution toward under- aware of this subconscious toward the integrity of Ru- Professor Dr Peter Selg, Ita standing this basic concern pressure of public opinion – dolf Steiner, then what was Wegman Institute for Basic (see: ‹Crisis in the Anthro- or of our longing for public felt to be an ‘irritating con- Research into Anthroposo- posophical Society and recognition, which leads to troversy’ will have served a phy, Pfeffinger Weg 1A, Pathways to the Future›, the desire to conform to it – substantial goal. | Thomas 4144 Arlesheim, Switzer- Temple Lodge 2013). In re- then we will continue to be O’Keefe, Spring Valley (New land. | Peter Selg, Arlesheim cent years, the newsletters subject to its ‘pull’, not re- York/ US) (CH) Deepening Anthroposophy alizing that what we might and Ein Nachrichtenblatt think to be radical non- have attempted to engage fundamentalism is actually 14 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17

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17 July 1928 – 15 October 2016 20 Sept. 1947 – 14 Sept. 2016 Gerda Schmidt Robert Lord

erda Grundt started on n his youth, Robert Lord had Gher life’s journey on 17 July Ia keen interest in the natural 1928 in Berlin, together with sciences and he concluded his her twin sister, Elfriede von studies with a bachelor degree Müller-Berneck. The girls grew in Mathematics. From 1973 to up cared for by a loving father 1975, once he had met anthro- and a practically minded, cou- posophy, he studied sculpture rageous mother. The vibrant at Emerson College with, life of the city, just before Na- of conversations took place in among others, John Wilkes – tional Socialism became all- the flat she shared with her sis- the sculptor, water researcher son College was facing finan- dominating, and their regular ter, her two sons and Manfred and Flowform inventor – and cial difficulties, he and two summer holidays on the fam- Schmidt-Brabant. It was the the wood-carver Peter Hors- others searched for solutions ily estate north of Berlin were starting point for the initia- fall. Robert Lord worked in and he became a member of beautiful and unforgettable tives of the Berlin anthropo- clay, wood and metal. Later the new management. In 2011 experiences. Here Gerda could sophical centre (Arbeitszen- he was inspired by the tech- he began to teach on the Em- enjoy nature and harmonious trum Berlin). Gerda Grundt and nique of lazuring. In 1978 he erson Goetheanism course, to- social times with her relatives Manfred Schmidt–Brabant founded the company Colour gether with his wife, the paint- – a source of strength that later married on 17 August 1964. Transformation and worked as er, art teacher and writer An- nourished both sisters during a lazurer, designer and colour gela Lord from New Zealand. the war, which they both sur- The Dornach years consultant. Some of his proj- The course aimed to enhance vived unharmed. Their father When Manfred Schmidt-Bra- ects also involved furniture process-oriented skills in art survived the war as a police bant was called to join the Ex- and graphic design. Between and scientific observation as a officer in Prague, but was cap- ecutive Council at the Goethea- 1988 and 1990 he studied way of promoting growth and tured and only re-joined the num in 1975, they moved to under Gerard Wagner at the development in all areas of so- family much later. Dornach(CH). Next to her artis- Goetheanum painting school ciety, above all in education. tic, sculptural work she became (Malschule am Goetheanum), When a large estate was be- The Berlin years also an avid writer. Goethe’s where he honed his skills as ing divided up for sale, Angela During the war Gerda Faust and the Apocalypse of St a mural painter. Robert Lord’s and Robert Lord purchased a Grundt trained as a paediatric John were for her important firm offered solutions in -in part of it with a studio and a nurse and in 1944 she became ways of investigating the spiritu- terior decorating for offices, garden. This became a meet- head teacher of a kindergarten, al foundations of world events. banks, hotels and restaurants ing place for anthroposophi- gaining her qualification as a Another important theme in etc. He was keen to improve cally oriented artists. kindergarten teacher in 1948. In her life was the figure of Mary. the environment of people the 1960s she underwent fur- She studied the mystery of the with special needs and used Discrete, charming and witty ther training in order to become Black Madonna in depth as well coloured glass in interior deco- Robert Lord embodied head of a preschool and worked as masculine and feminine as- rating (Carved Coloured Win- some of the most pleasant in this capacity until 1975. pects in art. The anthroposophi- dows; for a documentation of and beautiful aspects of Eng- After World War II, Gerda cal community life was a matter his projects visit www.colo- lish culture and tradition: a Grundt learned about anthro- particularly close to her heart. radvice.com). discrete and quiet presence, posophy and Waldorf Edu- She often cared more about combined with objectivity, cation through a lecturer. In how others felt than about her Working for Emerson College politeness, charm and wit. He the youth group of the Chris- own wellbeing. After her hus- Aside from his work as an liked to keep himself back in tian Community in Berlin she band’s death in 2001 she moved artist, Robert Lord also lec- order to either focus on the and her sister met Manfred into one of the Eurythmy Houses tured worldwide and gave matter in hand, or to support Schmidt-Brabant and the and in 2011 into Haus Martin (a courses on anthroposophical another person or represent three of them became ac- nursing home in Dornach). She topics such as nurturing the their concern. Robert Lord was tively involved in building up approached the threshold with inner life, meditation, karma a gentleman in the true sense the anthroposophical work inner calm and peace, in the and reincarnation, the sea- of the word, a person who in Berlin. They cultivated a great certainty of the eternal ex- sons and festivals of the year, knew how to cultivate the personal contact with people istence which evolves from one eco-friendly design, colour and most important ideas of his who had worked with Rudolf life to the next. Gratitude and art. In collaboration with other time, because they are essen- Steiner in Berlin, such as Anna contentment radiated out from anthroposophists he set up a tial for a more humane future. Samweber, Wilhelm and Karin her being. | Martin Schmidt / website offering thoughts on | Jostein Sæther, Blieskastel- Selling, and Clara Walther. Lots Wolfram Schmidt, Berlin (DE) life after death. When Emer- Wolfersheim (DE) Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17 | 15

■ antroposophical society

We have been informed that the following 92 members have crossed the threshold of death. In their remembrance we are pro- viding this information for their friends. |The Membership Office at the Goetheanum

Charlotte Heilmann Künzell (DE) 13 June 2015 Herr A M Jackson Droitwich (GB) 25 November 2016 Christel Strassburger Ingelheim (DE) 25 June 2015 Kathrina Zay Dornach (CH) 25 November 2016 Emily Paolilli Lancaster/PA (US) 24 February 2016 Elfriede Weitz Wentorf (DE) 26 November 2016 Werner Dazert Herne (DE) in February 2016 Wolfgang Hübner Kasssel (DE) 27 November 2016 Werner Siegrist Basel (CH) 12 March 2016 Barbara Schrader Frankfurt a M (DE) 27 November 2016 Ilse-Marie Godbersen Flensburg (DE) 8 April 2016 Erika Semler Allambie Heights (AU) 28 Nov 2016 Stefanie Schulze Berlin (DE) 22 June 2016 Mohammed Beheschti Heidelberg (DE) 30 November 2016 Ingeborg Mau Borchen (DE) 16 July 2016 Alfred Gansel Stuttgart (DE) 30 November 2016 Christiane Spieth Nürnberg (DE) 25 July 2016 Irena Gebhardt London (GB) 30 November 2016 Ingrid Najork Oldenburg (DE) 1 August 2016 Luciano Vologni Reggio Emilia (IT) 2 December 2016 Kathleen Haggan London (GB) 10 August 2016 Dieter Merkel Furtwangen (DE) 3 December 2016 Frédéric Francoz Chatou (FR) 11 August 2016 Thea Gädeke Bremen (DE) 4 December 2016 Gisela Lorenz Freiburg (DE) 22 August 2016 Hans-Joachim Kliewer Überlingen (DE) 4 December 2016 Dieter Trautwein Pforzheim (DE) 2 September 2016 Brigitte Heinrich München (DE) 5 December 2016 Tanya Todorova Sofia (BG) 18 September 2016 Joop van Dam Zeist (NL) 7 December 2016 Hedwig Messikommer Hinwil (CH) 20 September 2016 Werner Adolf Heuchelheim (DE) 9 December 2016 Margarethe Keller Bad Dürrheim (DE) 23 September 2016 Charles Bamford Stroud (GB) 9 December 2016 Theodor Jürg Riedo Basel (CH) 1 October 2016 Andres Studer Basel (CH) 9 December 2016 Friederun von Freeden Borchen (DE) 7 October 2016 Roswitha Zehm Wiesbaden (DE) 12 December 2016 Marita Metasch Niefern-Öschelbronn (DE) 13 Oct 2016 Liselotte Pösselt Überlingen (DE) 13 December 2016 Emmy Proske Niefern-Öschelbronn (DE) 15 Oct 2016 Andrea Berchielli Arlesheim (CH) 14 December 2016 Marion Feuerstack Rot am See (DE) 21 October 2016 Gottfried Leuchtenberger München (DE) 15 December 2016 Alfred Frei Seengen (CH) 21 October 2016 Irmgard Schäfer Biebergemünd (DE) 18 December 2016 Friedwart Kurras Winterbach (DE) 27 October 2016 Eva Rose-Marie Froese Überlingen (DE) 19 December 2016 Alfred Maier Niederscherli (CH) 28 October 2016 Max Seurig Dresden (DE) 19 December 2016 Anna Skånberg Järna (SE) 28 October 2016 Walter Fröschle Stuttgart (DE) 20 December 2016 Peter Allan Stroud (GB) 5 November 2016 Martha Frey Whitby (GB) 21 December 2016 Gisela Förster Freiburg (DE) 5 November 2016 Agnes Rastenburg Winterthur (CH) 21 December 2016 Adriana Onofrei Bucureşti (RO) 6 November 2016 Hans Schütz München (DE) 21 December 2016 Marie-Claire Thomson Forest Row (GB) 6 November 2016 Regina Henkner Dornach (CH) 22 December 2016 Herbert Metzger Pforzheim (DE) 11 November 2016 Jan Freiherr von Ledebur Parow (DE) 23 December 2016 Johanna Rehm Aalen (DE) 12 November 2016 Richard Guhl Cadolzburg (DE) 25 December 2016 Paula Restle Dornach (CH) 12 November 2016 Frieda Gassenmeyer Nürnberg (DE) 26 December 2016 Heinz Gartmann Heidenheim (DE) 15 November 2016 Walter Estoppey Oberwil (CH) 28 December 2016 Marion Grosse Mülheim (DE) 15 November 2016 Christoph Klein Stuttgart (DE) 28 December 2016 Margot Rudolph Frankfurt (DE) 15 November 2016 Liselotte Peters Stuttgart (DE) 30 December 2016 Elisabeth Bauer Schweinfurt (DE) 16 November 2016 Günther Zwahlen Dornach (CH) 31 December 2016 Dietrich Kammerer Stuttgart (DE) 16 November 2016 Sebastiano Albani Dornach (CH) 1 Januar y2017 Margrit Rasch Überlingen (DE) 17 November 2016 David Schwarz Dornach (CH) 1 January2017 Rolf Lausberg Gerbrunn (DE) 18 November 2016 Hartmut Fischer Blaubeuren (DE) 2 January 2017 Alice Nauntofte Egå (DK) 18 November 2016 Yvonne Frei Arlesheim (CH) 4 January 2017 Tanja Talviaisniemi Helsinki (FI) 18 November 2016 Andreas Stalder Langnau im Emmental (CH) 4 Jan 2017 Ingrid Weiss Büddenstedt (DE) 20 November 2016 Peder Hamilton Järfälla (SE) 7 January 2017 Gerd Widmann Markt Schwaben (DE) 22 Nov 2016 Gabriele Stocker Frankeneck (DE) 13 January 2017 Gabriele Fritsch Heidelberg (DE) 24 November 2016 Hannelore Blome Stuttgart (DE) 14 January 2017 Thea Gruft Milano (IT) 24 November 2016 Felicia Werner Breitenbach (CH) 14 January 2017

From 15 November 2016 to 16 January 2017 the Society welcomed 177 new members. 162 are no longer registered as members (resignations, lost, and corrections by country Societies).

Correction In Anthroposophy Worldwide 12/2016 Janet Rachel, Delta (CA) was by mistake included in the list of members who have passed away. We sincerely apologize for this error 16 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1-2/17

■ Feature

Trigon Foundation ity of the soil, are apparent, for instance, in root penetration, moisture distribution Soil Fertility Fund and the friability of the soil in its various On 22 October 2016 the foundation stone for the Trigon Foundation’s Soil Fertility Fund layers. Information on soil fertility can be was sunk into the earth (Anthroposophy Worldwide 12/2016). The fund supports the derived from measurable data such as nu- qualitative appreciation of farmland and promotes primarily ecological and biody- trient availability, humus content or pH- namic projects. values.

wo years ago Christian Hiss of the joint- Individual initiatives needed Tstock company Regionalwert AG in The Trigon Foundation does not use Emmendingen (DE) met up with Mathias moneys it already has for creating the Soul Forster and Christopher Schümann (both Fertility Fund, but is looking for people representing the Trigon Foundation). They who are willing to support the fund and wanted to get to know each other and re- its aims. Private individuals can choose a alized that – considering how important guardianship scheme, which means that soil is – the quality of soil was a greatly they will take co-responsibility for an area neglected topic. Organic farmers do, af- of 2500 square meters. According to Tri- ter all, not only make sure that healthy gon that is the land needed for a single foods are produced, they also make a Central European meat-eater. Included in universal ecological contribution beyond this amount are various positions such as that because “healthy” soil stores water, Soil Fertility Fund: supporting the farmers soil analyses, further training opportuni- air and nutrients, and promotes nutrient ties and PR. Enterprises can subscribe to turnover. The effort invested in this was, of preparations”. The Soil Fertility Fund “CO2 Kompensation Plus”; this scheme however, not covered by the higher price of the Trigon Foundation will be used to allows them to contribute to climate pro- of organic products, Markus Bächi pointed compensate organic farmers for imple- tection and to balance CO2 emissions by out at the first conference of the Fund in menting these measures. building up humus in the regions around Friedrichshafen (DE). “Proceeds only cover Lake Constance. The Soil Fertility Fund will about half of the measures employed in Soil fertility factors initially run as a three-year pilot project. order to maintain or increase soil fertility. Soil is a complex living system: through So far, around 35 organic and biodynamic This means that either the soil is being ex- photosynthesis, plants carry the sunlight farms in Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria ploited or the farmer, or both, and this is into their roots and from there it enters and Switzerland have signed up for the what we want to change.” Markus Bächi is into the soil – providing energy for the bil- scheme. | Sebastian Jüngel president of the Swiss organic foundation lions of organisms that live there. These (Bio Stiftung) and one of the Soil Fertility organisms, in turn, promote a friable soil Quotes and facts: Soil Fertility Fund News- Fund’s project managers. structure, water storage and aeration as letter 1/2016 (December 2016) Soil expert Ulrich Hampl lists among well as the transport of nutrients to the Contact: Stiftung Trigon, Dornachweg 14, the possible ways of improving soil qual- plants – a perfect symbiosis without 4144 Arlesheim, Schweiz, phone +41 61 701 ity, “green manure, crop rotation, till- which we would not be able to live. The 78 88, [email protected]; www. age, composting/mulching and the use diversity of life, and ultimately the qual- bodenfruchtbarkeit.bio

St Petersburg Conference celebrates Marie Steiner’s 150th birthday From 5 to 7 May 2017, a conference en- is the significance of her active commit- world, where the individuality connects titled “On the way to Philadelphia. A ment to eurythmy and artistic speech, with a particular folk spirit and takes life of truth, beauty and goodness for and to the foundation of the General An- on tasks for its future journey on earth, the benefit of the earth” will be held in throposophical Society? This conference and where it forms its intentions for life. St Petersburg. The occasion for this con- also continues the earlier international This conference is about the realization ference is Marie Steiner’s 150th birthday gatherings in St Petersburg, which were of intentions we have formed before on 14 March. devoted to Rudolf Steiner’s lectures to birth and the development of a global Russian anthroposophists in Helsinki in consciousness.| Helena Petjalina, St Pe- hen he described Marie Steiner as 1912 and 1913. These lectures focused tersburg (RU) Wa “cosmic being”, Rudolf Steiner on the search for the folk soul and folk was referring to her true essence and spirit and alluded to a spiritual commu- Registration (open until 14 March): Anna Pet- jalina, [email protected], Fax: +7 812 377 to the nature of her life’s task, as well as nity, a spiritual brotherhood: the General 07 78 (in Russian, German, English). If you to the forces that were introduced into Anthroposophical Society. need an official invitation for your visa appli- earth evolution through her work. What We all pass through the spiritual cation, please send a copy of your passport.