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General Worldwide 11/14

Further steps and tasks ahead A space for inner experiences and encounters

s the treasurer at the Goetheanum AI am quite touched at present to see 31 October 2014 how – following our Michaelmas appeal Anthroposophy Worldwide – smaller and larger donations stream in 11/2014 daily and help to close the remaining fi- nancial gap of 1.5 million Swiss Francs (1.2 Goetheanum million Euros). This stream reflects, right 1 Further steps and tasks ahead down into the will, the reality of the great 2 From the Goetheanum Leadership community of members who contribute 3 Reopening of the main stage from all parts of the world to the mainte- 4 Landscaping nance and renovation of the Goetheanum, 5 Goetheanum renovation bringing new impulses to it. With this ma- School of Spiritual Science jor concerted effort the tremendous total 2 An organ for Class members of 13.5 million Swiss Francs (11 million Eu- 2 Studies and further education ros) for the renovation work will hopefully The first stage is completed: taking down the crane 6 Medical Section: International soon be covered, in the amazingly short Curative Education and Social period of time from the autumn of 2012 Therapy Conference ‹Feeling until the beginning of 2015. I would like bookings so far and the many inquiries we Culture› to take this opportunity to thank you all are receiving we can hope for a great finale 10 General Anthroposophical Section: warmly for your help! before the stage will begin to focus on the Worldwide Goetheanum new production of Goethe’s Faust, Parts I Experiencing the great dramas of hu- Meditation Initiative and II, due to be performed in 2016. Part manity I will be shown in summer 2015. During Anthroposophical Society Maintaining the physical shell of the 2015, the Goetheanum Stage Ensemble 8 General Anthroposophical Society - building and updating the stage and its will give guest performances of individual Michaelmas Conference technology is, however, only a first impor- mystery dramas by in vari- 9 The weekly journal tant step for the Goetheanum Leadership. ous places. ‹Das Goetheanum› Our next task as a School of Spiritual Sci- 14 102th birthday: Elisabeth ence is to provide, on this physical basis, Consulting on further plans Pederiva-Unger inner experiences and encounters, above And finally, there are plans for a consul- 14 In remembrance of her 100th all in the smaller and bigger international tation process during a major Michaelmas birthday: Gertrud Klingborg conferences of the various sections and Conference in 2016 with members from 15 Members who have passed away fields of practice as well as through the the entire anthroposophical movement. intense artistic experience of the great This initiative seeks to bring together rep- Anthroposophy Worldwide dramas of humanity. At the moment, the resentatives of the various fields of prac- 11 Germany: the international youth Goetheanum Ensemble, direct- tice, the School of Spiritual Science with eurythmy project ‹yep!› ed by Margrethe Solstadt, is touring with its Sections, and the Anthroposophical So- 12 Dealing differently with values: a programme called “Light and Lies” with ciety. We hope to establish new work plans Raphael Fellmer themes from Henrik Ibsen’s ‘Peer Gynt’. At that will help to strengthen Rudolf Stein- 12 Alternative ideas for dealing with Christmas 2014 you will have a last oppor- er’s impulse, which has long been active in money tunity – for the time being – to see the full the stream of civilization, and to bring new Feature cycle of Rudolf Steiner’s Mystery Dramas life to it for the next seven years, leading 16 100th birthday of Elisabeth Sigmund at the Goetheanum. up to 2023/2024.| Justus Wittich, Treasurer Judging from the number of ticket at the Goetheanum 2 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14

■ school of spiritual science ■ Goetheanum

An organ for class members Studies and further education Goetheanum Leadership Special edition of Various languages – Open consultation and Anthroposophy World- different points of view dialogue wide – joint ventures The Goetheanum Leadership has started the academic year 2014/2015 and weekly The new academic year has brought he Lead- meetings with a retreat in the autumn. together 42 people from 21 countries Freie Hochschule für Geistes- The new spokespersons for the coming ership of wissenschaft Anthroposophie weltweit worldwide for full time studies at the T Sonderausgabe November 2014 year are Constanza Kaliks (Youth Section) the School of Goetheanum – the aim they all share:

Zu dieser Sonderausgabe and Justus Wittich (Executive Council). Diese Sonderausgabe des Nach- Spiritual Sci- richtenblatts auf Deutsch und Englisch ist für die Weitergabe an getting to know anthroposophy. Mitglieder der Freien Hochschule für Geisteswissenschaft bestimmt und wird nicht allgemein versandt. Es ist das Anliegen der Leitung der ence, in col- Hochschule, in Zusammenarbeit t the beginning of their meetings, the mit auf das Erscheinen des zweiten Hochschulbuchs von Sergej Prokoffief angemessen aufmerksam zu machen, das ab November 2014 nur von Mitglie- laboration dern der Ersten Klasse erworben ow does someone who has grown members of the Goetheanum Leadership werden kann (Bezugsweg siehe Seite 8). | Justus Wittich für die Allgemeine Anthroposophische A Sektion der Freien Hochschule für Zweites Hochschulbuch von Sergej O. Prokofieff with Peter Geisteswissenschaft Christus-Bewusstsein und Michael-Offenbarung up at the Goetheanum perceive this explore – in eurythmy exercises and conversa- Sergej O. Prokofieff hat kurz vor seinem Tod sein zweites Buch für Mitglieder der Frei- en Hochschule für Geisteswissenschaft vollenden können: ‹Der Esoterische Weg durch die neunzehn Klassenstunden›. Das Buch kann über den Verlag am Goethea- H Paul Mackay num bezogen werden. S. 1 Christus-Bewusstsein und ereits 2009 ist das Buch ‹Die erste über, auf welche Weise eine Sache, Selg, would Michael-Offenbarung beautiful environment? And how is it per- tion – the language of Christ-Michael, which we BKlasse der Michaelschule und ihre die ihrem Wesen nach von Mund zu Ohr Sergej Prokofieff christologischen Grundlagen› von Ser - behandelt werden sollte, schriftlich S. 3 Einleitung gej Prokofieff erschienen. Im Vorwort zu fassen sei. Nach diesen Beratungen S. 3 Inhaltsverzeichnis schreibt er, dass er im Buch auf häufig hat Sergej O. Prokofieff entschieden, gestellte Fragen eingeht. Tat er dies zual- dass das Buch nur für Mitglieder der Frei- Peter Selg lererst in Form von Vorträgen, kam er en Hochschule für Geis teswissenschaft like to call at- S. 4 Der Weg zu Christus – ceived by someone who has learned to need to acquire. Rudolf Steiner developed this 2004 dem immer dringlicher geäußer- bestimmt sei und dass die mantrischen die Verwandlung des menschlichen ten Wunsch der Mitglieder nach, diese Worte der Klassenstunde nur andeu- Bewusstseins Vorträge auch in schriftlicher Form ha- tungsweise erwähnt werden. Viele ben zu können. Er hat dann mit uns, den Mitglieder der Hochschule haben sein S. 8 Bestellschein Mitgliedern des Vorstands, mit denen er Buch als Hilfe für ein vertieftes Verste- die Leitung der Allgemeinen Anthropo- hen und Erleben des Wegs der 19 Klas- tention to the sophischen Sektion teilte, und später senstunden und anderer Themen, die see the world in a very different environ- language as a task in the Michael Letters and in mit dem Hochschulkollegium seine In- mit den Klassenstunden zusammenhän- tention besprochen. Wir sprachen dar- gen, erfahren. publication ment? How does someone hear what is his contemplations on the ‘Fifth Gospel’. of Sergei Prokofieff’s second book on the being said here who has heard the world The Executive Council reports regularly on School of Spiritual Science. The book can speak through the words of Neruda, the its work. At present, interim reports on the vari- be purchased by class members from mid- poetry of Whitman, the narration of Max ous areas and departments are due from the October 2014 (Anthroposophy Worldwide Frisch, through the tales of India, the nov- mandate holders, who have been appointed 10/2014). A special edition of Anthro- els of France? It is wonderful that all these for a period of three years from among the posophy Worldwide, in English and Ger- points of view, from which the world can Goetheanum Leadership. They include the man, will therefore be handed out at the be perceived and experienced, can come smaller building projects for 2015 and 2016 Class Readers’ conference for distribution together here at the Goetheanum and (which were presented and consulted on at among class members. This special edi- that people of all backgrounds can study the Members’ Day for building questions held tion will not be generally available but can anthroposophy in this unique place. on 18 October) as well as issues that will be ad- be ordered from Andrea Jeserich in the dressed at the Members’ Day scheduled to take Executive Council office, Postfach, 4143 Looking at one’s own questions with place from 7 November, 5 p.m., to 8 November Dornach, Switzerland; andrea.jeserich@ new eyes 2014, 5 p.m. On that occasion, important initia- goetheanum.ch | Justus Wittich for the Our students meet Rudolf Steiner’s tives regarding the future work of the Executive General Anthroposophical Section of the works in German, English and now also in Council will be presented and some members School of Spiritual Science Spanish. Out of this encounter we prac- have registered their wish to present contribu- tise, think, speak and approach our own tions. We hope that members from further questions with new eyes – the questions afield will be able to attend the Members’ Day Anthroposophy Worldwide appears ten of our time are being newly asked – out of for which several general secretaries will be times a year, is distributed by the national our living in the present. On the table of present – so that we can continue to work on Anthroposophical Societies, and appears as the Spanish department several – differ- an open way of practising consultation and dia- a supplement to the weekly Das Goethea- ent – translations of Rudolf Steiner’s basic logue for our Annual General Meetings. num • Publisher: General Anthroposophical Society, represented by Justus Wittich • Ed- work Theosophy are spread out. None of itors: Sebastian Jüngel (responsible for this them has an exact translation for the Ger- Working on mistakes edition), Michael Kranawetvogl (responsible man word “Gestalt”. And yet we under- On 20 September a small group met for a for the Spanish edition), Margot M. Saar (re- stand it. A great exercise! first open conversation on the Wooden Sculp- sponsible for this English edition). These walls and rooms that have al- ture and where it should be located. Several Address: Wochenschrift ‹Das Goetheanum›, Postfach, 4143 Dornach, Switzerland, Fax ready been perceived from so many an- meetings have been arranged for 2015. Mem- +41 61 706 44 65, [email protected] gles are seen again in a new way. Again bers interested in being involved in this group • Correspondents/news agency: Jürgen Vater they are filled, above all with the joy of be- please contact Marianne Schubert (marianne. (Schweden), News Network Anthroposophy ing able to be here – as it was put by a stu- [email protected]). (NNA). • We expressly wish for active sup- dent who had to travel a long way to join It is gratifying to experience the strong port and collaboration. • Subscriptions: To receive ‹Anthroposophy Worldwide› please us. | Constanze Kaliks, leader of the Youth mood of dialogue and work that prevails apply to the Anthroposophical Society in your Section at the Goetheanum among the Goetheanum Leadership. It country. Alternatively, individual subscriptions creates an atmosphere that makes it pos- Rooms needed: Since the student house can- are available at CHF 30.- (EUR/US$ 20.-) per sible to work on past mistakes and prob- year. An e-mail version is available to mem- not accommodate the many students, we are lems and we hope that the impact of this bers of the Anthroposophical Society only at looking for rooms close to the Goetheanum (monthly rent between CHF 300 and 500). www.goetheanum.org/630.html?L=1 © 2014 will make itself increasingly felt in the fu- Contact: Edda Nehmiz: phone +41 61 706 44 ture. | Justus Wittich, spokesperson for the General Anthroposophical Society, Dornach, 14, [email protected] Switzerland Goetheanum Leadership Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14 | 3

■ Goetheanum

Reopening of the Goetheanum Stage «Serving peace and the thriving of humanity» The media response to the re-opening of the Main Stage on 26 September showed that the BASEL | BASELLANDSCHAFTLICHE Goetheanum is perceived in the cultural life of Switzerland as a regional place of culture DIENSTAG, 30. SEPTEMBER 2014 that needs to be taken seriously. The rich programme presented by the Goetheanum stage, BASELLAND/SCHWARZBUBENLAND with all its different categories, is a precondition for attracting public interest. 27

t the press conference for the reopening of International Curative Education and Social Athe stage Nils Frischknecht explained the Therapy Conference the artistic clowns Sim- Imposanter situation in a nutshell: although the Goethea- one Fassari and Camilla Pessi (I Baccalà Clown) Bühnenbau num is one of the big stages (apart from Basel performed their latest programme (see page 7). in Dornach Einzigartig and the Zurich opera house there is no stage With the performance of the opera “The Fall of anums ist fertigDie saniert. Grosse SieBühne eröffnet des Goethe- nun ganz neue Möglichkeiten – mit einem Glasfaser- Vorhang, einer weltweit einzigartigen Mess- of that size anywhere else in Switzerland) it is Antichrist” by Viktor Ullmann – based on Albert sonden-Technik, aber auch mit altbewährten operated like a small stage: a theatre of this size Steffen’s eponymous dramatic sketch – the Maschinen für Donner, Regen und Wind. usually employs dozens if not hundreds of staff Goetheanum Stage will write theatre history while the Goetheanum has only five people in as the guest performance by the Moravian VON THOMAS BRUNNSCHWEILER

Die 1927 eingerichtete Grosse Bühne technik erlaubt eine mit der Steuerung des Goetheanums hat Theatergeschich- der Lichtanlagen vergleichbare dyna- charge of the stage. Theatre Olomouc will constitute the Swiss te geschrieben. Hier mische, nuancierte mals die ungekürzte Fassung wurde 1938von Goe- erst- Nils Frischknecht. Bewegung», erklärt thes Faust I und II aufgeführt, ein Vor- Dass es im ersten Unterboden nun ei- haben, das laut Regisseur Christian Pe- nen Orchestergraben hat, ermöglicht ter auch heute noch 20 bis 22 Stunden es, auch Opern in einer adäquaten Dar- premiere of this opera. Spielzeit in Anspruch nimmt. Einiges, bietungsweise zu präsentieren. Für ra- was ursprünglich geplant war – etwa sche Szenenwechsel bei den grossen der Orchestergraben – wurde nie aus- Mysterienspielen, aber auch für Opern, geführt. Und nach fast 80 Jahren war sind die beiden Bühnenportale auf den Of regional importance die Bühne mit ihren 37 handbetriebe- Seiten hilfreich. By cooperating with the “Junge Bühne” nen Prospektzügen dermassen in die Auch die zwei Hubpodien zum Jahre gekommen, dass auch die Sicher- Schrägstellen der Bühnenfläche und heit nicht mehr gewährleistet war. demontierbare Einlegetafeln im hin- «Da in der Schweiz der Betreiber die tern Teil der Bühne sowie die Schräge Sicherheit garantieren muss, beschloss für die Eurythmie erlauben mehr Effek- The Goetheanum is indeed taken seriously the Goetheanum Stage also supports man früh, sich den Richtlinien des te. Schliesslich wurden die alten Wind-, deutschen TÜV unterzuordnen», sagt Donner- und Regenmaschinen wieder Nils Frischknecht, der Geschäftsführer eingebaut. der Goetheanum-Bühne. 2012 trat die Planung in die heisse Phase und war so Kleintheater mit Riesenbühne by the public as a regional place of culture. On youth theatre. Under the direction of ac- effizient, dass die Sanierung nur ein Auch für die Statiker war die Sanie- Jahr dauerte. Aufgebracht wurden die rung eine Herausforderung, steht erforderlichen neun Millionen Franken doch die Konstruktion des Bühnenbo- mehrheitlich von Spendern. Zwei Mil- dens nur auf sechs Positionen auf der lionen Franken waren Eigenmittel, die Decke und den Stützsäulen des Grund- Blick vom neuen Schnürboden 17 Meter in die Tiefe auf die Bühne. tor and director Andrea Pfaehler, who has durch den Verkauf von Liegenschaften the day of the reopening the private TV channel steinsaals. Gewonnen hat die Goethe- beschafft wurden. anum-Bühne nicht nur punkto Tech- nik, sondern auch hinsichtlich des «Eiserner Vorhang» ist weg Raums. Der Portalbereich kann jetzt Im riesigen Kubus, der Unterböden, bis 12 Meter in der Höhe geöffnet wer- FOTOS: THOMAS BRUNNSCHWEILER “Telebasel” broadcasted a 23-second item on stage and film experience, young people Orchestergraben, höhenverstellbare den, was 2,5 Meter Platzgewinn bedeu- Podeste, Bühne und Schnürboden um- tet. Die Breite lässt sich bis zu 15 Meter mantelt, gibt es gleichermassen techni- n u t z e n , z u v o r n u r z u 1 2 , 5 M e t e r . N e - sche Weltneuheiten wie alte Theater- ben dem festen Eurythmieensemble technik. So gibt es etwa einen «intelli- werden auf der Grossen Bühne Opern- from the area work on classic plays. The g the festivities. The next day the daily newspa- enten Schnürboden». Er ist im beste- gastspiele, Schauspiele und die gros- henden Betonträgerwerk aufgehängt sen Mysterienspiele von Rudolf Steiner und mit Messsonden ausgestattet. zu sehen sein. Daneben ist die Bühne Wenn es an einer Stelle zu Überlastung für Konzerte geeignet – und dement- group recently opened the season with kommt, werden andere technische Ele- sprechend begehrt. Die Goetheanum- per “Basler Zeitung” published a two-column mente automatisch blockiert. Die Büh- Bühne ist nunmehr technisch auf ei- ne ist damit fast ein kybernetischer Or- nem sehr hohen Stand. Betriebsmässig ganismus. jedoch ist sie ein Unikum. Denn sie ist Eine Besonderheit stellt der Schutz- einerseits eine der grössten Bühnen article on the event, followed a few days later by William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” vorhang dar, der aus Glasfasergewebe der Schweiz, andererseits wird sie be- mit Stahleinlagen besteht und den viel trieben wie ein Kleintheater; zur tech- schwereren «Eisernen Vorhang» er- nischen Mannschaft gehören nur fünf setzt. Insgesamt wurden bei der Sanie- Mitarbeiter. rung 200 Tonnen Stahl aus- und wie- Die nächste wichtige Aufführung ist a whole page report in the regional “Baselland- in the Foundation Stone Auditorium. der eingebaut. «Die neue Maschinen- die Schweizer Erstaufführung der Oper «Der Sturz des Antichrist» von Viktor Ullmann am 25. Oktober. schaftliche Zeitung”. The fact that the same With its contributions the “Junge Büh- Die neue Bühne im Grossen Saal des Goetheanums, mit Blick in den Zuschauerraum. article also appeared in the Solothurn newspa- ne” helps once a year to fill the “gap” in the per “Solothurner Zeitung” and the “Grenchner drama category. Tagblatt” showed that the event was seen as As a result of the updating of the main worth reporting in the canton of Solothurn, stage other changes have become necessary: where the Goetheanum is situated, as well as in the stage set and lighting for Rudolf Steiner’s the neighbouring cantons of Baselland (greater mystery dramas will need to be adjusted before Basel) and Baselstadt (Basel city). The local these plays can be performed at Christmas. ‘Wochenblatt’ had already covered the reopen- ing. National media such as the “Neue Zürcher Good wishes Zeitung” (Zurich) and “Der Bund“ did, however, Now it is a matter of fostering the newly es- not send any journalists to the press confer- tablished contact with the public – politicians, ence, a fact that shows that the Goetheanum media and not least the audience. During the is not seen as a theatre of national importance. opening ceremony various people expressed The Goetheanum Stage began its new their good wishes: Remo Ankli from the De- season with a full programme that involved partment of Education and Culture in the all categories of theatre. The new stage was canton of Solothurn wished the Goetheanum inaugurated with images from ‘Peer Gynt’ and that “works and performances may be shown compositions by Edvard Gried and Knut Nyst- here that will serve peace and the thriving of edt performed by the Goetheanum Eurythmy humanity.” And on behalf of the parish of Dor- Ensemble, under the direction of Margrethe nach deputy mayor Roger Dahinden hoped for Solstad, and the Camerata Da Vinci Orchestra. creativity so that “substance can be renewed Having the orchestra so close rather than on and new impulses given.” For this it needs the the balcony on the other side of the audience interaction between the Goetheanum and the means that the eurythmists can connect more public, between the audience and the artists. | immediately with the sound. Music was also Sebastian Jüngel presented by the Heiligenberg String Septet, the Glarisegg Choir and the Werbeck Ensemble. Programm: www.goetheanum-buehne.ch The speech chorus was able to take possession Youth Theatre: Verein Junge Bühne, Nelken- weg 3, 4144 Arlesheim, Schweiz. again of the Main Auditorium. As part of the 4 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14

■ Goetheanum

Landscaping ful patterns. The route that runs from the car park to the West Entrance has been “Working on the spaces in between” changed and corrected again and again so In parallel to the renovation of the Goetheanum building the grounds are also being that people will not be tempted to linger restructured. With the south having been newly designed over the last decades, it is for too long. One should be able to slow now time to continue developing the north so that its strengths can also be seen and down here, but not stop for too long. experienced and that the local flora and fauna can benefit from them. Otter: A well-designed path opens up the terrain around. And although the terrain does not necessarily need a path, it can only be experienced if there is a path. It can be important to experience the envi- ronment from a point that is half-way up the hill. Mensens: In order to allow for such an experience we need to explore the rough structuring, the skeleton, of the terrain. Only then will we be able to create beauty. Jüngel: As in the rhythm of the steps that lead down from the Rudolf Steiner Halde Preparatory work for the path to the west entrance of the Goetheanum; Jörg Mensens and Benno Otter to Haus Friedwart? Mensens: Yes. But that kind of impres- Sebastian Jüngel: Serious groundwork Mensens: … and they will be able to see sion is lost again once one has walked the has started northeast of the Goetheanum the three buildings in relation to each oth- steps several times. It’s like the vertebrae as a first step to redesigning the north of er. We also want visitors to feel received in your neck: you are not aware of them the campus. and welcomed as soon as they enter the until there is something wrong. Jörg Mensens: Well, we are not start- grounds. This refers to the bus stop at Otter: And as long as they are healthy one ing from scratch. The north had been the Speisehaus Restaurant, the newly de- has unlimited possibilities. designed, not least as a result of Rudolf signed path from the car parks in the west Steiner’s indications: there are fruit trees of the Goetheanum and the planned route Conservation projects (quince) and shrubs (hazel). The new plans that will run parallel to the Hügelweg. Jüngel: What about the nature conserva- include the laying of paths. The area in the Jüngel: What kind of “reception” do you tion projects? north falls away steeply and does there- have in mind? Otter: We hope to receive grants that al- fore not invite people to stroll along there. Mensens: We are thinking of display low us to re-introduce wetland between boards and we would like to put up infor- the Verlagshaus and the Kleinodienhaus From thoroughfare to special feature mation panels with announcements of (which houses the Verlag am Goethea- If you walk up from the train station to current events. We still have to look into num). Part of his area will be converted the Goetheanum on the Hügelweg the how these panels will be kept up-to-date. into a wet meadow in order to encour- walkway along the road seems to go on age biodiversity: more animals and plants endlessly. The only reason for choosing Interdependence of south and north will be attracted to the north. We hope this route is because it leads you from A Jüngel: What is particular about the north that the well near the Heizhaus can feed to B. The whole area is reduced to a thor- and south of the Goetheanum grounds? an additional wetland area to be newly oughfare. This is unfortunate considering Mensens: In the south we see a more con- established between the Glashaus and that it offers very special views of Basel, cave form, while it is convex in the north. the Verlagshaus. On the whole, we hope the hermitage in Arlesheim and Birseck There is more roundness in the south, to emphasize the “wet element” in the Castle. We will therefore create a higher- while straight lines prevail in the north. Goetheanum Park. lying route for pedestrians that runs next The south needs a well-structured north Mensens: Wetland is generally endan- to the road and allows people to walk at for its qualities to shine. gered nowadays. It is often drained so their own pace, take in the north of the Otter: In the south we have the effect of it can be used for farming or building. grounds and stop here and there to enjoy light and warmth, a great variety of flora But even if it often does not seem all the view. and fauna (birds and insects): it is a social that attractive to people – there is usu- Benno Otter: The new paths will allow space, a place for conversation. The north ally a greater variety of flowers in low- people to experience the forms of the is characterised by its sloping position, by nutrient habitats – wetland is important landscape and architecture in the north shade and moisture. for animals. When the biologist Daniel while they slowly climb up the hill. They Mensens: This is where you find peace and Knecht inspected the northern part of the will walk close to the “Heizhaus” (heating quiet, even solitude. You can withdraw Goetheanum grounds, he was surprised house), looking down over the “Verlag- here. But we are not planning to make the to see grass snakes there. Grass snakes shaus” (publishers’ house) and past the north “prettier” by putting flower baskets feed on grass frogs among other things, Rudolf Steiner Halde… on the Heizhaus or by laying paths in play- so we should provide a habitat for these Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14 | 5

■ Goetheanum ■ Goetheanum

frogs. One thing leads to another. Goetheanum renovation Jüngel: What will you do in terms of na- ture conservation when you lay the new “Façade and roof repairs will be finished by the summer” path from the car park to the West en- Now that the renovation of the Goetheanum’s main stage is complete the office con- trance of the Goetheanum? tainer in the east of the building and the crane in the north can be dismantled. But it Mensens: We will build a dry stone wall is obvious – and audible – that the building work is still going on: the repair work on on the hillside. The water can then drop facade and roof has reached its zenith, and earthworks have begun in the grounds. down over the limestone and maybe a moss meadow can be established. I would Sebastian Jüngel: Is the renovation of the build- Jüngel: What about the roof? expect liverwort to spread there. ing complete now that the main stage has been Zweifel: The roof has been newly covered in the Otter: A wall in the shade is something reopened? south and west and now the tinwork and roof very special for us. And I look forward to Martin Zweifel: The renovation is complete in groins need doing. The roof in the north still seeing what kind of animals will inhabit that we have a stage that can be played on. But needs to be covered. By the summer all these the cracks or appear on the coping of the as it often is with such major undertakings there jobs should be finished. wall. We will develop the grounds step by are still jobs that need doing. Motors are still Jüngel: And the terrace? step and see what works and what new needed for some of the flys, at the bridge above Zweifel: The terrace will ideas will present themselves. the proscenium arch there is still only a provision- be repaired once the scaf- al motor. Some parts have proved to be faulty folding is gone. The plans What happens between the buildings and need replacing. And the gate between the for the terrace are still be- Jüngel: A development that is partly south and main stage is not yet in place. ing worked on. planned and partly open-ended? Jüngel: What about the new spaces above the Jüngel: What about the Otter: Yes. Take the cars, for instance. We back of the South stage? changes to the ground floor? need to have car parks somewhere. They Zweifel: These rooms have been put in, but still Zweifel: The Goetheanum Leadership has were built at the top of the Hügelweg, to need floors and electrical installations before accepted the recommendation of the Build- the left and right of the road, hidden be- they will be available as multi-purpose rooms in ing Group to leave the outside stairs in the hind shrubs. But they totally changed the the near future. west (Anthroposophy Worldwide, 10/2014, feel of the place … page 3). The Building Group has asked three Mensens: … the green areas could not be Facade, roof, terrace, ground floor architects – Marc Schepens (BE), Yaike Dun- kept around the whole of the Goethea- Jüngel: The south, west and north of the selman (NL) and Paul Gerhard Reeh (DE) – num and certain views disappeared. Goetheanum are still covered in scaffolding and for a neutral expert opinion that takes the Otter: The new car park will also help to up to the beginning of October one could hear overall concept into account and on which calm the traffic. the sound of hammer drilling. How is the work any further planning can be based. Mensens: We will not remove these grav- on the façade progressing? elled areas, but we let them grow over so Zweifel: First, any rust needs removing. For that Projects for the 2020 International Building that we can use them as temporary car the whole façade from north to south first had Exhibition (IBA) parks when needed. to be tapped. Where the concrete sounds hollow Jüngel: The Goetheanum has entered projects Otter: The new car parks have forced us to it has become detached from the embedded re- for the IBA 2020. What exactly has happened so rethink the old garden buildings. We have inforcement and needs to be removed. The iron far? done some tidying up and demolishing is then coated in cement slurry. Since October Zweifel: The projects have been officially -ac here. Even if many things are meaningful the holes are being filled again. For this the right cepted by the IBA 2020. They are landscap- here it needs some kind of order. We even concrete mix needs to be found: it needs to have ing projects as part of which the car parks consider moving the whole department to the right colour and consistency so that old and at the top of the Hügelweg and directly at the north of the Carpentry Building (Sch- new materials merge into one. The repaired ar- the Goetheanum building will be concen- reinerei). eas need to match the surrounding as otherwise trated on the area between the Verlagshaus Jüngel: But does the restructuring of the the façade will end up looking like patchwork. It and the Kristallisationshaus. If the West en- north not endanger its quiet position? takes easily six weeks before one knows wheth- trance is to become the main Goetheanum Otter: I shouldn’t think so. We actually cre- er or not a mix is right: a fortnight for the mixture entrance, an access path needs to be made ate the possibility to experience peace and to be made in the lab and, once it has been ap- from the new car park. In addition there are quiet. But we want to take up Rudolf Stein- plied, another four weeks until it has set. conservation projects in collaboration with er’s ideas regarding a main entrance in the Jüngel: What kind of protection did you use to the Arlesheim Nature Conservation Associa- West and South and we wonder if there make sure that there will be no further rust dam- tion (wetland) and the bird protection asso- could not be public access in the north, too age? ciation in Dornach (dry wall along the new (to the library). By placing all the outbuild- Zweifel: We used hydrophobing. People have path). These are steps that will connect the ings – with the exception of Haus Duldeck had experience with this for some time and the Dorneckberg (south of Dornach) with the Re- – along the boundary, Rudolf Steiner made product we used has been extensively tested inacherheide (to the north). All these projects it possible that something can happen be- and improved. So far I have only heard of res- remain in the hands of the Goetheanum, but tween them. It is these places in between ervations expressed by cathedral builders, but the IBA status means that it will be easier to that we are now working on. ■ they work with sandstone rather than concrete. apply for funding and cooperation. ■ 6 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14

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Medical Section: International Curative Education and Social Therapy Conference Feeling Culture From 6 to 10 October more than 750 curative teachers and social therapists as well as students and other participants studied the meaning of a “feeling culture” in lectures and a total of sixty work groups. It was not so much that ready-made recipes were given out but rather that people reported from their own work and illustrated what is important in human relationships.

t the end of the conference I decided picture of the person concerned that is Ato look more at other people’s abili- as rich and broad as possible. This picture ties, irrespective of any one-sidedness or includes weaknesses as well as strengths, limitations. Also – and particularly – in what one knows as well as what one does people with considerable disabilities I will not know. Out of this picture warm em- look out for their hidden strengths and pathy can arise for the person in question needs. This will help me to gain awareness even if he or she is seen as being extremely of what wants to live in the other person, “challenging”. On the basis of this picture their impulses. To achieve this, I need to their real needs are being established. The look at their entire life, including the time positive aspects form the foundation for before I first met them. It needs other continuing to build their future. people to tell me about that time. But who belongs to a person’s social context? Taking oneself seriously Bodo von Plato illuminated a culture of Making the other person possible feeling in the field of tension between in- To start with there are the parents. ner and outer world. As soon as we really They are usually the child’s main attach- allow for feelings to be there – that means ment figures and a bond grows between that we do not immediately release them them and the child. What happens if oth- from the inner into the outer world as ac- er people care for the child? Rainer Böhm tions, judgements or ideas – we become evaluated various research studies into ever more sensitive and vulnerable. Usu- early childhood (up to the age of three) ally a kind of split takes place at this point: that examined in particular the individual we either get more and more caught up in cortisol levels. Cortisol production should our own feelings – with the result that we rise in the morning and drop in the course become too sensitive and self-absorbed, of the afternoon. Studies have shown that stand in our own way and lose sight of the with children who are looked after out- world. Or we withdraw from our feelings side the family the cortisol level is higher into generalization, knowledge and ab- and does not drop much during the day. As straction and tend to lose ourselves. A cul- a consequence they are more susceptible ture of feeling, von Plato said, consisted in to illness. Neurodermatitis, headaches strengthening our awareness of nature and and inner restlessness may occur and po- science, art and culture, poetry and other tentially even lead to vandalism, alcohol- people at this particular divisive point. Con- ism and drug addiction in later life. Böhm templation, but also inner development did not want parents to feel bad with his and meditation, found an ideal ambience presentation, as he said, but was more in that place with its well-prepared ground. concerned that parents should receive At the end of his contribution von Plato adequate support in society, such as high elaborated on a passage in the preface quality outside care that should not sepa- of Rudolf Steiner’s book “How to Know rate children too long from their main at- Higher Worlds” that describes the impor- tachment figures. tant and decisive role our feelings play in Beth Barol related her experiences, the development of a truly individual and also from psychiatric care: people want to unique inner path. be seen with everything they bring with them, as what they are and with their fu- Taking action ture intentions. Beth therefore tries to find Jan Göschel used the story of Parzival out as much as possible about them, con- to show how we sometimes need interfer- vening between 20 and 60 people in order ence from the outside. When Parzival fought to put together, from their perception, a with the knights in the forest and saw drops Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14 | 7

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Pss Pss: Camilla Pessi (right) encourages Simone Fassari (left)

of blood in the snow, Gawain realized that rienced how the singers formed the sound Parzival was entranced by these blood drops. out of listening into their shared acoustic Gawain then took – social therapeutic – ac- space. At the same time the choir was co- What will be? tion by spreading a cloak over the sight that lourful, each member had his or her own t is just a small gesture: the five fingers held Parzival spellbound and in doing so, voice, and each voice was able to unfold. Iof one hand, formed into the shape freed him from the spell. In their programme “Light and Lies” of a blossom, open up, accompanied With this story Jan Göschel addressed the Goetheanum Eurythmy Ensemble by the most inward, undivided atten- one of the central tasks curative teachers showed how Peer Gynt follows his path tion and a little verse – and suddenly and social therapists have: that of shap- with all its deviations, whilst Solveig the sun is shining. In the space outside, ing – or even healing – social relationships carries him in her wide space of soul – in the soul within. Nature’s gesture in a way that allows each individual to go through her love and faith and the hope unites with the gesture of speech and his or her way, but within the community that he will return. She takes Peer into the opens up a space in the soul where so that one can also work together well. inner space of her soul, allows him to do childhood forces appear and are able Göschel pointed to a mystery that Beth what he needs to do, waiting patiently for to live; where we unite creatively with Barol also makes use of: that a social com- him to come back to her. Peer can live his the world. munity can enable people to lead a digni- life to the full, meet threshold experiences What Wilma Ellersiek made possible fied life – individually and together. with other beings that allow him to grow, with hand gestures in her workgroup It needs higher faculties to achieve and while Solveig lives her own life without at the International Curative Educa- support this process. We all have our ‘I’, as- sacrificing herself but also without losing tion and Social Therapy Conference tral body, ether body and physical body. In Peer from her heart. also permeated the Main Auditorium adhering to the main pedagogical law, the During their programme ‹Pss Pss› the and the entire campus: openness and social therapist has to work out of his or two artistic clowns Simone Fassari and the will to understand, rather than her spirit self. This means, as Jan Göschel Camilla Pessi showed how one person arguments and clashing opinions; a pointed out, somewhat wryly, that social can give an impulse and how another can widening of the feeling spaces where therapists have no physical body, because take it up. How one can fail and still mas- encounter was a joy and a where the below the spirit-self are ‘I’, astral body ter one’s life. A recurring element was a biography of each person was appreci- and ether body. What he meant to say gesture of encouragement that said “you ated. The mood that, as Pim Blomaard was that it needs someone who guides can do it! I believe in you!” There were described in his concluding lecture, is processes meaningfully from a higher always frictions of one kind or another. a precondition for finding superper- perspective. Congestions will then be re- But – life goes on: one works together, sonal motifs and for working together solved and come into flow again, as it was one rubs each other up the wrong way, successfully was tangible in many mo- with Parzival when he stared, entranced, one is creative together. By including the ments during this conference. Let’s see at the drops of blood in the snow. audience the two artists showed how a what can grow out of that. Two people (relationship) problem can be resolved if who attended this conference for the ‹You can do it! › one widens the social context. Again I was first time are sure that – in order to ex- In addition to these and other contribu- reminded of Beth Barol’s approach. And of perience something new – one needs tions there were also performances that the ‘point and circle’ meditation that Ru- to go to the Goetheanum …| Gerhard allowed us to experience a culture of feel- dolf Steiner gave to the curative teachers. Ruppert, Kassel (DE) ing: when the Werbeck Choir sang I expe- | Gabriela Jüngel, Dornach (CH) 8 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14

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General Anthroposophical Society: Michaelmas Conference What you keep for yourself is lost The title of the Michaelmas Conference, which took place at the Goetheanum from 26 to 28 September, was taken from a verse Rudolf Steiner gave in the Samaritan Course: «Into my questioning soul … in bond of human brotherhood». The First World War was the starting point, the interest in the destiny of humanity and times was the goal of this conference that focused on the motif of homelessness.

hree per cent of the world’s popula- away belongs to you. What you keep for Ttion are migrants: refugees, displaced yourself is lost.” A sense of joy was tangi- people, asylum seekers or Romany people ble in the auditorium about these diverse who have been driven from their own cultures with all their differences! countries. These worldwide emigrations are caused by war, persecution, poverty Seeking to relate to other cultures or lack of prospects. Homelessness, as Some of the contributions addressed Seija Zimmermann said in her opening the sense of homelessness that lives more lecture, is characteristic of the age of the or less consciously in us: the experience consciousness soul: it represents the hu- of inner fragmentation due to the domi- man search for identity beyond ethnic or nance of one part of our folk soul that can blood relations. In his lecture cycle “The only become a healing or complement- Balance in homelessness: from the series ‹Karmic Images› Mission of the Folk Souls” Rudolf Steiner ing element through contact with oth- by Cornelia Friedrich, 120 x 110 cm, ink on canvas spoke of homelessness as a precondition ers. René Becker spoke of Rudolf Steiner’s for learning to understand others and ul- indication that France was dominated by nor the following generations of African timately also one’s own ethnic origin – be- the intellectual soul which had caused the slaves or the indigenous people can see yond sympathy or antipathy. ideals of the French Revolution to turn into the country they live in as their homeland. rather abstract ideas. Mats-Ola Ohlsson In their joint lecture on “Uniqueness in A symphony of nations described the qualities of the Swedish folk the Communal Stream”, Constanza Kaliks Seven representatives of the Anthro- soul by referring to peace and social life as and Joan Sleigh looked at homelessness posophical Society explained how anthro- expressions of the sentient soul touched from two sides: the mutual perception of posophy lived in their respective countries by the self. When he quoted from a Swed- peoples – be it in the form of respect, con- and what it can contribute to their par- ish song (“I long to travel to the land in tempt or unprejudiced awareness of the ticular culture: René Becker (FR), Nodar the east where my lover dwells”) one was other’s soul forces – is reflected on the Belkania (GE), Jan Baker-Finch (AU), Aban reminded of Goethe’s “Do you know the inner stage where the soul forces strive Bana (IN), Leena Westergren (FI), Mats-Ola land where the lemon trees bloom? […] for harmony while struggling with each Ohlsson (SE) and Anežka Janáto¬vá (CZ). ‘Tis there, o my beloved one, that I would other. Because of this state of strife that They described how, in their country, the go with you.”) Here we see the same can be experienced dramatically within relationship between one’s own identity quality in two different folk souls whose and can even lead to war on the outside, and other nations comes to expression, consciousness soul element can never re- Constanza Kaliks suggested, it was inap- for instance in people’s longing to tran- main self-sufficient and seeks to find its propriate to speak in nice and solemn scend their own limitations or national complement in the sentient soul quality words of the harmonious co-existence of borders. of other peoples. nations and peace among peoples. She France wants to hold on to the lead- The correspondence of what happens raised a question of her own instead, out ing role it once played in Europe. Australia between the components of the individual of the consciousness soul: “If all of human- consists almost entirely of immigrants. soul and those of the folk souls was a recur- ity was gathered in this room would we Sweden received immigrants from Ger- ring motif at the conference – and it was be able to find appropriate and dignified many during World War II (a fact that gave expressed in the same auditorium of which words for the current world situation?” a strong impulse to the practical fields of Rudolf Steiner said – in referring to its ar- The answer is “no”. We feel helpless and anthroposophy); ten per cent of its popu- chitecture – that it should convey a sense speechless, which, however, does not lation are foreigners. In Czechia, people try of “how people and nations work together mean that we should remain silent. to convey their true folk character through and how that, in turn, is an image of how Constanza Kaliks and Joan Sleigh spoke folk songs to tourists from China and the the soul forces work together within us.” of people who, out of a first ‘I’ experience, United States. Finland feels powerless (Der Dornacher Bau, GA 287, Lecture II) began to question the traditions of their against the gestures of might wielded by culture or faith. A woman from Kenia was its neighbour, Russia. We also heard prov- Speechlessness described, who works at the Waldorf School erbs from India and Georgia that express The awareness of one’s homelessness there and who wants to break away from openness and hospitality, “There is always can arise in various ways. In South and her status as the fourth wife in a polyga- room for more” and “Only what you give North America neither the immigrants mous marriage; she wants to have a say in- Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14 | 9

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side the family and make The weekly journal ‹Das Goetheanum› her own decisions. She is an example of how the The written heartbeat individual has to struggle In the spring of 2011 ‹Das Goetheanum› took an important step: the weekly newspaper for his or her place in the was transformed into a journal. But the weekly rhythm was retained and the Goethea- community, in the sense of num became the most frequently printed anthroposophical periodical. By now the new Rudolf Steiner’s main soci- concept has assumed contours and gained stability while retaining flexibility. ological law: “The healthy social life is found when in t was an impressive sight: the bookshelf character means that viable thoughts are the mirror of each soul the Idisplayed at the exhibition for Rudolf expressed in shorter contributions that whole community finds Steiner’s 150th birthday, tightly packed help to better understand oneself and the its reflection and when in with the 350 volumes of the Complete world. To name but one example from the the community the virtue Works (Gesamtausgabe). If one wanted to anniversary year 2011: at the time it was of each one is living.” Joan make the anthroposophical life as such vis- often said that Rudolf Steiner had caught Sleigh pointed out how ible in a similar way one could collect the up with the world. In the “Goetheanum” the ‘I’ finds a daily field of journals of the Anthroposophical Society we read in a brief contribution that the op- practice not only in the re- and of the various fields of practice. Their posite was the case: the world has caught lationships within a com- number is hardly smaller – a continuous up with Rudolf Steiner. munity but also in the rela- stream of mutual informing and explain- tionship with the other ‘I’. ing. One could compare them to the hu- The organ of the School of Spiritual Balance in homelessness: from the series ‹Karmic Images› man organism, where the stomach has a Science by Cornelia Friedrich, 120 x 110 cm, ink on canvas Diversity within the slower, and breathing and heartbeat have Making the ‹Goetheanum› an organ unity faster rhythms: starting from the annual of the School of Spiritual Science means The balance between or half-yearly reports of the sections and dealing with the central questions of the the ‘I’s self-assertion and its ‘empathy’ enterprises through the breathing of the Sections in the context of their annual with the other as a necessary aspect of monthly magazines to the faster weekly conferences. In spring, for instance, the the age of the consciousness soul was a pulse of the “Goetheanum”. relationship between humans and bees motif that came up repeatedly. Ueli Hurt- The more individual anthroposophy – the annual theme of the Section for Ag- er started his contemplations on diversity becomes and the more people are able to riculture – was addressed twice. It was and individuality in the communal stream realize their individual way of understand- inspiring to pursue the way of thinking by referring to Swiss federalism. Besides ing and living anthroposophy, the more of the beekeepers who say that it is not other representatives of Swiss thinking he polyphonic will the anthroposophical con- a matter of us saving the bees but of the mentioned Denis de Rougemont (1906– cert be, the more important will it be that bees – as a being – saving us, from our de- 1985), a pioneer of European integration. we share our approaches with one another. tachment from nature and spirit. A special On the basis of the Swiss federal system What drifts apart as a result of individual- issue on a culture of feeling – the topic of de Rougemont developed corresponding ization, is united again and again by the the bi-annual conference of the curative guidelines for Europe: no predominance of journals – be it on paper or on the screen. teachers and social therapists – and one existing organizations; federalism as a fac- «Reading is becoming sporadic», wrote on the spirituality of the human body – tor beyond minority and majority; diversi- the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, a the annual theme of the Medical Section ty as the goal of a community or society; German national paper. This is the reason – came out in the summer. Rudolf Stein- no simplification of complex social affairs; why the editions of printed newspapers er’s statement that we could only see our- federalism based on real relationships be- and magazines go down by a few per selves as individuals to the extent that we yond bye-laws, agreements and regula- cent every year. The same is true for the carry all of humanity in our soul is probably tions. Hurter also pointed out that such anthroposophical journals – and almost something we all experience daily. For the principles were no guarantee for peaceful all of them have accepted this challenge “Goetheanum” interactions. With his wry Swiss sense of and have continued to develop inwardly the challenge is humour he added, “we have the privilege as well as outwardly. to grow more to have to understand each other.” personal as well Ueli Hurter concluded by relating More compact and with more character as more global, or how the Goetheanum also experienced The ‹Goetheanum› has developed in in other words, to the destiny of homelessness when the three ways in that it has become more make the best of authorities in , where it was first compact, has gained more character and the valuable fact meant to be built, refused building per- moved closer to issues that concern the that the Anthro- mission. Through the fact that it was School of Spiritual Science. ‘More com- posophical Soci- built in Switzerland the homelessness pact’ meant that outer variety has be- ety has members of the Goetheanum has become its cos- come inner variety. Instead of 24 or 28 in 80 countries.| Europe’s wars are not ra- mopolitan task. | Michael Kranawetvogl, black and white pages it now features 16 Wolfgang Held ging in Europe: Das Goe- Villagarcia de Arosa (ES) coloured, clearly structured pages. More theanum 36/2014 10 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14

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General Anthroposophical Section: Goetheanum Meditation Initiative nents – were invited to three work meet- ings, each stretching over several days, in Inner life radiating out Järna and at the Goetheanum. Thanks to For seven years now the Worldwide Goetheanum Meditation Initiative has been mak- generous support from the Vidar (SE), Evi- ing its contribution to cultivating a meditative life. Since then an international net- denz (CH) and Iona (NL) foundations, from work has formed that conducts research into anthroposophically oriented meditation national societies and from the Goethea- and helps to connect people and provide training. num it was possible to establish an open network. Working together on the class lessons, practising together and sharing experiences of spiritual life formed a fer- tile ground for the question ‘What can we do so that anthroposophy, as a spiritual path of experience and knowledge, can become more effective among people and institutions that need it for their life and daily work?

Harvesting the fruit of joint endeavours In the Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Great Britain work groups have arisen from this initia- tive and regular activities are taking place in many countries worldwide. A public annual course (‘Meditation and Inner Life’) is offered now at the Goetheanum that takes place in six weekend modules. In addition, there are theme-based work groups that meet regularly: one group Developing meditation: sharing experiences during the summer meeting at the Goetheanum explores how meditation relates to art by seeking out processes, through artistic n his basic book on inner development, (SE) and Rolf Kerler of the Evidenz Founda- activity and observation, that enhance I“How to know higher worlds”, Rudolf tion (CH) met with Carina Schmid, Ursula the ability to meditate. Another group is Steiner defined meditation as the “life of Flatters, and Heinz Zim- developing public meditation workshops. the soul in thoughts, gradually broadening mermann in order to look at positive steps Also, a forum has been set up that looks into life in spiritual being”. What ways and that could be taken in order to foster the at the relationship of research, science means are there to practically experience Goetheanum’s orientation towards the and anthroposophical meditation. An- this transition from thought to spiritual future. They invited more friends to join other group meets regularly to explore being? The initiators of the Worldwide them in their endeavour: Ignaz Anderson, ways of working with the First Class of Goetheanum Meditation Initiative see as Ron Dunselman, Bodo von Plato, Robin the School of Spiritual Science and to de- the most important step to enhance an- Schmidt and Elizabeth Wirsching. velop practical perspectives for this work. throposophy so that it becomes inner cul- In their very first conversations a clear A group that focuses on the Foundation ture or contemplative or meditative prac- picture arose of the essence and methods Stone Meditation shares fruitful ways of tice, and that it can, as a result, permeate that they found important and this pic- working in groups and tries to establish our personal, professional and social life. ture has unfolded further since then. The how working with the Foundation Stone The initiative’s foremost and central aim method involved trusting and building on can be a preparation for the work in the is to foster such a culture and to enrich the actual human relationship. The circle School of Spiritual Science. On the whole, and deepen it through research, sharing gradually grew as more people – from as the Goetheanum Meditation Initiative of experiences and joint activities so that many countries and with as many different wants to try out ways and develop skills it can eventually radiate out and take ef- approaches as possible – were personally that can, above all, form the foundation fect, depending on the faculties that are invited to join. The condition that applied for a meditative life under today’s living present, in the Anthroposophical Society, to all was that they had to be members of and working conditions. in anthroposophical institutions and in the School of Spiritual Science and that Experiences so far show that the per- public life. they were seeking to find out how Rudolf sonal sharing of experiences and practical Steiner’s diverse indications regarding a approaches as well as working together Building on actual relationships meditative life in today’s world could be on the practical-spiritual foundations of The initiative started around the made fruitful. anthroposophy – the class lessons in par- Goetheanum at the end of 2006 when An- In 2010 and 2011, eighty people – most- ticular – are bearing fruit. Today, a num- ders Kumlander of the Vidar Foundation ly from Europe but also from other conti- ber of national societies and the General Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14 | 11

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Anthroposophical Society support the Germany: Youth Eurythmy Project “yep!” initiative with donations that make it pos- sible to maintain the network in a modest Encouraging eurythmy way. Over and above that there are foun- After “What moves you?”, founding members Sonnhild Gädeke-Mothes and Aurel Mothes dations that support individual initiatives have now started their own youth eurythmy project called yep! or “young eurythmy perfor- and make it possible for people to meet mance”. The project is aimed at young adults between school and further education who in person by contributing to their travel want to deepen their knowledge of eurythmy without necessarily studying it. expenses. Sebastian Jüngel: What inspired the Taking on new tasks young people to join “What moves you?” For the summer meetings in 2013 and Aurel Mothes: They wanted to do and 2014 network members were asked to in- perform eurythmy together. Apart from vite interested people from their environ- that it was mostly a social event for them, ment who have the skills to become active something they did in their holidays. on behalf of the initiative. This led to two Jüngel: What do you want to achieve? rich, inspiring and encouraging meetings Sonnhild Gädeke-Mothes: We want to of- of around 150 people from all continents. fer young people, who are between school Out of that new groups have formed: one and further education, the possibility to of them seeks to develop a programme get to know eurythmy better – to be clos- of salutogenic exercises based on an- er to the work of a professional euryth- throposophy; three other groups have mist – without having to study eurythmy. decided to develop exercises for business We want to work with young people with- meetings, adult education and university out time pressure, prepare a performance respectively. A scientific colloquium ex- and take it on tour. The performance as- Closer to professional eurythmy: Sonnhild Gäde- plores the relationship between imagina- pect is very important for us! It is meant ke-Mothes and Aurel Mothes tion and idea. to be “time out” for those who embark on One aspect that has gained increasing it. The programme will be developed from witness their interest in the continuation importance recently is the question as to questions that are of interest in our time of eurythmy as an art. how the fruit of this work can be made – in the sense of the Russian songwriter Jüngel: Do you cooperate with others? available outside the initiative – also to the Vladimir Vysozky, “Who said the earth has Gädeke-Mothes: The project takes the general public. The deepening of medita- died? It hasn’t! – It is just holding its breath form of a “foundation course”. We have tion, as a process that connects us with for a while!” This existential involvement guest lecturers, such as Eckart Böhmer spiritual beings, ultimately gives access to with eurythmy as an art allows young (drama) and Steffen Hartmann (music/ the earth as an enlivened being that can people to find out together with their anthro¬posophy), who give courses and transform itself along with humanity. A peers what kind of difference they want workshops. We have asked a young suc- new understanding can be gained of being to make in the world. cessful quartet to accompany us on tour. active in the world and of public life in gen- Whether or not taking part in yep! will eral. It is this kind of awareness that can With vigour and open awareness count towards a future eurythmy training form the foundation for the next steps in Jüngel: Do you expect the project to have remains an open question that needs to the development of the initiative. From its an impact on professional eurythmy? be answered by the eurythmy schools. very beginning the initiative has been con- Mothes: We want to enthuse young peo- Jüngel: The four-month project costs cerned with the question of how anthro- ple for this wonderful and future-oriented 1000 Euros (meals included). The taster posophical meditation can be made more art form by giving them the opportunity weekend costs 70 Euros. Is this a waste accessible today so that it can contribute to experience it in an existential and ex- of money if someone should not be ac- to the transformation of our world. As we perimental way. Their work with yep! is cepted? have seen over the years this is not some- accompanied by artists and experts who Mothes: We don’t think so. The weekend thing that only needs to be organized or are interested in taking new routes with is like a course and taking part in courses projected; it wants to evolve with people and inspired by anthroposophy. The goal usually costs money. In our case the 70 Eu- and it wants to be waited for and received. is a production shaped by young people ros pay for lodging and meals. | Robin Schmidt, Dornach (CH) for young people and presented to the public during a tour. A similar initiative for Preparation and coordination group: Conditions: Age: between 18 and 24, good Matthias Bölts (DE), Edward de Boer (NL), drama exists already in Germany: “The- knowledge of eurythmy, physical fitness, Hilda Boersma (NL), Marjatta van Boe- ater total”. Working with light, costumes German and English. Participation in the schoten (GB), Clarine Campagne (NL), and especially with the question “what taster weekend on 8 to 10 May 2015 (70 Eu- ros). The project runs from: 12 September Tristan Chaudon (FR), Ron Dunselman (NL), is the role of choreography in eurythmy” Regula Nilo (SE), Bodo von Plato (CH), Simon 2015 to 12 March 2016 (1000 Euros). Reakes (GB), Robin Schmidt (CH), Joan Sleigh will be part of our project. It is encourag- Registration (by 25 May 2015): yep!, Ahna- (CH), Bart Vanme¬chelen (BE), Nathaniel ing to see the vigour and open awareness talstraße 182, 34128 Kassel, Germany, phone Williams (US). young people bring to this project and to +49 561 602 75 97 , www.yep-eurythmie.de 12 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14

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Different ways of dealing with values: Raphael Fellmer Picking food for free Raphael Fellmer (31) is a former Waldorf pupil from Berlin. When he was at school and during his civilian service at a Waldorf School in Mexico he dreamt of a better world. He decided to live without money and has set up an internet platform for “rescued food”. Now he plans to found an “eco village.”

aphael Fellmer grew up in an anthro- he began to cooperate with the organic Rposophical family and went to a Wal- supermarket chains in Berlin that are now dorf school in Berlin. Rudolf Steiner’s happy to pass the food on to him directly holistic approach has been a crucial influ- rather than throw it away. As a sideline he ence for him. As a child he already dreamt wrote a book – without pay as he points of a better and fairer world. After leaving out – called “Glücklich ohne Geld” (Happy school and completing his civilian service without money). The second edition has at a Waldorf School in Mexico he began just been released and can be downloaded to live and work for his dream. Maybe for free from www.raphael¬fellmer.de, an Living the utopian dream: Raphael Fellmer is committed to a ‘better world’ his ideas also had to do with the finan- offer that more than 50,000 people have cial straits he and his family experienced made use of so far. Of the printed edition information and arrange to pick up ed- when his father, an architect, had no work a third is given away as gifts; with the rest ible foodstuffs from around 800 compa- and was waiting for commissions. In an of the income the publishers cover their nies such as bakeries, supermarkets, gro- interview with the Berlin daily “tageszei- costs and what is left is invested in sus- cers, canteens – including some Waldorf tung”, Felmer said, with his typical Berlin tainable projects. schools – and to share them with others. openness, “[…] sometimes my mother Raphael Fellmer is a frequent guest on Because of the network’s great flexibility, didn’t know if she had to steal so we’d talk shows, he gives lectures in all kind of it covers days and times during the day have something to eat.” A hitchhiking trip organizations, at universities and even in an when foodbanks and other organizations around the world without money that ethical bank. He does this without payment, are unable to pick up goods. They also ac- took him and his friends to Mexico, from but has one condition: the event must be cept small quantities that would not be where they travelled on for another year, public and free. He attracts many listeners worthwhile for other organizations. The changed everything for him. Raphael de- and his varied audiences range from first food rescuers usually work or live nearby cided to continue to live without money, year students to active pensioner groups, all so that they can collect the food by bike or a decision he has remained loyal to since of them fascinated by what he has to say. public transport. 2010 to this day, even though he now has Older people sometimes ask about The website of lebensmittelretten.de a wife and two children. He and his family health insurance, a question he cannot an- is a bit like Facebook but also refreshingly are vegans and live on food that organic swer seeing that he has only been “on this different. As on Facebook, people can post shops have to throw out because it is past wonderful blue planet” for 31 years. But news, upload pictures, write comments its sell-by date. there are many people who have chosen or chat, but it is always about saving and “The wasting of food is a problem that similar routes, for instance by organizing sharing discarded food, the latest food concerns us all,” he explains, addressing networks that offer gift services such as baskets that are ready to be picked up for an issue that is close to his heart. It is not computer repairs. Or there is the 25-year free from shops, private homes or some- enough to blame supermarkets, policies old Frenchman Baptiste Dubanchet who, one’s garden. It is a truly social network, or restaurants, he thinks. We have to look as part of his project ‘La Faim du Monde’ a platform for genuine sharing, free from at ourselves and start together using up (world hunger) pledged that – on his 4000 private interests and with a real fun factor! the mountains of food (50%) that are be- km bike trip through Europe – he would ing thrown away every day. only eat food that supermarkets, restau- Nominated for a commitment award rants or bakeries were about to throw out. The man behind the platform is also Dreams of a better world He never went hungry. called Raphael. He has put in more than What do I live for? he asks. Do I live in 1200 hours of professional programming order to work? So many thoughts focus on A truly social network – without pay. But both Raphaels and their money; that paralyzes us and undermines In December 2012 the food gift plat- many committed helpers have not fin- the relationship we have with ourselves form foodsharing.de was set up that has ished their work yet, not by a long stretch. and with other people. But there are much saved hundreds of tons of food from be- Schemes are afoot for a smartphone app more important things that we can con- ing destroyed. Since August 2013 there and a food-saving hotline. And people are cern ourselves with and that can help us has been an additional platform run by busy extending the platform to include grow. Raphael Fellmer therefore rescues volunteers – lebensmittelretten.de (res- not only food in the future but other us- food. He sees this as his main occupation cuing food) – where more than 300 am- able goods, objects, furniture as well as and refers to it as “Mülltauchen” (dump- bassadors and 5000 food rescuers in skills, accommodation or projects. The ster diving). Or that is what he did before Germany, Austria and Switzerland share whole project has been nominated for the Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14 | 13

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Alternative ideas for dealing with money ur money tells a story of 5000 years Traveling money Oof debts – says the American an- There are also little-known initiatives thropologist and Occupy-activist David that make money available for social Graeber. As a way of breaking away from purposes, such as the idea of “travel- this system he demands that all debt ing money” that the Jüngel family in should be cancelled. His American col- Schleswig-Holstein came up with. They league, the cultural philosopher Charles support people in need and projects by Einstein, suggests changing the old sto- taking over costs or helping out in times ries by offering “unconditional love and of financial hardship, for instance with generosity” and introducing a gift econ- alternative farming projects. They don’t omy and complementary currency. The ask the recipients to pay the money name of the anthroposophical ethical back, once they have financially recov- GLS Bank (Bank for Loans and Gifts) re- ered, but encourage them to pass an Living the utopian dream: Raphael Fellmer is committed to a ‘better world’ veals that it arose from similar impulses. equivalent or smaller sum on to others It is based on a concept that makes it in need, so that the money keeps “trav- German “Engagementpreis” (an award for possible to grant loans to charitable proj- eling” and supports people even though commitment to charitable causes). ects by bringing together lending com- one never hears of it again. The good munities. It is hardly a coincidence that deed is repeated many times, but those Eco-village Eotopia the man who made the Unconditional who donate the money will never find If all goes well, the committed founder Basic Income popular – Götz Werner, the out if the system is working and how. of the initiative and his family may not be founder of the German drugstore chain in Germany for much longer. “We are in the dm – is on the GLS Bank’s board of direc- After a year on the internet, Freemar- process of setting up a vegan, money-free tors. In Switzerland, the basic income ket opened in mid-August in Copenha- eco-village – Eotopia – in the South of Eu- idea is due to be voted on in a referen- gen. Here, customers can pick up goods rope,” Raphael Fellmer explains. While not dum. for free but need to register their per- all of the 100 to 150 inhabitants of that vil- sonal details. In return for taking home lage will live without money, there will be Money from the waste paper basket snacks, drinks and other goods for free no exchanging or selling. Everything will In the real-socialist times of the GDR the they need to fill in questionnaires and be given freely and everyone will contrib- Christian Communities collected stamps commit to review the articles on social ute their particular skills and talents. for charitable purposes. They raised suf- networks. The digital giants Facebook “We all have different talents. They are ficient funds to offer long-term support and YouTube and the providers of free also our tasks which we can use to support to the old people’s home in Sonneberg. email accounts work along the same and help each other in the team, as a big Today the Christian Communities in Berlin lines: people receive a service in return family. In the future I would prefer to pick and Leipzig still collect stamps, pictures, for personal information. We are made food from trees or dig it out of the garden medals, the sought-after radio licenses, into transparent consumers, our actions rather than saving it from the trash.” The telegrams, old bank notes and coins. The assessed in algorithms (their use by se- website eotopia.org is online in five lan- campaign, which is called “money from cret services not excluded). guages. More than 500 people have reg- the waste paper basket”, raises several The American internet pioneer Jaron istered or expressed an interest – many thousand Euros per year – thanks to the Lanier therefore demands that everything more than there are available spaces. “It painstaking work of those in charge of the should have its price again. This year’s win- is our dream,” Raphael says with shining initiative: the priests Gerhard J. Palmer in ner of the Peace Prize of the German Book eyes, “that many such villages will be built Leipzig and Peter Hopf in Berlin. Trade warns in his publications against the and with them a world where money is ir- In the 1980s bartering clubs became new digital monopolies and suggests we relevant.” He is convinced that humanity popular in West Germany, forerunners of return to the laws of the free market that will come together as a family, with each today’s “sharing and swapping” initiatives. is based on supply and demand. of us contributing our skills; that we will One hour of shirt-ironing is equivalent to But does that not mean that the un- look after each other and live in peace an hour’s help with the computer. Via their healthy circle of temptation – tempta- with one another and in harmony with community currency account (Tauschtaler) tion to fall back into excessive consump- nature and all other living creatures. It is members can pay for services rendered by tion – comes full circle? As the priest apparent in every encounter that Raphael other members. This is still practised to- Gerhart J. Palmer points out, shortage is Fellmer and his charismatic mission have day by neighbourhood support groups, on better suited to inspire communication something refreshing and future-orient- commercial internet trading sites or, in a about the elementary questions ‘Where ed.| Ronald Richter, Berlin (DE) new form, by sharing or borrowing initia- do we come from?’ and ‘Where are we tives such as “Streetbank”. going?’ | Ronald Richter, Ber¬lin (DE) Raphael Fellmer im Podcast: kultradio.eu/QFo3n 14 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14

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102nd birthday dahl, a teacher at the Petersborg School, just outside Hölö. Ger- Elisabeth trud was very gifted, especially Pederiva-Unger for drama and dance. Hildur told us how she one day heard Ger- n 22 August our member trud playing the piano with great OElisabeth Pederi¬va-Unger vigour. When she looked in on celebrated her 102nd birthday her, she saw a newspaper article in good physical and mental depicting galloping horses on health. Elisabeth Pederiva-Un- the music stand from which she ger is probably the oldest living played. When Gertrud was Sleep- anthroposophist to have met ing Beauty in a performance of Rudolf Steiner in person. Her the fairy tale, an elderly gentle- family spoke of the very special man went to her afterwards and relationship she had with Rudolf gave her 100 Swedish Krona – a Steiner from when she was born. considerable sum at the time – saying, “This money is for the Under Rudolf Steiner’s eyes little Sleeping Beauty because Elisabeth Pederiva-Unger was Elisabeth Pederiva-Unger in 1950 (left) and 2009 (right) she played her part so touchingly born on 22 August 1912, the and with such empathy.” daughter of Auguste Arenson and , who terestingly first performed with and Carl Unger. As we know, Carl was one of her subject teach- the Milan doctors and only later From ballet to eurythmy Unger and his wife Auguste (sis- ers. One occasion left a deep with the teachers of the Waldorf After a while Gertrud moved ter of Hans Arenson) had a close impression with her: when she School. to Stockholm where she lived connection with Rudolf Steiner. was chosen by her class mates to with Hildur’s sister and brother- Carl Unger held a very respon- take money, raised by the school Worldwide effect in-law and attended a school for sible position within the Anthro- after the First Goetheanum was On behalf of the many girls. She did not like the school posophical Society which he had destroyed by fire, to the teachers’ friends and former pupils, who but found a place of refuge in co-founded in December 1912 room and hand it over to Rudolf hold Elisabeth Pederiva-Unger the loft. She preferred attend- and which was ‘formalized’ on 3 Steiner. in their hearts, the members ing rehearsals in the opera house February 1913. Elisabeth Pederi- of the Executive Council at the where her uncle was a singer. va-Unger was born at that time. Baby nurse, educator and Goetheanum, the Collegium of During that time she had ballet Rudolf Steiner was a frequent teacher the School of Spiritual Science lessons with a Russian dancer, visitor in the Unger’s house and She always felt that he was and the staff at the Goetheanum but just when she had the op- Elisabeth grew up under his eyes, a special person – something convey their best wishes to her. portunity to perform a solo in as it were. She has of course no that still lives strongly in her It was through her that particu- the concert house she contracted clear memories of her very early consciousness today, as does lar impulses, important for an- polio. She became almost entire- infancy, but apparently she once the fact that Rudolf Steiner had throposophy, could evolve in Mi- ly paralyzed but learned to walk asked her mother whether she played an important part in her lan. For where there is a strong again with the help of a naturo- was baptized, and when her life right from the beginning. source, its waves will make them- pathic doctor. mother said, ‘No, but Rudolf After finishing school Elisabeth selves felt far into the world, After her recovery she trained Steiner held you in his arms’, she Pederiva-Un¬ger trained to be a often in invisible but neverthe- as a photographer in Södertälje, was content. baby nurse and went to Meran less important ways.| Virginia but her health suffered from the What she remembers well (IT). There she met her future Sease, Executive Council at the time spent in the dark room. Her are Rudolf Steiner’s visits to the husband and they moved to Mi- Goetheanum doctor prescribed movement, Waldorf School. Like her brother lan (IT). warmth and sunlight. Through Georg Unger, who was three For 35 years she worked as a friend of Hildur’s Gertrud got years older than her (and who a kindergarten teacher. It is in- In remembrance of her 100th to know anthroposophy and would go on to be Leader of the teresting to know that the com- birthday eurythmy. This led her to the Section for Mathematics and As- munity kindergarten where she Goetheanum where she trained tronomy in the School of Spiritual worked later became the first Gertrud as a eurythmist with Isabelle de Science at the Goetheanum), she Waldorf School in Milan. For Klingborg Jaager. With the outbreak of the attended the Waldorf School in many years, Elisabeth Pederiva- Second World War the Goethea- (DE). She experienced, Unger taught eurythmy, music ertrud was born on 16 No- num changed from a place of and was taught by, renowned and painting in that school. She Gvember 1914 into a family of training into a military camp and pioneering teachers, such as Her- is also remembered by many farm workers in Hölö (SE). When the students had to serve soup to bert Hahn (her class teacher), Karl as the director of the Oberufer she was around seven years old the soldiers. She spent her journey Schubert (her religion teacher) Christmas Plays, which were in- she was adopted by Hildur Eke- home in sealed railway carriages. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14 | 15

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After returning home Gertrud modest, but she ran the training was asked to give eurythmy classes with perseverance and a strong We have been informed that the following 49 members in the Anthroposophical Society in will, because eurythmy was impor- have crossed the threshold of death. In their remembrance 14, Rådmansstrasse in Stockholm. tant to her. Sometimes students we are providing this information for their friends. | The One of the course members was had to practise for hours before Membership Office at the Goetheanum Arne Klingborg, a student at the art she was content with their expres- Herr R. E. Meenk Zutphen (NL) 19 May 2013 college. When they married, Arne’s sion. For many years she was also in Käthe Schönfeld Wenden (DE) 16 December 2013 artist friends spread the story that charge of the stage work, to which Denise About Tarbes (FR) 19 February 2014 he had married a temple dancer. she brought the same artistic ambi- Paul Strack Allerheiligen (AT) 29 March 2014 In 1945 their daughter Aurora was tion and vigour. Barbara Edwards Acharacle (GB) 24 April 2014 born. Paul-Louis Savinien Bourbon l'Archambault (FR) 23 June 2014 Ingeborg Haensel Staufenberg (DE) 8 July 2014 Gertrud gave many courses for Meeting many artists Heidrun Vogel Niddatal (DE) 13 July 2014 children and adults and became a Gertrud worked with many eu- Herr J. Peelen Den Haag (NL) 14 July 2014 eurythmy teacher at the Kristof- rythmists: Annemarie Groh, Eva Charles Lack Oberhaslach (FR) 30 July 2014 fer School in Stockholm, Sweden’s Lunde, Agathe Ritter, Renate Zeiher, Simone Brun Avignon (FR) 1 August 2014 first Waldorf School. Together Gunvor Kumlander, and with the Athanasios Alexiou Commerce/MI (US) 2 August 2014 with colleagues from Sweden and painter Sonja Robbert and speech Dorothea Schünemann Schwerin (DE) 3 August 2014 other Nordic countries she pre- artist Louise Björnebo, to name but Estelle Emmett Albuquerque/NM (US) 10 August 2014 Jacqueline Nouailles Rueil-Malmaison (FR) 11 August 2014 pared eurythmy performances for a few of the pioneers in Sweden. Lloyd Pelech Vancouver (CA) 14 August 2014 the Nordic summer conferences. Guests were invited from all over Helga Hohorst Gauting (DE) 16 August 2014 When people, after taking part in Europe, among them Lea van der Margot Hofinga Ottersberg (DE) 19 August 2014 her courses, asked for a eurythmy Pals, Ma¬rie Savitch, Marga Tus- Mary Barnsley Stourbridge (GB) 20 August 2014 training, Gertrud was encouraged chhoff, Kristian Högsbjerg, Fried- Marlene Schmies Freiburg (DE) 20 August 2014 by Marie Savitch, the artistic direc- helm Gillert, , Margarete Irmgard Wudtke Untermerzbach (DE) 29 August 2014 tor at the Goetheanum, to start a Proskauer, Elena Zuccoli, Werner Margot Schneemann Dortmund (DE) 1 September 2014 Christa Diekmann Ahrensburg (DE) 4 September 2014 eurythmy school in Stockholm in Barfod, Dorothea Mier, Anita Zink, Marion Ellenberger Freiburg (DE) 7 September 2014 1958. Åke Kumlander found suit- Marguerite Har¬wood-Lundgren Alma Schmidt Nürnberg (DE) 8 September 2014 able rooms in what was then called and Roswitha Schumm. Molly von Anneli Wichmann München (DE) 8 September 2014 the Eurythmy Studio in 18, Grev Heider (GB) and Sylvia Bardt (DE) Eliane Duffès Saint Restitut (FR) 10 September 2014 Turegatan. came as guest lecturers in pedagog- Marlis Müller Königstein (DE) 10 September 2014 ical eurythmy. This gave us students Georg Rosa Schweinfurt (DE) 10 September 2014 Perseverance and a strong will the opportunity to meet many im- Rosemarie Rist Russikon (CH) 12 September 2014 Hans-Ulrich Zuschneid Stuttgart (DE) 15 September 2014 In 1972 the training moved to portant eurythmists who each had Elisabeth Immicke Wiesbaden (DE) 18 September 2014 the Rudolf Steiner Centre in Järna. their very own approaches. Helene Pflugshaupt Bern (CH) 19 September 2014 It made sense to coordinate the Gertrud Klingborg loved lan- Peter Floto Rendsburg (DE) 21 September 2014 various activities and share the guage. Throughout her life poetry Edith Prochnow Berlin (DE) 23 September 2014 same lecturers, rooms and events. was important for her work. She Christl Hoffmann Auckland (NZ) 26 September 2014 At the Rudolf Steiner Centre stu- choreographed poems by Gu¬staf Irmgard Hürsch Hamburg (DE) 27 September 2014 dents could first enrol in an ori- Fröding, Bertil Ekman, August Elisabeth Bernhard Dornach (CH) 28 September 2014 Hella Wolicki München (DE) 28 September 2014 entation year in Anthroposophy Strindberg, Viktor Rydberg, Jo- Peter Römelin Therwil (CH) 29 September 2014 with lectures, eurythmy, painting, nas Love Almqvist, Dante’s Divine Marianne Fiechter Arlesheim (CH) 30 September 2014 modelling, singing, artistic speech Come¬dy and many others. Her hu- Werner Liedke Wuppertal (DE) 30 September 2014 and many other subjects. Every morous pieces were unforgettable. Theodore van Vliet Zell im Wiesental (DE) 3 October 2014 year the students would perform a Maybe they helped her manage an Rosselke Zech Detmold (DE) 4 October 2014 play that included all the arts. The inherent melancholic disposition. Frans Carlgren Stockholm (SE) 6 October 2014 College thrived; pupils and teach- On her 80th birthday Gertrud Alfred Graf Comano (CH) 6 October 2014 Elisabeth Haller Den Haag (NL) 6 October 2014 ers came in flocks from all over the gave a short speech at the cultural Wera Ullrich Dornach (CH) 8 October 2014 North. After the orientation year centre in Järna, describing how her Gotlind Elsbeth Schütze Dornach (CH) in October 2014 they could train as Waldorf teach- path through life had led her from ers, eurythmy or art teachers and so the “hut to the castle”. Correction: Due to misinformation Daniel Schmitz, Ergolding, on. Those interested in gardening She spent her later years with and Hans Weitzenböck, Erlangen, were mistakenly listed as or farming could train in the nearby her husband in a small house having passed away. We apologize sincerely for this error. Skil¬lebyholm. (“Vindkulla”), a charming retreat Gertrud and Arne Klingborg had after an active life in the nearby Between 9 September and 13 October 2014 the General An- a flat in the Rudolf Steiner Centre Seminariet. Gertrud died in the throposophical Society welcomed 67 new members. 77 mem- (the White House) overlooking the Vidar Clinik in Järna on 20 Sep- bers are no longer registered (withdrawals, lost addresses, beautiful Järnafjärden, a bay of the tember 1997. | Aurora Granstedt- upon consultation with the country in question). Baltic Sea. Gertrud Klingborg was Klingborg, Mölnbo (SE) 16 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 11/14

■ Feature

Elisabeth Sigmund’s 100th birthday metics professionally. Rudolf Steiner said in that book that beauty was the outer Pioneer of natural cosmetics manifestation of an inner quality. Thanks Elisabeth Sigmund developed natural cosmetics and holistic beauty treatment as early to these words Elisabeth Sigmund’s love as the 1950s. With her comprehensive knowledge of healing plants she was instrumen- for medicinal plants and her aesthetic tal in the development of the Hauschka skin care range. On 25 October 2014 the Vien- sense could come together in a passion nese scientist would have celebrated her 100th birthday. She died on 20 December 2013. for cosmetics. During our conversations Elisabeth Sigmund often skipped between the vari- ous, often contrasting times in her life: a period of time that began with gas light and horse-drawn carriages, saw the rag- ing of two world wars and eventually transformed into our modern age of com- munication where feelings become ever more virtual. When I listened to her I un- derstood what it must have been like to be thrown into a world-war, at the age of twenty, having just married the love of her life – a war that changed everything and destroyed all plans for the future. Karl had “Our countenance is what we reveal first.” Elisabeth Sigmund in the Wala Laboratories, 1963 to enlist. They began a new life in Sweden in 1948, starting with nothing, and they lady, seated in her armchair, sur- holidays. She used to love working in the worked to build up a new life despite the Arounded by piles of books and notes; stables or help with the hay-making in the dislike of foreigners that met them there. never without make-up, a silk scarf draped summer holidays. But she was not stuck in around her neck and on her finger the sig- the past. She was interested in and awake Salong för Skönhetsvård net ring of the Pribik von Klenau dynasty, to life and to the people around her. She In Stockholm Elisabeth Sigmund the aristocratic Bohemian family of her wanted to know about techno-music and opened her own beauty salon, develop- mother Albine Maria Resch (1889–1986). was fascinated by all the information I ing and using her own natural cosmet- This is how Elisabeth Sigmund received found on the internet. Wouldn’t it have ics line and a treatment concept based me on many an afternoon for six years, in been marvellous, she sometimes called on elements of Vodder’s lymphatic well heated rooms, as we worked on her out, rapturously, if she could have worked stimulation. She worked closely with the biography. Since the death of her husband with the internet? She, who throughout anthroposophic physician Hilda Levy- Karl at the age of 98 she had lived alone. her life had searched books in libraries Hüneberg and mixed medicines from Karl Sigmund (1909-2007) had once spot- and monasteries for plants with healing Wala ampoules into her cosmetic prepa- ted the 15-year old Elisabeth, dressed in and cosmetic properties. Because that rations. This led her to Wala in Eckwälden mourning clothes, on a tram in . He was what she saw as her vocation: As a (DE) and their joint venture grew into Dr knew instantly that he wanted to marry young woman she began to create her Hauschka Cosmetics (first marketed in her. Elisabeth saw their meeting as a mo- own plant-based cosmetics. A pharmacist 1967 as “Healing Cosmetics by Elisabeth mentous re-encounter. At the time her down the road taught her the first steps. Sigmund”), followed, from 1971, by a Dr father, Ludwig Anton Resch (1886–1929), Skin care was for her like therapy; it always Hauschka training institute for natural had just passed away, having instructed involved an aspects of health-care. beauticians. his friend Hans Erhard Lauer to make sure Much more could be said of this strong his daughter would have an anthropo- Inner and outer beauty visionary, for instance, that during World sophical upbringing. Before World War II Elisabeth Sigmund loved aesthetics War II she organized cultural meetings in Lauer was a Council member in the An- and devoted much time to it, especially Rudolstadt (Thuringia) as a counter-im- throposophical Society in Vienna. to its expression in theatre. For some time pulse to the war; or of her work as a the- she considered a career as a dramatic ad- atre director and her theatre studies, her A charming sense of humour viser, but then she changed her mind and one-year study trip to India or her com- It would be better if I did not live to decided to become a physician. Having mitment to the socially deprived. In six be so old, Elisabeth Sigmund often told trained as a nurse with the Red Cross in years of conversations the many sides and me in her soft Viennese dialect, with her 1933/1934 she went on to study medicine qualities of Elisabeth Sigmund emerged. charming sense of humour. “If I do grow for a year at Vienna University, but then Right up to her death she continued to very old, I would like to do it like you,” I had to drop out due to illness. During this answer questions from Wala employees replied each time. Until her death she re- forced break she read Rudolf Steiner’s about recipes and treatments, showing membered many names, or details of a book “The Arts and Their Mission” (GA enthusiasm for any new developments. | summer dress she used to wear on family 276) which inspired her to develop cos- Catrin Cohnen, Bad Boll (DE)