General Worldwide 12/18

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General Anthroposophical Society Christmas greetings and appeal for support

December 2018 • N° 12

Anthroposophical Society 1 Christmas greeting and appeal for support 2 Annual Conference/ Annual General Meeting 14 Executive Council at the : review of Justus Wittich 15 Conference of Country Representatives 16 2018/2019 Annual Motif: the seventh rhythm of the Foundation Stone 17 Communication: last call – digital or paper 18 Participation: proposals The Goetheanum in winter (March 2018) , Advent 2018 for amending the Statutes 19 Obituary: Oskar Borgman Hansen 19 Membership news Dear members of the Anthroposophical Society, • that is guided by our humanity School of Spiritual Science 3 Section It was a hundred years ago that – after the • in which the social life is built on 4 Youth Section First World War ended with the armistice individuals and where we assume 5 Section for Agriculture agreement of 11 November 1918 – Rudolf responsibility for the earth as an 6 Medical Section Steiner began to speak intensely in Dornach organism, with the flora and fauna 7 Anthroposophic Council for (ch) of the need for a new social order. Effec- that surround us, and Inclusive Social Development tive ideas for such a new order, he pointed 7 Performing Arts Section out, could only come from spiritual insight • in which we will act increasingly 8 and Astronomy Section and that, more than anything, people need- out of freedom, spiritual insight 8 Section ed to work together (see quotes). and love for our actions. 9 Visual Art Section 10 Section Healing conditions In such a world thousands of parents – to 11 Education Section This is a task we have now, and increasing- name just one example – are looking spe- 11 General Anthroposophical Section ly in the future, and it asks for the kind of cifically for a healthy development for their 12 General Anthroposophical Section: School of Spiritual Science that the Goet- children, for food that strengthens their life Class Holders’ Conference heanum with its Sections strives to be, for forces and the kind of farming, education human beings, for , for nature and and medicine that support these aspirations. Goetheanum for the social life. The Goetheanum is where, In the widest sense, they are looking to shape 13 Leadership: taking anthroposophy out of the synergy of science, art and so- their lives and environment individually, in into its second century cial initiative, a contribution can be made socially healing conditions. We make a contri- Feature towards a world that many, many people bution to this with the help of anthroposophy. 20 Development-based from all kinds of and are media education already striving for today, a world Continued on page 2 20 Robin Schmidt on a positive approach to the digital transition 2 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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Continued from page 1 Looking ahead «What the destiny of humanity Building a new world needs most now and in the future 2019 Annual confer- is the inclusion of certain ideas Across the earth, the Christmas message from beyond the threshold. And ence and Annual with its reference to the «holy child» yet, it is most characteristic for our General Meeting therefore continues to be relevant today: time that the inclusion of ideas let us – together with all people of good- from beyond the threshold is in will – build the social conditions necessary The next Annual Conference and agm will effect rejected. Any work we do in be held at the Goetheanum from 11 to 14 to promote humanity! this field needs to be permeated by April 2019. There will be an Open Day on In the sense of this building of a new the will to overcome this antipathy 11 April, when the members and anyone world we hope for your energetic support towards drawing on socially effec- interested can visit the Goetheanum’s this Christmas, because the Goetheanum tive ideas from beyond the thresh- Sections, stage and departments and is carried by each member of the Anthro- old of physical .» speak with staff members. The Annual posophical Society. Conference and first part of the agm (on Towards the end of the summer we sent «All human beings must work to- The Situation of Anthroposophy and the gether. This immediate, personal Anthroposophical Society) will start at 5 you an overview of the Goetheanum’s collaboration is necessary to en- p.m. in the Main Auditorium. The motto financial situation (www.goetheanum.org/ of the Annual Conference will be «Living en/anthroposophical-society/annual-gen- sure that among those working with the Anthroposophical Society – in the eral-meeting-2018/) as a result of which we together will also be individuals heartbeat of our time». How can we shape are pleased to say that we received an addi- who have access to the relevant ideas from beyond the threshold. the social life effectively for the next cen- tional chf 300,000 for the 2018 budget. In tury? In learning about the future through You realize that what is important order to reach our annual goal and be able education? In affirming the emerging for our time is not something light- to continue the development started into human being between ‹I› and world? hearted. It is an immensely serious the new year we need around 400,000 chf From 8.30 to 9.15 a.m. the members of the matter that is coming towards us more. We would be grateful for your School of Spiritual Science will be able to at- in our time.» tend Class lessons. There will also be med- personal help with finding this amount. itative contemplations on the Goethea- Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a Both quotations from ga 185a, num’s language of forms, the future-ori- prosperous 2019 | Justus Wittich on behalf lecture of 24 November 1918. ented images in the painted ceiling of the of the Executive Council and the Goethea- Main Auditorium and the motifs of the coloured glass windows, as well as a study num Leadership Correction In Anthroposophy Worldwide 11/2018, on ’s Letters to Members. page 7, it should read Gerard Wagner (not Gerald). For the plenary sessions between 9.30 and 10.30 individuals have been asked to speak of their work and approaches towards a Anthroposophy Worldwide appears ten times a year, is distributed by the national Anthropos- future effectiveness of anthroposophy in Donation accounts ophical Societies, and appears as a supplement to the social life, in , and (reference: Goetheanum the weekly ‹Das Goetheanum› Publisher General of their individual paths of inner devel- Christmas Donation) Anthroposophical Society, represented by Justus opment. There will also be opportunities Wittich Editors Sebastian Jüngel (responsible for for discussion after these presentations. From and this edition), Kranawetvogl (responsible The work groups will look at topical ques- non-Euro countries: for the Spanish edition), Margot M. Saar (respon- General Anthroposophical Society, tions and projects in relation to the con- sible for the English edition), Proofreader for the Postfach, 4143 Dornach, Switzerland. English edition: Amadeus Bodenstein. Address ference theme. These groups will in part Raiffeisenbank, 4143 Dornach, Wochenschrift ‹Das Goetheanum›, Postfach, be country-specific and moderated by the bic: RAIFCH22 4143 Dornach, Switzerland, Fax +41 61 706 44 65, representative of the country in question. iban: CH36 8093 9000 0010 0607 1 [email protected] Correspondents/ In the evening of 13 April, in a festive news agency Jürgen Vater (Sweden), News Net- performance, the new Goetheanum From (tax-deductible): work Anthroposophy (nna). We expressly wish Ensemble will present its first Förderstiftung Anthroposophie, for active support and collaboration. Subscrip- 70188 , gls Bank , tions To receive ‹Anthroposophy Worldwide› major programme. please apply to the Anthroposophical Society in The present edition of Anthroposophy bic: GENODEM1GLS iban: DE49 43060967 7001 0343 00 your country. Alternatively, individual subscrip- Worldwide contains a preview of themes to tions are available at chf 30 (eur/us$ 30) per be consulted on at the agm, including the year. An e-mail version is available to members From other Euro-zone countries: of the Anthroposophical Society only at www. review of Justus Wittich (page 14) and pro- General Anthroposophical Society, posals for increased participation (page 18). goetheanum.org/630.html?L=1 © 2018 General 4143 Dornach, Switzerland, Anthroposophical Society, Dornach, Switzerland From the end of January a detailed pro- gls Gemeinschaftsbank, gramme will be available and members 44708 Bochum, Germany will be able to register. | The Executive bic/Swift: GENODEM1GLS Picture credits p. 1: S. Jüngel | p. 3: Laurens Council at the Goetheanum: Justus Wit- iban: DE53 4306 0967 0000 9881 00 Saggau | p. 4: Youth Section | p. 5: Heinrich Heer | p. 6: WavebreakmediaMicro – stock. tich, Joan Sleigh, Constanza Kaliks und adobe.com | p. 8: z.V.g. | p. 9: z.V.g.; Duilio A. Matthias Girke Martins | p. 13, 15: S. Jüngel | p. 19: Archiv ‹Das Goetheanum› | p. 20: S. Jüngel, Anna Krygier Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 3

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Social Science Section Rethinking property The Social Science Section is critically reviewing and renewing the concept of owner- ship. A fraternal, sustainable that orients itself by the common good needs apropriate forms of ownership in order to combine entrepreneurial freedom with fra- ternity and protect them from outside interests.

We have become used to many things: too among them human beings; then human many, in my view. There are things that one labour which cannot be separated from the must not get used to, situations that have people providing it. The same is true for the become so normal for us that we no longer earth, the soil, simply because it forms the think about them. Take the utterly unfair foundation of our life and because we have distribution of wealth and poverty, for in- neither produced nor can we multiply it. A stance. When some have so much that they company cannot be a commodity either, be- It’s good to talk: 2018 Property Conference no longer know what to do with their riches cause it is a social organism, a unique con- while others struggle to make a living, then sonance of (above all) people, skills, needs, More and more (especially young) entrepre- something is wrong with our economic, le- relationships, facilities and ideas. Buyers are neurs become active for precisely this reason. gal and social life. The same applies to the not really connected with the co-workers Employees today are also less and less will- progressing concentration of (capital) assets. or with the idea or the goals of an enter- ing to ignore who and what they are work- We stand in awe of open competition be- prise. All they want is a profitable project. ing for. For many that is an essential factor. cause it destroys monopolies and makes freedom possible. That’s what we think, an- Research into participation Property conference yway. But for some time now the opposite Wherever possible, research in the Social Under the leadership of Armin Steuer- has been the case. Market concentration has Science Section is practice research. We are nagel (Purpose ag), Götz Rehn (alnatura), never been as high as it is now. Enterpris- ourselves always part of the social situation Till Wagner (gtreu), Benjamin Böhm and es are bought and sold like cars or carrots. that we experience and help shaping. This is Ingo Krampen (solicitors) and Gerald Häf- why we don’t want to restrict our work to ner (head of the Social Science Section) we Questionable ownership of enterprises describing social matters but understand have developed such a legal form and dis- Let’s take a closer look: who do all the their underlying forces and laws and change cussed and improved it in cooperation with big multinationals belong to? Rarely to them for the better in accordance with hu- a continuously growing group of experts, the actual ‹entrepreneurs›. They are in- man and social progress. experienced and young entrepreneurs. We creasingly owned by multinational fi- Two and half years ago the Social Science decided in favour of a slim design that only nancial investors that systematically Section therefore initiated discussions on regulates essential aspects and allows for buy up companies (shares) and form a the concept of ownership with the aim of the greatest possible freedom. In recent new, transnational power which is (fi- exploring how we can continue to develop weeks we have also started introducing it nancially) stronger than any enterprise, the concept of property and the relevant to entrepreneurs and politicians. So far the high street bank and (almost) any state. legislation so that it can serve the frater- response to this «responsible ownership» or Take for example the American invest- nal aspect of economy more than the old to the new legal structure of «enterprises in ment company BlackRock: it is the biggest concept does, which goes back to Roman responsible ownership» has been positive. single shareholder in basf, Bayer, Daimler, property and private laws. At the end of October 2018 we, in collab- the German stock exchange, Lufthansa, In Roman times this old form of own- oration with the Purpose Network and oth- Apple, McDonald’s, Nestlé, Exxon Mobile, ership was still necessary. Individuals had ers, organized an Ownership Conference Shell and countless others. In 2004 Black- to be able to detach themselves from the with 350 people from scientific or political Rock administrated assets to the tune of group and say, «This is mine and I can do backgrounds, from associations, the media, 300 billion us Dollar, in 2008 that figure with it whatever I like!» And the legislation administration and (above all) committed had increased to 1.3 trillion, and today it has had to protect this right and consequently company founders and managers repre- reached an unbelievable 6.3 trillion us Dol- prevent everyone else from using or make senting various lines of business, approach- lars – with a steep upward drift. BlackRock decisions about the property in question. es and age groups. It looks as if we could, is major shareholder in all (!) 30 German dax This was necessary for economic freedom in the not too far distant future, reach the companies as well as in 282 of the 300 larg- to unfold. But today it is time to take a new goal we set ourselves and transform today’s est Western corporations listed worldwide. step: How can my freedom contribute in property law in enterprises, even if it will The problem is the principle our economy the best possible way to the good of the take some time. | Gerald Häfner, Leiter der is built on: everything has to have a price; whole and of humanity? Sektion für Sozialwissenschaften everything must be able to be bought or Profit is not the goal of an enterprise. At sold. But there are a number of things that best it is the by-product of a meaningful must not be made into commodities, first activity for humanity and the world at large. Draft law/ Web sozial.goetheanum.org 4 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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Youth Section What shapes In addition to organizing and carrying out meetings, conferences, study groups, interna- tional exchanges with young people and supporting initiatives, the work of the Youth Section includes a study entitled (Re)Search: The Spiritual Striving of Youth. The young research team will present its first results on 15 December.

In October 2017 the Youth Section at the Goet- tion, with 15 percent of participants currently heanum embarked on a youth-led research completing high school; 12 percent having project entitled (Re)Search: The Spiritual Striv- attended or currently attending vocational ing of Youth – Defining Our Reality, which training; and 73 percent either were or are focused on understanding the impulses and currently at university. The interviews were Participation: conducting motivations guiding young people’s actions recorded and transcribed for analysis, giving the (Re)Search study today by listening to their life experiences. us more than 80 hours of recorded content At the heart of the study lie questions such to work with. Honesty and clarity as, how do young people meet reality and As young researchers, we were able to ex- shape it? What are the values guiding their plore ideas related to the nature of the social Other highlights from our findings include the participation in the world? What are their sciences, such as the relationship between importance that young people place in estab- longings and expectations for the future? observer-observed, subject-object and what lishing deep connections with self and world, anthroposophical methods can bring to more and how they recognize both these elements Longings and ideas for the future traditional methods of research. Key question as being in constant change and often full of Our key question for the study was inspired by for us have been: how do I look at the human polarities and contradictions. The interview- Rudolf Steiner’s address to the young people being standing in front of me? How can I allow ees struggle and strive to give meaning to of 1924 (ga 217a, lecture of 20 July 1924). They the individuality to reveal itself to me, without this, and to find ways to integrate elements were asked to imagine the world in 1935 if my prejudices becoming a barrier to a new which at first might seem disconnected or their youthful wishes were to become real- understanding? How can I create the best difficult to combine. This manifests across ity. This question was adapted by the team possible environment for participants to speak areas such as professional life, relationship of young researchers and their mentors in openly, honestly and freely and how does this management and educational choices. Exam- anthroposophy, sociology and education improve the quality of our data? ples of this can be seen in their descriptions to fit present times: what would the world of non-linear career paths which combine look like in 2030 if what lives within me be- in daily life multiple disciplines, or their efforts to create came a reality, and what will I do to make it We were surprised to witness how quickly situations where they can widen their imme- happen? Through this question we invited and deeply the participants expressed ques- diate cultural knowledge by choosing to step those already connected to the Youth Section tions and ideas connected to spirituality out of their immediate relationship circles. community worldwide to participate in sem- during the interviews. This was important But, how to establish deep connections istructured interviews. The purpose of these for the researchers, who did not want to di- with self and world when it is constantly encounters was to guide participants through rect the interviewees towards questions of changing? How to deal with integrating dif- open-ended questions into an exploration of spirituality, but rather observe if and how ferences, polarities and contradictions? Young their experiences, as well as their longings and spirituality appeared in the young person’s people express honesty, clarity and transpar- ideas for the future. (Re)Search is thus more discourse spontaneously. Very often without ency as key needs for better communication than a research project, it is an opportunity to any prompting from the interviewers, the in our times. These young people demand the create bonds between the young people who participants were talkative about how they practice of these values, which often means participate and learn to listen, to accompany search for meaning in life, their questions confronting fears, shame and self-doubt in the process of opening up to another and to about human identity (who am I? where do I ourselves, our closest relationships and our observe the commonly shared challenges, come from? am I a free being?), their religious institutions and society at large. wishes and motivations beyond the apparent views and spiritual experiences or practices. In the coming months we will publish re- differences between us. The importance placed on this subject during sults and findings from the study. At a col- A total of 40 men and women aged 18 to interviews led us to closely look at the role loquium to be held at the Goetheanum on 35 from 23 different nationalities and differ- that spirituality plays in young people’s daily 15 December Constanza Kaliks, leader of the ent spiritual backgrounds formed the sample lives; and how it impacts the way in which Section, and her team of researchers, Ioana of the study. 20 percent attended Waldorf they shape existing relationships and make Viscrianu and Andrea de la Cruz, will present School and/or were born to anthroposophical new bonds with others, or how they confront some initial insights. | Andrea de la Cruz Barral, families, 31 percent found anthroposophy in professional and educational choices, for ex- member of the Youth Section team the last 10 years or less, 49 percent do not ample. The researchers are eager to continue know anthroposophy. All participants have further investigations with more direct focus Registration colloquium / project information: or have had access to higher or further educa- on this subject. Andrea de la Cruz, [email protected] Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 5

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Section for Agriculture Building relationships Since the trip in 2017 (Anthroposophy Worldwide 1-2/2018), the Section for Ag- riculture has organized two further central events: the Agriculture Conference and a research conference. The economy of framing and the change in nutrition are further themes that the Section has been focusing on.

This year’s Agriculture Conference (title: farming, such as ecological and agroecological The Preparations – the Heart of Biodynamic farming. This gesture helped to overcome the Agriculture), which took place in February boundary that was often felt to exist between at the Goetheanum, attracted more than biodynamics and the com- 900 visitors from 47 countries: significant- munity and it was welcomed enthusiastically. Stirring of preparations ly more than in previous years. As we leaf A gap seems to have been closed. The possi- at the 2018 Agriculture Conference through and read the conference documen- bility of becoming part of a global research tation (www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en, network exceeded all expectations. Events, Agriculture Conference, Past Confer- More than a hundred contributions were riculture had to take part in the economic ences) we can sense its special mood again, presented, either in parallel sessions or in the decision-making rather than continue to to which many young people contributed. form of poster displays. Topics covered ranged «stumble into» new . This did not In specialist forums, which aimed at deep- from studies in India which demonstrated the mean that one should try to find «one-fits-all» ening specific topics, the questions addressed value of biodynamic preparations in reducing solutions. Sekem’s Helmy Abouleish said that related to soil fertility or the way preparations carbon dioxide and slowing down climate in property was seen as inseparable affect food. The group «How do I manage change, to examinations into the anti-aller- from family and that this was very different working on the preparations within my daily genic effect of biodynamic raw milk in infants from European countries and the concept of routine» provided space for a personal shar- and research into new methods such as direct the common good. ing of experiences. The forum of biodynamic drop crystallization, to a meta-analysis on Preparations are underway for next year’s winegrowers led to the foundation of an in- biodynamic farming and its positive impact Agriculture Conference, from 6 to 9 February ternational vinicultural panel. on biodiversity. Lively discussions also took 2019, which will be on the theme of Land and The appeal of the topic of Preparations and place on questions such as how biodynamics Economy – Agriculture between the Farm the openness to speak about it had been pre- and agroecology can learn from each other in and the World. pared by the Section for Agriculture with a the interest of intuitive farming. Many asked project that aimed at promoting a global di- for more events of this kind. Food questions alogue (documented in a book that includes Changing Trends was the theme in the nu- case studies: Biodynamische Präparatepraxis Economy in farming trition department: more and more people weltweit. Die Fallbeispiele. Publisher: Lebendi- A third important topic is the economy of are affected by nutritional deficiencies such ge Erde). The spiritual dimension, social space farming. At the invitation of the Dutch retailer as obesity, cardiovascular disease or diabetes and practical aspects have clearly widened and wholesaler Odin the Section’s Economy on the one hand while, on the other hand, and grown. Group met in Doorn near Utrecht (nl) from new diets, trends and foods are flooding the 5 to 7 July with close to seventy people from market. At the same time people behave in Including the organic family ten countries. The main point discussed was ways that ruin the very foundations of their At the first international biodynamic research the associative approach to finance, capital existence (antibiotic resistance, pollution of conference in September (Evolving Agriculture and property, with a view to widening con- drinking water etc.) and Food - Opening up Biodynamic Research), sciousness for questions that are growing Changing trends is something that starts the Section, in cooperation with the Research more urgent as a result of the increasing with each of us individually. The first step is Institute for Organic Farming (ch), the Univer- industrialization and commercialization of being aware of what one eats, of the food’s sity of Kassel-Witzenhausen (de) and Research ecological farming. For instance: how can the flavours and how it is tolerated («mindful in (Forschungsring, value of an agricultural holding be measured? eating»). Then we can develop an interest in de), welcomed around 180 people from more How can farms protect themselves against our food, where it comes from and whether than 25 countries. This non-German speaking becoming dependent on profit-oriented in- the smallholder in Kenya, who produces for scientific research conference was preceded vestors? How can profit be invested in a way export, has enough land left to feed her family. by an application and review process for con- that serves the common good and how can Bringing about change by creating relation- tributions – with a chance of publication on capital be used meaningfully along the value ships leads to resilience and starts with our the online science portal Open Agriculture. chain? Who does the farm belong to – who daily food choices. | Jean-Michel Florin and Ueli The conference was open to professional do the land and soil belong to that a farm is Hurter, leaders of the Section for Agriculture researchers, farmers (practice research), peo- drawing from? ple who don’t know biodynamic farming yet Ueli Hurter, co-leader of the Section for and those from the ‹margins› of biodynamic Agriculture, pointed out that, in future, ag- Web www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en 6 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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Medical Section Care Areas When they became leaders of the Medical Section, Matthias Girke and Georg Soldner identified five key care areas. «Care» in this context refers to compre- hensive provision by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals.

Anthroposophic Medicine, which was ciplinary oncological Care 4 group are rele- founded in 1920, was conceived right from vant to many cancer patients and include the beginning as an integrative approach fatigue syndrome that frequently affects to healthcare, where physicians, pharma- them during or after oncological therapies. cists, nurses and therapists work together. Anthroposophical medicines can be used It is now practised in many countries as effectively here. In oncology in particular, an integrative healthcare system. This is clinical studies on various topics are avail- where the practice-based concept of the able and their results are included in the Care Areas comes in, which centres around group’s recommendations. individuals, their biography and their needs. Lastly, the Care 5 work group was able to present the topic of «anxiety in palliative From conception to palliative medicine medicine» prototypically in connection Care 2: fever and febrile infections In the first area, Care 1, the Medical and with pain treatment and palliative medi- Education Sections, gynaecologists, pae- cine. At present, the focus is on conditions External applications and medicines diatricians, midwives and nurses, early like breathlessness (dyspnoea), oedema and years’ educators and representatives pain for which broadly applicable best-prac- External applications are a central and reli- of parents, special needs teachers and tice recommendations are being developed. able element in , therapists are working together. Con- All findings will be published on www.an- including in acute situations. In the summer ception, pregnancy, parenthood, (pre- thromedics.org (under «Practice»). of 2017, the Medical Section launched the mature) birth, caesareans, relationship ‹Vademecum for External Applications in and attachment, nutrition and retarded Anthromedics Anthroposophic Nursing› website. It can development are themes within this in- Anthromedics, the online portal for Anthro- be searched according to indication, sub- novative, interdisciplinary cooperation. posophic Medicine, provides information stance or form of application and provides Anthroposophic Medicine has ways of for physicians, nurses and therapists work- guidelines, indications and application as effectively dealing with fever and acute, ing in surgeries, hospitals or training. It is well as practice-based case studies. The often febrile, infections, which belong to the digital archive of the medical journal portal is available in German and English; the second area, Care 2, often without hav- Der Merkurstab and offers a unique over- with translations into Spanish, French and ing to resort to antibiotics and antipyretic view of the history of Anthroposophic Med- Russian coming soon. This Vademecum is drugs. Interest is growing among other icine since 1946 as well as key-word based for nurses and physicians. open-minded colleagues in these compre- electronic searches. The Vademecum for Anthroposophic hensible and practical therapeutic concepts, A click on Basic Concepts will take readers Medicines, which is edited by the Medical which also include adequate patient infor- to the fundamental principles of Anthro- Section and the Society of Anthroposoph- mation. Here, as with all the Care groups, it posophic Medicine. Clicking on Practice ic Physicians in Germany has come out in is an important first goal to have an inter- will reveal a short introduction to the an- its fourth edition in September 2017 and national multidisciplinary group of experts throposophical view of certain conditions contains a first complete presentation of working out experience-based therapeutic or topics, followed by multi-professional anthroposophic mistletoe therapy for can- concepts. Their scientific evidence can grad- specialist recommendations on therapies cer patients. ually be increased by means of systematic or prophylactic measures that form a sen- The website for mistletoe therapy, for literature research and comparison with sible and easily accessible overall concept. which the Medical Section at the Goet- valid guidelines, such as those successfully The presentation is practice-based and heanum has been responsible since 2018, established by David Martin in the case of starts with essential guiding symptoms will be fully updated by September 2019. | fever, by consulting further experts using (breathlessness for instance) and questions Matthias Girke und Georg Soldner, leaders the Delphi method for instance, and by (regarding newborn babies, for example, of the Medical Section at the Goetheanum clinical studies. or baby’s first year). Patient information Care 3 encompasses medicine, therapy is provided in accessible language to Web medsektion-goetheanum.org/en/ and psychotherapy and focuses on mental facilitate application. anthroposophic-medicine/ health issues which often culminate in the A digital textbook with systematic access middle of life: anxiety, sleeping disorders, to individual medical specializations such traumatic stress disorder and depression. as cardiology or gynaecology is going to be The themes at the heart of the multidis- compiled in the medium term. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 7

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Council for Inclusive Performing Arts Section Social Development Various routes of access Studying effectiveness The activities of the Performing Arts The Anthroposophic Council for Inclusive Section in 2018 included the document- Social Development promotes research ing of research results in book form, in anthroposophic special needs’ educa- student performances (in connection tion, social education and social work. with eurythmy and music) as well as the coordination of our other specialist In April 2018 another research symposium departments: Puppetry, Music, Speech was held directly after the annual Interna- and Drama. tional Training Conference in Kassel (de). The eurythmy research centre has pub- This year’s meeting included the study lished its findings on eurythmy figures (fifth movement only) and in workshops, «Voices of Inclusion» by Rebecca Müller, on from the early stages of this art form (Ru- demonstrations and conversations. In 2020 the qualities of participation, responsibility dolf Steiner Verlag: Eurythmyfiguren aus we will repeat this process with another and a sense of belonging in social therapy der Entstehungszeit). The centre contin- composition. The 2019 festival will be de- communities, as well as a theoretical study ues to receive eurythmy figures that have voted to child and youth theatre and to by Christoph Winkelmann on the concept of been discovered but no new insights have eurythmy, drama and puppetry. will in Waldorf Education. Rüdiger Grimm emerged yet since the book has come out. The new Goetheanum Eurythmy En- derived a catalogue of possible research The largest stock of eurythmy figures in one semble has presented first glimpses of its questions from Rudolf Steiner’s Education place is kept in the Rudolf Steiner Archives work at various conferences. The first real for Special Needs (ga 317) that could inspire in Dornach and in the Goetheanum’s Art premiere will be on 29 December on the projects in connection with the Course’s Collection. They can be studied for research theme of the threefold human being. The hundredth anniversary in 2024, casting a purposes in the Archives or via the Goethea- iao, biblical verses from the Creation and light on it from the perspective of contem- num Documentation department. the image of the human being in the Foun- porary science. Another publication is on Rudolf Stein- dation Stone Meditation will form the basis er’s instructions for eurythmy in several of this programme. A transparent curtain is Effectiveness of languages (Stefan Hasler, Eurythmy in the being prepared for this premiere by Philipp anthroposophical approaches English Language, Verlag am Goetheanum), Nelson, based on a sketch Rudolf Steiner One of the Council’s main topics interna- with some indications being published for once made for a eurythmy stage curtain. tionally concerns the question of outcomes the first time. Behind Flossie von Sonklar’s (There is also a curtain which is specifically studies examining the effectiveness of wardrobe, for instance, a letter was found for Rudolf Steiner’s Mystery Plays). anthroposophically informed approaches which was addressed to Erna van Deventer. with regard to the quality of life of people In the process of compiling the instruc- Meeting of Mystery Drama groups with special needs. In this context Bernd tions, different periods can be distin- The Speech and Drama department had Kalwitz has developed a concept for a long- guished: there are findings which represent its first international gathering of groups term study on «challenging behaviours». Rudolf Steiner’s own words, there are notes that study and preform the Mystery Dra- And at the Research Centre for Anthropo- from Rudolf Steiner’s life time, some of mas. This took place at the Goetheanum sophic Healthcare at Leiden University (nl) which were only written down decades and included more than 250 people in 15 Merlijn Trouw and Eric Baars are conducting after the person in question heard them, groups. The drama initiative spielraumhas a trial on the «added value» of anthropos- and there are indications passed on from also begun its work (Anthroposophy World- ophic long-term care. first-hand listeners and those passed on by wide 11/2018). From 23 to 25 July 2019 the Plans for 2019 include bringing togeth- the secondary recipients to others. international meeting of artistic speech er a group of people who are working on A new edition of the tone eurythmy students will take place in conjunction with concrete research questions or at research course will be published (in German) in 2019. the eurythmy graduation presentations. institutes, with the aim of strengthening Johannes Greiner, Viola Heckel and Felix networking in this field too and entering The threefold human being Lindenmaier have taken on to be coordi- into a more targeted exchange.| Jan Göschel, Aside from research, performances play nators for Music and Claudia Kissling for member of the leadership team of the Inter- an important part. The series of eurythmy Puppetry. The contacts for Speech and national Anthroposophic Council for Inclu- festivals has been continued. While 2017 Drama are Silke Kollewijn (Goetheanum sive Social Development was about solos and duos, this time we courses) and Agnes Zehnter (training). had three ensembles, each showing their | Sebastian Jüngel Web inclusivesocial.org interpretation of the same composition. Audiences were able to experience three in- Web srmk.goetheanum.org terpretations of Olivier Messiaen’s Quatuor pour la fin du temps: instrumental, per- formed by the three eurythmy ensembles 8 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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Mathematics and Natural Science Section Astronomy Section Public service Laws Natural Science is a field that only ex- The Mathematics and Astronomy Sec- perts tend to notice. «Ordinary» people tion has been investigating laws and only ask about it when they have a aspects in the world of stars and specific interest or when they try to un- in the world of numbers. derstand tragic events such as a reactor accident or the dying of bees. The Section’s new Star Calendar is devoted In the Research Institute of the Natural Sci- to the prelude to the great conjunction ence Section at the Goetheanum we are of Jupiter and Saturn. On 21 December working on questions that we recognize as 2020 these two giant planets will come being important and that resonate with the into close conjunction again after twenty interests of our in ways that prom- Teacher training in Korea: polarization experiment years, a moment that seems to make the ise fruitful research. Here are a few examples: soul of the solar system tangible. With next In 2018 Renatus Derbidge completed year’s Star Calendar the astronomer and his dissertation at our Institute. His study, tion with the neurologist Siegward Elsass author Wolfgang Held looks especially at which is based on the work of mathemati- of Klinik Arlesheim (ch) Matthias Rang is the constellations that are preparing the cian Lawrence Edwards, is about developing also investigating the often heard claim approaching Great Conjunction, in a way a method for the more subtle investigation that neurological evidence proves there is that lets the soul’s cosmic aspect resonate of form changes in mistletoe berries in con- no such thing as . A first publication through the astronomic phenomena. nection with lunar rhythms. The results of is in preparation. this investigation could potentially help to In cooperation with Troy Vine of Berlind’s Astral reality optimize the time for harvesting the berries Humboldt University (de) Laura Liska has The Colloquium for for cancer drugs. edited the collected works of Michael Wil- Mathematics and Presently we are trying to find funding for son. The special needs teacher was known Spiritual Science has a further dissertation in which João Felipe and esteemed as a Goethean of focused on the laws Toni looks into questions of morphology colour far beyond the confines of anthro- of the soul from an- and education. posophical circles; but his publications had other perspective. been spread across various journals. Both its meetings, Research, publication, teaching For a project entitled Understanding the one in May in the For many years Johannes Wirz has been Quantum Physics, Johannes Kühl has de- and the working with beekeepers on ways to im- veloped a way of providing access to the meeting in October at the Goetheanum, prove beekeeping and to keep hives healthy basics of quantum mechanics for class 12 were about the geometrical presentation and resilient to the many harmful influenc- students who have an active interest in the of complex numbers. Lou de Boer (nl) and es. Most recently a method has been de- topic. A first article is about to appear in Matthias Lerchmüller (ch) spoke on this veloped that warms only the bees and the the journal Elemente der Naturwissenschaft topic, referring to nineteenth and twentieth brood and not so much the air. Johannes (elements of natural science). century mathematicians as well as to Rudolf Wirz presents this method internationally All members of our team are travelling Steiner. Rudolf Steiner described the com- in lectures and courses. frequently, giving courses to teachers (occa- plex numbers in relation to astral reality, Torsten Arncken has developed a kind sionally also pupils), pharmacists and farm- saying that «In approaching the astral, the of imaginative method for presenting ers, and lecturing inside and outside of the spatial and non-spatial is not enough, but odour and taste perceptions qualitatively Anthroposophical Society. We also offer a you need a third which relates to the positive so that traces of very subtle differences series of Goethean weekend courses and and negative in the same way as the imag- in the growing of healing plants can be our summer university at the Goetheanum. inary relates to them in formal mathemat- detected and described. The method can In addition we share with each other how ics […].» (ga 324a, lecture of 11 March 1920) be used in the training of pharmacists and we try to also deepen our skills meditatively Some documents on Lou de Boer’s and the development of medicines. when working on our projects. Matthias Lerchmüller’s presentations are Ruth Richter works with the Hortus of- While more than half of this work is available on the website of the Mathemat- ficinarum association on preserving and funded externally by enterprises and ics and Astronomy Section. | Oliver Conradt, increasing seeds of selected healing plants. foundations, the Institute could not exist leader of the Mathematics and Astronomy Aside from scientific publications, Mat- without the basic funding we receive from Section thias Rang’s and Nora Löbe’s work on optics the Anthroposophical Society. | Johannes and colour have led to the exhibition Expe- Kühl, leader of the Natural Science Section Web mas.goetheanum.org rience Colour in Stourbridge (gb). Visitors to the exhibition came from as far afield as Germany, Hungary and the us. In coopera- Web www.forschungsinstitut.ch Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 9

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Visual Art Section Rudolf Steiner as landscape architect One of the Visual Art Section’s key aspects in 2019 will be a research project on Ru- dolf Steiner’s designs for the Goetheanum campus as part of a gesamtkunstwerk. The project will explore what kind of experien- tial qualities are made possible here and whether the origin of the design elements can be reconstructed. Art Workshop, spring 2018

After the building idea had been transferred from an inner courtyard situation in Mu- Visual Art Section nich to an open space on a hill in Dornach, Rudolf Steiner kept pointing out the im- New questions on portance of the surrounding landscape for Rudolf Steiner’s art the exterior of the Goetheanum building. Site plan of the Goetheanum campus (around 1915) But he said little about the landscaping The Art Workshops offered at the around the Goetheanum and the adjacent Goetheanum since 2017 (, building. And yet, from the very start of , architecture, landscape) the construction work, steps were taken in its surroundings a gesamtkunstwerk, will continue in 2019. the landscaping and these were probably a synthesis of arts? What is special prompted by Rudolf Steiner himself. about it and where in the history These workshops provide a forum for the study These developments concern the paths of art, or of gardens, can it be of Rudolf Steiner’s artistic oeuvre. Over a pe- leading up to the building (Felsli-Weg, integrated? riod of two weeks one artist at a time offers a Westallee), the arrangement of the sur- • Which design elements were added workshop on architecture, sculpture or painting. rounding buildings, the general landscaping after Rudolf Steiner’s – when, Artists, students and anyone interested in art, and the design of individual sites, such as by whom and with what intention? from all walks of life, are invited to join. There the Felsli [little rock] or the Rondell with the • How can this research into Rudolf is also room for individual studies and research. Dragon’s Tail, down to indications regarding Steiner’s design impulses inspire the planting of vegetation. What has been the future development of the New «reading» of Rudolf Steiner’s work created as a result seems to indicate that Goetheanum campus? Can we read Rudolf Steiner’s work, which origi- all these designs are part of a continually nates in the uncertain times of the early twen- evolving gesamtkunstwerk with the Goet- Strategies tieth century, with new eyes today? And how heanum building as the centre: initially the Aside from studying Rudolf Steiner’s indi- can the practice-based study of this work be First Goetheanum and then the Second cations regarding the first and the second related to the complex reality we live in today? Goetheanum which was built in concrete, Goetheanum buildings and their surround- The workshops hope to make a contribution starting from 1925. ings, the of individual design to today’s design questions, in relation to the elements during construction, especially personal inner life and the burning questions Questions of the first Goetheanum, as well as their of society. Rudolf Steiner’s artistic work opens • Can Rudolf Steiner’s original concep- execution will be reconstructed with the up ways to the basic question of what being tion of the Goetheanum be recon- help of archival documents. human means – this is why the work can be ap- structed? Was there a plan that was Taking stock of the campus will also be proached creatively in the widest sense of the gradually implemented? Or did the important: what web of relationships can word: questions of perception, of self-develop- various design elements evolve over we discern today from the diverse paths ment, the capacity for process-based thinking time as the buildings appeared? and sites? What kinds of experience emerge that is so urgently needed today, and the heal- • What role does the design of the from that? ing of ‹fractures› between inside and outside. Goetheanum’s immediate surround- The insights gleaned from literature, | Marianne Schubert, leader of the Visual Art Section ings play in the overall Dornach build- archives and the campus will be critically ing idea? How do interior and exterior discussed in colloquia with art historians, Sculpture workshop, 11 to 22 February 2019 with relate to each other? (landscape) architects and Goetheanum Claudia Schlürmann. Painting workshop, 25 February to 8 March with Dorothea Templeton. • How do Rudolf Steiner’s experts, with the aim of preparing a scien- Architecture and Landscape workshop, 18 to 29 designs «respond» to the second tific compilation and a guidebook on the March with Rudolf Kaesbach. Registration closes Goetheanum building? Goetheanum campus. | Marianne Schubert 15 January 2019, contact [email protected] • What makes the Goetheanum and and Stephan Stockmar Web sbk.goetheanum.org/en 10 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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Humanities Section Humanities Section Enhancing humanity through literature Conference impulses Christiane Haid and Ariane Eichenberg have been examining the humanizing and In 2018 the Humanities Section has formative effect of literature since 2015. Over the past year they concentrated on Adal- provided three impulses which will be bert Stifter’s «heavenly slowness» which, by making it possible to inwardly embrace continued in 2019: from experience to the world, open up new spiritual spaces. spiritual .

One of the authors our research into en- tries to say: for you, the reader, for you the The study conference on Rudolf Steiner’s hancing humanity through literature fo- listener, each thing must have its time. Each book Anthroposophy – A Fragment (ga 45) cuses on is the Austrian writer Adalbert thing provides a law».2 We need to embrace has demonstrated how our knowledge of Stifter (1805–1868), whose writings have this slowness which is addressed at our human nature can be deepened, when to this day, as in his lifetime, provoked the fast, thoughtless responses to everyday we perceive human beings as sensory be- most divisive and emotionally charged aspects of life. This cumbersome slowness ings. Gradually, our consistently empirical comments. These extreme protestations of is what stirs the soul. There lies the human- approach becomes spiritual observation, antipathy and sympathy illustrate that his izing effect of the narration and things are leading us to new visions of established work speaks primarily to the soul and that given their spiritual space. As we seek for concepts and opening up other ways of this is where it can have a healing effect. the essence of things, language steers us access and new perspectives. We observe that the narrated content of past and beyond them. It neither restricts Stifter’s writings often meets with inner nor fades away, inadequately, behind the Human beings as the rejection, the way it is told with admiration. thing-in-itself, but extends it by its «inner antithesis to machines What are we meant to do with those end- essence» (Hilde Domin). The conference on Transhumanism exam- less descriptions of grasses, mosses, flow- ined a highly topical question against a ers, beetles, birds, rooms with their cabi- The divine transformed broad horizon of expertise. The contribu- nets, escritoires, , marble floors; or Adalbert Stifter accepts and knows that the tions by the contemporary authors Sibyl- with pages and pages on the restauration world is void of . But he also knows le Lewitscharoff, Patrick Roth and Galsan of a picture and so on that bring the story to that we human beings «have retained Tschinag demonstrated impressively that a standstill or even dominate the narrative our connection with the essence of the art, that is to say, our true creative poten- to such an extent that one wonders if the divine-spiritual».3 tial, is the antithesis to the machine and author is telling any story at all, let alone His way of narrating helps us to bring the therefore serves to preserve humanity. a great one? And yet, we find «the whole divine-spiritual into the world in a new and The transhumanism debate will continue and the universal» in the commonplace transformed way, by inspiring us to form in 2019, in relation to the human ‹I›, will and we find that this can be great because «eternally-active ideas», through images, and freedom and on the basis of concrete, it is what keeps the world going (preface rhythm and wider contexts that his lan- practice-related questions. to «Colourful Stones»). If the that guage guides us towards. Such ideas are this can be found in or through language needed in future, because they will feed Inner development is lost today and if insecurity and fear are the spiritual-divine powers so that they After this year’s conference on the concealed behind any belief that keeps the can continue to form the cosmos into the of Luke, the studies on Rudolf Steiner’s Gos- world alive, then Adalbert Stifter’s work is future.»4 If we make time for the heavenly pel Research will continue in 2019 with a a search for this belief. Adalbert Stifter’s slowness, then the wish Adalbert Stifter conference on the . Ru- writing relies on the hope and longing that expresses in the preface to Colourful Stones dolf Steiner’s salvaging, as it were, of the poetry is able, at least «occasionally», to will come true: that he may «contribute a during the early twentieth century look into the unfathomable «abyss where little grain of goodness to the building of Bible criticism opens up new perspectives and the spirits abide».1 ».5 | Christiane Haid, head of the based on anthroposophy that enable an Humanities Section, and Ariane Eichenberg, existential relationship with and Slowing down and perceiving anew research assistant in the Humanities Section. with . The effusive descriptions demand of the For more information regarding events, readers above all to slow down and appre- 1 Adalbert Stifter, Werke und Briefe. His- projects, publications and the work of the ciate the language. A new world can then torischkritische Gesamtausgabe, edited Humanities Section in other countries by Alfred Doppler and Wolfgang Früh- arise, a world that the author has struggled wald, Stuttgart 1978ff., volume 1,5, p. 411f. please visit our website. | Christiane Haid, to conquer. The circuitous narrative forces 2 Peter Handke, ‹Einige Bemerkungen zu head of the Humanities Section, and Ariane new perceptions on us, conveyed by sound, Stifter›, in: ‹Langsam im Schatten›, Frank- Eichenberg, research assistant word, syntax and rhythm. Peter Handke furt am Main 1992, p. 56. 3 Rudolf Seiner, The Activity of Michael speaks of «heavenly slowness» and con- and the Future of Humanity, ga 26. Web ssw.goetheanum.org cludes that «With Stifter, each thing has 4 Cf. Rudolf Steiner, ga 276, lecture its time, as in the images and the pace of of 8 June 1923 the Old Testament. And as in the Bible this 5 As footnote 1, volume 2,2, p. 9f. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 11

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Education Section General Anthroposophical Section The First of human dignity Teachers Course Anyone joining the School of Spiritual Science also belongs to the General Anthrop- osophical Section. The tasks of this Section include anthroposophy and universally In approaching its centenary The Steiner human aspects. Depending on their interests members are welcome to join one or Waldorf movement is facing existential several specialist sections. challenges which are informing the work of the Education Section. Around fifteen years ago six themes were re-enlivened and strengthened recently identified as the key tasks of the General An- by a regular exchange with and between What are the impulses with which the school throposophical Section. Their development the different branches. movement is going towards its second cen- and additional research have always been tury? Given its growth worldwide, how can mainly in the hands of one member of the Promoting ethical thinking the movement develop its methods further Goetheanum’s Executive Council: the topics 2. Anthroposophy offers the possibility to while accommodating the needs of the next of Christology, meditation, gain world-knowledge and self-knowledge generation of children and adolescents? How and , current issues, anthroposophy through practice. While other sections to deal creatively with Rudolf Steiner’s First and questions relating to the First Class each have their particular specialization, Course for Teachers appears to be a key ques- were deepened in conferences and individ- the General Anthroposophical Section tion for educators and teachers. How teaching ual research projects, with some of them fosters and explores the essence of an- methods evolve from this Course is a question also being published. In 2012/2013 we began throposophy – through the practice and asked by school colleges and faculties, also in to work on these topics together, which study of Rudolf Steiner’s works. The Gen- relation to the phenomena of our time. Recent led to an intensive cooperation on the one eral Anthroposophical Section therefore scientific research results are also included, hand, but on the other hand it also had the strives to penetrate all areas of life with for instance new insights concerning Rudolf effect of somewhat blurring the profile spiritual understanding – science, economy, Steiner’s theory of the senses. of the General Anthroposophical Section. , art and religion – in order to The Education Section, the German Federa- When the Goetheanum Leadership de- promote truly ethical thinking. tion (Bund der Freien Waldorfschulen) and oth- cided to hand over the management of the 3. The General Anthroposophical Sec- er associations of Waldorf Schools are working Section to Paul Mackay, Bodo von Plato and tion is responsible for the First Class. This together in support of this development by Joan Sleigh in early 2018, this was done in includes the communication with the bringing out a new, chronologically structured an attempt to intensify the work of the members, class holders and sections. It edition of the First Course for Teachers (ga 293, General Anthroposophical Section. As a moreover promotes the understanding and 294 and 295). The entire course will consti- way of strengthening the Section’s pro- cultivation of the class contents through tute the subject of a forward-looking confer- file and deal with current issues relating inner work and practice research, group ence at the Goetheanum (6 to 14 July 2019). to humanity in the sense of the spirit of studies and the publication of source texts. the time, a faculty was to be appointed It is moreover responsible for the regular Qualities in teaching and training with individuals who were already actively training of class holders and the ‹orderly› Further research carried out by the Section involved with the themes of the General presentation of the nineteen Class Lessons in cooperation with the International Forum Anthroposophical Section. (read or freely rendered). for Steiner/Waldorf Education (Hague Circle) The original plan of having three Execu- centres on teaching methods in the Middle Individualized understanding – tive Council members taking responsibility and Upper School, the importance of the artis- healthy community building is no longer feasible (Paul Mackay and Bodo tic-aesthetic approach, the quality of language We decided to focus on three key aspects von Plato left the Executive Council after in teaching and adequate ways of dealing which in our view included the themes the 2018 agm); the remaining Executive with digitalization. previously identified: Council members already have responsible The growth of the Steiner/Waldorf move- 1. A spiritual anthropology explores the positions as heads of the Youth and Medical ment worldwide has led to the founding of human threefoldness of body, soul and Sections and as treasurer. A new leadership many teacher training seminars and courses. spirit and the way we interact with others. mandate is currently being prepared. It is The Education Section addresses the complex This includes the development of a culture hoped that the present discussions will re- question as to the quality of training by invit- of human dignity, in which a cosmopolitan sult in a proposal for a new leadership by ing training centres all over the world to take society meets and works together, in which mid-2019. Until then the Executive Council new steps towards working together. One we experience the awakening of our own as a whole will be responsible for the Gen- aims at establishing Waldorf-specific train- soul-spirit in the soul-spirit of the other and eral Anthroposophical Section, with Joan ing guidelines in conversation with trainers, in which the individualized understanding Sleigh acting as contact. | Joan Sleigh, con- students and teachers. | Florian Osswald und of anthroposophical contents facilitates tact for the General Anthroposophical Section Claus-Peter Röh, Education Section leaders healthy community-building. It also needs conferences on annual festivals and con- Web www.goetheanum.org/freie-hoch- schule/allgemeine-anthroposophis- Web www.paedagogik-goetheanum.ch tents like those organized by the Human- ities Section. The branch work has been che-sektion 12 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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Conference of First Class group leaders only be grasped by the soul through inner Community building from inside experience. Then it becomes the secret that needs to be unlocked each time anew With 240 people attending, the number of First Class group leaders who came togeth- through understanding. If you understand er from 2 to 4 November was higher than usually. This first meeting since the 2018 this kind of secret, you will have the right agm focused on the Formation and Effectiveness of the School of Spiritual Science. ‹esoteric› attitude in your soul.» (ga 260a) Matthias Girke began by describing how a The group leaders of the First Class within it of the age does not tolerate the outer spiritual being forms its body and based on the School of Spiritual Science gathered secret well, but it tolerates the inner se- this he looked at how an institution forms with some apprehension for this first Class cret.» (ga 260, lecture of 28 December 1923). its body. The building becomes visible as Holder Conference after the 2018 Annual Constanza Kaliks examined the essence an image of its life conditions; as it emerg- General Meeting. In many of them lived of this secret: the questions of effective- es, qualities and stages of effectiveness the unspoken question as to whether the ness and protection are challenges of the can be distinguished. When it comes to reduction of the Executive Council and the spiritual soul, because the the building of the School new constellation of the School’s leadership School of Spiritual Science The ancient mys- of Spiritual Science these would render the work within the School is both an earthly and a include individual paths to more difficult. In her welcoming address heavenly institution and teries aimed at knowledge and knowledge Joan Sleigh pointed out that this was the the human being is the unveiling while communities, but they also first time in 34 years that Virginia Sease was place and focus of its ef- include the dead who are not present. She then announced the main fectiveness, for it is in the the new mysteries connected with the School, theme of the conference as The Formation human being that the aim at guarding including Rudolf Steiner. and Effectiveness of the School of Spiritual spirit recognizes itself as In order to gain a broad Science. Earnestness, presence of mind, se- spirit. The nineteen Class the secret. understanding of the renity and harmony were the forces required Lessons can therefore be building of the School of to resolve internal and external problems. understood as teachings of the ‹I›. They Spiritual Science, we need to be aware of A discussion took place to find a satis- point us to spiritual forms of – not for – the its aims and ideals, and we need to con- factory designation for the range of duties spirit. Rudolf Steiner already mentioned sider both the day and night aspects of its connected with the Class Lessons. «Lector», this in his book . The mystery of effectiveness. The power of meditating, for the Latin word used in German, was felt esotericism has its own protection. instance, is not only apparent instantane- by many to sound too pretentious and ac- What is essential is the inner fact of the ously but has long-time effects that unfold ademic and one was therefore looking for Foundation Stone laying and the attitude in the hidden depths of the human being. a term that described the task in a more that has grown from this, which is able to Matthias Girke investigated how the appropriate and modest way. Suggestions unlock the inner secret, manifests as ear- body of a community is formed by referring included [the German equivalents of] «con- nestness and results in the willingness to be to the seven conditions in Rudolf Steiner’s tact person», «officer», or «facilitator». A a representative. Spiritual understanding How to Know Higher Worlds. It will de- final solution has not been found. In the can unlock the secret. pend on the realization of these qualities English-speaking world, on the other hand, whether the body formed is merely a social people have agreed on the term «Class From unveiling to enveloping organization or whether a spiritual broth- Holder». The ancient mysteries aimed at unveiling erhood emerges. The one develops a skin while the new mysteries aim at envelop- or crust towards the outside world while Effectiveness and protection ing the secret. The ‹I› is at the centre, the the other forms a chalice. The one closes Claus-Peter Röh then introduced the diverse essence at the periphery. Love emerges itself off as an organism, the other opens ways that have been developed for working as the fruit of sensory world experience; upwards in a receiving gesture. with the mantras which Rudolf Steiner en- sympathy is the experience of oneself in the trusted to members as part of the nineteen other; with a genuinely moral mood of soul Mutual reassurance Class Lessons. A sense of respect for these the sense of ‹I› is muted by the propensity Paul Mackay spoke about motifs of com- various endeavours was tangible. Several for compassion and love. munity building and the social structure conditions were clearly seen as essential, The solution to the problem of «greatest of the School of Spiritual Science. The such as the conscious decision to become openness» and simultaneous «protection» conversation one has when applying for a member, a meditative life, the will to be can be found in the connection of love, veil membership provides an opportunity for a representative of the anthroposophical and enveloping. In his letter to members mutual reassurance. The receiving person cause, working together with others, con- of 27 February 1924 Rudolf Steiner wrote, has opportunity to get to know the appli- scious awareness of current developments, «The ‹secret› does not lie in secretiveness, cant’s motives and participate in his or her and a free contractual relationship between but in the inner earnestness with which inner path: this is the potential beginning the member and the School’s leadership. anthroposophy needs to be newly expe- of a community building that is determined As a guideline, Claus-Peter Röh quoted rienced in every heart. Anthroposophy from the inside. It is not judgement but a Rudolf Steiner on this question: «The spir- cannot be transmitted externally. It can supportive that is required here. For the Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 13

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Goetheanum Leadership applicant this can become a direct experi- ence of community-building for the future. Leading anthroposophy Speaking of the originally envisaged but never completed extension of the School into its second century of Spiritual Science to three classes, Paul The Goetheanum Leadership consults Mackay referred to a presentation given weekly on its responsibilities towards by Jörgen Smit in Kings Langley in 1972. the Anthroposophical Society and the Jörgen Smit drew a sketch in which a hori- School of Spiritual Science. The «Goet- zontal line represented the threshold to the heanum in Development» projects, the spiritual world. An arrow on the left, point- relationship with the countries, the First ing upwards, symbolized the gesture of the Class and the Annual Motif have been First Class, in which the individual pupils Goetheanum Leadership spokespersons: central aspects. Constanza Kaliks und Stefan Hasler are practising a path of development from earthly life to the spiritual world. Another Sebastian Jüngel How is it going with the arrow on the right pointed downwards and Goetheanum in Development projects? was probably meant to indicate the nature Constanza Kaliks After the foundation proach the second century: who is actively of the Third Class, in which the effects of of the World Goetheanum Association a working with the Anthroposophical Society experiences in the spiritual world would be first World Goetheanum Forum took place and the School of Spiritual Science? We carried down into earthly existence. In the and there are plans for this to continue. plan something today and also put it into middle between these two arrows he then A new «Pink Brochure» will soon come out: practice – out of the awareness that we drew a circle around the horizontal line, to a presentation of the Anthroposophical can only formulate our task or mission and indicate the likely quality of the Second Society as an means of cultivating the re- not that of the next generation – they will Class, which was to mediate between upper lationship with the members. What will do that themselves. and lower at a deeper level. be made clearer than before is that the Hasler Eurythmy already completed its first School of Spiritual Science is the soul of the hundred years in 2012. Its life changed af- Hope turns into trust Anthroposophical Society and the Sections. ter that, it was re-enlivened. And yet, the The way the presentations harmonized The first leadership course is scheduled for hundred-year-threshold evokes all kinds of with one another was not only a reflection October 2019 (leadership.goetheanum.org). spirits: we are expecting attacks and will of close cooperation and preparation, but The German term for Class Holder (so far: deal with them. also of a guidance that arose from the cause «lector») will be changed to «Vermittler» Kaliks The hundred-year anniversaries are itself. While some members, having expe- (facilitator). The publication of the First in themselves not sufficient impulses for rienced different generations of responsi- Class texts in English is in preparation: this action. We perceive a global interest, in bility, had arrived with some trepidation task is tied to the Executive Council at the anthroposophic medicine or biodynamic as to how things might develop after the Goetheanum (through Joan Sleigh) and agriculture for instance. Their methods last agm, but willing to participate in and integrated in the Goetheanum Leadership extend into the next century. take responsibility for future developments, via the mandate given to Claus-Peter Röh. Jüngel Where is the work with the annu- they experienced something here that is Quick information al motif – the Foundation Stone Medita- difficult to capture in written words. Jüngel How does the endeavour to rein- tion – visible? One could look back on past executive force the connection between the Goet- Hasler Each section is working from its councils and leadership groups of the heanum in Dornach and the countries particular perspective: Marianne Schubert School of Spiritual Science after the war, worldwide express itself? went with us to the Representative of Hu- first around Rudolf Grosse; then, from the Stefan Hasler The Goetheanum Leadership manity so that we could experience how 1970s, the Executive Council members and observes the anthroposophical life in the the Foundation Stone Meditation lives in Section leaders around Manfred Schmidt various countries in concrete experiences the Visual Art Section. Oliver Conradt, the Brabant, Jörgen Smit, Virginia Sease, Heinz of the section work – on the basis of what leader of the Mathematical-Astronomical Zimmermann, Paul Mackay, Cornelius Pie- we perceive on our travels. The conference Section did exercises with us that helped tzner, Sergei Prokofieff, Bodo von Plato. At of the country representatives also pro- us experience how what we see depends Easter 2018 that era came to an end. vides insights that help us to adjust our on where we are standing. The latent hope of the group leaders activities accordingly. Jüngel How far are you with Justus Wit- within the School of Spiritual Science was Kaliks The Executive Council also continues tich’s review? transformed into something new: it turned to work with the general secretaries René Kaliks We looked back on his seven years as into trust. It is not often that the November Becker (fr), Gioia Falk and Michael Schmock a member of the Executive Council – with meetings are so intense, so deeply imbued (de) and Marjatta van Boeschoten (gb). This all his strengths and what is needed for with soul and spirit. The future has begun creates a lively exchange. future tasks (page 14). As a result, all the and, in a free decision, it has formed a con- Jüngel What strategies is the Goetheanum members of the Goetheanum Leadership nection with the past. | Hartwig Schiller, Leadership envisaging? expressed the wish to continue working Stuttgart (de) Kaliks We are asking ourselves how to ap- with him. ● 14 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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Executive Council at ship argued that, as a team player, he favoured oping shared consciousness and recognizing the Goetheanum a modern style of leadership and that he had diversity, in people and situations. These in- Review of never held back a timely decision in discussions. tentions concern the members of the School With regard to the finances gratitude was of Spiritual Science, as representatives, the Justus Wittich expressed that he is taking on this responsi- Sections of the School of Spiritual Science According to Article 12 of the Statutes bility while it was also pointed out that this with their fields of practical application, and the proposal by the Executive Council certainly did not mean he was the one respon- above all the Anthroposophical Society and its to add a new member to the Exec- sible for the deficit. cultural mission. Media relations, publications utive Council requires confirmation. Finally, all the members of the Goethea- and pr will therefore continue to be among After seven years in office the Annual num Leadership praised Justus Wittich’s great my main focal areas. General Meeting decides on the diligence in following anthroposophical pub- Initiatives and human relationships are proposal to confirm a member for an- lications, his astonishing knowledge of the always reflected in the finances. The Goet- other term in office. Justus Wittich’s «anthroposophical soul moods» and his broad heanum as an independent, academic in- review is due in 2019. interest in current developments in general. stitution for spiritual science therefore has It is the Goetheanum Leadership’s unan- to increasingly demonstrate its relevance imous recommendation to ask Justus in tackling the problems of our time. Only Wittich to consider another term in office. then can it become economically viable as Goetheanum Leadership to the | A summary of the various conversations by a worldwide impulse, carried by individuals general secretaries and country Johannes Kühl, 9 October 2018 and institutions – for instance with the help representatives of the World Goetheanum Association which was founded in 2018. In this respect, we need At the next Annual General Meeting of the to achieve – following the successful external Justus Wittich to the general General Anthroposophical Society Justus renovation of the Goetheanum building and secretaries and country Wittich’s seven-year term in office draws to the main stage between 2013 and 2016 – a representatives a close. The possibility of his reaffirmation is kind of internal renovation in the form of a being discussed now by the Executive Council, At the forthcoming Annual General Meet- balanced budget (aimed at for 2020). the Goetheanum Leadership and the general ing in April 2019, the question of a further A further concern for me is the question of secretaries and country representatives. After term in office as a member of the Executive an esotericism that is right for our time. This is these discussions a report will be composed Council and treasurer will arise for me. During reflected in the special nature of the Anthro- and a recommendation sent to the agm. your meeting in November you will have the posophical Society: an association of people In a first meeting on this issue on 9 Octo- opportunity to ask me questions and then, into which the School of Spiritual Science was ber 2018, the members of the Goetheanum in my absence, form a picture or come to a founded as a spiritual impulse, which – in itself Leadership shared their experience of working conclusion. Your views and feedback are very autonomous – is nurtured by and becomes with Justus Wittich, initially in his absence. important to me. fertile for them. This fertility is apparent in the After that he himself pointed out that he is Provided that I will continue to have the fact that these people become widely active 63 years old and that a possible further term necessary health, strength and joy in working, in social and economic contexts, inspired by in office would be his last one. I will happily be available for another term as the impulses of anthroposophy. In my view, Being treasurer, he said, was part of his a member of the Executive Council, by the end the esoteric Executive Council, founded by destiny, even though that was not the only of which I will be 70. Rudolf Steiner in 1924, needs to form itself reason why he was working at the Goethea- With regard to the destiny of anthropos- today, in awareness of the inner constellation num. He has a deep interest in the way the ophy, the Anthroposophical Society and the of individuals working together on the one Anthroposophical Society and the School of Goetheanum as the School of Spiritual Science, hand and their evidence to the members of Spiritual Science live in the world. it is my endeavour to participate in shaping the the Anthroposophical Society on the other. In the conversations of the Goetheanum ongoing dynamic process of transformation Starting in 2012, I worked 80 per cent for Leadership a deep appreciation was expressed and in providing the spaces required for an- the Executive Council of the General An- again and again for Justus Wittich’s work throposophy to continue to realize its potential throposophical Society in Dornach (ch) and and personality, in particular the absolute in the next hundred years. Concerted efforts, 20 per cent as bursar of «der hof», an edu- transparency which he lives and which is so the overcoming of obstacles, much initiative cation centre in Niederursel near Frankfurt important for the trust people place into the and presence of mind will be required for this! (de). Because of growing commitments I have Goetheanum, as well as his «balancing» influ- For me, this development also includes that been working full-time for the Goetheanum ence and moderating skills. we, as the Anthroposophical Society, realize since October 2018. Justus Wittich’s ability to meet even uncon- the step to become, out of this Central-Eu- I have been married to Claudia Grah-Wittich ventional views and challenging situations with ropean impulse, a worldwide movement. since 1980. Claudia works in early intervention, kindness and interest is exemplary. Some sug- Being connected, person to person, across parent support and early years education in gested that there were situations where one cultural regions and time zones, will not be the Frankfurt region. We have three grown- could wish for a more resolute approach, while possible without technology – and requires, up children who no longer live with us. | With other members of the Goetheanum Leader- above all, that we take steps towards devel- warm greetings, Justus Wittich, 27 October 2018 Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 15

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Coming together so that solutions can arise: Conference of Country Representatives

Another theme was what it means to come together as an Anthroposophical Society. This followed the discussion on the future shape of a Michael Festival. This festival does not stand alone, but lies on the path from Easter as first an experience of denial, to Whitsun as the Feast of the Individual, whose respective language is understood by the other, to Michael, where one looks at how the individual takes the initiative. It is not a question of defining a festival once and for all, but of seeing it as Conference of Country Representatives something that can and will evolve. Space for initiative and life with its consequences Marc Desaules pointed out that «The Michael being lives with the results and The Conference of General Secretaries has been renamed the Conference of Country Rep- connects itself with the consequences. We resentatives in order to remove the distinction between general secretaries and country can take the Michael festival motif with representatives in this meeting. Tensions arising from the Annual General Meeting were us into the Annual General Meeting. Indi- resolved. The possibility of the General Assembly being a Michael meeting was raised. viduals speak to the initiatives that they have grasped - and we create, together Although the 2018 Annual General Meeting way in!» Henri Murto had the impression with those in the meeting a space where was not the main topic in the Conference that it was not so much that different gen- we learn to live with the consequences.» of Country Representatives, an important erations came together, but that people Joan Sleigh added that «The celebration step was taken in resolving tensions that spoke to one another without a genera- is not just closed in a temple; it is a cel- had arisen from it. Sue Simpson (nz) ex- tional gulf. From this and from many areas ebration for every day in the world. The perienced that discussion was possible; of work, he asked: What can the Anthrop- celebration is realized through the people from the Board of the Anthrop- osophical Society give the world? Behind who live it.» Then it becomes clear, accord- osophical Society in Switzerland was also this question stands a karmic background ing to Niels Henrik Nielsen (dk), that it is invited for a session. Now it is possible to and with it, the intention to incarnate and not about the mistakes that people make, go forward. Marc Desaules (ch) also shares to work on earth. but about how we deal with the mistakes this perspective, "We are capable of moving that others make. And this requires that on.» The relief was clearly felt in the fol- Coming together as an the structure of the General Assembly be lowing session when Joan Sleigh reported Anthroposophical Society designed in such a way that Michael can to the representatives from the Executive The changing relationship was expressed connect with it. Council. For Henri Murto (fi) the really good in another gesture. Until now, represent- will was tangible, in that individual people atives from the countries were recognized Dealing with difficult situations came together. as general secretaries when they represent- The review of Justus Wittich was also a top- ed at least 500 members, otherwise they ic in the conference of country representa- «We cannot find a way in» were seen as country representatives. The tives. Bart Vanmechelen (be) experienced a However, the country representatives general secretaries met twice a year at the «positive atmosphere» when it came to Jus- experienced in their discussion after the Goetheanum, the country representatives tus Wittich's review. His tasks include not meeting with young people that other re- joined them for the pre-agm meeting. All only the office of treasurer, but also other flections lived in the youth. Irrespective of favoured removing this distinction in re- tasks such as communication and general this, they challenged themselves to under- spect to these meetings by adopting the management. In particular, Justus Wittich's stand what Rudolf Steiner presented during term country representative for both. «dealing with socially challenging situations, the 1923–24 Christmas Conference as the Ways will be sought as to how each coun- inside and outside, was managed in such a task of the Anthroposophical Society or try in which anthroposophy lives is best way that we find a solution and not that he the School of Spiritual Science: scientific represented in the conference and how provides the solution. Justus Wittich brings research needs to be done at the Goethea- the roles will be developed. Marc Desaules people together so that a solution can be num. They were interested in collaboration said, "The conference results from the fact found," noted Marc Desaules. Also, the view and authenticity. Their plea was, «Live your that a national society exists and that the that is also shared by the treasurers’ group ideals!» And Sue Simpson summarized their Executive Council has someone they can that carries the responsibility is that Justus questions as: «How can the Goetheanum contact. This is based on the principle of Wittich is not responsible for the strained invite our engagement? We cannot find a mutual recognition.» financial situation. | Sebastian Jüngel 16 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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«You live» (Rudolf Steiner, ga 260)

created world does not stop with the human being, but that we find the right relationship with the body precisely by being aware of its sublime origin. The soul lives in the body; we could also say that the body is the «wondrous place» on earth where the soul can live in a way that makes the world thoughts acces- sible, where the soul can experience itself in feeling, where it is carried by the limbs which serve it so that it can do loving deeds in grateful response to the love of God. The 2018/2019 Annual Motif: the seventh earth’s existence must, after all, not be taken rhythm of the Foundation Stone Meditation for granted. The physical body is also the part of us that Love substance – can itself and serve the spirit. In his book The Battle for the Soul world – cosmic light points out how the Rosicrucian stream has With the seventh rhythm Rudolf Steiner concludes his contemplation of the Foundation always aspired to transform and liberate the Stone Meditation. This rhythm brings together the qualities of the microcosmic verses. earth (the physical). We find the Rosicrucian Jaap Sijmons relates the seventh to the first rhythm and refers to the Staff of Mercury stream in contexts where plants are made and the Rose Cross as meditative images. into medicines or where the earth is spirit- ualized through preparations. The impulse for On 1 January 1924, during the Christmas Con- Like Mercury’s staff the first rhythm points the Goetheanum building also arises from it, ference, Rudolf Steiner gave his audience a to the spirit. Rudolf Steiner once pointed out as was discussed on 1 January 1924, a Mars day. «simple» rhythm as a help for accessing the that every meditation could begin with the The spiritualization of the earth and life Foundation Stone Meditation. It is the sev- Mercurial staff as it helps concentration and forces and the soul’s bodily life must undergo enth and last rhythm. On Christmas Day, 25 wards off everyday influences. In ancient death and resurrection. The spiritual life con- December 1923, he laid the Foundation Stone Greece it was the symbol of Mercury, the di- tains the right degree of dying. The symbol of the General Anthroposophical Society. On vine messenger, who can guide us across into we have for this is the Rose Cross. The black the following day, a Wednesday, he gave the the world beyond the threshold of death – in cross symbolizes life that has died in Christ first rhythm as a help to «arrange the verses the right way, that is, by preserving our ‹I›. It and that is resurrected as soul in the roses, ra- in our in a way that allows us to retain is hardly a coincidence that the first rhythm diating light. Just as every meditation should them». This procedure he continued every was presented in this form on a Wednesday. start with the Mercurial staff in order to en- morning at around 10 o’clock up until 1 Janu- The first rhythm is the rhythm of Mercury, the hance concentration, it should – according ary 1924, presenting a new rhythm every day. one that «bestows grace» on us and lifts us up. to the just mentioned indication by Rudolf Steiner – end with the symbol of the Rose The first rhythm The last rhythm Cross, the symbol of our humanity, to help On Wednesday the first rhythm resounded: The last rhythm is very different in character. us find the right relationship with the world. Spirit Recalling – Spirit Awareness – Spirit It does not lead us up to the spirit, but points Beholding; Your own ‹I› – your own ‹I› - (on) to the life of the soul in the physical body. The last of seven your own ‹I›; in the ‹I› of God – with the ‹I› of «You live in the limbs / For the Father-Spirit of Maybe the seventh rhythm can also be called the World – for free and active willing; comes the Heights holds sway / In depths of worlds «simple» because it is the last one. In a sev- into being – unite – bestow. (Cf. Anthropos- begetting life – You live in the beat of heart enfold development the germ evolves first ophy Worldwide 5/2018, p. 12f.) and lung / For the Christ-will encircling us and differentiates itself. The first rhythm The human ‹I› is addressed three times, holds sway / In world rhythms bestowing moves in the microcosmic aspects of the first as it finds its reality in its divine origin, in grace upon souls – You live in the resting three verses. In the third rhythm the verse its belonging to the world and its lofty task. head / For the Spirit’s world-thoughts hold expands beyond the verses’ microcosmic The rhythm is dominated by the mercurial sway / In cosmic being, yearning for light. and macrocosmic aspects. The fourth, mid- vowel ‹i›. Raised from divine grounds, striv- This threefold life of the soul in the body dle, rhythm is the far-reaching because it ing towards the heights, through the «surg- is not as «low» as Christian tradition will stretches from the inner work of the human ing deeds of worlds evolving», through the sometimes make it seem, nor is it as purely soul to the expanses of the divine hierarchies. world contrasts, through the world rhythms, personal and egoistic as one might assume The following rhythm contracts again and spiralling upwards, the ‹I› finds its fulfil- from its association with the physical. The encompasses parts of the fourth verse: the ment and purpose in the light of freedom. word «for» indicates that the divinity of the threefold practising and «That good may Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 17

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Communication: May we contact you by email? (6) become» in the fifth verse, and the very heart of the Foundation Stone Meditation, the Christ Last Call: digital or paper? Sun in the sixth rhythm, together with the iden- tical conclusion («May human beings hear it») From 2019 Anthroposophy Worldwide will be distributed digitally [this refers to the of the three macrocosmic passages. Readers German edition. The English edition has turned digital some time ago]. If you have are referred to the previous contemplations on not yet left your email address with the Goetheanum for Anthroposophy Worldwide these rhythms in this series in Anthroposophy to be sent to you or if you wish to receive a hard copy, please either send your address Worldwide. to the editors or subscribe to the online version. The seventh rhythm is «simple» again in that it only consists of the first lines of the microcos- The Goetheanum continues to receive needs rectifying. Our server might have mic and macrocosmic parts of the first three dozens of letters or emails weekly. We are wrongly identified your email as spam or verses (it is not really all that simple otherwise). grateful for your active cooperation with your server ours, so check your spam folder It is also simple because it reflects a fact: the these changes! The present edition of An- first. These or other problems are possible. soul lives in the threefold human body as an throposophie Weltweit is the last one to be Please inform us and we will endeavour to image of the Trinity. sent out to everyone in print. This will not find a solution. If, in 2019, you receive the The deeper dimension of this fact is devel- apply to subscribers to the weekly journal digital Anthroposophy Worldwide and the oped in the first microcosmic part (in the first Das Goetheanum (they will continue to delivery suddenly stops it is also worth- twelve lines). When the ‹I› practises Spirit Re- receive the paper copy) or to those who while checking your spam folder. If you calling, we become aware in the depths of our have informed us, or are going to inform don’t find anything there, please contact us. soul of how the ‹I› originates in the ‹I› of God us, that they wish to continue to receive It can also happen that you receive and that it will «truly live». This life has over- a paper copy. This is best done using the Anthroposophy Worldwide in the wrong come the restrictions of the physical body and online form at www.anthroposophie.org/ language. In that case please let us know the ‹I› knows that it can live in the body because abo. Should you experience difficulties which language you would like to receive it gives the ‹I›-soul its existential reason for not with filling in or sending off the form – and (German, English and Spanish are available remaining in the body as hedonism would have please only in that case – please write to at present). We will implement the nec- it do, but that this life wants to lead through [email protected], or else essary changes step by step and strive to death and resurrection to the spirit. write by post to Goetheanum, AWW Papier, make the transition as seamless as possible. Being born out of God’s ‹I› means being, as Postfach, 4143 Dornach, Switzerland. Changes in structure and design are also one’s ‹I› lives in the threefold physical organ- possible. We will keep you informed. isation, a living image of the threefold effect Troubleshooting Lastly, we would like to thank the Anthro- of the divine ‹I›. The Father-Spirit holds sway The edition you are holding in your hands posophical Society in Germany for having in depths of worlds, the Christ-will around us now has been sent to you in print as before. If paid the costs of printing and distributing and the Spirit of the heights in the yearning for you have left your email address you should Anthroposophie Weltweit to its members light. In remembering we become spiritually receive an email version in addition. We use for twenty years. | Justus Wittich (publisher), aware of them. Being wholly permeated by this test run as a way of troubleshooting: Sebastian Jüngel (editor) them means realizing the spirit-human being. if you don’t receive the email by Christmas Eve, we either did not receive your email The octave of the address or some kind of error occurred that Foundation Stone laying The last rhythm takes us back to the beginning, to the laying of the foundation stone. On Christ- mas Day and also on a Tuesday, a Mars day, the foundation stone was – and this is expressed in the seventh rhythm – formed directly out of the Trinitarian essence. Not only did Rudolf Anthroposophy Steiner speak the Foundation Stone Meditation with the light-infused Martial power of the Worldwide is word, he also formed the foundation stone free to members from the three forces – the love substance of the Father, the world imagination of the Son as PDF and the cosmic light of the Spirit – and sunk it into the hearts of the members. Sergei O. www.goetheanum.org/en/ aag/aw/online-order/ Prokofieff often emphasized this difference. In the «simple» but mysterious seventh rhythm we come close to this mystical deed: living in the beat of heart and lung with the Christ-will. | Jaap Sijmons, Foundation Stone Initiative 18 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

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General Anthroposophical Society Proposal for the further development of the Statutes Many proposals have been received from members in response to the article in Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2018 which asked how the global Society can be involved more. After initial discussions with the country representatives (N.B. this term now includes the general secretaries) a first proposal for regulations regard- ing the Annual General Meeting can now be submitted.

The first ideas about changes were dis- How can the members of the Gener- cussed in late June at the Conference of al Anthroposophical Society, who live in the European General Secretaries in War- more than 50 countries (with 35 countries submitted motions in advance in order to saw (pl), but did not meet with a unani- having national societies), be involved establish if and how, according to the Stat- mous response. More specific proposals more? None of the known models (post- utes and the motions’ content, they should were brought to the Conference of Coun- al vote, transferring votes, delegates) is be considered by the agm. Such a regulation try Representatives in November by the in itself convincing. With each of them is already in place for the voting process. Goetheanum Leadership, spearheaded by there is the danger of slipping more Gerald Häfner and Justus Wittich. The di- deeply into the usual «club mentality». What does reaffirming an Executive rection suggested by these proposals was Council member mean? welcomed by this conference and will be More ways of participating An «initiative executive» must be able to discussed in detail at the 2019 agm. This dis- The proposal now submitted for discussion act as a constellation of personalities and cussion must reveal what is evident to the is therefore to regulate agm procedures on the basis of their ability to complement members and therefore ready for a decision. in a way that is specified in the Statutes and work with each other. This means that but that can be amended more easily for the request to the agm to agree the ap- Including the Society worldwide each following year. It would, for instance, pointment of a new or the extension of The Statutes of the Anthroposophical Soci- include the classical postal vote, but only the tenure of an existing Executive Council ety should reflect actual facts. The proposal for reviews and appointments of Executive member does not only relate to one per- therefore includes – in keeping with the Council members or serious amendments son’s activities but to a constellation that «flat hierarchy» that has been practised for to the Statutes. Postal votes mean that the the Executive Council considers suitable many years – that the chairperson office is motions presented to the agm cannot be and necessary for fulfilling its tasks. Discus- abolished, that the Conference of global changed through debate. They are feasible sions on this with the relevant organs must country representatives is taken seriously technically but require considerable input be sought prior to the agm and the agree- as an organ of collegial cooperation and and rely on advance information. ment of the members asked at the end. If no that members who live further away are Another idea might become more impor- agreement can be reached among these or- enabled to take part in the agm. Lastly, tant in the future: the possibility of a geo- gans – the Executive Council, Goetheanum there is also a proposal regarding the way graphically extended agm. A parallel agm Leadership, Country Representatives and the Executive Council is appointed. could take place in Järna (se) for instance agm – the new constellation is not viable. In The Conference of General Secretaries and be attended by the Scandinavian mem- this case the Executive Council is obliged to (representing 18 countries with more than bers who would – aside from also discussing submit a new proposal at the next ordinary 500 members each) and Country Repre- their own topics – follow virtually what is agm or, if it is more urgent, at an extraordi- sentatives (of a further 17 countries), which going on at the Goetheanum. This would al- nary general meeting. In principle, the act- has been meeting for many years, has long low them to be part of an anthroposophical, ing Executive Council member will remain become a solid institution. It has gained spiritual and societal event while casting in office (unless s/he decides to withdraw stability and weight and contributes to the their votes where they are. A ballot moder- in case of non-affirmation) until a new pro- development of an appropriate conscious- ator, who would be appointed beforehand, posal has received the agreement of the ness and of a space where the global Society would then convey the result to Dornach. organs mentioned above. In this way the can come together and take responsibility. Finally there could be a regulation specify- leadership of the Anthroposophical Society It should therefore be included in the future ing that the Conference of the Country Rep- can form itself out of an organic inner pro- Statutes as the Conference of Country Rep- resentatives needs to be involved in certain cess while the necessary democratic trans- resentatives and as an organ of the Society. consultations and decisions (such as agree- parency and participation is maintained. The last chairman was Manfred Schmidt- ing to the addition of Executive Council As soon as the precise wording has been Brabant. Since then the Executive Council members or to the extension of their tenure, finalized and checked, the proposal will has functioned as a collegial organ in which decisions on the rate of membership fees.) be available at www.goetheanum.org/ all Executive Council members have equal There is also a proposal for a motion AnthroposophischeGesellschaft/Gener- and responsibility. It is therefore pro- committee, to be elected independently alversammlung 2019. | Gerald Häfner, Justus posed to remove this office from the Statutes. of the Executive Council, which examines Wittich, Goetheanum Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18 | 19

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20 Oct. 1924 – We have been informed that the following 31 members 4 Nov. 2018 have crossed the threshold of death. In their remem- brance we are providing this information for their Oskar friends. The Membership Office at the Goetheanum Borgman Anna Guthschmidt Beets nh (nl), 18 June 2017 Hansen Renée Willaime Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy (fr), 21 February 2018 Anna Boock Rendsburg (de), 5 June 2018 Hans-Christian Hornum Skanderborg (dk), 10 June 2018 Gudrun Schaefer Wuppertal (de), 23 June 2018 Oskar Borgman Hansen was Emilie Weingart Niefern-Öschelbronn (de), 30 July 2018 born in Copenhagen (dk) in Yuko Nagano Tokyo (jp), 30 August 2018 1924, into what he called a cosy, Michael Klein Schopfheim (de), 28 August 2018 bourgeois milieu. After gradu- Ingeborg Richter Überlingen (de), 24 September 2018 ating from grammar school he Jonas Blücher Örebro (se), 27 September 2018 wanted to become a musician. Erika Hage Engelskirchen (de), 30 September 2018 Fromuthe Eckhart Niefern-Oeschelbronn (de), 9 October 2018 His parents were not so keen Elisabeth Hubbeling Cham (ch), 11 October 2018 on this plan, however, and so Ulla Dahl Örebro (se), 13. October 2018 he decided to study , Brigitte Greuter (ch), 15 October 2018 doing extensive language stud- Annemarie Brust Überlingen (de), 18 October 2018 Books, articles, lectures ies on the side. Hans Bidlingmaier Düsseldorf (de), 19 October 2018 «What is the meaning of life?» Oskar Borgman Hansen was in- Pek Sim Ng Balwyn North (au), 19 October 2018 he asked himself from an early strumental in making anthro- Gert Pöckl Vienna (at), 19 October 2018 Reinhild Mengel Essen (de), 21. October 2018 age. He discovered that this was posophy a recognized cultural Detlev Putzar Reutlingen (de), 21 October 2018 not a question for scientific phi- factor in Denmark. Among his Hazel Straker Stroud (gb), 22 October 2018 losophy. He discovered Rudolf manifold activities are an im- Charlotte Schulz Vienna (at), 25 October 2018 Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom pressive series of book publica- Siegfried Ofner Arriach (at), 26 October 2018 while he was still at school and tions, several hundred articles in Erich zur Eck St. Gilgen (at), 27 October 2018 throughout his life the study of journals and newspapers and Fritz Fuchs Järna (se), 27 October 2018 this book and of anthroposo- lectures on many topics. His lec- Albert Halbheer Murten (ch), 31 October 2018 George Saphir Schopfheim (de), 2 November 2018 phy remained the foundation ture tours took him to most Eu- Ralf Assmann Essen (de), 3 November 2018 on which he built his work. ropean countries, with , Oskar Borgman Hansen Århus (dk), 4 November 2018 When he finished his phi- Sweden, Finland and Estonia be- Johanna Girke Berlin (de), 5 November 2018 losophy studies he worked for ing frequent destinations. He several years for the National upheld intensive contacts with Library before he was called the Anthroposophical Society in In October 2018 the Membership Office was informed to the university in Århus (dk). Estonia when it was banned un- of 77 new admissions to the Society. Between 16 Octo- ber and 12 November 2018, 49 members left the Society. | Kirsten Larsen, Sabro (dk) der Soviet rule, smuggling many books into the country through the Iron Curtain. He was also invited to the member of the Holger-Rosen- humanity today. And they must United States, Taiwan and krantz-Branch, of which he have a clear idea of the task of When Oskar retired from Århus . His visit to South was chairman, I experienced anthroposophy. They must, to University in 1994, a festschrift Africa was during apartheid and him as a steadfast campaigner the best of their ability, remain was dedicated to him with caused a public stir in Denmark for a living anthroposophy. In in close contact with other ac- fifteen contributions from (resulting even in calls for his his final years he often spoke tive Society members and it colleagues and students. The dismissal from the universi- emphatically of the appeal Ru- must be far from them to say, greeting addressed to him said, ty), although he had lectured dolf Steiner addressed to active ‹It’s none of my business when «The Institute of Philosophy is against apartheid. Thanks to members in the fourth letter (of anthroposophy and those rep- losing an outstanding teacher. his eminent language skills he 10 February 1924, ga 26), «Mem- resenting it are slandered and You are known best as a mas- could give a lecture in Finnish bers who wish to communicate misrepresented by opponents›.» ter in the art of listening who in Finland and in Italian in Italy. the knowledge of anthroposo- Oskar Borgman Hansen often always has pertinent answers. phy to others must accept these referred to the «three evils» of You are a master of the word: no Living anthroposophy responsibilities as soon as they our time – , de- manuscript, seemingly unpre- From 1966 to 2002 Oskar Borg- address anyone beyond the mocracy, market economy – in pared. The points you make are man Hansen was general sec- smallest, intimate circle. They an appeal to question estab- marked by experience, construc- retary of the Anthroposoph- must have a clear idea about lished values. | Hans Erik Deckert, tive thinking and inspiration. ical Society in Denmark. As a the general spiritual situation of Malling (dk) 20 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 12/18

■ Feature

Media education Self-guided use of digital appliances based on development The corresponding curriculum for kinder- Analogue before garten and the first years of school will emphasize broad, sense-oriented primary digital world experiences and the mastering of analogue Digital have a fascinating media such as handwriting. In the higher potential, but they are also associated classes the students will then work actively with abuse through mobbing or phishing with digital devices. and with the risk of addiction. The Wal- The International Forum of the Waldorf dorf movement advocates a media ed- Movement asks kindergartens and schools ucation that allows children and young- to decide for themselves when to use dig- sters to gradually gain competence in ital media. «The education system must the digital world. not be determined by economic interests.» | Sebastian Jüngel

Web: www.waldorf-international.org

Robin Schmidt on a positive Robin Schmidt: similarities approach to the digital transition with 19th century developments Learning about Robin Schmidt likens the digital transition the pendulum effect to the emergence of a culture informed with the smartphone by natural science in the late nineteenth century, an experience that initially evoked on the swings a sense of loss: people began to feel less Consulting on ways forward: members The philosopher, historian and educa- connected to nature and its annual cycle, of the International Forum of the Waldorf tionist Robin Schmidt thinks that turning their former sense of social integration was Movement at the Goetheanum your back on the digital reality is not lost and their relationship with God and helpful. While historical and cultural religion faded into the background. And Acquiring skills takes time. The more thor- innovations often cause insecurity they yet it was this development that made it oughly this is done, the stronger a person also bring new developments. Education possible for the individual to become the grows and the greater is their competence in includes learning «despite, through, on cultural and political centre. applying their skills. Using tools will expand and with» digital technologies. Today, again, we need to find a cultural their scope of activity – the more powerful perspective. Robin Schmidt thinks that a these tools are the more necessary will it culture of «hospitality» can offer perspec- be to use them consciously and responsibly. Today we see infants who «swipe» across tives for education. This means in the first a book or window pane, expecting a new instance to recognize that the digitaliza- Preconditions for responsible actions picture to appear. For Robin Schmidt this tion of the world has changed the way we Cognitive faculties needed for using digital shows how our lifeworld has changed: pri- relate to it. devices rely on healthy brain development. mary experiences arise less and less from an This development happens in interaction urban or natural environment and more of- Analogue and digital with a multitude of different sensory and ten from digital experiences. Robin Schmidt Knowing how the digital world functions other experiences. The prefrontal cortex, is head of the research institute for cultural and learning despite, through, on and with the basis for controlling impulses and form- impulses at the Goetheanum and research the information technologies allows stu- ing judgements – and therefore for self-de- assistant at Fachhochschule Nordwestsch- dents to become autonomous at various termined and responsible actions – only weiz, one of Switzerland’s leading univer- levels. This does not have to result in even develops in early puberty. sities of applied sciences and arts, where more abstract physics lessons: why should Bearing this in mind, the Waldorf move- he is involved in a project on teaching and young people not learn about the pendu- ment advocates a development-based learning in the digital transition. lum by going on swings and using their approach to digital technologies: indirect smartphone’s acceleration sensor to record media education, which includes the acqui- Sense of loss data? | Sebastian Jüngel sition of practical, social and intellectual Technology is traditionally seen as threaten- skills, followed by direct media education ing: familiar objects are replaced by innova- with the use of digital media. tions and the culture we know is disrupted. Web www.waldorf-international.org