Dear friends – Every day I find revelations, insights & connections thru Spiritual Science in my search to understand myself & the world. What a blessing to have this resource, & to be part of a world-wide community that strives to live into these New Mysteries.
Jack Milner
I have often found it to be vital to highlight the importance of acknowledging & bringing together the 2 major streams within our movement. And in these times of unrest this is even more essential.
Victor Bright
So in that light, just because a spiritual scientist goes about interrupting a Steiner quote in their own way, or focuses on a different aspect of modern science from their own research then perhaps you might feel is right; it does not make them wrong, or bad, or make it OK to go on an attack out of a sense of righteousness, that you have to set the record straight. Friends, we are a small karmic group, sending negative barbs out at others who are perhaps of a different stream, just weakens our cause. Please consider practicing tolerance, to develop interest which can ideally lead to love of the other.
Annael
“If the stream of spirituality is not powerful enough to influence lazy and easy-going people as well, the karmic consequence of nervous derangement will gain greater and greater hold over humanity, and just as in the Middle Ages there were epidemics of leprosy, so, in future, materialistic thinking will give rise to grave nervous diseases; there will be epidemics of insanity besetting whole peoples.
Insight into this domain of the Law of Karma reveals that Spiritual Science should never be a matter of strife but a healing power in humanity. The more spiritual men become, the more will troubles connected with diseases of the nervous system and derangement in the life of soul, be expunged.”
~From the very end of last night’s CRC study call where we worked with Theosophy of the Rosicrucian – The Law of Destiny VI by Rudolf Steiner
Sea Cooke
“The Three Days” – An online Easter Festival with the Central Regional Council
Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, All three days: April 10 -12, 2020 from 3 pm – 4:15 pm CDT (4 pm – 5:15 pm EDT)
We will apply Spiritual Research, taking inspiration from the ancient Mysteries, indications from Rudolf Steiner, Emil Bock, and personal vision, to artistically follow the Cosmic Sun on the ultimate path of human initiation, from the Free-Will Sacrifice, through the Harrowing of Hell, to Conquer Death – into the Resurrection of the New Sun.
Please have paper & colored pencils on hand.
Artistic activities include: Speech Work with the Calendar of the Soul, Musical interludes, Drawing exercise, Conscious conversation, Participatory Eurythmy, and a Performance with Mary Ruud of the Easter Verse from the Calendar of the Soul.
Special Guest Rev. Craig Wiggins, Lanker for the Christian Community, will join us in the pageant readings. And Dr. David Tressemer of the Association for Anthroposophic Psychology (AAP) will also join us in the readings, as our dear David Howerton is ill.
How can we as human beings in community bring a practical understanding to these mysteries?
Join us as we strive to gain the forces needed to do our part in furthering this impulse in world evolution.
FREE – ALL are Welcome – find below Zoom Call details and link to reading materials.
The Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society in America invites you to join our on-line Easter Festival, which replaces the original festival with the AAP which has been postponed to a TBD date due to pandemic precautions.
This will be a “Zoom” conference call allowing us an opportunity to see one another while conversing (or audio only if you prefer). To connect to the audio/video-conference: Option 1. Click link below if you wish to connect through your computer (a headset is recommended) https://zoom.us/j/9900117223 The PASSWORD is: 679832
Option 2. Call in using your telephone. United States: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 312 626 6799 Access Code: 990-011-7223 The PASSWORD is: 679832
Option 3. You can use a combination of Options 1 and 2 (computer and phone). If you use the phone, please turn off the audio on your computer to prevent audio feedback.
For more info. contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@peoplepc.com
‘When out of world-wide spaces The sun speaks to the human mind, And gladness from the depths of soul Becomes, in seeing, one with light, Then rising from the sheath of self, Thoughts soar to distances of space And dimly bind The human being to the spirit’s life.‘ ~Rudolf Steiner, Calendar of the Soul – Spring Verse
***
Calling all Merry Prep-Stirs!!!
We will have a Spring Stir at Sunrise on Easter morning 6:12 am.
~At dawn the thread of Time unfurls – Sunlight streams across Space – Time reaches in both directions Knotted in the golden orb of the moment. The Eye opens, the Heart unlocks, the Navel yawns & takes the World in its belly ~hag
***
9 April 2020 – “Speaking with the Stars”: This is the time of year when, the last of twilight fades away, the bowl of the Little Dipper extends straight to the right of Polaris. High above the end-stars of the Little Dipper’s bowl, you’ll find the end-stars of the Big Dipper’s bowl.
Feast Day of of Mary Cleophas, who was at the crucifixion with Mary Magdalen & Mary-Sophia the Mother of Jesus
1241 –Mongol Invasions which necessitated the help of the Templars. The Templars worked hard to preserve the integrity of Europe. 73 years later – a little over the span of a human life – they were exterminated by the same forces that worked in the Mongols Ghengis Kahn & Kublai Kahn.
1626 – The death day of Francis Bacon. In Karmic Relationships Steiner indicates that in a former life he was, Harun al Rashid.
“I have already spoken, here at Dornach too, of Lord Bacon of Verulam as the reincarnated Haroun al Raschid. We know how intense and determining an influence Bacon’s conceptions had on the whole succeeding evolution of the spiritual life, notably in its finer impulses and movements. Now the remarkable thing is this, that in Lord Bacon himself something took place which we may describe as a morbid elimination of old spirituality. For such spirituality he had after all possessed when he was Haroun al Raschid.
And thus we see, proceeding from the impulse of Lord Bacon, a whole world of daemonic beings. The world was literally filled supersensibly and sensibly with daemonic beings. (When I say “sensibly” I meant not, of course, visibly, but within the world of sense.)
Now it chiefly fell to the individuality of Alexander to wage war against these daemonic idols of Lord Bacon, Francis Bacon of Verulam. And similar activities, exceedingly important ones, were taking place on earth below. For otherwise the materialism of the 19th century would have broken in upon the world in a far more devastating way even than it did. Similar activities, taking place in the spiritual and in the physical world together, were allotted to the stream of Michael, until at length at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century there took place in super-sensible regions what I have already described as the enactment of a great and sublime super-sensible ritual and ceremony”. ~RS
***
The Sacred Gateway: Conscious Living, Conscious Dying, and the Journey Beyond ONLINE CONFERENCE APRIL 17-19, 2020
The corona virus has awakened the power of our Collective Will.
What would it be like to use it in good will instead of fear, to collectively agree to end gun violence, & poverty, & starvation, &, &, &…? What do we really want our reality to be? What World can ‘We the People’ create if we truly see ourselves as being part of One World?
Right now, it is like we are all living in a rehab intervention scenario which is meant to break our addictive hold on what has become ‘normal’: the lies, the corporate bailouts, the 2 party system, blah, blah, blah. The only way to change a bad habit is to admit it’s there. Then we have the opportunity to reprogram our etheric body, to stop being driven by overwhelming outside forces that make us feel like we have no say – developing instead, our ability to think outside the box, & exercise our Free Will..
Pawel Kuczynski
Many people are asking: Do really even want to return to ‘normal’?
Pawel Kuczynski
Are we going to let the politician dictate to us their version of the “new normal”? We are clearly seeing that fear tactics are facilitating public acceptance of the suspension of our civil liberties, mandatory quarantine, restrictions on travel & the freedom of assembly, censorship of what the ‘authorities’ call disinformation, suspension of habeas corpus, & the military policing of civilians (martial law?) Will we accept forced vaccination? Our cell phones allow the tracking of our every move. These actions against our human rights are justified on the grounds of flattening the curve, & anyone who questions any of this is called selfish or non-scientific by frightened peers.
Pawel Kuczynski
The threat of infectious disease, like the threat of terrorism, never goes away, so these control measures can easily become the “new normal”, the status quo, & even enhanced. How much of life will we sacrifice at the false altar of security? Does taking off our shoes at the airport make us safer, or just humiliate us? Besides letting ourselves be x-rayed, will we also agree to be medically examined every time we travel? Do we want to live in a world where human beings are not allowed to touch, or come together in community, or assemble to protest? Do we want every event to be a virtual event? Do we want to wear masks in public all the time? Will we just hand over the sovereignty of our own bodies & the bodies of our children, to medical authorities – to the profits of Big Parma? How much authority will we hand over to this new home land security?
Pawel Kuczynski
Putting spiritual concepts & karma aside, which is an important topic that I have spoken of elsewhere & which I will delve into at the Sacred Gateway Online Gathering; I think we can all agree that there is no ‘acceptable’ number to human death, that it is NOT OK to let those that are old, or compromised not be protected. There has been a lot of graphs & throwing out of numbers, so really to get a perspective, if the global death toll for corona virus goes to 30,000 or 300,000 or 3 million, we must also see that last year, 5 million children worldwide died of hunger, not to mention the quality of life for the 162 million who are stunted from starvation & 51 million who are wasted. That is 200 times more people than have died so far from this virus; & yet no government has declared a state of emergency or asked that we radically alter our way of life to save them. What about the fact that the 3rd leading cause of death is medical error! What about the masses of people so overwhelmed & depressed by society that they commit suicide, which kills over a million people a year globally, 50,000 in the USA alone. Or drug overdoses, which kill 70,000 in the USA. Because of environmental issues there is an epidemic of autoimmune diseases, which affects 50 million. What about junk food & obesity, which afflicts well over 100 million. Why, for that matter, are we not in mobilizing, as activists like Greta Thunburg is urging us to do, to avert climate change which is leading to an ecological collapse? NO instead we allow the profit of cooperation’s to rule.
Pawel Kuczynski
Will we continue to let our ’Safety in Place’ gives us a false sense of security which stops us from asking questions, following the money & looking at connections? I don’t know if corona virus is linked with other epidemics like AIDS or SARS …I don’t know if it is a genetically engineered bioweapon, from a lab in a Wuhan, or Fort Detrick, or some other military dungeon…Is it an excuse to foster a totalitarian world government. Is it related to the 5G rollout? I certainly see that 5G, like all sub-nature depletes life forces. I don’t think corona virus is more deadly than we’ve been told…What if it’s actually less deadly?
Ivan Grozdanovski,
Can we use this ‘crisis’ to step up in our human evolution, to conquer, fear, & doubt & hatred – to develop instead, clear thinking, courage, & love…? Asking: Am I free?
My friends, get away from
the bombarding microwaves broadcasting doom & gloom, there is much we can
do to counteract these forces. Join me & many others sending light out to
the world thru eurythmy, form drawing, speaking the Foundation Stone, working
with the rhythms, taking time each night to wrap yourself in prayers like this
from our dear Dr. Steiner:
“I will follow the path That dissolves the elements into activity, And leads me down to the Father Who sends illness to work out karma, And leads me up to the Spirit Who guides the erring soul toward freedom. The Christ leads downward and upward, Creating Spirit-Man in Earth humanity In harmonious union.” ~ Rudolf Steiner, Broken Vessels: The Spiritual Structure of Human Frailty Dornach, Switzerland, September 1924, GA 318
Jenny Mobve
~hag, in healing unity with you
Here is the Rhythm for Sunday:
***
Program Events
Greetings friends – The Central Regional Council will sponsor a Zoom Study Group Meeting for April 8th on the Karma of Epidemics (details below)
ALL are welcome to join us. April 8th 2020, 7:15 pm CST (see audio conference details below)
“Imagine a people which was composed entirely of liars, the astral plane would be populated solely by the corresponding demons and these demons would be able to express themselves in a constitutional tendency to epidemics. Thus there is a certain species of bacilli who are the carriers of infectious diseases; these beings are the progeny of the lies told by human beings; they are nothing else than physically embodied demons generated by lies.” (GA 99 – L.6)
One tap mobile +13126266799,,451374910# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,451374910# US (New York)
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 451 374 910 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adZ7jft0hb
If you have questions, please contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@peoplepc.com Let us stand together with courage in this now, as we look to our future with equanimity, holding all that comes before us as being guided by a divine directive waiting to be revealed by our patient spiritual investigation.
Many of us are doing constructive things like the Hallelujah & the Soul Hygiene exercises in Eurythmy, & The Foundation Stone Meditation at Sunrise (or anytime) every morning to create a high vibration of Love & Light – Please join us for the healing of all.
Yours in service ~The CRC team: Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton
art by Daniel Ospina
***
Ara Isaakyan
‘The Three Days’, an On-Line Easter Festival with the Central Reginal Council
Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, all three days: April 9-12, 2020 from 3 pm – 4:15 pm CDT
We will be taking up indications from Emil Bock’s ‘The Three Years” to artistically explore the Spiritual Science of ‘The Paschal Triduum’: Following the Cosmic Sun on the ultimate path of initiation, from the Free-Will Sacrifice, through the Conquering of Death, into the Resurrection of the New Sun.
How can we as human beings in community bring a practical understanding to these mysteries?
Join us as we strive to gain the forces needed to do our part in furthering this impulse in world evolution.
FREE – ALL are Welcome – Zoom Call and other details to follow
The CRC – Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton
***
The Sacred Gateway: Online Conference
Conscious Living, Conscious Dying, and the Journey Beyond
APRIL 17-19, 2020
Support those who are crossing and who have crossed over
Expand your practice and knowledge of working with the dying
Learn more about the soul’s journey from death to new life
Through interactive workshops, biography work, keynote discussions with Rev. Patrick Kennedy and Dr. Melinda Toney, workshops with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, Sandra LaGrega Jennifer Fox, and more, as well as experiential and artistic activities, we will consciously explore the spiritual and practical aspect of human life and death.
Conference Fees:
$200 Supporter ~ Live Event + Recordings and Resources, plus Two Sacred Gateway Webinar Series (You can see those by clicking here and here) + One Recorded Online Community Gathering ($80 value), Podcast Links. This level fully supports this conference and other events like it!
$150 Resource Package ~ Live Event + Recordings and Resources, plus Two Sacred Gateway Webinar Series (You can see those by clicking here and here) + One Recorded Online Community Gathering ($80 value), and Podcast Links
$95 Regular Rate ~ Live Event + Recordings and Resources
$45 Youth Rate (Age 35 and under) ~ Live Event + Recordings and Resources
$45 Keynotes Only ~ Live Keynotes + Recordings Financial Assistance Available (Email programs@anthroposophy.org)
Conference Schedule – All start times in Eastern Standard Time (Note: Workshops Subject to Additions/Minor Changes)
Friday, April 17
7:30pm-9pm Conference Opening and Keynote
True Living is Dying: The Life-Giving Power of Death Keynote Discussion and Q&A with Rev. Patrick Kennedy
Saturday April 18
11:00-11:45am Welcome, Introductions and Biography Work
11:45am-1:15pm Two-Day Themed Workshops (Choose one theme and attend Saturday, and Sunday)
From Loss to Connection Through Reading for the Dead and Writing with Marianne Dietzel and Maureen Flannery
The Lemniscate Journey: Exploring the Relationships in Our Lives from Birth to Death and Death to Rebirth Through Biography and Social Art with Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox
Giving Way to Grace: Chrysalis Emerging from Conscious Living and Conscious Dying with Melinda Toney, MD, Carole Shoaf End-Of-Life Doula and Katherine Blackburn, End-Of-Life Doula and Esoteric Christian Minister
NEW:The Connection between Epidemics, and the Spiritual World with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
1:15-1:30pm Break
1:30-2:30pm The Vigil of the Heart with Linda Bergh and Ellen Hufschmidt
2:30-3:00pm Break
3:00-4:30pm Topic Workshops
Acknowledging the End with Jolie Luba
After Deathcare as a Healing Art with Tischia Bluske
4:30-5:00pm Break
5:00-6:00pm Proactive Grieving: The Sacred Gateway as a Bridge Keynote Conversation with Dr. Melinda Toney
6:15- 7:00pm Group Reflections and Closing
Sunday, April 19
11:00-11:45am Welcome, Introductions and Biography Work
11:45-12:45 Consecrating our Dying Keynote with Patrick Kennedy
12:45-1:15 Break
1:15-2:30 Two-Day Themed Workshops
From Loss to Connection Through the Arts: Reading, Writing and Drawing with Marianne Dietzel and Maureen Flannery
The Lemniscate Journey: Exploring the Relationships in Our Lives from Birth to Death and Death to Rebirth Through Biography and Social Art with Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox
Giving Way to Grace: Chrysalis Emerging from Conscious Living and Conscious Dying with Melinda Toney, MD, Carole Shoaf End-Of-Life Doula and Katherine Blackburn, End-Of-Life Doula and Esoteric Christian Minister
‘Festivals for the Dead, the Unborn, and the Evolution of Earth – Then and Now’. with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, Eurythmy with Raven Garland
2:30-2:45pm Break
2:45-3:30pm Sacred Burial Ceremony and Conference Closing with Linda Bergh, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg and Ultra Archer-Ginsberg
Our dear Dr. Steiner said: ‘It is not the Christ we lack, but the knowledge of Christ, the Sophia of Christ, the Isis of Christ we are lacking.’ In ‘Ancient Myths and the New Isis Mystery: Their Meaning and Connection with Evolution’ Lecture 3; given in Dornach, 6 January 1918, by Rudolf Steiner; we hear how the power of ‘The Word, the power of The Logos’, must be resurrected through our striving to activate the Wisdom of Anthroposophia within each of us. Join Hazel Archer-Ginsberg for a powerful presentation Lifting the Veil of the New Isis-Sophia, to bring Light to Love.
~Vitae Sophia~A Whitsun Festival of United Soul Endeavor with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
Saturday, 30 May, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Groh Farm, 135 Temple Rd, Wilton, NH
Eurythmy: AUM = A – I stand for myself, U- I stand for humanity, M – I stand for Life
Social Sculpture: Steiner’s ‘Blue Dot Exercise’– Through Art, the bridge between science & spirit, we warm the ‘I’, to open the heart, in support of healthy community.
What are my gifts-What are my tools? How can I place them in right relationship within the social realm? How can I hone them to strengthen and enhance the world?
Living into the Foundation Stone of Love – How can we take our individual Inner Whitsun & expand it, into what Steiner calls the “World Festival of Knowledge” a path leading from ‘Sprit Recollection’, to ‘Sprit Sensing’, to ‘Sprit Beholding’?
Enter the Labyrinth of ‘Vitae Sophia’ – Human hearts, once warmed, can rise up to meet the source of wisdom, like flowers turning toward the sun.
$30 suggested donation at the door, with potluck lunch to follow (please bring a dish to share) RSVP deb@anthroposophy.org Sponsored by the Anthroposophical Society in New Hampshire
Hazel Archer-Ginsberg – Founder of Reverse Ritual Understanding Anthroposophy through the Rhythms of the Year.Essayist, Lecturer, Poet, Trans-denominational Minister, ‘Anthroposopher’, working as the Festivals Coordinator of the Chicago Rudolf Steiner Branch, The Traveling Speakers Program, & the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society.
3 June 2020 – a Round Table Discussion 7 pm – 9 pm on ‘The Sophia’ with John Bloom, Joan Sleigh, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg & Carrie Schuchardt at The House of Peace in Ipswich, MA.
24 March 2020 – “Speaking with the Stars”: Today Bella Luna is gathering secrets from the Underworld – at this time of her disappearance, we say that it is New Moon. The perfect time to name what it is you want to see grow into fullness.
Evelyn De Morgan
East of the Sun, we can engage with ‘an apparition of Venus’ at ‘greatest elongation’- the maximum angular distance from the Sun, enhancing Her Light as the “Evening Star”.
We also have a visitor: Comet Atlas is streaking by Draco, the dragon, next to the big bear.
“The forces present in Bacteria, and whatever bacteria do, are a consequence of ahrimanic hosts of heaven having been cast down upon the earth, of the dragon having been conquered. Another consequence of that victory is that the Ahrimanic-Mephistophelian way of thinking has been spreading across the earth since the end the 19th century. We can therefore say that on the physical level diseases involving bacteria and equally also present day intellectual materialism have their source in the realm of soul and spirit. In a higher sense the two things are most certainly comparable.” ~Rudolf Steiner, Donarch, 14 October 1917, GA 177
A hundred years ago in the time of Rudolf Steiner, the word ‘virus’ was relatively new to medical science. We also have to remember that bacteria or similar entities’ can be either Ahrimanic or Luciferic.
Many astrologers have been pointing an accusing finger at the current planetary traffic jam in Capricorn, with the Saturn-Pluto conjunction as the main culprit in our present pandemic, with good ol’ Mars helping it along. Neptune in Pisces has a correlation with contagion too. How can we as human beings strive to be an active speaker in this the cosmic conversation, adding our good will to the mix?
From an article by Dr Elizabeth Vreede: ” Comets represent an element that does not wholly enter the usual sphere of cosmic law, although they still contain a trace of the direct working of spiritual powers, indeed, of the very highest — the Seraphim and Cherubim. Before ordinary law may be broken through, the very highest power and insight is required. The various comets, indeed, are agents of a very special nature in our planetary system, their polar antithesis being in the moons. Just as the moons are a kind of corpse which the planetary system trails along with it, so, on the other side, the comets may be spoken of as constant purifiers of the spiritual atmosphere within the solar system. In earlier times men thought of them as the “scavengers of God,” and many superstitions have gathered around them. To the eye of Spirit, too, the mission of the comets is perpetually to expel impure astral forces from the Cosmos or to introduce new impulses.“
Ambrigio Lorenzetti.
Steiner’s Calendar of the Soul names this day as the Feast of the Archangel Gabriel, opening the way for the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary tomorrow 25 March.
Norman Adams
These days around the
Vernal Equinox are quite powerful. We can find many potent souls who choose
this time of year to either enter the portal of birth or cross the threshold
into death. Here is simply a list from the Calendar of the Soul for you to contemplate:
19 March:
Feast Day of Joseph, husband of the Luke Mary
Birthday of Mary of Bethany, also called Mary Magdalena, sister of Lazarus in the Gospel of St. John
Deathday of Sophie von Kuhn, bride of Novalis
20 March:
Birthday of the Roman Poet Ovid, best known for ‘Metamorphoses’, a mythological narrative written in the meter of epic.
Birthday of Holderlin. Steiner speaks of him as a pupil of Plato
Henrik Ibsen. Steiner calls him a 4th Century initiate
Deathday of Joachim of Fiore, abbot & mystic
Deathday of Hermann von Salza, Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights
21 March:
Feast Day (also the birth & deathday) of St. Nicholas of Flue, who foresaw his baptism in the womb.
Birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach
Birthday of Eugen Kolisko, Anthroposophical Doctor & teacher
Deathday of St. Benedict of Nursia
Deathday of Theosophist Willian Quan Judge
22 March:
Birthday of Fercher von Steinwand, who Steiner talks about in his autobiography as helping revel karmic connections; ie. Dionysius Areopagita
Deathday of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, sculptor, poet, scientist, who Steiner called a follower of Plato & gave indications that he was connected to Moses.
23 March
Mabel Collins Spring Festival: I See Death, is performed in ceremony
Birthday of Georg Friedrich Handel, comper
The birth of the Swiss Federal Constitution
Deathday of Friedrich Rittelmeyer
24 March
Feast day of Archangel Gabriel
Deathday of Caliph of Baghdad Harun al-Rashid, the successors of Gondhishapur, who possessed the remnants of brilliance, found their way to his great court in the 9th century. According to Rudolf Steiner, Harun al-Rashid incarnated again as Francis Bacon of Verulam in England & became the great inspirer & popularizer of materialistic science. One of Bacon’s important achievements was the invention of binary code now used in computers-an inspiration from the Sorat -an early step to the World Wide Web, that if not used consciously, is meant to entangle & enslave us…
Deathday of Queen Elizabeththe 1st
Deathday of Jules Vern
25 March
The Annunciation of the BVM
Deathday of Novalis
Deathday of Debussy
***
Greetings friends – The Central Regional Council will sponsor a Zoom Study Group Meeting for April 8th on the Karma of Epidemics (details below)
ALL are welcome to join us. April 8th 2020, 7:15 pm CST (see audio conference details below)
“Imagine a people which was composed entirely of liars, the astral plane would be populated solely by the corresponding demons and these demons would be able to express themselves in a constitutional tendency to epidemics. Thus there is a certain species of bacilli who are the carriers of infectious diseases; these beings are the progeny of the lies told by human beings; they are nothing else than physically embodied demons generated by lies.” (GA 99 – L.6)
One tap mobile +13126266799,,451374910# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,451374910# US (New York)
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 451 374 910 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adZ7jft0hb
If you have questions, please contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@peoplepc.com Let us stand together with courage in this now, as we look to our future with equanimity, holding all that comes before us as being guided by a divine directive waiting to be revealed by our patient spiritual investigation.
Many of us are doing constructive things like the Hallelujah in Eurythmy, & The Foundation Stone Meditation at Sunrise (or anytime) every morning to create a high vibration of Love & Light – Please join us for the healing of all.
Yours in service ~The CRC team: Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton
art by Daniel Ospina
***
Ara Isaakyan
‘The Three Days’, an On-Line Easter Festival with the Central Reginal Council
Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, all three days: April 9-12, 2020 from 3 pm – 4:15 pm CDT
We will be taking up indications from Emil Bock’s ‘The Three Years” to artistically explore the Spiritual Science of ‘The Paschal Triduum’: Following the Cosmic Sun on the ultimate path of initiation, from the Free-Will Sacrifice, through the Conquering of Death, into the Resurrection of the New Sun.
How can we as human beings in community bring a practical understanding to these mysteries?
Join us as we strive to gain the forces needed to do our part in furthering this impulse in world evolution.
FREE – ALL are Welcome – Zoom Call and other details to follow
The CRC – Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton
***
The Sacred Gateway: Conscious Living, Conscious Dying, and the Journey Beyond – ONLINE APRIL 17-19, 2020
Bring a new consciousness to your own life and death
Support those who are crossing and who have crossed over
Expand your practice and knowledge of working with the dying
Learn more about the soul’s journey from death to new life
Through interactive workshops, biography work, keynote discussions with Rev. Patrick Kennedy and Dr. Melinda Toney, workshops with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, Sandra LaGrega Jennifer Fox, and more, as well as experiential and artistic activities, we will consciously explore the spiritual and practical aspect of human life and death.
Conference Fees:
$200 Supporter ~ Live Event + Recordings and Resources, plus Two Sacred Gateway Webinar Series (You can see those by clicking here and here) + One Recorded Online Community Gathering ($80 value), Podcast Links. This level fully supports this conference and other events like it!
$150 Resource Package ~ Live Event + Recordings and Resources, plus Two Sacred Gateway Webinar Series (You can see those by clicking here and here) + One Recorded Online Community Gathering ($80 value), and Podcast Links
$95 Regular Rate ~ Live Event + Recordings and Resources
$45 Youth Rate (Age 35 and under) ~ Live Event + Recordings and Resources
$45 Keynotes Only ~ Live Keynotes + Recordings Financial Assistance Available (Email programs@anthroposophy.org)
All start times in Eastern Standard Time (Note: Workshops Subject to Additions/Minor Changes)
Friday, April 17
7:30pm-9pm Conference Opening and Keynote
True Living is Dying: The Life-Giving Power of Death Keynote Discussion and Q&A with Rev. Patrick Kennedy
Saturday April 18
11:00-11:45am Welcome, Introductions and Biography Work
11:45am-1:15pm Two-Day Themed Workshops (Choose one theme and attend Saturday, and Sunday)
From Loss to Connection Through ]Reading for the Dead and Writing with Marianne Dietzel and Maureen Flannery
The Lemniscate Journey: Exploring the Relationships in Our Lives from Birth to Death and Death to Rebirth Through Biography and Social Art with Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox
Giving Way to Grace: Chrysalis Emerging from Conscious Living and Conscious Dying with Melinda Toney, MD, Carole Shoaf End-Of-Life Doula and Katherine Blackburn, End-Of-Life Doula and Esoteric Christian Minister
Saturday April 18th, 11:45am-1:15pm – Festivals for the Dead, the Unborn, and the evolution of Earth – Then and Now. with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. How do we look at the karmic connections that shape current events? Our work with those on the ‘Other-side of the Threshold’ can give us clues about the causes and purpose of epidemics and the ways of healing ourselves, our beloved dead and the Earth.
1:15-1:30pm Break
1:30-2:30pm Vigil Room In Our Hearts
2:30-3:00pm Break
3:00-4:30pm Topic Workshops
The Soul’s Journey Through the Spheres After Death with Mary Stewart Adams
Acknowledging the End with Jolie Luba
After Deathcare as a Healing Art with Tischia Bluske
4:30-5:00pm Break
5:00-6:00pm Death & Healing Keynote Conversation with Dr. Melinda Toney
6:15- 7:00pm Group Reflections and Closing
Sunday, April 19
11:00-11:45am Welcome, Introductions and Biography Work
11:45-12:45 Consecrating our Dying Keynote with Patrick Kennedy
12:45-1:15 Break
1:15-2:30 Two-Day Themed Workshops
From Loss to Connection Through the Arts: Reading, Writing and Drawing with Marianne Dietzel and Maureen Flannery
The Lemniscate Journey: Exploring the Relationships in Our Lives from Birth to Death and Death to Rebirth Through Biography and Social Art with Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox
Giving Way to Grace: Chrysalis Emerging from Conscious Living and Conscious Dying with Melinda Toney, MD, Carole Shoaf End-Of-Life Doula and Katherine Blackburn, End-Of-Life Doula and Esoteric Christian Minister
Sunday April 19th, 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm – Festivals for the Dead, the Unborn, and the evolution of Earth – Then and Now. with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. Explore the many cultural expressions that work with, and celebrate our beloved dead. Prepare the way for the Unborn, and for the future of humanity. Become inspired to Renew or Create your own Tradition. Learn to find your destiny, and meet your karma. Prepare for your own conscious crossing into the journey between death and rebirth, by asking questions like: Where did I come from? What did I come into to this life to do? Who is with me on this journey?
2:30-2:45pm Break
2:45-3:30pm Green Burial Exploration and Conference Closing
Our dear Dr. Steiner said: ‘It is not the Christ we lack, but the knowledge of Christ, the Sophia of Christ, the Isis of Christ we are lacking.’ In ‘Ancient Myths and the New Isis Mystery: Their Meaning and Connection with Evolution’ Lecture 3; given in Dornach, 6 January 1918, by Rudolf Steiner; we hear how the power of ‘The Word, the power of The Logos’, must be resurrected through our striving to activate the Wisdom of Anthroposophia within each of us. Join Hazel Archer-Ginsberg for a powerful presentation Lifting the Veil of the New Isis-Sophia, to bring Light to Love.
~Vitae Sophia~A Whitsun Festival of United Soul Endeavor with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
Saturday, 30 May, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Groh Farm, 135 Temple Rd, Wilton, NH
Eurythmy: AUM = A – I stand for myself, U- I stand for humanity, M – I stand for Life
Social Sculpture: Steiner’s ‘Blue Dot Exercise’– Through Art, the bridge between science & spirit, we warm the ‘I’, to open the heart, in support of healthy community.
What are my gifts-What are my tools? How can I place them in right relationship within the social realm? How can I hone them to strengthen and enhance the world?
Living into the Foundation Stone of Love – How can we take our individual Inner Whitsun & expand it, into what Steiner calls the “World Festival of Knowledge” a path leading from ‘Sprit Recollection’, to ‘Sprit Sensing’, to ‘Sprit Beholding’?
Enter the Labyrinth of ‘Vitae Sophia’ – Human hearts, once warmed, can rise up to meet the source of wisdom, like flowers turning toward the sun.
$30 suggested donation at the door, with potluck lunch to follow (please bring a dish to share) RSVP deb@anthroposophy.org Sponsored by the Anthroposophical Society in New Hampshire
Hazel Archer-Ginsberg – Founder of Reverse Ritual Understanding Anthroposophy through the Rhythms of the Year.Essayist, Lecturer, Poet, Trans-denominational Minister, ‘Anthroposopher’, working as the Festivals Coordinator of the Chicago Rudolf Steiner Branch, The Traveling Speakers Program, & the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society.
3 June 2020 – a Round Table Discussion 7 pm – 9 pm on ‘The Sophia’ with John Bloom, Joan Sleigh, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg & Carrie Schuchardt at The House of Peace in Ipswich, MA.
Dear Friends – O the glories of Spring – & the power of the Bio-Dynamic Preparations! I am energized from our ‘Merry Prep-stir’ event last night, which truly was a gorilla gathering because of last minute changes. I ran to the branch & reached out to Dottie Zold, who was supposed to be taking a night off, a cozy, go to bed early, take-care-of-self night, but I roused her from her rest, & the 1st thing she said was: ‘Do you need me to support you’! ‘Yes’, I cried relived, since everything planned had suddenly shifted as of a half hour before start time! So…we thought, perhaps we are supposed to do the stir in Elderberries instead of the branch? In hindsight it all makes sense since it is ‘Elderberries Bio-Dynamic Outpost’ after all!
6 stalwart souls, created a circle in the storefront window, including my daughter, who is home, because Oberlin College has been closed down till fall.
2 folks had never stirred before, so we spoke a bit about what Bio-Dynamics is, & about the recent Prep-Makers Gathering. We made a blessing on the gifted BD 500 prep, & added a pinch of sacred soil gathered by Angel Foster from her many travels, including our recent Southern Tour, & started the alchemical stir. Deborah Rogers showed the newbies how to make the ‘vortex’, & we each took it for a spin.
Andrew Gonzalez.
How exciting to be the creator of a cosmic portal syphoning the heavens into the earthly elements, for transformation & healing. We sang & laughed & shared, knowing we were vessels, a bridge between the above & below. Bringing in the imagination of the Vernal Equinox increased our sense for balance. What a joyful legacy Rudolf Steiner has given us in this practical work.
After an hour we completed the stir, standing in a circle holding hands, watching the vortex swirl. In the slowing, a bubbling mandala formed at the center, which seemed to sing with light.
We ladled the medicine out into individual jars & ventured out in the warm misty cityscape to do the work of spiritualizing the earth.
May the Earth Become a Sun!
~hag
***
Catherine Molland
POD (Poem Of the Day)
~When I have visions Ravens come from my eyes – To eat them… The breath of life escapes… When I have no words – Worms crawl thru my teeth – to clean my palate… I am more than bone & blood – I am more than the deeds I have done – I am more than I remember… I am In Surrender… ~hag
***
We Are Faced With a Choice (an excerpt from
the article Eight Emerging Lessons: From Coronavirus to Climate ActionbyOtto Scharmer)
The coronavirus situation provides an opportunity for all of us to
pause, reset, and step up. COVID-19, like any disruption, essentially confronts
each of us with a choice: (1) to freeze, turn away from others, only care for
ourselves, or (2) to turn toward others to support and comfort those who need
help. That choice between acting from ego or acting from ecosystem awareness is
one that we face every day, every hour, every moment. The more the world sinks
into chaos, desperation, and confusion, the greater our responsibility to
radiate presence, compassion, and grounded action confidence.
Two responses to disruption — two social fields
Here are two different social fields that we can choose to embody
through our actions, through our relationships, and through our thoughts. In
the upper half of the figure you see the “freeze” reaction, which tends to
amplify ignorance, hate, and fear. In the
lower half you see the “opening” response, which tends to amplify curiosity, compassion,
and courage.
The Conversation We Need To Have Now: Reimagining Our Civilization
Each disruption has two sides: the things we need to let go of,
and the things that are about to emerge. On the letting-go side of things, it’s
interesting to see how quickly we can adjust as a global community. So why do
we keep ourselves busy with stuff that is not essential? That’s a great
question to ask.
The next question might be: If we let go of everything that is not
essential — what’s left? It’s another great question (or “mantram”) to meditate
on. Whatever the answer is that emerges for you from this contemplation, keep
it in your heart.
And then, a third question to contemplate might be this: What if
we used this disruption as an opportunity to let go of everything that isn’t
essential in our life, in our work, and in our institutional routines? How
might we reimagine how we live and work together? How might we reimagine the
basic structures of our civilization? Which effectively means: how can we
reimagine our economic, our democratic, and our learning systems in ways that
bridge the ecological, the social, and the spiritual divides of our time?
That’s the conversation we need to have now. With our circles of friends. With our families. With our organizations and communities.
Rachel Hentsch
The outer changes necessary today require us to tune into and
activate our inner sources, the deeper levels of our humanity. How can we
activate them not only at the level of the individual, but also at the level of
the whole system? How can we upgrade the operating system in our various key
systems? This clearly requires us to upgrade:
1. our learning infrastructures toward whole-person and
whole-systems learning;
2. our democratic infrastructures by making them more direct,
distributed, and dialogic; and
3. our economic infrastructures toward shifting from ego-system to
eco-system awareness.
How might we use our present situation to slow down, to pause, and
to connect with our deeper sources of stillness?
What actually emerges from the now? We may see the beginnings of a
new wave of hyper-localizing our economies, of supporting small farmers and
producers who may be more resilient to supply chain disruptions. We may see the
beginnings of a more intentional economy, one that — similar to CSAs (Community
Supported Agriculture) — is based on aligning economic activities around a
shared intention for the future, namely, co-creating an ecosystem-centric
agriculture, as opposed to extending the past based on ego-driven transactions.
8. School For Transformation: Activating Generative Social Fields
Many of us feel that we live in a time of profound change — change
not only in terms of things ending, but also in terms of seeding and
cultivating and growing a new civilization for the decades and centuries to
come. That was true before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will be true after.
The question is how to respond to the current situation in ways that help this
enormous potential for positive change to manifest?
Which leaves us with the question: Now what? In my view, one of the most urgent priorities for the coming years is to cultivate these deeper conditions for our individual and collective actions in ways that are highly accessible, scalable, and modularized so that everyone can integrate them into their own movement building and learning infrastructures.
Olaf Baldini
GAIA: Global
Activation of Intention and Action
It is for this
reason that, starting next week, my colleagues and I are going to offer an
impromptu global learning infrastructure that is free, online, Zoom-based and
yet designed in ways that will activate generative social fields among all of
the participants throughout the coming weeks. The idea is to offer this
infrastructure as a journey for change-makers from all sectors, systems, and
cultures — a journey that will eventually result in a global, multi-local, multi-regional
Forum, co-created among the participants later this year in July.
The actual
format of this journey and the Forum will evolve with and adjust to the
situation that keeps unfolding around us, between us, and within us. It’s an
infrastructure that invites you to join with your whole Self and that is
designed to be accessible to all, whether you want to join from home while in
self-quarantine or in concert with friends and fellow change-makers in your
local organization or community.
If you are interested to join, check out this landing page for the journey: Global Activation of Intention and Action (GAIA) and sign up for the first session on Friday March 27. The time to pause, to sense, to connect, and then act together is now.
***
Greetings friends – The Central Regional Council has just scheduled a Zoom Study Group Meeting for April 8th on the Karma of Epidemics (details below) ALL are welcome to join us.
Our Easter Retreat ‘KNOW THYSELF – Karma and Anthroposophic Psychology’ – a combined effort of the CRC & AAP is POSTPONED.
We will continue to evaluate the world situation & will revisit this potent working in late Summer or early Autumn.
If you have registered already, we will process refunds beginning this week. Let Alberto Loya (aloyavaca@peoplepc.com) know if you prefer to re-use your registration fee for the re-scheduled event.
We will use our next CRC Zoom Meeting to explore together the spiritual psychology & karma of epidemics.
April 8th 2020, 7:15 pm CST (see audio conference details below)
“Imagine a people which was composed entirely of liars, the astral plane would be populated solely by the corresponding demons and these demons would be able to express themselves in a constitutional tendency to epidemics. Thus there is a certain species of bacilli who are the carriers of infectious diseases; these beings are the progeny of the lies told by human beings; they are nothing else than physically embodied demons generated by lies.” (GA 99 – L.6)
One tap mobile +13126266799,,451374910# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,451374910# US (New York)
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 451 374 910 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adZ7jft0hb
If you have questions, please contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@peoplepc.com Let us stand together with courage in this now, as we look to our future with equanimity, holding all that comes before us as being guided by a divine directive waiting to be revealed by our patient spiritual investigation.
Many of us are doing constructive things like the Hallelujah in Eurythmy, & The Foundation Stone Meditation at Sunrise (or anytime) every morning to create a high vibration of Love & Light – Please join us for the healing of all.
Yours in service ~The CRC team: Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton
art by Daniel Ospina
***
Ara Isaakyan
‘The Three Days’, an On-Line Easter Festival with the Central Reginal Council
Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, all three days: April 9-12, 2020 from 3 pm – 4:15 pm CDT
We will be taking up indications from Emil Bock’s ‘The Three Years” to artistically explore the Spiritual Science of ‘The Paschal Triduum’: Following the Cosmic Sun on the ultimate path of initiation, from the Free-Will Sacrifice, through the Conquering of Death, into the Resurrection of the New Sun.
How can we as human beings in community bring a practical understanding to these mysteries?
Join us as we strive to gain the forces needed to do our part in furthering this impulse in world evolution.
FREE – ALL are Welcome – Zoom Call and other details to follow
The CRC – Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton
***
The Sacred Gateway: Online Conference
Conscious Living, Conscious Dying, and the Journey Beyond
ONLINE APRIL 17-19, 2020
Bring a new consciousness to your own life and death
Support those who are crossing and who have crossed over
Expand your practice and knowledge of working with the dying
Learn more about the soul’s journey from death to new life
Through interactive workshops, biogrpahy work, keynote discussions with Rev. Patrick Kennedy and Dr. Melinda Toney, workshops with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg,Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox, and more, as well as experiential and artistic activities, we will consciously explore the spiritual and practical aspect of human life and death.
Conference Fees:
$200 Supporter Level/Group Rate(3+ People) Includes Conference Live Links and Recordings, Two Sacred Gateway Webinar Series ($80 value), Resources & Podcast Links and supports this conference and other events like it!
$150 Registration and Resource Package ~ Includes Conference Live Links and Recordings, Two Sacred Gateway Webinar Series ($80 value), Resources & Podcast Links
$95 Regular Rate Includes the entire Live Event + Recordings and Resources
$45 Youth Rate (Age 35 and under) Includes the entire Live Event + Recordings and Resources
All start times in Eastern Standard Time (Note: Workshops Subject to Additions/Minor Changes)
Friday, April 17
7:30pm-9pm Conference Opening and Keynote
True Living is Dying: The Life-Giving Power of Death Keynote Discussion and Q&A with Rev. Patrick Kennedy
Saturday April 18
11:00-11:45am Welcome, Introductions and Biography Work
11:45am-1:15pm Two-Day Themed Workshops (Choose one theme and attend Saturday, and Sunday)
From Loss to Connection Through the Arts: Reading, Writing and Drawing with Marianne Dietzel and Maureen Flannery
The Lemniscate Journey: Exploring the Relationships in Our Lives from Birth to Death and Death to Rebirth Through Biography and Social Art with Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox
Giving Way to Grace: Chrysalis Emerging from Conscious Living and Conscious Dying with Melinda Toney, MD, Carole Shoaf End-Of-Life Doula and Katherine Blackburn, End-Of-Life Doula and Esoteric Christian Minister
Saturday April 18th, 11:45am-1:15pm – Festivals for the Dead, the Unborn, and the evolution of Earth – Then and Now. with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. How do we look at the karmic connections that shape current events? Our work with those on the ‘Other-side of the Threshold’ can give us clues about the causes and purpose of epidemics and the ways of healing ourselves, our beloved dead and the Earth.
1:15-1:30pm Break
1:30-2:30pm Vigil Room Experience
2:30-3:00pm Break
3:00-4:30pm Topic Workshops
Acknowledging the End with Jolie Luba
After Deathcare as a Healing Art with Tischia Bluske
4:30-5:00pm Break
5:00-6:00pm Death & Healing Keynote Conversation with Dr. Melinda Toney
6:15- 7:00pm Group Reflections and Closing
Sunday, April 19
11:00-11:45am Welcome, Introductions and Biography Work
11:45-12:45 Consecrating our Dying Keynote with Patrick Kennedy
12:45-1:15 Break
1:15-2:30 Two-Day Themed Workshops
From Loss to Connection Through the Arts: Reading, Writing and Drawing with Marianne Dietzel and Maureen Flannery
The Lemniscate Journey: Exploring the Relationships in Our Lives from Birth to Death and Death to Rebirth Through Biography and Social Art with Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox
Giving Way to Grace: Chrysalis Emerging from Conscious Living and Conscious Dying with Melinda Toney, MD, Carole Shoaf End-Of-Life Doula and Katherine Blackburn, End-Of-Life Doula and Esoteric Christian Minister
Sunday April 19th, 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm – Festivals for the Dead, the Unborn, and the evolution of Earth – Then and Now. with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. Explore the many cultural expressions that work with, and celebrate our beloved dead. Prepare the way for the Unborn, and for the future of humanity. Become inspired to Renew or Create your own Tradition. Learn to find your destiny, and meet your karma. Prepare for your own conscious crossing into the journey between death and rebirth, by asking questions like: Where did I come from? What did I come into to this life to do? Who is with me on this journey?
2:30-2:45pm Break
2:45-3:30pm Green Burial Exploration and Conference Closing
Full Conference $200 Supporter $150 Resource Package (Includes 3 Webinar Series $80 value, Podcast Links and Conference Live Links and Recordings) $95 Standard ASA Member Rate $45 Youth Rate
Our dear Dr. Steiner said: ‘It is not the Christ we lack, but the knowledge of Christ, the Sophia of Christ, the Isis of Christ we are lacking.’ In ‘Ancient Myths and the New Isis Mystery: Their Meaning and Connection with Evolution’ Lecture 3; given in Dornach, 6 January 1918, by Rudolf Steiner; we hear how the power of ‘The Word, the power of The Logos’, must be resurrected through our striving to activate the Wisdom of Anthroposophia within each of us. Join Hazel Archer-Ginsberg for a powerful presentation Lifting the Veil of the New Isis-Sophia, to bring Light to Love.
~Vitae Sophia~A Whitsun Festival of United Soul Endeavor with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
Saturday, 30 May, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Groh Farm, 135 Temple Rd, Wilton, NH
Eurythmy: AUM = A – I stand for myself, U- I stand for humanity, M – I stand for Life
Social Sculpture: Steiner’s ‘Blue Dot Exercise’– Through Art, the bridge between science & spirit, we warm the ‘I’, to open the heart, in support of healthy community.
What are my gifts-What are my tools? How can I place them in right relationship within the social realm? How can I hone them to strengthen and enhance the world?
Living into the Foundation Stone of Love – How can we take our individual Inner Whitsun & expand it, into what Steiner calls the “World Festival of Knowledge” a path leading from ‘Sprit Recollection’, to ‘Sprit Sensing’, to ‘Sprit Beholding’?
Enter the Labyrinth of ‘Vitae Sophia’ – Human hearts, once warmed, can rise up to meet the source of wisdom, like flowers turning toward the sun.
$30 suggested donation at the door, with potluck lunch to follow (please bring a dish to share) RSVP deb@anthroposophy.org Sponsored by the Anthroposophical Society in New Hampshire
***
Also part of the tour
3 June 2020 – a Round Table Discussion 7 pm – 9 pm on ‘The Sophia’ with John Bloom, Joan Sleigh, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg & Carrie Schuchardt at The House of Peace in Ipswich, MA.
Hazel Archer-Ginsberg – Founder of Reverse Ritual Understanding Anthroposophy through the Rhythms of the Year.Essayist, Lecturer, Poet, Trans-denominational Minister, ‘Anthroposopher’, working as the Festivals Coordinator of the Chicago Rudolf Steiner Branch, The Traveling Speakers Program, & the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society.
For those of us who approach things by the Goldilocks Principle (not too little, not too much), the time of Equinox is practically perfect. TODAY we get that glorious balance of day & night all over the world- from the equator extending to the North & South poles- with just about 12 hours of each. (Now if only folks could come out of hibernation like the bear)
Ankita Goenka
For thousands of years, at the Vernal Equinox, human beings have been celebrating rebirth. Cultures & countries around the world mark the Spring Equinox with various holidays:
In Persia (known now as Iran), today is Nowruz, which means ‘New Day’ in Farsi – The start of their New Year, & is one of humanity’s oldest celebrations. More than 300 million people celebrate Nowruz. This includes Iran as well as places that have felt Persian influence through the ages: the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia & the Middle East.
On the other side of Asia from Iran is Japan, another country with a public holiday, with roots in the ancient Shintoism religion. The belief that every natural object possesses a spiritual force is honored with the advent of spring, as trees & flowers thrive. To celebrate, people will hold family reunions, visit shrines & give offerings to cherry blossoms & other natural wonders.
Holi: is a Hindu-arrival-of-spring holiday. Another very old
festival. The first known mention of it is in a fourth century poem. It’s a
national holiday in India, celebrated on the day after the full moon in the
Hindu month of Phalguna, so it’s a movable feast. The holiday is known for the brightly
colored powders that are thrown into the air covering everyone.
Ninetta Sombart
The Vernal Equinox sets the rhythm for our movable feast of Easter, which is the first Sunday after the 1st Full Moon that occurs on or after the Spring Equinox. That allows Easter to fall anywhere from March 22 to April 25. This year, Easter Sunday is April 12th 2020.
On this day I like to contemplate the ‘Representative of Humanity’, Rudolf Steiner’s sculpture holding the balance.
Our ancestors had a keen awareness of the seasons & the movements of the Sun & stars. They built initiation sites as giant calendars, often aligned to prominently display shafts of sunlight during solstices & equinoxes:
Chichen Itza, Mexico: This complex of Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is popular all year but especially during the equinoxes. At the “El Castillo” pyramid dedicated to Kukulcán (or Quetzalcoatl), the late afternoon Sun creates the shadow illusion of a snake slowly sliding down the northern staircase. Thousands come here to witness this spectacle, & now this day has a carnival atmosphere, with music, dancers & more.
Mnajdra Temples, Malta: On the Mediterranean island of Malta, the Mnajdra complex consists of three temples. The buildings are estimated to date from 3600 B.C. to 2500 B.C. During the equinoxes, the rising Sun is in exact alignment with the main doorway of the lower temple, which allows sunlight to fill the main corridor into the innermost altar. It’s another highly celebrated event on the island.
Stonehenge, England: The most famous Neolithic structure in England, if not the world, is the gathering place for pagans, druids & well everyone, during spring equinox. You can watch the same awe-inspiring, clockwork sunrise that our ancient ancestors witnessed thousands of years ago.
In Ireland, the Spring Equinox was celebrated long before the arrival of the Celtic tribes. The best known of the ancient Irish equinox temples is Knowth, which is near to Newgrange (Brú na Boinne). Knowth has a 100-foot long passage that accepts the Sun on the morning of the Spring & Autumn Equinox. A second & older stone cairn equinox temple is found at Longhcrew & is given the name Cairn T. Both Knowth & Cairn follow a sunbeam on the morning of the Equinoxes to enter a passageway lighting up the sacred geometry on a back stone inside the temple. This precise timing from a period of over 6 thousand years ago still works today.
With the Vernal Equinox, we are at the mid-point of the Waxing Year. The spark of light that was born at Winter Solstice has reached maturity, & from this point forward, the days grow longer than the nights. This is the time of full Dawn, 6:00 am on the Year Clock, & so it was the time of the festivals of the Grecian Goddess, Eostre, & the Germanic Ostara, both Goddesses of Dawn. (It is from these Bright Ladies that the modern Easter holiday takes its name).
This is also the time of Kore’s return from the Underworld, where She (as Persephone) has ruled throughout the Winter. It is also the time of the celebration of the rebirth of Adonis the Beautiful.
The Feast of the Annunciation, occurring on the fixed calendar day of March 25,also known as Lady Day, the Feast of the Incarnation (Festum Incarnationis), Conceptio Christi (Christ’s Conception), commemorates the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he informed her that she would be the mother of the Son of God. Gabriel’s salutation: “Hail, Mary full of grace, the LORD is with thee” (Luke 1:28; gratia plena Dominus tecum), & Mary’s response to God’s will, “be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38; fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum). The “angelic salutation” is the origin of the Hail Mary prayer & the Angelus; the second part of the prayer comes from the salutation of Saint Elizabeth to Mary at the Visitation.
The Spring Equinox is also associated with ancient mystery schools who had special initiatory rites at dawn, known as: Alban Eilir, Eostar, Eostre, Ostara, Ostra, (the origins for the name Easter) & the Rites of Spring.
Michelle H. Taylor
For us it’s a time for balance, a time to honor & celebrate the greening of the Earth. This year is the earliest date for the Equinox in 124 years. Yes ‘Spring Fever’ may be extra potent this year, & our world situation is calling us to do some ‘Spring Cleaning’. May we avail ourselves to the growing sunshine, for healing, & a much needed morale boost.
Feast Day of Joseph the Carpenter, husband of Mary
the Mother of the Matthew Jesus.
Gerry Hillber
Annual Return of the Swallows: The American cliff swallow is a migratory bird that spends its winters in Goya, Argentina, but makes the 6,000-mile trek north to the warmer climes of the American Southwest in springtime. According to legend, the birds, who have visited the San Juan Capistrano area every summer for centuries, first took refuge at the Mission when an irate innkeeper began destroying their mud nests. The Mission’s location near two rivers made it an ideal location for the swallows to nest, as there was a constant supply of the insects on which they feed, & the young birds are well-protected inside the ruins of the old stone church.
Each year the Fiesta de las Golondrinas is held in the City of San Juan Capistrano. Presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, the Fiesta de las Golondrinas is a week-long celebration of this auspicious event culminated by the Swallows Day Parade & Mercado, street fair. Tradition has it that the main flock arrives on March 19 (Saint Joseph’s Day), & flies south on Saint John’s Day, October 23.
When the swallows come back to Capistrano
That’s the day you promised to come back to me
When you whispered, “Farewell,” in Capistrano
’twas the day the swallows flew out to sea
— excerpt from “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano” by Leon René
In recent years, the swallows have failed to return in large flocks to the Mission. The reduction has been connected to increased development of the area, including many more choices of nesting place & fewer insects to eat.
1797 – Death Day of Christiane Wilhelmine Sophie von Kühn (March 17, 1782 – March 19, 1797) the love interest & eventual fiancée of the German Romantic poet & philosopher Friedrich von Hardenberg, known to many simply as Novalis. Her image famously appears in Novalis’ Hymns to the Night.
***
Greetings friends – The Central Regional Council has just scheduled a Zoom Study Group Meeting for April 8th on the Karma of Epidemics (details below) ALL are welcome to join us.
Our Easter Retreat ‘KNOW THYSELF – Karma and Anthroposophic Psychology’ – a combined effort of the CRC & AAP is POSTPONED.
We will continue to evaluate the world situation & will revisit this potent working in late Summer or early Autumn.
If you have registered already, we will process refunds beginning this week. Let Alberto Loya (aloyavaca@peoplepc.com) know if you prefer to re-use your registration fee for the re-scheduled event.
We will use our next CRC Zoom Meeting to explore together the spiritual psychology & karma of epidemics.
April 8th 2020, 7:15 pm CST (see audio conference details below)
“Imagine a people which was composed entirely of liars, the astral plane would be populated solely by the corresponding demons and these demons would be able to express themselves in a constitutional tendency to epidemics. Thus there is a certain species of bacilli who are the carriers of infectious diseases; these beings are the progeny of the lies told by human beings; they are nothing else than physically embodied demons generated by lies.” (GA 99 – L.6)
One tap mobile +13126266799,,451374910# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,451374910# US (New York)
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 451 374 910 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adZ7jft0hb
If you have questions, please contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@peoplepc.com Let us stand together with courage in this now, as we look to our future with equanimity, holding all that comes before us as being guided by a divine directive waiting to be revealed by our patient spiritual investigation.
Many of us are doing constructive things like the Hallelujah in Eurythmy, & The Foundation Stone Meditation at Sunrise (or anytime) every morning to create a high vibration of Love & Light – Please join us for the healing of all.
Yours in service ~The CRC team: Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton
art by Daniel Ospina
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Ara Isaakyan
‘The Three Days’, an On-Line Easter Festival
with the Central Reginal Council
Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, all three days: April 9-12, 2020 from 3 pm – 4:15 pm CDT
We will be taking up indications from Emil Bock’s ‘The
Three Years” to artistically explore the Spiritual Science of ‘The Paschal
Triduum’: Following the Cosmic Sun on the ultimate path of initiation, from the
Free-Will Sacrifice, through the Conquering of Death, into the Resurrection of
the New Sun.
How can we as human beings in community bring a practical
understanding to these mysteries?
Join us as we strive to gain the forces needed to do our
part in furthering this impulse in world evolution.
FREE – ALL are Welcome – Zoom Call and other details
to follow
The CRC – Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel
Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton
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The Sacred Gateway: Online Conference
Conscious Living, Conscious Dying, and the Journey Beyond
ONLINE APRIL 17-19, 2020
Bring a new consciousness to your own life and death
Support those who are crossing and who have crossed over
Expand your practice and knowledge of working with the dying
Learn more about the soul’s journey from death to new life
Through interactive workshops, biogrpahy work, keynote discussions with Rev. Patrick Kennedy and Dr. Melinda Toney, workshops with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg,Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox, and more, as well as experiential and artistic activities, we will consciously explore the spiritual and practical aspect of human life and death.
Conference Fees:
$200 Supporter Level/Group Rate(3+ People) Includes Conference Live Links and Recordings, Two Sacred Gateway Webinar Series ($80 value), Resources & Podcast Links and supports this conference and other events like it!
$150 Registration and Resource Package ~ Includes Conference Live Links and Recordings, Two Sacred Gateway Webinar Series ($80 value), Resources & Podcast Links
$95 Regular Rate Includes the entire Live Event + Recordings and Resources
$45 Youth Rate (Age 35 and under) Includes the entire Live Event + Recordings and Resources
All start times in Eastern Standard Time (Note: Workshops Subject to Additions/Minor Changes)
Friday, April 17
7:30pm-9pm Conference Opening and Keynote
True Living is Dying: The Life-Giving Power of Death Keynote Discussion and Q&A with Rev. Patrick Kennedy
Saturday April 18
11:00-11:45am Welcome, Introductions and Biography Work
11:45am-1:15pm Two-Day Themed Workshops (Choose one theme and attend Saturday, and Sunday)
From Loss to Connection Through the Arts: Reading, Writing and Drawing with Marianne Dietzel and Maureen Flannery
The Lemniscate Journey: Exploring the Relationships in Our Lives from Birth to Death and Death to Rebirth Through Biography and Social Art with Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox
Giving Way to Grace: Chrysalis Emerging from Conscious Living and Conscious Dying with Melinda Toney, MD, Carole Shoaf End-Of-Life Doula and Katherine Blackburn, End-Of-Life Doula and Esoteric Christian Minister
Festivals for the Dead, the Unborn, and the evolution of Earth – Then and Now. with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. How do we look at the karmic connections that shape current events? Our work with those on the ‘Other-side of the Threshold’ can give us clues.
1:15-1:30pm Break
1:30-2:30pm Vigil Room Experience
2:30-3:00pm Break
3:00-4:30pm Topic Workshops
Acknowledging the End with Jolie Luba
After Deathcare as a Healing Art with Tischia Bluske
4:30-5:00pm Break
5:00-6:00pm Death & Healing Keynote Conversation with Dr. Melinda Toney
6:15- 7:00pm Group Reflections and Closing
Sunday, April 19
11:00-11:45am Welcome, Introductions and Biography Work
11:45-12:45 Consecrating our Dying Keynote with Patrick Kennedy
12:45-1:15 Break
1:15-2:30 Two-Day Themed Workshops
From Loss to Connection Through the Arts: Reading, Writing and Drawing with Marianne Dietzel and Maureen Flannery
The Lemniscate Journey: Exploring the Relationships in Our Lives from Birth to Death and Death to Rebirth Through Biography and Social Art with Sandra LaGrega and Jennifer Fox
Giving Way to Grace: Chrysalis Emerging from Conscious Living and Conscious Dying with Melinda Toney, MD, Carole Shoaf End-Of-Life Doula and Katherine Blackburn, End-Of-Life Doula and Esoteric Christian Minister
Festivals for the Dead, the Unborn, and the evolution of Earth – Then and Now. with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. Explore the ancient origins of the many cultural expressions that work with, celebrate, & honor our beloved dead. Prepare the way for the Unborn, and for the future of humanity. Become inspired to Renew or Create your own Tradition. Through Spiritual Science learn to find your destiny, and meet your karma. Prepare for your own conscious crossing into the journey between death and rebirth, by asking questions like: Who have I been? Who am I now? Who do I want to become?
2:30-2:45pm Break
2:45-3:30pm Green Burial Exploration and Conference Closing
Full Conference $200 Supporter $150 Resource Package (Includes 3 Webinar Series $80 value, Podcast Links and Conference Live Links and Recordings) $95 Standard ASA Member Rate $45 Youth Rate
Our dear Dr. Steiner said: ‘It is not the Christ we lack, but the knowledge of Christ, the Sophia of Christ, the Isis of Christ we are lacking.’ In ‘Ancient Myths and the New Isis Mystery: Their Meaning and Connection with Evolution’ Lecture 3; given in Dornach, 6 January 1918, by Rudolf Steiner; we hear how the power of ‘The Word, the power of The Logos’, must be resurrected through our striving to activate the Wisdom of Anthroposophia within each of us. Join Hazel Archer-Ginsberg for a powerful presentation Lifting the Veil of the New Isis-Sophia, to bring Light to Love.
~Vitae Sophia~A Whitsun Festival of United Soul Endeavor with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
Saturday, 30 May, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Groh Farm, 135 Temple Rd, Wilton, NH
Eurythmy: AUM = A – I stand for myself, U- I stand for humanity, M – I stand for Life
Social Sculpture: Steiner’s ‘Blue Dot Exercise’– Through Art, the bridge between science & spirit, we warm the ‘I’, to open the heart, in support of healthy community.
What are my gifts-What are my tools? How can I place them in right relationship within the social realm? How can I hone them to strengthen and enhance the world?
Living into the Foundation Stone of Love – How can we take our individual Inner Whitsun & expand it, into what Steiner calls the “World Festival of Knowledge” a path leading from ‘Sprit Recollection’, to ‘Sprit Sensing’, to ‘Sprit Beholding’?
Enter the Labyrinth of ‘Vitae Sophia’ – Human hearts, once warmed, can rise up to meet the source of wisdom, like flowers turning toward the sun.
$30 suggested donation at the door, with potluck lunch to follow (please bring a dish to share) RSVP deb@anthroposophy.org Sponsored by the Anthroposophical Society in New Hampshire
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Also part of the tour
3 June 2020 – a Round Table Discussion 7 pm – 9 pm on ‘The Sophia’ with John Bloom, Joan Sleigh, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg & Carrie Schuchardt at The House of Peace in Ipswich, MA.
Hazel Archer-Ginsberg – Founder of Reverse Ritual Understanding Anthroposophy through the Rhythms of the Year.Essayist, Lecturer, Poet, Trans-denominational Minister, ‘Anthroposopher’, working as the Festivals Coordinator of the Chicago Rudolf Steiner Branch, The Traveling Speakers Program, & the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society.
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