Category Archives: Festival

a Miracle happened here

December 22, 2019Festival, Winter~hag

Blessings on this 1^st Night of Hanukkah

Image result for Kislev rainbow painting

Kislev, the name of the Jewish month when Hanukkah the festival of Light is celebrated. The mazal (constellation) for Kislev is Sagittarius, the keshet (arching bow). The arching bow reminds us of the rainbow & of our responsibility to be guardians of the earth. In Genesis 9:12-17, God places a rainbow in the sky as a covenant a promise never to destroy the earth with water again. The bow of Kislev also reminds us of the bows of the Maccabees.

Image result for maccabees temple oil painting

During the second century BCE, the Maccabees, fought against Antiochus & his army, who had a policy of stifling Jewish religious life, including banning Shabbat observance. Thanks to Judith (see below) the Hebrew people were victorious & reclaimed their religious life. To purify the Temple, they needed oil to rekindle the eternal flame. The story is told that they found only enough oil to last one day, but a miracle occurred, & the oil lasted for eight days. With this miracle of light the Temple was rededicated. Hanukkah means dedication.

Here are a few customs to celebrate:

Image result for lighting the hanukkah candles painting

Lighting the Hanukah Candelabra, the special eight flame menorah, with a ninth shamas or servant flame.

Telling the story of Judith: Among the Sephardim women traditionally gather on the seventh night to tell Judith’s story (found in the apocryphal Book of Judith ) eat cheese blintzes, sing & dance, & receive special blessings. Some Ashkenazim tell the story of Judith on the eighth night of Hanukkah, in Yiddish.

Giving gifts to daughters: Some Sephardim call the end of Hanukkah the “New Moon of the Daughters” when parents give special presents to their daughters.

Image result for playing dreidel on hanukkah painting

Playing dreidel: Dreidel is a classic Hanukkah gambling game. The letters on the dreidel–nun, gimmel, hay, shin–stand for a Hebrew sentence that translates to mean, “A great miracle happened there.” Some say that the origins of the game are German, & that the letters correspond to the directions for playing the game: nichts (“nothing”); ganz (take “all”); halb (take “half”), and stell ein (“put one in”). It is also said that it was a way of remembering their religion when they were not allowed to practice.

Eating chocolate Hanukkah gelt (coins).

Eating salty foods, especially salty cheeses, are traditional because legend has it that Judith fed the enemy general Holofernes salty foods to make him thirsty for wine. As he lay in a drunken stupor she was able to slay him, thus saving Jerusalem from siege. And because of the miracle of the oil, oily foods are also traditional, including latkes & jelly doughnuts, which are a Hanukkah favorite in Israel.

Judith Painting - Judith by Gabriel Ferrier — Gabriel Ferrier

Here is the Story of Judith

Once upon a time a certain king came up against Jerusalem with forty thousand warriors and besieged the city for many days. The Israelites suffered tremendously during this siege and were in great distress. Now, there was a pious widow, Judith, daughter of a prophet, who devised a plan to help her people. She removed her mourning attire and dressed in beautiful clothes and jewels and went out with her maidservant.

When Judith and her maidservant reached the gates of Jerusalem she said to the watchmen: “Open the gates for perhaps God will perform a wonder for us, and I shall slay the king. Israel will be saved by me.” So the gatekeepers opened the gate and Judith and her helper left Jerusalem. They continued on and eventually entered the royal pavilion and came before the king, Now, Judith was an exceedingly beautiful woman and when the king saw her, she found favor in his eyes. He asked, “Who are you? Where do you come from and where do you wish to go?” And she answered, “I am one of the daughters of the prophets and from my father I heard that you will conquer the city and take possession of it, so I came to seek to save myself and my father’s household when you take the city,” The king replied, “I will do what you ask. I wish to take you as my wife.”

That night the king held a feast to celebrate his new bride-to-be. At the feast the king drank a -great deal of wine, became drunk and fell asleep. When all the guests left, only Judith and her maidservant remained. Judith turned her thoughts to God, lifted her sword and cut off the king’s head. Judith then took the king’s head and passed unnoticed through the camp until she reached the gates of Jerusalem. There she summoned the -gatekeepers and said to them, “Open the gates, for the Holy Blessed One has aided me and I have slain the foe.” But they did not believe her. Judith then showed the head she was carrying. The captain confirmed that it was indeed the head of the king. The gatekeepers opened the gate, Judith’s deed became known in Jerusalem. And the people shouted at the top of their lungs, “Hear 0 Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One!” When the king’s men saw the Israelites they ran to the royal pavilion. Finding their king dead, they fled.

Stories of other powerful woman were also often told –

The 3 “Women of Light”:

Image result for hebrew woman Sarah painting — Sara Stein

Sarah lit candles at the beginning of Shabbat. Miraculously, the flame burned throughout the entire week, lighting the tents of Abraham and Isaac.

Image result for hebrew woman Rebecca painting — Simon Norton

Rebecca inherited the task of lighting these candles when Sarah died. Because Rebecca was also a righteous woman, her candle light shined throughout the entire week as Sarah’s had.

Queen Esther was known as the Ayelet HaShachar (the morning star) who brought a bright, rekindled spirit to the Jews after the dark night of suffering at the time of King Ahashuaros. The king’s chief advisor, Haman, is offended by Esther’s cousin and guardian, Mordecai, and gets permission from the king to have all the Jews in the kingdom killed. Esther foils the plan, and wins permission from the king for the Jews to kill their enemies, and they do so. Her story is the traditional basis for Purim

Image result for hebrew woman Deborah painting — Malkah Devinski

Deborah was a wise and important Judge who lived in the twelfth century BCE. In the Torah Deborah is referred to as the “Woman of Lapidot.” In Hebrew, lapid means torch or flame, and so the Talmud refers to Deborah as a “woman of flames.” A contemporary midrash teaches that Deborah made candle-wicks which lit before fire ever touched them; the candles were illuminated from the light inside of Deborah, which grew as she grew.

The 3 “Women of Light” remind us that each one of us can share her light without diminishing it. They also invite us to remember the female ancestors in our own families every time we light the Shabbat and Hanukkah candles.

Chanukah Candle-Lighting Blessings

First night:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows from this season, we light this candle for the health and wellness of our bodies.

Second night:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows from this season, we light this candle for the health and wellness of our minds.

Third night:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows from this season, we light this candle for the health and wellness of our souls.

Fourth night:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows from this season, we light this candle for the health and wellness of our children.

Fifth night:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows from this season, we light this candle for the health and wellness of our parents.

Sixth night:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows from this season, we light this candle for the health and wellness of our communities.

Seventh night:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows from this season, we light this candle for the restoration of health and wellness to those who are ill, suffering, or grieving.

Eighth night:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows from this season, we light this candle for the health and wellness of our world.

Shamash:

For the blessing of well-being and transformation that flows through the Shekinah, the Source of Healing Wisdom and Inner Light.

Image result for menorah painting — Jodi Bonstan

First Blessing: Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner Cha-nu-kah.

Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and instructs us to kindle the Chanukah light.

Second blessing: Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-a-sa ni-sim la-avo-te-nu ba-ya-mim ha-hem bi-zman ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forebearers in those days, at this time.

May we all live into this season of light

~hag

***

Dear Friends –
We have a wonderful opportunity to continue the initiative started at our Michaelmas Festival of supporting the Spiritual Science of the Bio-Dynamics movement right in our own backyard:
On Sunday 29 December 2019 from 4 pm – 6 pm
You are invited to the Mandaamin Institute’s 2019 Open House!
This year we intend to report on the great progress we have made with breeding, testing, and getting our high quality, nutrient efficient corn out together with our farmer, university, and company colleagues. However, we also need now to consider, does it make sense to do research and to breed crops for organic farmers if the farmers are going out of business?

The last few years have been very tough for farmers and there is a real danger that we will lose the smaller scale farmers who practice biodynamic and organic farming. It is increasingly clear that farmers cannot do it alone. Consumer awareness and action are critical for ensuring the best food possible and a healthy planet.

Therefore, this year we will highlight Mark and Petra Zinniker, who run the oldest biodynamic farm on the continent in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. They will share with us the amazing things they have been doing to produce the healthiest food possible, while at the same time, saving the planet through their farming methods.
We will share with you our problems, our plans, and our hopes. Please forward this invitation and the attached flier to anyone who is concerned about food and water quality, climate, and planet health.

Sunday, December 29, 2019
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7194 Madaus Street, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Please RSVP by contacting Bente Goldstein at: (262) 642-9738 or benteg@centurytel.net

PLEASE CONTACT HAZEL IF YOU WANT TO CAR POOL

Then dear friends, from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm We will hold the 6th Holy Night Online Holy Nights Gathering up there at the Mandaamin Institute hosted by The Rockford TN. Group. William Rogers

For those who opt to stay in the City – Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 110

Here is the Full Holy Nights 2019-2020 – Schedule:

We will gather at the Branch from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm CST
to attend a new initiative with folks from around the world;
‘May Human Beings Hear It: An Online Holy Nights Gathering
Hosted by the Anthrophosophical Society in America with Organizers:
Laura Scappaticci, Angela Foster, and Hazel Archer-Ginsberg.

Each gathering will begin with an opening verse and acknowledgment of the zodiac constellation corresponding to that night. Then a special offering will be shared by different friends representing many North American groups, branches, and regional councils. These unique contributions will range from meditative readings and thoughtful poems, to enlivening eurythmy and artistic activities, to insight into the cosmic script of the zodiac. This will be followed by work with the Foundation Stone Meditation and concludes with a closing verse.

December 24 12 noon CST
December 25 – 30 6:30 PM CST
December 31 “Hidden Night” – No Meeting
January 1 – 5   6:30 PM CST

Register for the Holy Nights Gatherings ›

The gatherings will be recorded for later viewing if you are not able to join us live.
Register using the button above to access both the live presentations and recordings.

Then from 7:30pm – 8:30pm CST
The Rudolf Steiner Branch will take up our own study of the ‘Laying of the Foundation Stone’
from The Christmas Conference 1923/1924. (There are copies of ‘The Red Book’ in the Library)

Most Nights are from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CST except:

24 Dec. Zoom Call at NOON CST (no meeting at the branch)
*26 Dec. The Rudolf Steiner Branch is Hosting this Nation-wide event.
Meet in the Upper Room at 6 pm CST.
*28 Dec. Olaf Åsteson practice 3 pm – 5 pm CST – Performance at 7 pm CST
29 Dec. The Mandaamin Institute’s 2019 Open House (carpool leaves at 2 pm, returns 8:30 pm)

The New Mysteries of the ‘Christmas Conference’ Renewed!

1st Holy Night: Tuesday 24 December 2019 – Christmas Eve, Adam & Eve’s Day (no meeting at the branch) Zoom call at NOON CST – A Goethean Conversation

2nd Holy Night: Wednesday 25 December 2019 – Christmas Day. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 1st hour hosted by ‘The Sophia Holding Group’. Our study: Rudolf Steiner’ Opening Lecture. pg. 43

*3rd Holy Night: Thursday 26 December 2019 – Boxing Day – Feast of St. Steven. 1st hour hosted by us the Rudolf Steiner Branch, Chicago: “The Vast & Holy Night” a liminal performance of spoken word & eurythmy honoring the dark from which the light is born. Our study: The Laying of the Foundation Stone of the General Anthroposophical Society through Rudolf Steiner. Pg. 68

4th Holy Night: Friday 27 December 2019 – Feast of St. John -1st hour hosted by Mary Stewart Adams. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting pg. 98

*5th Holy Night: Saturday 28 December 2019 – The Dream Song of Olaf Åsteson with Debbie Barford & Mary Tom 3pm – 5pm practice 7 pm – 9 pm performance. Come gather to work with the Legend of Olaf Åsteson in the afternoon to be part of the community ensemble 3pm – 5pm with a dinner break returning for the performance open to all from 7 pm – 9 pm. $10 Donation Encouraged. Contact Debra Barford for more info.

or Zoom Call: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm hosted by The Dallas Maitreya Branch. Lisa Dalton

6th Holy Night: Sunday 29 December 2019 – 1st hour hosted by The Rockford TN. Group. William Rogers

4 pm – 6 pm You are invited to the Mandaamin Institute’s 2019 Open House!  This year we intend to report on the great progress we have made with breeding, testing, and getting our high quality, nutrient efficient corn out together with our farmer, university, and company colleagues.
However, we also need now to consider, does it make sense to do research and to breed crops for organic farmers if the farmers are going out of business?

The last few years have been very tough for farmers and there is a real danger that we will lose the smaller scale farmers who practice biodynamic and organic farming. It is increasingly clear that farmers cannot do it alone. Consumer awareness and action are critical for ensuring the best food possible and a healthy planet.

Therefore, this year we will highlight Mark and Petra Zinniker, who run the oldest biodynamic farm on the continent in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. They will share with us the amazing things they have been doing to produce the healthiest food possible, while at the same time, saving the planet through their farming methods.
We will share with you our problems, our plans, and our hopes. Please forward this invitation and the attached flier to anyone who is concerned about food and water quality, climate, and planet health.

Sunday, December 29, 2019
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7194 Madaus Street, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Please RSVP by contacting Bente Goldstein at: (262) 642-9738 or benteg@centurytel.net

Then dear friends, from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm We will hold the 6th Holy Night Online Holy Nights Gathering up there at the Mandaamin Institute hosted by The Rockford TN. Group. William Rogers

for those who opt to stay in the City – Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 110

7th Holy Night: Monday 30 December 2019 – 1st hour hosted by The Eastern Regional Council. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 138

***

– NYE–The 13th Hidden Night Tuesday 31 December 2019-2020
7:30 pm – 1 am – $20 + Potluck Food & Drink to Share
Live Music & Folk Dancing with Jutta & the Hi-Dukes ™ 8 -9:30pm
Biography Playshop
Spacial Dynamics & the Loving Kindness Meditation with Deborah Rogers
Cut Away & Call in – A Ritual of Renewal
Seeking the Holy Grail Within – with Hazel Archer Ginsberg
Lead (Wax) Casting Divination for the NY
More TBA…

***

8th Holy Night: Wednesday 1 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by Tess Parker, Abigail Dancey & The Youth. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 183

9th Holy Night: Thursday 2 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by The Western Regional Council. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 192

10th Holy Night: Friday 3 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by The Portland Branch. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 204

11th Holy Night: Saturday 4 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by Brian Gray. Our study: The Envy of the Gods – the Envy of Human Beings, Looking back to the burning of the Goetheanum, by Rudolf Steiner. Pg. 231

*12th Holy Night: Sunday 5 January 2020 – Epiphany, ‘Three Kings’ – 1st hour hosted by The Central Regional Council. Alberto Loya, Marianne Fieber, Lisa Dalton, Hazel Archer Ginsberg. Our Study: On the Right Entry into the Spiritual World – The responsibility Incumbent on us, by Rudolf Steiner. Pg. 260

for more info. contact Festivals Coordinator Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

Still

December 21, 2019Celestial Event, Chicago Event, Festival, History, Insight, Remembering~hag

Today on Winter Solstice, when the ‘Sun Stands Still’, Let us pause to reflect on the many customs associated with this powerful storytelling time of year.

Image result for dark before the dawn painting — Keey Withers

It is the dark before the dawn, the time of renewal, giving us the most primordial myths of humankind. The Sun of Mid-Winter draws in its breath, opening in new life at this time of deepest darkness.

In Old Norse mythology, the Sun goddess was swallowed up by the wolf of darkness, but was reborn as her daughter, the maiden goddess of the underworld, who rose again to illumine the world.

Image result for isis in the underworld painting

The esoteric meaning of this time of year can be gleaned from the ancient mystery schools. Initiates into the Mysteries of Isis had to undergo a ceremony of death & rebirth in which they entered the underworld to gaze upon the “sun at midnight.” This ceremony, speaks of the journey of the soul into the fecund depths of the subconscious mind, & even deeper into the great dark sea of space from which all creation comes forth, where it could be purified & born anew.

Dion Fortune describes this process in her book, The Sea Priestess:

Sink down, sink down, sink deeper and more deep
Into eternal and primordial sleep.
Sink down, be still, forget and draw apart,
Sink into the inner earth’s most secret heart.
Drink of the waters of Persephone,
The secret well beside the sacred tree.
Waters of life and strength and inner light –
Eternal joy drawn from the depths of night.
Then rise, made strong, with life and hope renewed,
Reborn from darkness and from solitude…

Throughout the ancient world, people gathered at sacred sites as far apart as Newgrange in Ireland & the temple of Karnak in Egypt, to celebrate the miracle of the sun’s return at the darkest time of the year. In the pitch-black sanctuaries of caves & earth chambers, our ancestors waited for the birth of new light & life.

Image result for cave of the soul painting — Beckwith Carplax

At a time when the fate of our planet & all her creatures hangs in the balance, let each of us journey down into the cave of the soul to drink from the secret well of wisdom & find the hidden flame within the dark — then return bearing our own unique gift of Light for the world.

May we re-member what came before, so that we can reflect on the now & create the future anew.

The ancient Romans celebrated from December 17^th to December 24^th with a festival called Saturnalia, during which all work was put aside in favor of feasting & gambling. The social order was reversed, with masters waiting on their slaves.

Saturnalia is named after Saturn, who is often depicted with a sickle, like the figures of Death or Old Father Time. Astrologically speaking, Saturn is saturnine: gloomy, old, dutiful & heavy, like the metal associated with it: lead. He was the god who ate his own children rather than let them surpass him.

For new life to flourish, for the sun to rise again, it is necessary to vanquish this gloomy old fellow. Therefore, the feasting & merriment of the midwinter season are required in order to combat the forces of gloom.

The day following the Saturnalia, was the Juvenalia, a holiday in honor of children, who were entertained, feasted & given good luck talismans. After vanquishing the Old King, it’s time to celebrate the New Year’s Baby.

Christ’s birthday was not celebrated on December 25^th until the 4th century. Before then, December 25^th was best known as the birthday of the Persian hero & sun-god, Mithra (an earlier form of Michael). The myth tells that he sprang up full-grown from a rock, armed with a knife & carrying a torch. Mithra journeyed into the underworld, winning gifts for humankind before his miraculous rebirth.

Lenaia was a women-only Athenian midwinter festival. They held ecstatic dances where a bull, representing Dionysus, was cut into nine pieces.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Mithras-solinvictus.jpg

In 274 AD, the Roman emperor Valerian declared December 25^th the Birthday of Sol Invictus, the Unconquerable Sun.

In the early years of Christianity Christ’s birthday was celebrated on January 6^th known to us now as Epiphany, represented by the Wise Magi, Kings who could read the omens in the starry script. The Eastern Orthodox folks knew that this was connected with the Baptism, when the Cosmic Christ Being entered into human form.

On the same date in pre-Christian times, this was when the Virgin Kore gave birth, celebrated in Alexandria with a festival called the Koreion. The image of the goddess, decorated with gold stars, was carried seven times around her temple as the priests cried, “The Virgin has brought forth the new Aeon!”

Image result for horus light of the world

This ritual recalls the Egyptian ceremony re-enacting the birth of Horus, the sun-god to Isis. All lights in the city were doused while Isis circled the sarcophagus seven times, then brought forth Horus who was called “the Light of the World.”

Image result for isis horus madonna and child

Statues of Isis holding the newly born sun god on her lap, presenting him to the world, prefigure the later Madonna & child archetype.

In Europe on Winter Solstice the ceremonies involved kindling the new light with a Yule log. Oak was popular in the north of England, birch in Scotland & ash in Cornwall & Devon, all associated with the Sun.

Image result for Cailleach Nollaich carved in wood

In some parts of the Scottish highlands, the head of the household finds a withered stump and carves it into the likeness of an old woman, the Cailleach Nollaich or Christmas Old Wife, the goddess of winter, the hag of night, the old one who brings death. Burning her image drives away the hardships of winter & protects the occupants of the household from death.

The Yule log is brought into the house with great ceremony, & decorated with holly & ivy & evergreens. Some prefer to use the Yule log as a decoration & place candles on it instead, transforming it into a candelabra. It is lit with a piece of last year’s log as described in Herrick’s poem, “Hesperides:”

Come bring with a noise
My merry, merry boys
The Christmas log to the firing
With the last year’s brand.
Light the new block,
And for good success in his spending
On your psalteries play:
That sweet luck may
Come while the log is a-teendling.

In Italy, the Yule log is called the Ceppo, & families gathered around the hearth pouring libations of wine upon the glowing wood, linking the Yule log with the custom of wassailing, & pouring out libations to the trees in the orchard.

Image result for yule log burning ancient

The Yule log is left to burn all night, &, if possible, throughout the 12 Holy Nights. The ashes are kept for good luck. They have magical properties & can be scattered in the field to fertilize the soil or sprinkled around the house for protection.

Another ancient midwinter custom is decorating with greens. The Romans decorated with rosemary, bay, laurel, holly, ivy & mistletoe. The holly & ivy were both important midwinter plants in Great Britain & Ireland, as seen in the mysterious medieval carol which mentions the rivalry between them, with the Ivy representing the cold gloominess of winter, & the Holly King, the jolly spirit of the season.

The Christmas tree is of more recent origin. The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated comes from Riga in Latvia in 1519, when a group of local merchants carried an evergreen bedecked with flowers to the marketplace, where they danced around it & then burned it.

Image result for christmas tree oberufer

Another possible source is the custom in 15th century Germany of hanging apples on a fir tree as a prop for the Oberufer plays performed on Christmas Eve, depicting Adam & Eve being driven out of Paradise.

Image result for battle between light and dark painting — Sumpra Tanz

Many traditions focused on this human battle between the dark & the light within. May we be willing to look into the dark before calling in the light.

Image result for hanukkah candles next to christmas tree

This is a natural time for letting go & saying farewell. Since this is the season when animals hibernate & nature sleeps & we can turn inward too. Then when you light your Hanukkah candles or your Christmas tree, do so with the intention of bringing light into the world. What are the ways in which you can help make the world lighter?

***

Online Holy Nights Gatherings:“May Human Beings Hear It”

Hosted by the Anthrophosophical Society in America
Organizers: Laura Scappaticci, Angela Foster, and Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
Each gathering will begin with an opening verse and acknowledgment of the zodiac constellation corresponding to that night. Then a special offering will be shared by different friends representing many North American groups, branches, and regional councils. These unique contributions will range from meditative readings and thoughtful poems, to enlivening eurythmy and artistic activities, to insight into the cosmic script of the zodiac. This will be followed by work with the Foundation Stone Meditation and conclude with a closing verse.
December 24 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada / 6:00 PM GMT)
December 25 – 30 7:30 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada / 12:30 AM GMT)
December 31 “Hidden Night” – No Meeting
January 1 – 5 7:30 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada / 12:30 AM GMT)

The gatherings will be recorded for later viewing if you are not able to join us live. Register using the button above to access both the live presentations and recordings.

Wise Cosmos is pleased to participate in this inaugural Holy Nights series sponsored by Anthroposophical Society in America. Brian Gray will be the featured presenter on January 4th.

Holy Nights 2019-2020 – The New Mysteries of the ‘Christmas Conference’ Renewed! Dear Friends – Join us this year for an Extra Ordinary Holy Nights. We will gather at the Branch from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm CST to attend a new initiative with folks from around the world; ‘May Human Beings Hear It: An Online Holy Nights Gathering hosted by ASA friends around the country’. Organized by: Laura Scappaticci, Angela Foster, & Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

Here is the link with info. for this free Zoom Call gathering.

Here is the Link to Register

Then from 7:30pm – 8:30pm CST we will take up our own study of the ‘Laying of the Foundation Stone’ from The Christmas Conference 1923/1924. (There are copies of ‘The Red Book’ in the Library)

Most Nights are from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CST except:
24 Dec. Zoom Call at NOON CST (no meeting at the branch)
*26 Dec. The Rudolf Steiner Branch is Hosting this Nation-wide event. Meet in the Upper Room at 6 pm CST.
*28 Dec. Olaf Åsteson practice 3 pm – 5 pm CST – Performance at 7 pm CST.

1st Holy Night: Tuesday 24 December 2019 – Christmas Eve, Adam & Eve’s Day (no meeting at the branch) Zoom call at NOON CST – A Goethean Conversation

2nd Holy Night: Wednesday 25 December 2019 – Christmas Day. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 1st hour hosted by ‘The Sophia Holding Group’. Our study: Rudolf Steiner’ Opening Lecture. pg. 43

*3rd Holy Night: Thursday 26 December 2019 – Boxing Day – Feast of St. Steven. 1st hour hosted by us the Rudolf Steiner Branch, Chicago: “The Vast & Holy Night” a liminal performance of spoken word & eurythmy honoring the dark from which the light is born. Our study: The Laying of the Foundation Stone of the General Anthroposophical Society through Rudolf Steiner. Pg. 68

4th Holy Night: Friday 27 December 2019 – Feast of St. John -1st hour hosted by Mary Stewart Adams. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting pg. 98

*5th Holy Night: Saturday 28 December 2019 – The Dream Song of Olaf Åsteson with Debbie Barford & Mary Tom 3pm – 5pm practice 7 pm – 9 pm performance. Come gather to work with the Legend of Olaf Åsteson in the afternoon to be part of the community ensemble 3pm – 5pm with a dinner break returning for the performance open to all from 7 pm – 9 pm. $10 Donation Encouraged. Contact Debra Barford for more info.

or Zoom Call: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm hosted by The Dallas Maitreya Branch. Lisa Dalton

6th Holy Night: Sunday 29 December 2019 – 1st hour hosted by The Rockford TN. Group.William Rogers

4 pm – 6 pm You are invited to the Mandaamin Institute’s 2019 Open House! This year we intend to report on the great progress we have made with breeding, testing, and getting our high quality, nutrient efficient corn out together with our farmer, university, and company colleagues.

However, we also need now to consider, does it make sense to do research and to breed crops for organic farmers if the farmers are going out of business?

The last few years have been very tough for farmers and there is a real danger that we will lose the smaller scale farmers who practice biodynamic and organic farming. It is increasingly clear that farmers cannot do it alone. Consumer awareness and action are critical for ensuring the best food possible and a healthy planet.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Zinniker-petra-Mark.png

Therefore, this year we will highlight Mark and Petra Zinniker, who run the oldest biodynamic farm on the continent in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. They will share with us the amazing things they have been doing to produce the healthiest food possible, while at the same time, saving the planet through their farming methods.

We will share with you our problems, our plans, and our hopes. Please forward this invitation and the attached flier to anyone who is concerned about food and water quality, climate, and planet health.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 7194 Madaus Street, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Drinks and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP by contacting Bente Goldstein at: (262) 642-9738 or benteg@centurytel.net

Then dear friends, from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm We will hold the Holy Nights ‘May Human Beings Hear It: An Online Holy Nights Gathering hosted by ASA friends around the country’. Here is the link with info. for this free Zoom Call gathering. Here is the Link to Register

PLEASE CONTACT HAZEL IF YOU WANT TO CAR POOL

for those who opt to stay in the City – Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 110

7th Holy Night: Monday 30 December 2019 – 1st hour hosted by The Eastern Regional Council. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 138

***

– NYE–The 13th Hidden Night Tuesday 31 December 2019-2020
7:30 pm – 1 am – $20 + Potluck Food & Drink to Share
Live Music & Folk Dancing with Jutta & the Hi-Dukes ™ 8 -9:30pm
Biography Playshop
Spacial Dynamics & the Loving Kindness Meditation with Deborah Rogers
Cut Away & Call in – A Ritual of Renewal
Seeking the Holy Grail Within – with Hazel Archer Ginsberg
Lead (Wax) Casting Divination for the NY
More TBA…

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8th Holy Night: Wednesday 1 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by Tess Parker & The Youth. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 183

9th Holy Night: Thursday 2 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by The Western Regional Council. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 192

10th Holy Night: Friday 3 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by The Portland Branch. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 204

11th Holy Night: Saturday 4 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by Brian Gray. Our study: The Envy of the Gods – the Envy of Human Beings, Looking back to the burning of the Goetheanum, by Rudolf Steiner. Pg. 231

*12th Holy Night: Sunday 5 January 2020 – Epiphany, ‘Three Kings’ – 1st hour hosted by The Central Regional Council. Alberto Loya, Marianne Fieber, Lisa Dalton, Hazel Archer Ginsberg. Our Study: On the Right Entry into the Spiritual World – The responsibility Incumbent on us, by Rudolf Steiner. Pg. 260

for more info. contact Festivals Coordinator Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

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Spiritual Manger

December 17, 2019Festival, History, Poetry, Remembering, Rudolf Steiner Quote~hag

Image result for barren landscape painting — George Channing

Dear friends – When all seems dead & barren on the face of the Earth, below the surface, the inner life is strengthened…& if we can let go of the false hustle & bustle imposed on us from without, & sit in the stillness of the darkness, where the heart-beat can be heard, There we will find the inner strength to let go of our fear of the dark. To let our eyes adjust to the dark. And soon we will see quite clearly in the dark. And then we can begin the work of Re-Patterning & opening to the inspiration of our Immaculate Conception – our pure thought, which creates the new paradigm…

The Immaculate Conception Revisited – Catholic World Report

Energizing Hope for the Sun’s return & the Earth’s renewal we make a ‘spiritual manger’ – a sacred space – in the cold black frozen places, that seem devoid of life, but are really just a sterilized palate – a clean slate, fresh & ready for the newly conceived light to be born into & fill…

At Advent, All our souls are pregnant with the possibility of giving birth to the light within. Wisdom fills us with this possibility that we may birth the Being of Love. This pure light is a becoming, it becomes, a rainbow, in us: shining with the colors of hope, truth & goodness; radiant with the hues of integrity, beauty & virtue, which overflow as joyous praise. In growing this rainbow within, we become, enlightened, with Good Will, bringing the power of Peace to bear in the world.

Image result for may peace prevail on earth painting — Debbie Lin

~hag

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Image result for asteroid belt that lies between the orbits of Mars & Jupiter painting — Harry Voot

17 December 2019 – “Speaking with the Stars”: This evening offers an exceptional chance to spot the asteroid belt that lies between the orbits of Mars & Jupiter. Look south of Alpha Aquarii, the second-brightest star in the constellation Aquarius, at the southwestern corner of the Great Square of Pegasus.

Rudolf Steiner’s Lectures on this day

“My eager heart aspires
To be a torch, to bear the Spirit’s light
Into the dark night of a wintry world
Blessing and blest. ” ~Rudolf Steiner

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Feast day of Lazarus – The biblical narrative of the raising of Lazarus is found in chapter 11 of the Gospel of John. Lazarus is introduced as a follower of Jesus, who lives in the town of Bethany near Jerusalem, the brother of Mary & Martha. The sisters send word to Jesus that Lazarus, “he whom thou lovest,” is ill. Instead of immediately traveling to Bethany, Jesus intentionally remains where he is for two more days before beginning the journey.

When Jesus arrives in Bethany, he finds that Lazarus is dead & has already been in his tomb for four days. He meets first with Martha & then Mary in turn. Martha laments that Jesus did not arrive soon enough to heal her brother & Jesus replies with the well-known statement, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die“. Later the narrator here gives the famous simple phrase, “Jesus wept“.

In the presence of a crowd of mourners, Jesus comes to the tomb. Over the objections of Martha, Jesus has them roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb & says a prayer. He then calls Lazarus to come out (“Come forth”) & Lazarus does so, still wrapped in his grave-cloths. Jesus then calls for someone to remove the grave-cloths, & let him go.

The narrative ends with the statement that many of the witnesses to this event “believed in him.” Others are said to report the events to the religious authorities in Jerusalem.

The Gospel of John mentions Lazarus again in chapter 12. Six days before the Passover on which Jesus is crucified, Jesus returns to Bethany & Lazarus attends a supper that Martha, his sister, serves. Jesus & Lazarus together attract the attention of many & the chief priests consider having Lazarus put to death because so many people are believing in Jesus on account of this miracle.

The miracle of the raising of Lazarus, the longest coherent narrative in John aside from the Passion, is the culmination of John’s “signs”. It explains the crowds seeking Jesus on Palm Sunday, & leads directly to the decision of Caiaphas & the Sanhedrin to kill Jesus.

It is notable that at John 11:11, after being told by His disciples to fear those who would kill Him, & after the parable about living in darkness, Jesus references his own parable & states that Lazarus sleeps, & that He will go “wake him up”. The disciples thought Jesus meant Lazarus was actually sleeping in verse 12. Then, in verse 14, Jesus speaks plainly & tells them that “Lazarus has died”. This is to be clear that Lazarus has died in the flesh, & is not sleeping or unconscious.

Lazarus is spoken of by Rudolf Steiner as becoming John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, & formerly as Hiram Abiff the Master Builder of Solomon’s Temple & Christian Rosenkreutz.

497 BC – The first Saturnalia festival was celebrated in ancient Rome.

Image result for aztec stone calendar painting

1790 – The Aztec calendar stone is discovered at El Zócalo, Mexico City.

Image result for 1819 – Simón Bolívar declares the independence of Gran Colombia

1819 – Simón Bolívar declares the independence of Gran Colombia in Venezuela. Gran Colombia was the most prestigious country in Spanish America. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State & future president of the United States, claimed it to be one of the most powerful nations on the planet. This prestige, attracted to the nation unionist ideas of independence movements in Cuba, the Dominican Republic & Puerto Rico, which sought to form an associated state with the republic.

1862 –General Ulysses S. Grant issues General Order No. 11, expelling Jews from parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, & Kentucky.

1830 – Death Day of Simón Bolívar, 2nd President of Venezuela

1833 – Deathday of Kaspar Hauser, the rightful Prince of Baden, died after a murder attempt on 12.12.1833

Image result for Eleanor Charlotte Merry

1873 – Birthday of Eleanor Charlotte Merry, an English poet, artist, musician & anthroposophist with a strong Celtic impulse & interest in esoteric wisdom. She studied in Vienna & met Rudolf Steiner in 1922 after becoming interested in his teachings. She went on to organize Summer Schools where Steiner gave lectures, & was secretary for the World Conference on Spiritual Science in London in 1928

Eleanor Charlotte Kynaston grew up in a liberal educational environment, her father being the well known classical scholar & professor of Ancient Greek, Herbert Snow aka Kynaston. It was only at the age of 13 that she began to attend a regular school. This was also when she began to take a passionate interest in music. Two years later, her father became Deacon of Durham, so Eleanor grew up close to the beautiful cathedral. She was able to read the manuscripts that were kept in the monastic library, walking up & down amongst the Norman columns of the cathedral & experienced something of a real, concrete history, something completely different from what she read in her schoolbooks. It was the myths & legends that captivated her, & she learned by heart Tennyson’s King Arthur.

The stream of scholars & theologians that entered their house fed her spiritual longings.

As she grew up, she sought a career as singer, wanting to study music & art. At 19, she left home for a course of study in Vienna, which led not only to a fine command of the German language & development of her musical skills but also placed her in a kind of artistic-aesthetic inner crisis. Soon after her return to England, she married the well-known Oxford surgeon Merry, to whose professional commitments Eleanor Merry was to devote much of her energy besides the rearing of their son & daughter.

She learnt about Theosophy at the beginning of World War I when a copy of the “Secret Doctrine” of H.P. Blavatsky was sent her by persons unknown. As she read it, she felt as if guided by some unseen hand, & studied further works of Annie Besant & other Theosophists. After the war, she was made aware of Rudolf Steiner’s Knowledge of the Higher Worlds. In January 1922 she met Daniel Nicol Dunlop in London for the first time. He was reading a lecture of Rudolf Steiner’s to the anthroposophical group there. A few months later, her husband died of pneumonia, after which she had her first personal conversation with DN Dunlop. Dunlop was still fired up with gratitude over his meeting with Rudolf Steiner some few weeks previously.

She took part in the conference “Spiritual Values in Education” in Oxford that August, where she met Rudolf Steiner personally for the first time. She saw him first in a corridor & by his gait & the manner in which he looked at her, she had the impression: “He knows where he is going.”

She assisted D.N. Dunlop in the preparation of the subsequent Summer School in Penmaenmawr the following year, where a further conversation with Rudolf Steiner took place in which he recommended to her the new techniques in painting that had been developed under his guidance. She was soon exhibiting publicly in London& elsewhere. He also advised her to form as strong a bond as possible with Dunlop. This summer school, devoted to the theme “The Evolution of Consciousness” was felt by Steiner to be a milestone in the development of the anthroposophical movement.

Eleanor was present at the founding of the new General Anthroposophical Society at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland around New Year 1923/24.

The theme of the ensuing Summer School at Torquay in 1924, “True and False Paths in Spiritual Investigation” (GA 243), stemmed from a conversation she had with Rudolf Steiner on this occasion.

In her further work in Britain after Rudolf Steiner’s death, she wholeheartedly supported D.N. Dunlop’s efforts to create an open, inclusive & at the same time spiritually founded continuation of the anthroposophical work. She acted as secretary of the anthroposophical World Conference in London of 1928 &wrote a play around the figure of King Arthur for the youth conference initiated by David Clement in Glastonbury in 1932. More immediately than anyone, she experienced the dramatic events affecting Daniel Dunlop between 1929, when he became General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain & the spring of 1935, when he was expelled from the General Anthroposophical Society & died a short while later. After his death, she maintained intimate friendships with her half-sister, Marna Pease, Walter Johannes Stein & particularly Eugen Kolisko, whom she helped to build up the School for Spiritual Science, wrote numerous articles for their magazine “The Modern Mystic“, & wrote down the biographical notes Kolisko dictated to her. In the 1940s she led a painting school together with Maria Schindler as well as working with her on the book Pure Colour (1946), leading to large public exhibitions.

Eleanor Charlotte Merry died on 16. June 1956 in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.

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Here is the link with info. for this free Zoom Call gathering.

Here is the Link to Register

1st Holy Night: Tuesday 24 December 2019 – Christmas Eve, Adam & Eve’s Day (no meeting at the branch) Zoom call at NOON CST – A Goethean Conversation

2nd Holy Night: Wednesday 25 December 2019 – Christmas Day. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 1st hour hosted by ‘The Sophia Holding Group’. Our study: Rudolf Steiner’ Opening Lecture. pg. 43

4th Holy Night: Friday 27 December 2019 – Feast of St. John -1st hour hosted by Mary Stewart Adams. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting pg. 98

or Zoom Call: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm hosted by The Dallas Maitreya Branch. Lisa Dalton

6th Holy Night: Sunday 29 December 2019 – 1st hour hosted by The Rockford TN. Group. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 110 William Rogers

7th Holy Night: Monday 30 December 2019 – 1st hour hosted by The Eastern Regional Council. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 138

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8th Holy Night: Wednesday 1 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by Tess Parker & The Youth. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 183

9th Holy Night: Thursday 2 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by The Western Regional Council. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 192

10th Holy Night: Friday 3 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by The Portland Branch. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 204

for more info. contact Festivals Coordinator Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

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The Christian Community in North America

Winter Youth Conference 2020

THE COURAGE TO LOVE THE WORLD THAT WE’RE IN

For young people ages 14-19 – January 17 – 20, 2020 MLK weekend in Washington DC

WHAT DO YOU LOVE? -WHAT IS IN NEED OF YOUR LOVE?

Rev. Carol Kelly, Rev. Paul Newton, Anna Silber, Samuel Parker, Ultra-Violet Archer, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

fee $300 (Financial assistance available)

contact Rev. Carol Kelly carolkelly.cc@gmail.com

full flyer: Christian community DC2020

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30 Jan. – 2 Feb. 2020 Prep-makers conference at Michael Fields Institute

Fellowship of Preparation Makers Gathering

BD 501 and 508 – Tools to bring the cosmic light into the earth.

January 30^th – February 2^nd, 2020

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, N8030 Townline Rd, East Troy, WI

The mission of the Fellowship of Preparation Makers is to ensure that good quality biodynamic preparations are available now and into the future throughout North America.

Schedule:

Thursday, January 30th

10—10:30 am Registration for Chromatogram Intensive

10:30am Chromatogram Intensive – All levels welcome. Presenter: Ryann Herring

12 —1pm Lunch on your own

1-3pm Chromatogram Intensive

3—5pm Registration and Social Time

5-6:30pm Supper

7-8:30pm Welcome from Perry Brown, and Candlemas Festival with Hazel Archer Ginsberg

Friday, January 31st

7:30-8:30am Registration, Breakfast and Social Time

8:30– 10 am History of Fellowship of Prep Makers, and Introductions.

10-10:30am Morning Break

10:30–12:30pm Why Biodynamics? Presenter: Mac Mead

12:30-1:45pm Lunch

2-3:30pm How the cosmic works in the earth? Presenter: Hugh Courtney

3:30-4pm Afternoon Break

4-6pm Different ways to make and use BD501 & BD508. Practical hands on session with Marjory House and Lloyd Nelson

6-7:30 pm Supper

7:30-9pm The Journey of a Prep Maker, A history circle, Facilitator: Brian Wickert

Saturday, February 1st

7:30-8:30 Registration, Breakfast and Social Time

8:30-10am History of Silica on Man’s Evolution (Lamuria to today) Presenter: Mac Mead

10-10:30am Morning break

10:30– 12pm Silica and the Human Presenter: Dr. Mark Kamsler

12-1:30pm Lunch

1:30-3pm Interpretation of Chromatograms Presenter: Ryann Herring

3-3:30pm Afternoon Break

3:30-5pm Kolisko Institute Presenter: Dr. Mark Kamsler

5-7pm Supper

7-8:30pm Quality Comparison of BD501 & 508 Show and tell how you make and use the preps. Facilitator: Wali Via

8:30 pm Evening Social/Brew City Drifters

Sunday, February 2nd

7:30-8:30 am Breakfast & Social Time

8:30-10am Round Table Discussion: Peppering for Pests and Weeds Panel: Mac Mead and Hugh Courtney

10-1-:30 Morning Break

10:30– Noon Fellowship presentations, evaluations and closing circle.

Noon Lunch

Registration and Lodging

Full Conference Fee $250

Single Day $125

Single Talk $25

Single Meal $15

Chromatogram Intensive $25

Homestays Available

Airport pickup from MKE available

Questions:
Allison Pratt-Szeliga
apszeliga@michaelfields.org
262-642-3303×107

Home stay and airport transportation arrangements will be handled by:
Petra Zinniker
petrazinniker@gmail.com
262-581-7574

We will work to provide home stays for everyone who requests one. Some homes will be free and others may have a cost. Please contact Petra with your requests. Home stays will be reserved on a first come first served basis.

Local accommodations are also listed below:
Quality Inn & Suites (1.8 miles away)
2921 O’Leary Ln, East Troy, WI 53120•(262) 684-2183

Alpine Valley Resort (1.6 miles away)
W2501 Co Rd D, Elkhorn, WI 53121•(262) 642-7374

BD 501 and 508 preps for quality comparison:
If you have them, please bring or send BD 501 and BD 508 preps for quality comparison and closing ceremony.
Preps can be mailed to Petra Zinniker, N 7399 Bowers Rd, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Presenters:

Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

Mac Mead

Hugh Courtney

Marjory House

Lloyd Nelson

Dr Kamsler

Ryan Herring

Wali Via

Sponsors: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Demeter, Biodynamic Association

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The Central Regional Council and the Association for Anthroposophic Psychology present: View this email in your browser

Karma and Anthroposophic Psychology
— an Easter-Tide RetreatMaundy Thursday 9 April 2020 Noon thru Easter Sunday at 3 pm
Rudolf Steiner Branch 4249 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL AAP:James A. Dyson, M.D., Roberta Nelson, Ph.D., and David Tresemer, Ph.D. with Susan Overhauser, Ph.D.CRC:Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa DaltonEurythmist: Mary RuudActivities:Art-ActsStar WisdomThe Karma ExercisesExperiential PAGEANT on Holy Saturday: ‘Know Thyself’Easter Sunrise SongtrailOptional service at the Christian CommunityCommunal meals and time for ConversationLectures:‘Living into Karma through the Senses’‘How to find the Self in a Sea of Karma’‘Unfolding the Enigma of the Saturn Path’‘The Gesture of Karma’‘Christ as Lord of Karma — how do I access this in terms of my personal psychology?’(Program subject to change) $125 Conference fee includes 1 meal a dayFor more information and to register, contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@peoplepc.com

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Festivals for the Dead. Then & Now. Renew, or Create Your Own Tradition.

with 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 & Council Member of the Chicago Rudolf Steiner Branch, The Traveling Speakers Program, & the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society.

That which is Coming…

December 8, 2019Festival, History, Remembering, Soul to Soul~hag

The word Advent comes from the Latin advenire, “to arrive” or ‘that which is coming’. It a time of preparation, an inner exercise of waiting, of becoming present. Standing guard in the dark, thoughtfully gestating, before the return of the light at Winter Solstice & the birth of the Sun/Son at Christmas.

We look to the wisdom revealed in the position of the star-beings present now in the dome of the sky. The 4 weeks of Advent are deeply connected with the challenge of the Scorpion. & the Centaur. – Can we overcome our animal nature & the consequences of error & evil that has separated us from our true divine nature?

Advent can be seen as the time of transforming the fallen parts of our souls, so we can truly meet the Christmas birth.

In the north, the darkness & death of nature mirror the descent of humanity from the light into the darkness of matter at the Fall. This time of Advent, reflects our journey away from the Divine Sun into the lower realm. This descent began during the epoch of evolution known as ‘Ancient Moon’ – in the course of the rebellion called the ‘War in Heaven’ with the later infusion of Luciferic tendencies upon the human astral body.

“But now an event occurred that gave evolution a new turn. Beings who had a certain leading connection with that part of the Moon cosmos…became “rebellious”. This Moon rebellion changed the character of the human beings. They now had a soul body, as we said. They were thereby able to have inner sensations, emotions, etc., but now introduced into their inner nature was the impulse to develop a dim sense of independence, of segregation and of divorce from the higher spiritual world. These impulses prepared them to later become egoists. Those beings who initiated this development were later on perceived as the Serpent who brought about the Fall of humanity and the loss of paradise, according to the Book of Genesis. We find that Moon rebellion recorded in the script of the constellation of Scorpion.” (Willi Sucher, Isis Sophia II, Part Two, The Evolution of Ancient Moon) Thanks to Jonathan Hilton and the Astrosophy Center)

Rudolf Steiner also describes this rebellion in Occult Science: An Outline & from another perspective in, The Spiritual Hierarchies and their Reflection in the Physical World: “Beings from the sphere of the Mights (Dynamis), to put it tritely, were detached; they were placed in the course of evolution so as to bring about obstacles instead of acting as progressive influences. We have come to know this as the War in Heaven….[later in Lemurian times]..The beings who stayed behind, whom we call Luciferic beings approached the human astral body –they were unable to reach the “I” – and injected into the astral body the results of the War in Heaven…humans now had been given the possibility of error and evil, but at the same time also received the capacity to rise above error and evil through their own strength…Thus we can see that only because the Dynamis were given adverse orders did humans receive the possibility of reaching their goal by means of their own powers, something that even the Seraphim cannot attain through their own endeavors. That is the crucial fact…Humans have to fulfill a completely new mission in the world, the mission we have just characterized, and descended into the earthly world in order to accomplish it. Christ came into the world as man’s free helper; not as a God working from above, but as the first-born among many.”

woman-child-dragon-bamberg-apocalypse — Bamberg Apocalypse

The Festivals of the year give us an opportunity to not only see the past but to work with the present to inform the future. Advent is the time of the year to come to terms with the consequences of the error & evil that is in our own astral nature, reflected in our society so strongly today, to develop the strength to overcome these tendencies in our self & in the world, so that we might prepare the way for the birth of Christ in us at Christmas-tide. This is our activity now for every human being during Advent out of freedom.

Advent is a true festival of our current time in world evolution. Especially now. This is a karmic call to humanity to awaken to this path of spiritual development with its focus on the confrontation with evil in our time.

The transformation of the Scorpion, not this time into the eagle, but into the dove, this must be our work – Opening to the Christ flame, the true I Am, born anew in the chalice of the heart at Christmas; the most fertile time for inwardly listening to the voice of our souls. What is seeking to be born? What is longing for deliverance?

Offer up your questions, your hopes, for transformation, for healing, for redemption of the lower self. It’s hard to wait, to be observant, to be malleable & open to change. When we are striving to Know Thyself, we may receive many not so pleasant insights into parts of our self that need purification; terrifying, or shameful glimpses into the double. Sometimes coming from very unexpected sources, blunt synchronicities, uncanny dreams & visions.

We celebrate Advent to awaken our connection with the cosmic purpose in the Universe. Can we use this time to become more aware of the way in which we are disconnected from our source? Can we strive to awaken our purpose, as we work to remember our Divine origin?

I think of the Mother God gestating the emergent body of Jesus within her. Every breath she takes, every beat of her heart, every thought in her mind, devoted to forming the perfect human being capable of holding the divine.

I think of the approaching soul of Jesus, the pure, innocent Nathan soul, described in Luke’s Gospel, preparing to enter into this immaculate body – This soul which has never incarnated into a human being before.

I can’t help comparing that original purity & dignity of humanity with the way people treat each other now-a-days – so much derision, disrespect & hatred, all the discrimination, how can these lies appear to so many as truth, a selfishness that they are willing to kill for?

Then I try to think about how this is part of some great plan to wake us up, to divide the wheat from the chaff, so that we can reclaim our place in the universe as conscious, Christened human beings.

With Prayers for Peace & Healing-
I Am ~Hazel Archer Ginsberg

Dear Friends – Scroll down for all the info. on upcoming programs & this year’s special 12 Holy Nights opportunity

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Rudolf Steiner’s Lectures on this day

7 December 2019 – “Speaking with the Stars”: Vega is still the brightest star in the west-northwest in early evening. The brightest over it is Deneb. Farther to Vega’s left is Altair. These 3 form the Summer Triangle, pointing this time of year toward the Great Square of Pegasus crossing the meridian high in the south.

Venus, Saturn and Jupiter at dusk, Dec. 6, 2019

Dear Friends – Tonight may be the earliest sunset of the year, if you live near latitude 40° north. Even though we’re still two weeks from the winter solstice!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

43 BC – Deathday of Cicero, Roman philosopher, lawyer, & politician, murdered

1703 – The greatest windstorm ever recorded in the southern part of Great Britain, makes landfall. Winds gust up to 120 mph, & 9,000 people die.

1787 – Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.

1917 – The United States declares war on Austria-Hungary.

1932 – German-born Swiss physicist Albert Einstein is granted an American visa.

Image result for pearl harbor 9/11 both not really surprise attacks

1941 – The Japanese ‘surprise attack’ on Pearl Harbor

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Current Festival & Program Events

13 – 14 December 2019

Rudiger Janisch

“The Spiritual Goetheanum, the threefold human being and the threefold social impulse”

Friday 13 December , 7 – 9 pm

Saturday 14 December, 9 am – noon

Rüdiger has been working in Curative Education and teaching in professional training programs in Germany and the United States for over 40 years. A long-time student of anthroposophy, he serves on the Collegium of the School for Spiritual Science in North America. His contributions to adult education methods were recognized in the context of an international research project sponsored by the European Union. He has been a member of the core faculty of a joint ‘Training for Trainers’ program supporting Curative Education and Social Therapy in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan. He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member of the M.S. Ed program in Waldorf Remedial Education at Antioch University N.H. Having taught many different aspects of anthroposophy and Curative Education, he currently is focused on action research and the development of artistic and experiential approaches to the spiritual scientific study of the human being.

Fro more info. contact Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

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Here is the link with info. for this free Zoom Call gathering.

Here is the Link to Register

Most Nights are from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CST except:
24 Dec. at NOON CST (no meeting at the branch)
*26 Dec. The Rudolf Steiner Branch is Hosting this Nation-wide event. Meet in the Upper Room at 6 pm CST.
*28 Dec. Olaf Åsteson practice 3 pm – 5 pm CST – Performance at 7 pm CST.

1st Holy Night: Tuesday 24 December 2019 – Christmas Eve, Adam & Eve’s Day (no meeting at the branch) Zoom call at NOON CST – A Goethean Conversation

2nd Holy Night: Wednesday 25 December 2019 – Christmas Day. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 1st hour hosted by ‘The Sophia Holding Group’. Our study: Rudolf Steiner’ Opening Lecture. pg. 43

4th Holy Night: Friday 27 December 2019 – Feast of St. John -1st hour hosted by Mary Stewart Adams. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting pg. 98

or Zoom Call: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm hosted by The Dallas Maitreya Branch. Lisa Dalton

6th Holy Night: Sunday 29 December 2019 – 1st hour hosted by The Rockford TN. Group. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 110 James E. Stamper

7th Holy Night: Monday 30 December 2019 – 1st hour hosted by The Eastern Regional Council. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 138

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8th Holy Night: Wednesday 1 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by Tess Parker & The Youth. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 183

9th Holy Night: Thursday 2 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by The Western Regional Council. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 192

10th Holy Night: Friday 3 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by The Portland Branch. Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 204

11th Holy Night: Saturday 4 January 2020 – 1st hour hosted by Brian Gray. Our study: The Envy of the Gods – the Envy of Human Beings, Looking back to the burning of the Goetheanum, by Rudolf Steiner. Pg. 231

for more info. contact Festivals Coordinator Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

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30 Jan. – 2 Feb. 2020 Prep-makers conference at Michael Fields Institute

Fellowship of Preparation Makers Gathering

BD 501 and 508 – Tools to bring the cosmic light into the earth.

January 30^th – February 2^nd, 2020

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, N8030 Townline Rd, East Troy, WI

The mission of the Fellowship of Preparation Makers is to ensure that good quality biodynamic preparations are available now and into the future throughout North America.

Schedule:

Thursday, January 30th

10—10:30 am Registration for Chromatogram Intensive

10:30am Chromatogram Intensive – All levels welcome. Presenter: Ryann Herring

12 —1pm Lunch on your own

1-3pm Chromatogram Intensive

3—5pm Registration and Social Time

5-6:30pm Supper

7-8:30pm Welcome from Perry Brown, and Candlemas Festival with Hazel Archer Ginsberg

Friday, January 31st

7:30-8:30am Registration, Breakfast and Social Time

8:30– 10 am History of Fellowship of Prep Makers, and Introductions.

10-10:30am Morning Break

10:30–12:30pm Why Biodynamics? Presenter: Mac Mead

12:30-1:45pm Lunch

2-3:30pm How the cosmic works in the earth? Presenter: Hugh Courtney

3:30-4pm Afternoon Break

4-6pm Different ways to make and use BD501 & BD508. Practical hands on session with Marjory House and Lloyd Nelson

6-7:30 pm Supper

7:30-9pm The Journey of a Prep Maker, A history circle, Facilitator: Brian Wickert

Saturday, February 1st

7:30-8:30 Registration, Breakfast and Social Time

8:30-10am History of Silica on Man’s Evolution (Lamuria to today) Presenter: Mac Mead

10-10:30am Morning break

10:30– 12pm Silica and the Human Presenter: Dr. Mark Kamsler

12-1:30pm Lunch

1:30-3pm Interpretation of Chromatograms Presenter: Ryann Herring

3-3:30pm Afternoon Break

3:30-5pm Kolisko Institute Presenter: Dr. Mark Kamsler

5-7pm Supper

7-8:30pm Quality Comparison of BD501 & 508 Show and tell how you make and use the preps. Facilitator: Wali Via

8:30 pm Evening Social/Brew City Drifters

Sunday, February 2nd

7:30-8:30 am Breakfast & Social Time

8:30-10am Round Table Discussion: Peppering for Pests and Weeds Panel: Mac Mead and Hugh Courtney

10-1-:30 Morning Break

10:30– Noon Fellowship presentations, evaluations and closing circle.

Noon Lunch

Registration and Lodging

Full Conference Fee $250

Single Day $125

Single Talk $25

Single Meal $15

Chromatogram Intensive $25

Homestays Available

Airport pickup from MKE available

Questions:
Allison Pratt-Szeliga
apszeliga@michaelfields.org
262-642-3303×107

Home stay and airport transportation arrangements will be handled by:
Petra Zinniker
petrazinniker@gmail.com
262-581-7574

Local accommodations are also listed below:
Quality Inn & Suites (1.8 miles away)
2921 O’Leary Ln, East Troy, WI 53120•(262) 684-2183

Alpine Valley Resort (1.6 miles away)
W2501 Co Rd D, Elkhorn, WI 53121•(262) 642-7374

Presenter Bios:

Hazel Archer-Ginsberg Festivals Coordinator & Council Member of the Chicago Rudolf Steiner Branch, and the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society. Founder of Reverse Ritual, Understanding Anthroposophy Through the Rhythms of the Year, Presenter, Poet, and Trans-denominational Minister.

Mac Mead has been practicing biodynamics for over 40 years, primarily in therapeutic communities dedicated to both biodynamic agriculture and medicine. Over the years, he has gardened and farmed on every scale, from handwork to field-scale vegetables, tended an orchard, and managed dairy cows. Mac was the resident farmer at the Fellowship Community’s Duryea Farm from 1997 until 2005. He is presently the program director of the Pfeiffer Center for biodynamics.

Hugh Courtney is the first to say that he is not a farmer, and he didn’t even enter the biodynamic arena until he was in his 40s. But in 1976 he responded to the offer by Josephine Porter – a board member of what is now the Biodynamic Association (BDA) – to teach anyone who would come to her farm how to make the biodynamic preparations according to the indications given by Rudolf Steiner in the Agriculture Lectures. Hugh has never looked back. After this fateful meeting, followed by eight years of mentoring by then-elder Josephine Porter, he took up the preparations work at the request of a member of the BDA Board of Directors when Josephine died in May 1984. Hugh subsequently founded the Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Bio-Dynamics (JPI) in October 1985 to honor her many years of service to biodynamics and to fulfill a personal commitment to her to create a permanent “home” for the biodynamic preparations. That “home” was created on the farm in Woolwine, Virginia owned by the Courtney family. After the founding of JPI, making and distribution of the preparations, plus training others in the making and use of the preparations, became the mission of the new organization.

Marjory House has been gardening and farming in the Willamette valley of Oregon for over twenty years. She received a certificate in permaculture design in 2007 from Jude Hobbs and Toby Hemenway of the Cascadia Permaculture institute. She currently owns and operates a seven-acre, certified Biodynamic farm with over 450 apple trees and over an acre of vegetables grown for restaurants, farmers’ markets, and Sero Biodynamic Seeds. She has maintained a fruit tree pruning business for 15 years and a biodynamic consulting business for the last 7 years. She has been a preparation maker with the Oregon Biodynamic Group since 2006. She can be reached through her website www.gobiodynamic.com(link is external).

Lloyd Nelson. Biodynamic Preparation Maker, Consultant, Farmer, and Educator. Lloyd Nelson has been practicing the art of Biodynamics for twenty years. He is co-founder of Biodynamic Source, a Demeter certified prep making and distribution non-profit and owns and operates a BD spray service, and assists in converting farms to Biodynamic management.

Dr Kamsler, a Board Certified pediatrician has been taking care of his patients over 18 years. He specializes in holistic and natural medicine, treating, whenever possible, chronic and acute illnesses with natural supplements, homeopathic medicines, and other disease specific topical ointments.

Ryan Herring is a mechanical/plumbing piping designer for L&S Engineering. He and his family of 6 live in Spokane Valley, Washington. He worked for an indoor hydroponic cannabis farm, where he diagnosed plant health and made nutrients and specialty microbial teas and ferments for about 9 months. He graduated the Spokane Master Composter program in 2013 and graduated from the Spokane County WSU Master Gardener program in 2014. In 2015 he continued on his journey and obtained Permaculture Design Certificate from Skeeter Pilarski and the Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild, where he continues to be an active member. Ryan has also been teaching Soils and regenerative agriculture and gardening to the local community. Ryan has been active member in the regional Inland Northwest Biodynamic Group since the fall of 2014. Since then he has practiced/consulted on biodynamic farming and gardening in the Inland Northwest. Most recently, Ryan joined the Fellowship of Preparation Makers and the Evaluation Group that is part of the Fellowship.

Wali Via has farmed at Winter Green Farm in western Oregon since 1985. Winter Green has a 500-member community supported agriculture program (CSA); grows crops for five farmers’ markets, as well as wholesale accounts; and has a cow/calf beef herd. He is on the board of the Biodynamic Association, an active member and past president of the Oregon Biodynamic Group, and a member of the Fellowship of Preparation Makers. Wali has lectured on biodynamics, compost, and sustainable agriculture internationally and has been making and using the biodynamic preparations since 1976. Wali’s passions include spending time in the wilderness, nature photography, and composting.

Sponsors:

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Demeter

Biodynamic Association

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The Central Regional Council and the Association for Anthroposophic Psychology present: View this email in your browser

Karma and Anthroposophic Psychology
— an Easter-Tide Retreat

Maundy Thursday 9 April 2020 Noon thru Easter Sunday at 3 pm
Rudolf Steiner Branch 4249 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL
AAP:James A. Dyson, M.D., Roberta Nelson, Ph.D., and David Tresemer, Ph.D. with Susan Overhauser, Ph.D.

CRC:Marianne Fieber, Alberto Loya, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, David Howerton, Lisa Dalton

Eurythmist: Mary RuudActivities:Art-ActsStar WisdomThe Karma ExercisesExperiential PAGEANT on Holy Saturday: ‘Know Thyself’Easter Sunrise SongtrailOptional service at the Christian CommunityCommunal meals and time for ConversationLectures:‘Living into Karma through the Senses’‘How to find the Self in a Sea of Karma’‘Unfolding the Enigma of the Saturn Path’‘The Gesture of Karma’‘Christ as Lord of Karma — how do I access this in terms of my personal psychology?’(Program subject to change)

$125 Conference fee includes 1 meal a day

For more information and to register, contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@peoplepc.com

***

Rudolf Steiner Branch of The Anthroposophical Society, 4249 North Lincoln Avenue. Chicago, IL 60618 (map) Check out our Web site! (Anthroposophical Society in America)

The Elderberries 3-Fold Space & the Flex Space are available for rental on PEER SPACE for classes, events, meetings, retreats, art exhibits, family parties, etc..

***

ON-GOING:

Community Study – Wednesdays at 9:30 am – 11 am at the Branch – Working with Rudolf Steiner’s Karmic Relationships Vol 4

‘Anthroposophy’, which means Wisdom of the Human Being is a ‘Spiritual Science’ built on the research of Rudolf Steiner. Our current conversation explores: the riddles of existence, the truth of karma, the mystery of evil, historic connections, life after death and more. We incorporate ‘The Calendar of the Soul’, eurythmy, focused discussion and seasonal artistic explorations in our study.

For more info. contact Hazel Archer Ginsberg

“Mercury, as evening star, stood in the sign of Libra, the balance.”

November 9, 2019Autumn, Festival, History, Insight, Lecture, Poetry, Remembering~hag

9 November 2019 – “Speaking with the Stars”: In early evening, look high above Bella Luna for the Great Square of Pegasus through the moonlight. It’s standing on one corner. The line from its top star through its bottom star points to the Moon.

Happy 85th birthday, Carl Sagan (November 9, 1934 – December 20, 1996) We miss you!

***

Today is the 5^th installment of: ‘Mercury Dances across the Face of the Sun’ – Read the 1^s^t, 2^nd , 3^rd & 4^th chapters.

Dear Friends – Interesting to note that when Rudolf Steiner performed the ceremony to bury & consecrate the Foundation Stone of the 1^st Goetheanum, on the evening of September 20^th 1913, during a fearsome thunderstorm with all the elements wildly participating, the only Planetary Being he invoked was Mercury; writing in the document laid with the stone, that this deed was performed while “Mercury, as evening star, stood in the sign of Libra, the balance.”

The lamb skin parchment (depicted above) was signed by the attendees, & read out by Steiner; & then interred within the submerged double copper dodecahedra. The short-hand notes from the time, record Steiner reading the various inscriptions on the document, which included the all-important references to the angelic hierarchies & the Rosicrucian dictum E.D.N.; J.C.M.; P.S.S.R., followed by this statement:

“This Stone we lower into the kingdom of the condensed elements as symbol of the force for which we endeavor to strive through 3, 5, 7, 12, laid by the Johannes-Bau Verein, Dornach, on the 20th day of September 1,880 years after the Mystery of Golgotha, that is 1913 after the birth of Christ, when Mercury as the evening star stood in Libra”.

Image result for Schiller from his essay ‘Letters On the Aesthetic Education of Man’,

The term ‘condensed elements‘ is reminiscent of Schiller from his essay ‘Letters On the Aesthetic Education of Man’, a short work that Steiner describes as being of the highest philosophical significance. The importance that Steiner placed on the laying of this foundation stone, as well as the significance of the document & each part of its content, cannot be underestimated. It is also of high significance that here Steiner refers to Mercury as the evening star – again an indication (which I am still investigating) as to the so-called ‘interchange’ between Venus & Mercury.

Rudolf Steiner described the laying of the Foundation Stone as an act of descending the microcosm into the macrocosm. As god of communication, Mercury was invoked to witness what Steiner later christened as an example of: the Reverse Ritual – a new mystery; in this case calling for balanced communication, calling for us as human beings to step up, & speak up, in our conversation with the cosmos – Calling for us to build a firm foundation within ourselves –

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 11-cc.png

A foundation strong enough to withstand the fires of sacrifice when the corner stone was transformed into The Foundation Stone Meditation, becoming the living word, The Logos, the foundation Stone of Love, at the Christmas Conference, after the Johannes-Bau had burned to ash. Then we see how Mercury steps in as psycho-pomp, escorting a Persephone renewed, as representative of All Souls who journey in the underworld – the 1^st spark of the fires of Isis redeemed.

Rudolf Steiner demonstrated this great mystery of reversing the ritual in our call to speak once more to the stars, a gift to Marie Steiner on the Christmas Eve the year before.

And so it was, 1 solar cycle later, this time with Ita Wegman by his side, after a lecture to the Christian Community priests on NYE, Steiner stood with her on the Dornach hill & watched the Goetheanum go up in flames, opening a vision of the burning of Ephesus, an opening into the spiritual world allowing Ita Wegman to see into her past incarnations & for Steiner, to truly begin his core mission of bringing karma & reincarnation to the Western world.

And then after another solar cycle, the Foundation Stone that was planted in 1913 blossomed thru the blood of sacrifice into the foundation stone of love, which our beloved teacher selflessly poured into our hearts – as the Logos renewed.

In 1913, before the events of the 1^st World War had begun, Mercury witnessed the stone as it was laid into earth, calling for balance. And Venus as the New Isis is calling from the future, to be reclaimed, & named as sacred witness, as we endeavor to understand thru our own free will forces, what it means to participate in the renewal of the Foundation Stone, laying it into the heart of the World as the Sacred Word. On 11.11.19, with the 100 year anniversary of the Christmas Conference looming, as Mercury makes his retrograde journey across the face of the Sun,

we are called to heal our wounded hearts, moving from a community of the “11” which suffered a “betrayal”, to a unity in community which resonates with the “11” who thru the empowerment of inner development, acknowledges & accepts one another as fellow Michaelites.

My friends, we are called today to join our voices together in our ‘Speaking with the Stars’, in full consciousness. Enabling us to redeem the wisdom of the Sophia & wed it with the Christ within.

Tomorrow we touch on Rudolf Steiner’s involvement with WW1 & Armistice Day

***

Rudolf Steiner’s Lectures on this day

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Image result for Faust descent to the mothers

In the Original Calendar of the Soul, Steiner speaks about today being when ‘Faust makes his descent to the Mothers’ (more about that on 11.11.19)

1888 – Rudolf Steiner’s ‘Aquinas experience’ – after giving a lecture on ‘Goethe as father of a new aesthetics’ the Cistercian priest Wilhelm Neumann, Steiner’s friend made this remark: “The seeds of this lecture you gave today are to be found already in Thomas Aquinas”. This opened Steiner to his earlier incarnation.

1918 – The second German Empire ends – Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany abdicates after the German Revolution, & Germany is proclaimed a Republic.

1923 – Hitler’s attempted coup in Munich

9–10 November 1938 – Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, was a pogrom against Jews throughout Nazi Germany, carried out by SA paramilitary forces and German civilians. The German authorities looked on without intervening. Jewish homes, hospitals, & schools were ransacked, as the attackers demolished buildings with sledgehammers. The rioters destroyed 267 synagogues throughout Germany, Austria, & the Sudetenland, & over 7,000 Jewish businesses were either destroyed or damaged. Kristallnacht was followed by additional economic & political persecution of Jews, it is viewed by historians as part of Nazi Germany’s broader racial policy, & the beginning of the Final Solution & The Holocaust.

1989 –Fall of the Berlin Wall: East Germany opens checkpoints in the Berlin Wall, allowing its citizens to travel to West Berlin

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POD (Poem Of the Day)

As I prepare to meet the Baba Yaga
The thought of snow angles oblique –
A fat half cracked frozen seed
Staring at the cut corn.
As husks rustle & blink bare
White spider legs dance on a web of grey
While I warm the cold with my breath.
~hag

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How about a Road-Trip?

THE ALL SOUL’S SOUTHERN TOUR!
Take the Journey of the Soul
in the Life Between Death & Rebirth
in the warm hospitality of our Branch Buddies in the South:

Quick overview of the week:

Nov 10, 1st Class Lesson at the ARC in Atlanta GA

11.11.19 – Martinmas / Mercury Transit Gathering 4:11 pm – 6:11 pm at the Martin Clinic

Nov 12, Hazel and Deb Abrahams-Dematte will be in Atlanta, send any thoughts for must-see spots before we head out on the road trip

Nov 13, Gathering at Helene Burkarts’ ALL SOULS’ FESTIVAL 10 am-2 pm (see below)

Nov 14, Tuscumbia site visit, Helen Keller’s birth place

Nov 15, Memphis, death place of MLK, home of Elvis Presley

Nov 16, Nashville program ALL SOULS’ FESTIVAL 10 am – 2 pm

Nov 17 Knoxville program ALL SOULS’ FESTIVAL 1 pm – 5 pm

Nov 18 return to ATL

11/11/19, at the Martin Clinic – Humanizing Medicine – in Atlanta GA, 4:11 pm – 6:11 pm with a community potluck to follow

On this auspicious day we will gather to look at the mystery of 11:11, & the connections between, Martinmas, MLK, The Journey of the Soul, Armistice Day, The laying of the Foundation Stone, & a Rare Cosmic Alignment – The Transit of Mercury across the Sun.

‘Speaking with the Stars’ with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

Storytelling with Enid Hancock

Leading thoughts with Mark Hancock, Angela Foster

Votive Art with Angela Foster

Biography work with Jolie Luba

Together we will sprinkle the BD preps around the Clinic

$10-$20 or pay what you will

For more info. contact Angela Foster

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ALL SOULS JOURNEY – Exploring the Life between Death & Rebirth

10 am – 2 pm, Wednesday 13 November 2019, Auburn, Alabama, Community Potluck lunch – Please Bring a dish to Share – Suggested Donation $20-$50 or pay what you will – for more info. contact Helena Burkhart

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10 am – 2 pm, Saturday 16 November 2019 in Nashville TN
Community Potluck lunch – Please Bring a dish to Share –
Suggested Donation $20-$50 or pay what you will –
For more info. contact Cathy Green Or Barbara Bittles

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1 pm – 5 pm, Sunday 17 November 2019 Knoxville TN
Community Potluck Dinner – Please Bring a dish to Share –
Suggested Donation $20-$50 or pay what you will –
For more info. contact Bill Rogers

Hazel Archer-Ginsberg is a spiritual midwife and trans-denominational minister working in an eclectic style that inspires connections, initiating us into the magic waiting to be revealed in the cycle of the seasons. She is also the festivals coordinator of the Rudolf Steiner Branch of the Anthroposophical Society, a lecturer, promoter, blogger, poet and performance artist. Learn more at www.ReverseRitual.com

Cognitive Ritual

~Confessions of a Modern Rosicrucian

Category Archives: Festival

a Miracle happened here

Still

Spiritual Manger

30 Jan. – 2 Feb. 2020 Prep-makers conference at Michael Fields Institute

Fellowship of Preparation Makers Gathering

That which is Coming…

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Current Festival & Program Events

13 – 14 December 2019

Rudiger Janisch

“The Spiritual Goetheanum, the threefold human being and the threefold social impulse”

Friday 13 December , 7 – 9 pm

Saturday 14 December, 9 am – noon

30 Jan. – 2 Feb. 2020 Prep-makers conference at Michael Fields Institute

Fellowship of Preparation Makers Gathering

“Mercury, as evening star, stood in the sign of Libra, the balance.”

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30 Jan. – 2 Feb. 2020 Prep-makers conference at Michael Fields Institute

Fellowship of Preparation Makers Gathering

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***

Current Festival & Program Events

13 – 14 December 2019

Rudiger Janisch

“The Spiritual Goetheanum, the threefold human being and the threefold social impulse”

Friday 13 December , 7 – 9 pm

Saturday 14 December, 9 am – noon

30 Jan. – 2 Feb. 2020 Prep-makers conference at Michael Fields Institute

Fellowship of Preparation Makers Gathering

Share this:

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