William Adolphe Bouguereau
1 January – the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – As we celebrate this great feast we are called to join Mary in contemplating the gift of her Son – allowing the grace of these Holy Nights to change us. To call Mary the Theotokos, the “God-Bearer,” is to celebrate the unique role that she has played—& continues to play—in the Cosmic & Earthly evolution. And as we honor the Theotokos, on the 1st day of the New Year, we also celebrate the Octave Day of Christmas, recalling the naming of Jesus on the 8th day after his birth (Luke 2:21).
William Adolphe Bouguereau
The iconic Christmas image of Mary holding her infant Son embodies the mystery of the sacrifice of birth, bringing together the human & divine elements of the Incarnation. And yet, in honoring Mary as the Mother of God, we are also invited to consider another image of the Pieta -The same arms which held the Prince of Peace in a humble stable, received the body of the crucified god on the hill of Golgotha.
Picasso
January 1st is also celebrated as the World Day of Peace reminding us that the Prince of Peace must reign in our hearts if it is to rule in our world
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8th Holy Night: Solemnity of Mary – Constellation of Leo, LION (ruling the heart & upper back) The Sphere of the Thrones, Spirits of Will –
2 Chronicles 9: 17: Then King Solomon made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with pure gold. 18 The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them. 19 Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom
This picture of Solomon’s temple gives us insight into the Spirits of Will in the realm of Leo the Lion which fortifies the Thrones. The sacrifice enacted by these Spirits of Will on Old Saturn was the impetus for all further evolution. In the countenance of the Lion we have the transition from Sacrificial Will to the heart-forces of courage – a readiness to fulfill the design of the Divine Will, & become thru its own inner forces, an external reality, which we see embodied in the 12 petals of the human heart. We are gifted with 6 Petals which relate to Buddha’s 6 fold path & we have to earn the other 6 petals thru our work with the 6 basic exercises, to evolve & create a fifth chamber, which Rudolf Steiner calls an Etheric Heart – pictured in the Arthurian Legends as the Holy Grail – the fountain of love pouring forth the Waters of Life.
Evelyn Marx
Rudolf Steiner calls the heart ‘the seat of the will’ spiritualizing the blood, working into the physical body to engender ‘eternal life’. The warmth accompanying this alchemical Sulphur process becomes the new ‘blood sacrifice’ for as it dies away from the heart, to nourish the muscles & limbs, it encourages the human being to acts of Good Will.
Jacob Picssr
The Spirits of Will on Old Saturn bring a connection with The god Saturn as Chronos, the Father of Time – associated with looking into the Past, reading there the Karmic Laws that apply to the present. (A perfect contemplation for New Year’s Day!)The forces of inner courage bounding from the region of the Lion can help us create a right relationship to our karma, giving us the fortitude to deal with all the trials of destiny, to learn to carry it, & work thru it consciously.
The 12 tribes of Israel are related to the Zodiac. So it’s interesting to note that the Solomon Jesus of the Matthew Gospel was from the Tribe of Judah-the Lion, related to the constellation of Leo. We see this quality strongly in the individuality of Zarathustra, (the soul behind the Matthew Jesus) who had once been the pupil of Melchizedek, along with Abraham, who was given the task of preparing the human vessels for the 2 Jesus children –working thru 42 generations! We see how Leo’s connection to Old Saturn, with its genesis of the physical body, relates to this process of creating in the Matthew Jesus wisdom & an understanding of the Law. It also shows Courage & the Will to Sacrifice – for remember: this individuality sacrificed himself when he merged with the Nathan Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem, & again at the baptism. Thru the spiritual research of Rudolf Steiner we also learn that in earlier times he sacrificed his etheric body to Moses & his astral body to Hermes!
Margarita Woloschina
The 4 pre-earthly deeds of Christ (the last being the deed on Golgotha)made it possible for The Christ as ‘the Lord of Karma’ to take upon himself the ‘sins’ or karma of humankind, bringing the old Saturnian Laws of necessity to an end, & inaugurating the new Sun Karma – in freedom. Since the Mystery of Golgotha, these forces of The Christ Live in the Heart-Sun of every human being, & also in the Earth’s etheric realm.
Sandy Septa
In the earthly cycle of the year, the time of Leo is at the end of July into August, when the strength of the sunlight begins to wane, yet its often the time of greatest warmth. This hottest time in the seasonal round preserves an echo in natures memory of the conditions on Old Saturn, & of the sacrificial streaming forth of warmth-substance thru the Spirits of Will – The Thrones great gift.
Max Treegel
May we foster that warmth in our lion-heart, as we work to cultivate 2020 vision in this New Year, so that we may see each other in the clarity of Love’s eternal focus.
Together we behold with a single eye,
lit with a fire from on high,
as the bells ring out the New Way,
lift up from our hearts the New Day…
Happy 2020 Dear Friends!
Ever Roaring in Love for Peace –
Jan de Kok
Virtue: Compassion Becomes Freedom
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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 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 conclude with a closing verse.
The gatherings will be recorded for later viewing if you are not able to join us live.
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)
Each evening, the recordings are posted at www.anthroposophy.org/holynights under the date for each night. There are also community resources at the bottom of the page. Note: There is no gathering tonight, December 31!
We’ve created an online community bulletin board where you can post and share directly, too! It has some beautiful images, upcoming readings for our time together, and links to books, resources, and activities.
Do you know we have over 800 people registered from around the world? New friends can still register by going to this Zoom registration page. Their unique log-in link will arrive in their mailboxes immediately after they register. If they can’t join us live, they can check out the recordings online.
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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| The Karma Project The Karma of Anthroposophy January 8, 2019 – 7:15 pm CST (8:15 pm EST) View this email in your browser |
| “…if I am connected with people in one life on earth and the consequences of this come into effect in a following life, then the angel of one person must come together with the angel of another. They must collaborate, and this is largely how things were. But then came the hugely shattering, crushing event that took place at the Ecumenical Council in 869. This gave the signal for something momentous to occur above in the world of spirit. The crushing thing that occurred to an ever-increasing extent — if one retains one’s full upright power of witness in the face of such an overpowering context of facts, by making the right use of cosmic intelligence — was that the angel of one human soul karmically connected with another in the past did not accompany the angel of this other human soul. One of the angels of two karmically connected souls remained with Michael while the other descended to earth. What was the inevitable consequence of this?”~Rudolf Steiner, The Karma of Anthroposophy, Chapter 9, “The Redress of Karma”, Dornach, 8 August, 1924 … focus of the January 8 meeting, along with Chapter 7 and Chapter 8. |
| The Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society in America invites you to join our ongoing study conversation. The study has been divided among five volunteers who will summarize their section to rebuild it as a foundation for our conversation. Please familiarize yourself with the lecture if possible so you will feel comfortable sharing your reflections and thoughts with the group.This collection of lectures has been republished by Rudolf Steiner Press under the title: “The Karma of Anthroposophy.” These lectures corresponds to GA 237, and were included in the series titled “Karmic Relationships“, Volume III, published in English by Rudolf Steiner Press in 1977. 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/595997211 Option 2. Call in using your telephone. United States: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 558 8656 Access Code: 595-997-211 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. Please join us! |
| Agenda for our Study Call 7:15 Welcome and Introductions 7:18 Verse 7:25 Study led by five volunteers Note: CRC team will ID volunteers Travis – Chapter 7 Diana – Ch 8 pp 123 to 125 Marianne – Ch 8 pp 126 to 128 Carol & Wayne – Chapter 9 8:05 Conversation 8:25 Identify volunteers for our next study call: Feb 5 8:28 Close with verseMichael!Lend me your SwordThat I may be armedTo overcome the Dragon in me.Fill me with your StrengthThat I may vanquishThe Spirits that want to lame me.Work in me in such a wayThat Light may streamTo mine I and I may thus be ledTo actions that are worthy of you.Michael!Rudolf Steiner |
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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)
Register at: www.ChristianCommunity.com/2020-mlk-signup
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 30th – February 2nd, 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.
