Day 10 on the Lenten-tide journey – Some people may think that observing Lent is all about renunciation; but I see it more as a passage to receptivity. This is not a passive state of being. It is not a submissive waiting around; but an openness – a wiliness to cultivate a space for introspection.
Receptivity is a robust readiness, a vigorous intention to attend to the moral relationship we have with ourselves & the world; animated by the certainty that the way to the New Sun of Easter takes a humble reckoning reaching. And so let us reach out & receive what the tide has to teach us.
~hag
26 February 2021 – “Speaking with the Stars: Full Quickening Moon tonight exact at 2:17am Saturday morning. It’s under the belly of Leo. This evening through the moonlight, look for Regulus, Alpha Leonis, on Bella Luna’s Right.
In honor of this years 3 day celebration of Rudolf Steiner’s 160th Birthday, I am thrilled to share this impressive article from Kathleen Wright, which she shared on the North Carolina Rudolf Steiner Branch list-serve yesterday. As part of their yearly AGM held on Steiner’s Birthday, Kathleen usually gives a talk: ‘In the life of Rudolf Steiner – 100 years ago“. Since they did not gather in person this year she wrote it up, & has graciously allowed me to share it with all of you.
THE YEAR 1921 IN THE LIFE OF RUDOLF STEINER
Today marks the 160th birthday of our great teacher, Rudolf Steiner. As our branch has traditionally done on this day, we will review a year in the life of Steiner, 100 years ago. According to Steiner, every 100 years marks a “culmination” of endeavors or events and new impulses or “recapitulations” should arise from them at this time; therefore, from what we observe of Steiner’s activities of 1921, we should be on the lookout for new forms and new interests in the topics of 1921 in the coming year.
Some of the interesting things about 1921: with the war finally over, Steiner was once more able to travel (his traveling was severely curtailed during the war years.) and travel he did – all over Europe, including England. (How we pray we will be able to do the same later on this year!) The work in the College he founded in the previous year continued full steam. The theme of this year’s study was” all of the Sciences”, beginning with a course in Astronomy in early January. (For a full list of all the lectures of the year visit: www.rsaarchive.org and type in 1921 in the link for “Year”.)
About 600 students participated in the College program at the Goetheanum. They were given morning lectures with Dr. Steiner and artistic classes in the afternoon with various artists. This was far from all that our Teacher did – there were lectures for the community in the evenings, innumerable correspondences, helping with all aspects of the work going on in the Goetheanum (especially the sculpture “The Representative of Humanity”), giving weekly talks to the workers – and I was interested to find out that these workers were mostly NOT anthroposophists. They were poor, desperate human beings looking for work after the war had left them destitute. While they may not have joined the Society, many of them spoke in Rudolf Steiner’s defense during the many attacks made on him that year. They dearly loved their employer for many reasons.
Guenther Wachsmuth writes that “the Spiritual Powers do honor to the greatest and strongest of human beings through the most severe tests. And the burdens which were laid upon Rudolf Steiner by the forces of destiny at just this time in his life are indications of the fact that he was chosen to accomplish an extraordinary task.” He says that Steiner had to confront “the severest battles, unspeakable suffering and opposition”. These battles took the form of articles, publications, letters and even in-person attacks at lectures, all full of malice and hatred, lies, slander, false accusations and misunderstandings of this great man and his message. He was accused of everything from being a “traitor”, “enemy of the State”, “Jesuit”, anti-Jesuit” and every possible insult one can imagine. While Wachsmuth tells of many of these attacks on Steiner from 1921, they pale in comparison to the attacks of 1922, about which we shall go into detail next year – such the attack on Steiner’s life by the Nazis and the burning of the Goetheanum after the incitement by a Jesuit priest.
The influence of the “Youth” in the movement began increasing and prompting new initiatives from their Teacher. A group of young seminarians came to Steiner rightly saying they felt organized religion was losing its affect and that it was in need of renewal or else it would die. The doctor responded by giving two courses for seminarians and anyone interested in the Movement for Religious Renewal (one in the summer and one at Michaelmas). About 100 people attended the Michaelmas course during which Steiner gave 29 talks. German students were allowed free admission because of how badly devastated the Germany economy was at the end of the war. Noticeably absent from the conference was Friedrich Rittlemeyer who had been a close follower of Steiner since 1911. He was ill at the time, but later read the reports about Steiner’s course on religious renewal and together, they and others, began plans for what became the Christian Community the following year. One interesting observation I have noted: in 1921, virtually all of the religious youth who approached Steiner were male. Today in the Christian Community Seminary course in Canada, there are 8 female students, no males. Back in 1921, Steiner had recommended that women be permitted to be priests in this new Movement. How far we have come! What would there be today if Steiner had not made this recommendation?
Another interesting event concerning youth is that a group of young members approached Steiner wanting to create something new for their own circle, a small esoteric group. (They did not like the traditional Study Groups of the ”old ladies” and there was no esoteric class at the time.) Steiner gave them indications to follow: a series of mantras which they must work with the same time each day and that they must remain close friends, aware of what was going on in one another’s lives. They must observe these rules very strictly. If they followed these guidelines, they would reincarnate together at the same time and place and find each other once more and would be able to resume their spiritual connection. At first Steiner agreed that he would meet with this group regularly to guide their spiritual work, but soon this became too much for him, especially after the burning of the Goetheanum and he advised them to all join the School of Spiritual Science in 1923. Though small, through the work of this group we have been given some important esoteric secrets on how we can work together to form Karmic circles. One sees a similar “culmination” renewal of this practice of late in the Society. One example is the group which was begun in Chicago where members work with the Six Exercises every day at Noon (EST) There have been other instances where it has been acknowledged of the great power produced by small groups of people who work together spiritually at the same time of day every day,
Also during 1921, Steiner continued giving courses for Waldorf Teachers and Anthroposophical Doctors. During this year, Ita Wegman established the Medical Clinic at Arlesheim where Steiner visited often and gave spiritual insights into the patients there. A medical research laboratory was begun that among other things, developed medicines. Eventually this became known as Weleda, but its start was in 1921. This is where Iscador was developed by Ita Wegman. Steiner gave these doctors many indications for developing new remedies. In April 1921 Steiner gave the first course on Curative Eurythmy.
Another laboratory, a scientific one was established also in Dornach and was directed by Eherenfried Pfeiffer. It was first in the basement of the “Glass House” and did many experiments with etheric forces.
A few new anthroposophic journals began in 1921: “Das Goetheanum” a weekly magazine, which Steiner put under the direction of Albert Steffen and “Die Drei”, a Munich monthly journal, for which Steiner wrote articles every month. Both magazines are still published today.
In addition to the huge volume of scientific lectures Steiner gave in 1921, he also spoke many times on the Threefold Social Order, as well as the differences in the West and the East as far as Religion and Historical conflicts go; he gave courses on Eurythmy, and of course there were many performances all around Europe, as well as Mystery Plays. He gave several lectures about Color – Plant Colors, as well as Therapeutic Application of Color. A great Artistic Conference was held in August of that year at the Goetheanum during which the Danish painter Baron Arild Rosenkrantz was the guest artist (as well as the one who suggested the idea to Steiner). It was conducted in English and there was a wonderful collaboration of American artists and European artists and persons interested in Art. This began a traditional at the Goetheanum of having artistic programs in August at the Geotheanum, eventually offered always in multiple languages.
At the request of many of his followers, Dr. Steiner gave several lectures on the Art of Lecturing during 1921. Among the most important points he gave were: one should truly love one’s subject; have a great love of humanity and incorporate the elements of beauty, correctness and ethics into one’s speaking. He recommended that one memorize the first two or three sentences of one’s opening and closing remarks, as it is the most difficult to begin and end one’s talk, so one should develop really good openers and closers; the rest of the content, one should know well enough that one does not need to write it all out, but rather to simply jot down some key words to refresh one’s memory.
There are so many details one could add, but these are hopefully the most important endeavors of Steiner 100 years ago. As in every year since his 42nd birthday, Steiner did more in one year of his life than most people do in 10 lifetimes. He was the most amazing and unique Initiate of all time. One could compare what he was to other Initiates as the Human Being is to the rest of the Angelic Kingdom: We humans are the first angelic hierarchy (though of course we are still “in training”), to have a material existence and Steiner is the first Initiate to bring the Spiritual into every arena of material life – arts, sciences, history, politics, medicine, speech, drama, religion, education to name a few…and he did it while maintaining his humanity and humility. The vastness and scope of his achievements are unprecedented. Some people have accused Steiner of being an “intellectual”, but one only has a right to say such a thing if they add that he is also equally strong in his heart and will capacities. We are truly blessed to be the pupils of this great Christ Initiate. All spiritual streams of the North, South, East and West are untied under him in this Age of the Consciousness Soul.
Take time to think on the great contributions of our Teacher and how we can honor him by following his example in little ways. One could start by reading one of the books based on lectures he gave in that year, for study is the first step on the path of Initiation. Next of course is our meditative life (which will develop in us Imagination, Inspiration and Intuition) and lastly to put into practice in our daily lives the principles of Anthroposophy. ~Kathleen Wright kathleenwright51@gmail.com
 Greetings from YIP13, We are happy to present the 2021 Initiative Forum program ARE YOU LISTENING 3 -7 March Check out the Program  The schedule is packed full of workshops, lectures and open spaces – we’ve made sure that there are opportunities to participate no matter what time zone you’re in. We are excited to welcome over 15 different contributors to the forum including Orland Bishop, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, Nora Rahimian, Diane Longboat, and Helmy Abouleish. Check out the full list on our website’s contributor page! And of course, there will also be time in the mornings for movement workshops, and time in the evening for open mics, pajama parties, and radioshow hangouts. We are so excited to connect with you under the theme “Are you listening” and to co-create this worldwide community with you! Our sliding scale tickets are available on our website. See you on March 3rd for day one of “Are You Listening” Initiative Forum 2021. Until then enjoy our pre-forum specials on our social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @initiative_forum_2021_. -YIP13 For more info. contact Initiative Forum  Weaving a non-gendered Feminist Reality with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg*Friday 5 March 2021 – 6:30 am – 8 am Central Time as part of the The International Youth Initiative Program Initiative ForumWhat are the qualities of the Divine Feminine? How can we use them to empower an innovative way of thinking, feeling & willing, to create a new world, where the human being is free?Have paper & colored pencils at the ready for this hands-on workshop.Here is a link to the full program and the list of contributors*Hazel Archer-Ginsberg – Founder of Reverse Ritual: Understanding Anthroposophy through the Rhythms of the Year & the ‘I Think Speech’ Podcast. Trans-denominational Minister, Essayist, Lecturer, Poet, Anthroposopher – working as the Festivals Coordinator of the Chicago Rudolf Steiner Branch, & the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society. Past Video Recordings ***  Events & Festivals Committee of the Rudolf Steiner Branch of The Anthroposophical Society, 4249 North Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 (map) https://donate.rschicago.org/ |
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WAYS TO ENGAGE:
The ARC (Anthroposophical Resorce Center in Atlanta) is inviting you to a Six Basic Exercise Practice Group
Time: weekdays 9 am PT / 11am CT / 12:00 PM ET
Each weekday you are invited to join in a 15 minute practice group focusing on Rudolf Steiner’s foundational exercises. We begin the time each day with a 5 minute leading thought focusing one aspect of the practice. We will follow that with a 5 minute period in which we turn off our cameras and practice on our own. After the five minute bell, we take 1-2 minutes to journal about our experience and the end the call with a 3 minute closing thought. Come when you can, and leave when you must.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/266986103?pwd=bXU4a0EvMmJkMDZTR0Rqcm0xZ0pUZz09 Meeting ID: 266 986 103 Passcode: 345338
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Wednesdays 9:30-11:00am CT – True and False Paths in Spiritual Investigation, by Rudolf Steiner. We incorporate ‘The Calendar of the Soul’, eurythmy, focused discussion and seasonal artistic explorations in our study. All are Welcome. Contact Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. Hazel@ReverseRitual.com We meet in person in the Branch Library or join via Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/98689103462’Meeting ID: 986 8910 3462
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Fridays 12noon – 1:30pm CT. The Esoteric Path Through the Nineteen Class Lessons by Sergei O. Prokofieff. A serious study for Members of the School of Spiritual Science. Contact Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. Hazel@ReverseRitual.com
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Sundays 7-9pm CT. Our international group is studying The 5th Gospel by Rudolf Steiner. Contact Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. Hazel@ReverseRitual.com, Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98201185799?pwd=NUliUWw3UVAxZzI0Y2NKSnI5eHhzdz09 Meeting ID: 982 0118 5799 Passcode: peace
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3 March – 7 March 2021 The International Youth Initiative Program (YIP) invites you to the ‘Initiative Forum: Are you Listening’ The week is packed full of workshops, lectures and open spaces – we’ve made sure that there are opportunities to participate no matter what time zone you’re in. We are excited to welcome over 15 different contributors to the forum including Orland Bishop, Nora Rahimian, Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, Diane Longboat, and Helmy Abouleish. Check out the full list on our website’s contributor page!
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March 3, 2021 – 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm CT. The Karma Project – The Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society in America invites you to join our ongoing monthly study conversation, Manifestations of Karma. If you have questions, please contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@utexas.edu Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81681631480 Meeting ID: 816 8163 1480
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Tuesday 23 March 6:30-8:30pm Appreciating Our Differences Through Looking at Temperaments – The Center for Biography and Social Art warmly invites members of your community to attend this workshop in person or online. “How do we solve the riddle which each individual presents to us? We solve it by approaching each person in such a way that harmony results between them and us.” – Rudolf Steiner. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrdeyvrzgqE9AnBYQ3hIc5KuxMvZa0rmW_ Warmly, Kathleen, center4biography@gmail.com Center for Biography & Social Art biographysocialart.org
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28 March 28 – 4 April, 10:10 am CT – Holy Week & Easter Festival 2021 The 8-Fold Path to the Easter Elementals. Starting on Palm Sunday then thru-out Holy Week, including Easter Morning, we will meet every day on Zoom at 10:10 am CT to create together a Thought-Seed based on a Herbert Hahn Verse “When I think light, my soul shines, When my soul shines, the earth is a star, When the earth is a star, then I am, a true human being. We will then work with indications for that day from Rudolf Steiner’s/The Buddha’s 8 –fold Path, known as the ‘Weekday Exercises’ (5 min) Holy Week chart. $10 Suggested Donation.Contact Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. Hazel@ReverseRitual.com Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95633444828?pwd=Wk56K08vK2dNQUhhK0Q2S09zQWJrQT09 Meeting ID: 956 3344 4828 – Passcode: bee
4 April, 2–4 pm CT. Easter Festival for the Elementals– Eurythmy-Mary Ruud, Hazel Archer–The New Sun, Keynote withInes Katharina (Founder of the Biodynamic Emerald Honeybee Sanctuary) Ines will connect the Easter Thought with the Elemental Beings & the flight of the Queen Bee. $10 Suggested Donation. Contact Hazel Archer-Ginsberg. Hazel@ReverseRitual.com Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95633444828?pwd=Wk56K08vK2dNQUhhK0Q2S09zQWJrQT09 Meeting ID: 956 3344 4828 – Passcode: bee
Hi Hazel,
As you know, I am celebrating these days leading up to Easter one week in advance of yours. Two years ago, in 2019, you made the case for two Easters, the first in March, and the second in late April. I was robust in advocating the first for the simple reason of, “why wait when it is so good.”
Now, this year in today’s scheme of things, we are considering the so-called, “three days in the birth of Rudolf Steiner”. This would make the 26th of February the full day of 24 hours in which the parents witnessed how the child was doing in accepting the first breath of life. The same can be shown in an earlier incarnation involving David, who had taken the wife of another man, and impregnated her. The child would refuse the breath of life. So, here, we have a similar situation. Rudolf Steiner is resisting his incarnation because it should have taken place later. Thus, he malingers to the extent that the parents feel compelled to take the infant to the church in Drackovic , the neighboring town, which has a Michael church in order to give an emergency baptism. This proves to be the saving grace, and the child takes the full breath of life.
The rest is a matter of history, and how the birth certificate was recorded on the 27th of February that year, in the name of the child who breathed the breath of life due to such an emergency baptism. As such, it would have its effects. He would break his cups and saucers in his early years as a kind of protest, but then something else occurred. He saw his own destiny as a little boy. A cousin, who he did not know, came into his life one day while he was waiting for his father to attend to him. You see…., well you know that story by now.
It was important to celebrate 2 Easters in 20219 because of the cosmic configuration which is not present this year.
I see the situation of Steiner’s difficult incarnation in a different light. To me it was an attempt of the adversarial powers to prevent his important incarnation. He had to come in then not later to take up the task of bringing Anthroposophy to the world because Karl Julius Schroer, his German Literature professor, who was Plato in another incarnation could not bear to fulfill this karmic task. So he was meant to come in at that exact time, & forces were trying to keep him out of incarnation, he was not fighting it. And yes the emergency baptism helped to deflect this attempt.
Oh, but the cosmic configuration is very much in evidence this year, Hazel. In fact, even more so than in 2019. Now, just look at the parameters of 2019, when it was a mere four hours between the Vernal Equinox and the Full Moon. This year, 2021, the Full Moon actually occurs on Sunday, March 28th! What could be more astounding than that? If we wait until April 4th, and why wait, it will be a mere waning gibbous (last quarter moon). So, big deal. I am surprised that you don’t see it.
With regard to Rudolf Steiner’s premature birth, it had nothing to do with the adversarial powers , but rather the higher powers in seeing that the advent of exact clairvoyance needed to come into the world in order to harness Michael’s victory in the War in Heaven, c. 1879. Kali Yuga was to end in 1899, and the New Age of Light begin in 1900. Yet, the fallout of Kali Yuga would first have to be endured. This was the Twentieth Century, and we know what its destructive intent had to say. Now, in the 21st century, we can come to grips with it. Yet, in its insidious way, it is even worse than before; more internal, when in the 20th century it was more external.
from astrosopher Jonathan Hilton:
Its a close call this year. But Easter is the first Sunday AFTER the first full moon after the spring equinox. This year the full moon is ON the Sunday, at 4:48 eastern US time, not AFTER the Sunday. So technically this March 28 Sunday is on the full moon, therefore Sunday will be mostly before the actual full moon, meaning the first Sunday AFTER the full moon would be April 4th. That’s how I understand it.
All the best,
Jonathan
Yes, of course. But that was the whole point. Being hemmed in by ecclesiastical rules of the Roman authorities. Why should Easter have to wait another week if the first Full Moon is on Sunday? It is utterly arbitrary. I see power in the Full Moon on Sunday, March 28th, in the same way that an early Easter in 2019 was also very effective.
As well, the important cosmic configuration this year has already occurred; Saturn-Jupiter occluded at the point of the Winter Solstice on December 21, and then received the planets, Mercury and Venus, all in alignment. This is a rarity, with traces back to 7 BC, and the Star of Bethlehem.
It will be interesting to see the 4th quarter Moon on Easter Sunday – this is very rare
almost like the Parsifal picture is calling to us.