Chicago Waldorf School

Urban Prairie Waldorf School 

City Garden Early Childhood Waldorf School

Four Winds Waldorf School 

Da Vinci Waldorf School

Arcturus Rudolf Steiner Education Program

Reverse Ritual - Understanding Anthroposophy Through the Rhythms of the Year

Angelic Organics 

Zinniker Biodynamic Farm

The Christian Community Chicago

Rudolf Steiner Archive 

The National Anthroposophical Society site

and The Goetheaum in Dornach

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.

Contact rjanisch@remove-this.camphill.remove-this.edu

Stay Tuned to Details on the Weekend!

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.

Contact rjanisch@remove-this.camphill.remove-this.edu

Stay Tuned to Details on the Weekend!

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 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’.  Here is the link with info. for this free Zoom Call gathering.  Here is the Link to Register

Then from 7:30pm - 8:30pm 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 except:

24 Dec. at NOON (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

*28 Dec. Olaf practice 3 pm – 5 pm - Performance at 7 pm.

*5 January 2020 - NOTE: Last Holy Night! Special Branch Event with the Centreal Regional Council

***

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

2^nd Holy Night: Wednesday 25 December 2019 - Christmas Day. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 1^st 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 -1^st 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 Debra 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

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

7^th Holy Night:  Monday 30 December 2019 - 1^st hour hosted by The Dallas Maitreya Branch.  Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 138

***

– NYE–The 13^th Hidden NightTuesday 31 December 2019-2020

7:30 pm – 1 am - $20 + Potluck Food & Drink to Share

Live Music & Folk Dancing with Jutta & the HiDukes – 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 - 1^st hour hosted by Tess Parker & The Youth.  Our study: Continuation of the Foundation Meeting. pg. 183

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

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

11^th Holy Night: Saturday 4 January 2020 - 1^st 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’ – 1^st hour hosted by The Central Regional Council.  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

Come gather to work with the Legend of  Olaf Åsteson in the afternoon to be part of the community ensamble 3 pm - 5 pm 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.

– NYE–Tuesday 31 December 2019-2020

7:30 pm – 1 am - $20 + Potluck Food & Drink to Share

Live Music & Folk Dancing with Jutta & the HiDukes – 8 -9:30pm

Biography Playshop

Spacial Dynamics & the Loving Kindness Meditation with Debra 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…

For more info. contact Festivals Coordinator Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

From Jesus to Christ . . . and Back A talk and conversation with Craig Wiggins

7 pm – 9 p-m Friday 10 January 2020

In its historical development, Christianity has shifted the emphasis from the Risen One to the suffering savior.

On this evening we want to look at how Rudolf Steiner has brought these two Beings into a balanced relationship with one another.

And how can we live and work with them today?

$10 Suggested Donation & Snacks to Share Encouraged

For more info. contact Hazel Archer-Ginsberg

hag@remove-this.rschicago.remove-this.org

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

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

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

Home stay  and airport transportation arrangements will be handled by:
Petra Zinniker
petrazinniker@remove-this.gmail.remove-this.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

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.

In the years since the founding of JPI, Hugh has consistently and faithfully made preparations every year and has taught, cajoled, encouraged, admonished, and guided the rest of us as we endeavored to do the same. Not afraid of plain talk or controversy, he has been a tireless advocate of the large-scale use of the biodynamic preparations on the North American continent and has conducted research regarding their characteristics and efficacy while encouraging others in their own research efforts. One example of this commitment has been the “Recommendations for Working with Crops, Sequential Spraying, and Ashing,” which he has offered to the biodynamic community for many years.

Recently the Josephine Porter Institute has moved from the Courtney farm, and Hugh – now in his early 80s – is working with his grandson Jeremiah Proctor to establish a new initiative called Earth Legacy Agriculture(link is external) (ELA). ELA is a natural next step for Hugh in carrying Josephine Porter’s vision forward and a w;ay for him to move fully and deeply into a more individually focused, mentoring, and guiding role, much as Josephine Porter did with him decades before. Earth Legacy Agriculture provides “consultation and support services for the grower,” including biodynamic preparations and training regarding their use. Ideally, these products and services are provided on an ongoing basis over a multi-year period, including in-person and phone consultation.

As part of Earth Legacy’s work, Hugh is focusing strongly on animal, insect, and weed “pest” peppers and is also developing unique products based on his knowledge and experience. The first of these that will become available is the Biodynamic Field and Farm Energizer kit. Seminars, workshops, and “work weekends” at Earth Legacy also offer opportunities to work intensively in small groups in learning about and experiencing preparation work under Hugh’s guidance.

There is no doubt that Hugh’s commitment to Josephine Porter’s legacy – and to biodynamic agriculture – has made an incalculable quantitative and qualitative contribution to the future. In addition to the thousands of gallons of preparations he has made and used with hundreds of individuals and groups over the years, he has set the standard for preparations training and has conducted or substantively contributed to countless research projects and efforts. Perhaps most importantly, many of the next generation who are now taking their places as the leaders of the biodynamic movement started their careers under Hugh’s tutelage.

Hugh’s mission and vision for the application of biodynamic preparations on this continent has carried him – and us – into the future of our work together. The “golden thread” throughout these years, and the years ahead, was well articulated in the last paragraph of the introduction he wrote to the collection of lectures entitled What is Biodynamics? (SteinerBooks 2005):

“Our task at this time, during the descent and ascent of the etheric Christ, is to work via the force of the life ether, by always remaining in the realm of the living. We have no other tools to do that except the nine biodynamic preparations…. It matters not whether we use them on the acreage of a huge farm or on a small backyard garden. What matters most is that all nine are used. Implant the sword of Micha-el in the earth through the preparations. Use them to summon the elementals to serve the Christ. Take up our human task of spiritualizing the Earth.”

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. He enjoys a broad reputation with both in and out of state patients that are consulting him on their health problems. He is well experienced in comprehensive medical evaluations, complete pediatric care, advanced nutritional testing and nutritional advice, life style coaching, a new form of energetic and spiritual exercise called eurythmy, etc. Dr. Kamsler is well known and sought after for his management of children with complex medical problems. He emphasizes a comprehensive body & mind approach best summarized under the term anthroposophical medicine, the most complete form of complementary/alternative medicine available. Dr. Kamsler graduated from the prestigious University of Michigan School of Medicine, and after his residency at Mott Children’s Hospital he spent several years studying anthroposophical/complementary medicine in the US and Europe while working with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. He is a Board member of the American College for Anthroposophic Medicine. His additional activities include lectures, training seminars and workshops to professional and lay groups. He has worked extensively as a consulting pediatrician to several Waldorf Schools and has been a sought after speaker by groups ranging from Birthing Centers and La Leche League to Grand Rounds at several hospitals. He is recognized by his peers as a leader in the emerging field of complementary medicine. Following a long standing interest in researching ways for creating new pharmaceutical quality natural remedies Dr. Kamsler founded, together with Ross Rentea, MD and Andrea Rentea MD, the True Botanica company. Their goal is to create the most safe and effective full spectrum products possible that work harmoniously on body, mind and spirit. The formulas are designed by uniting the best in emerging modern nutritional technology with insights given by the scientist Rudolf Steiner, as well as by paying attention to today’s patient needs. He is also Co-Founder, Vice President and Treasurer of the True Botanica Foundation, a nonprofit organization for education, research and social help in the anthroposophical health care field.

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

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

KNOW THYSELF - 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 Ruud

Activities:

• Art-Acts
• Star Wisdom
• The Karma Exercises
• Experiential PAGEANT on Holy Saturday: 'Know Thyself'
• Easter Sunrise Songtrail
• Optional service at the Christian Community
• Communal meals and time for Conversation

Lectures:

• '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

Listen to a new addition of The Anthroposopher, a Podcast by Program Director for the Anthroposophical Society Laura Scappaticci: "Preserve the Light" by our own Festivals Coordinator - Hazel Archer-Ginsberg speaking about Michaelmas

https://soundcloud.com/laura-scappaticci-512671384/hazel-archer-ginsburg-preserve-the-light?fbclid=IwAR3gyzQWSKFpJEKjiLlFRMpLtws4H_QlWZPZatML0dhabeRjN5Szukb_8Ag

*** 

Here is a link to the video recording of The All Souls webinar put out the Anthroposophical Society. https://zoom.us/…/2TH4VfAFaaXl75T9UgSHwxat-CKtdappGNmvyxdz1…

You can also watch the video presentation from the Theosophical Society, called ‘The Descent of Inanna” with a different approach to the theme, centering on the origins, & a performance in eurythmy of the ancient Sumerian Myth.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch…

Your questions were great. Please keep them coming! Are you creating an altar or is there a family tradition you'd like to share? Share a picture or note with us! And share the blog at Reverse Ritual with your friends. https://reverseritual.com/blog/

Most importantly, thank you for preparing a space within yourself to honor this special time of year.

Join us for The Sacred Gateway: Conscious Living, Conscious Dying, and the Journey Beyond April 16-19, 2020 in Detroit, MI. Enjoy lively interactive workshops.Registration opens in January

With gratitude for your participation, Laura Scappaticci Program Director of the Anthroposophical Society of America