Rudolf Steiner Branch - Chicago
4249 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
Welcome!
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About the Branch
Greetings and Welcome to the website of The Rudolf Steiner Branch of the Anthroposophical Society. We are located near the bustling Lincoln Square neighborhood in Chicago. Map
We have a rich life here at the branch, with many study groups (see below), Festivals, Program/Lectures, Workshops, and Exhibits. The Branch Calendar is online.
In the links section below find past webinar recordings
Ongoing events are listed below. Programs, Festivals and Special events are in the column to the right.
The History of the Rudolf Steiner Group in Chicago, from Henry Barnes book "Into the Hearts Land, Rudolf Steiner's work in North America."
Do you have a desire to serve & share your gifts? Be an active member of the Community! There are many things that need to happen to keep the branch life alive. contact Info@RSchicago.org
To be added to our email list to recieve notices about upcoming events contact Hazel
Library
Our extensive lending library of Anthroposophical books is available, free to the public with a suggested refundable $25 deposit (less if this is not affordable) and without deposit to Branch members. Librarian: Paulette Arnold
Dear friends, many books are missing from the Libray, Please return any over dues books.
Our library is open during the Wednesday morning Study Group from 9:30 am - 11 am
for more open hours contact Info@RSchicago.org and also by appointment, contact our Librarian: Paulette Arnold
We warmly welcome new friends and visitors to browse the library and to join us in our study groups and events!
Our café area makes a cozy atmosphere for socializing after a program, festival. or exhibit
Anthroposophy is ...
"Anthroposophy opens its wellsprings, and the human will, carried by love, may draw from the waters. It brings to life love for humankind and thereby works creatively in impulses for moral action and true social interaction.” — Rudolf Steiner
Introduction to Anthroposophy by Daniel Hafner
EXPLORE HUMANITY’S PATH AND YOUR OWN.
Become a member of the Anthroposophical Society in America; then you are invited to Become a member of the Rudolf Steiner Branch
Branch Membership is $50 (or pay what you can afford) per year - Dear friends that is less than 14 cents a day!
The Branch is now accepting donation & dues payments through PayPal or QuickPay® with Zelle®. Please include a note explaining what the payment is for. THANK YOU!
Contacts
Please contact each event coordinator for information on a particular event.
Council Members:
President - Mary Spalding
Treasurer - Mihai Rosu
Secretary - Jonathan Hadley
Programs - Andrei Onegin
Festivals /Programs Coordinator - Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
Librarian: Paulette Arnold
Elderberries Bio-Dynamic Outpost and 3Fold Cultural Hub is the new pick-up spot for Angelic Organics CSA click link to sign up
Learn more about the Outpost at their Facebook Page. or contact Dottie Zold (323) 975-6468
Study Groups / Ongoing Events
Tuesdays 7 pm - 8:30 pm - ONLINE ZOOM CALL 'Cosmic Christianity & the Changing Countenance of Cosmology' by Astrosopher Willi Sucher, hosted by Elderberries, Dottie Zold and Frank Agrama at EB's Bio-Dynamic Outpost 4251 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago. for more info. Contact Frank at 323 445 9615 or email UrbanFirstAidLA@gmail.com
Wednesdays 9:30-11:00 am - Karmic Relationships Vol 6 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 We are meeting again in person in the Branch Library. Those from out of town may still join via Zoom Meeting URL: https://zoom.us/j/95252648108 Phone: 1-312-626-6799, Meeting ID: 952 5264 8108
Wednesdays 11 am - 1 pm - in Elderberries 4251 N. Lincoln Ave. Unlock Your Musical Potential with master musician Philip Armetta. Music lessons in all styes (Classical, Jazz, Folk, Rock...) for all abilities; with a special emphasis on learning to improvise during the multi-instrumental jam session included with every personalized instruction. Drop-ins welcome. Donations appreciated. For more info. contact Philip Armetta
Wednesdays 6 pm - 7:30 pm Community Singing with Elderberries at Urban 1st Aid 4251 N. Lincoln Ave. for more info. call Frank 323-445-9615
Wednesdays 7 pm - 9 pm - “Anthroposophical Leading Thoughts". For more information, call David Kavesh (312-451-9872)
Thursday 10 am - Noon - Homeschool Eurythmy with Mary Ruud.
Thursday 10:30-noon, ONCE A MONTH -- We are reading and discussing How to Know Higher Worlds, a basic book by Rudolf Steiner. Please join us -everyone is welcome. For more information, For more information, contact Carolyn (773-539-3688)
Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm - Genesis by Rudolf Steiner. Anyone interested in joining us is invited to contact Clark Remington (773-595-5793) ZOOM Meeting URL: https://zoom.us/j/892706330 Telephone: 1-312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 892-706-330# https://wn.rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA120/English/RSP1984/19100528p01.html
Fridays 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - ONLINE ZOOM CALL The Agriculture Course - The Birth of Biodynamic Method. With Frank & Dottie, A Circles of Renewal – Biodynamic Outpost Initiative at Elderberries General Store 4251 N. Lincoln Ave. 60618 For more info. contact Frank Agrama 323-445-9615 or email circlesforarenewalofculture@gmail.com
Saturdays 11 am Course For Young Doctors study group.. Please call Frank and Dottie 323-445-9615. Meeting online.
Sundays 4:00 – 6:00 pm - This group meets weekly. We are studying “The Fundamental Social Demand of Our Time” (social course), given by Rudolf Steiner in 1918, GA#186. Anyone interested in joining us is invited to contact Andrei Onegin (773-592-1136). aonegin@rschicago.org
For Members of the First Class...
of the School for Spiritual Science
What is The School of Spiritual Science?
The meeting of the First Class of the School of Spiritual Scienceconvenes on the third Saturday of each month. (with some exceptions) Blue Membership Cards are required.
The lesson begins promptly at 6:00 pm.
The next meetings is: October 17, Saturday, Eleventh Lesson
Please arrive ahead of time, so you have a chance to come into the mood of the class before the lesson begins. After the reading of the lesson, we will take a short break. We will reconvene in a circle for conversation about the lesson. Ending time is approximately 9:00 pm.
To Members of the First Class in the Chicago area:
In July we resumed meetings of the First Class with Lesson Eight and, in August, Lesson Nine. On September 19, 2020, we will continue with our third-Saturday-of-the-month meetings. As we have done before, we will begin the lesson at 6:00 p.m. and, after the reading of the lesson we will take a short break and then reconvene in a circle for a conversation about the lesson. We will bring the conversation to a close before 9:00 p.m.
I understand that some members are inclined to continue staying at home during the ongoing Covid-19 situation. May I suggest that anyone so inclined might take the opportunity to work with the mantra at home during the time that we are meeting.
Here is a schedule of the class meetings through June of 2021:
2020:
October 17, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Eleventh Lesson
November 21, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Twelfth Lesson
December 19, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Thirteenth Lesson
2021:
January 16, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Fourteenth Lesson
February 20, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Fifteenth Lesson
March 20, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Sixteenth Lesson
April 17, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Seventeenth Lesson
May 15, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Eighteenth Lesson
June 19, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.: Nineteenth Lesson
I look forward to seeing you and continuing our work. Many thanks, Clark Remington (773) 595-5793
Links - Inspired by Steiner
City Garden Early Childhood Waldorf School
Arcturus Rudolf Steiner Education Program
Reverse Ritual - Understanding Anthroposophy Through the Rhythms of the Year
Elderberries Biodynamic Outpost and 3fold Cultural Hub
The Christian Community Chicago
http://www.koliskoinstitute.org/
http://www.paulinamedicalclinic.com/
The National Anthroposophical Society site
and The Goetheaum in Dornach
Links to Zoom Presentations:
The Sacrifice of John the Baptist. by Daniel Hafner
Vitae Sophia~ A Whitsun Festival of United Soul Endeavor with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg, with Guest Speakers Lisa Dalton & Geoff Norris. Sponsored by the Anthroposophical Society in New Hampshire
The Central Regional Council Ascension Festival
Front Range Anthroposophical Café of Denver Colorado presents: Summer Solstice ‘RING of FIRE’ with Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
Lazarus and the Easter Mysterywith Daniel Hafner
'Crowning' Hazel Archer Ginsberg, and Eurythmist Raven Garland - Sponsored by Anthroposophy Atlanta Lunch & Learn. Hosted by Angela Foster & Jordan Walker of Wisdom Working – Add your thoughts to THE AFTERIMAGE page.
Notes - News
ATTENTION Members & Friends -On 10 August 2020, we saw one of the strongest tornado's in decades touch down at the lake in Rogers Park & sweep through the Northside, leaving significant tree & property damage in its wake. The 47th Ward where the Rudolf Steiner Branch resides, was one of the city's hardest hit areas, with over 5,000 Business' & households struggling without power or internet.
3 electric poles snapped, & the riser was torn from our building leaving us without power until just this Friday afternoon - but still no internet, & one of the air conditioning units may need work. The cost of the repairs so far are $1600.
Any financial assistance would be appreciated. The Branch is accepting donations with a credit card through CaseQuickPay/ Zelle, or paypal.
You are also welcome to send a check by mail to the branch 4248 N. Lincoln Ave, 60618
Your support means everything, Thank you for your kind consideration.
Special thanks to Chuck Ginsberg for making multiple calls to Comed & the Alderman, arranging & helping with the repairs; & Dottie Zold for holding down the fort.
***
Mary Spalding is the new Branch President.
Dottie Zold of Elderberries Bio-Dynamic Outpost was voted in as a new council member.
If you are interested in helping to hold open public hours at the branch contact Info@RSchicago.org
***
Elderberries Bio-Dynamic Outpost and 3Fold Cultural Hub is the new pick-up spot for Angelic Organics CSA starting June 23, 2020 click link to sign up
The Elderberries Biodynamic Outpost and 3fold Cultural Hub is inspired by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner’s myriad indications for agriculture, economics, art, and social life. (Steiner inspired many additional initiatives, such as Waldorf Education, Anthroposophical Medicine, Eurythmy, and Architecture as a Synthesis of the Arts.) It is next door to the Rudolf Steiner Branch-Chicago.
The Outpost will soon be showcasing Biodynamic products with an emphasis on local Biodynamic farms. The Outpost will eventually be sponsoring educational programs to highlight Biodynamics and other Steiner-inspired initiatives. They wish to build a bridge between Biodynamic farmers and the city and to have a space specifically dedicated to those who work out of Biodynamic principles.
They will also be working to build up community and cultural life in Chicago. They will be working with, empowering, and learning from the youth of Thresholds, a live in high school for youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
Young people from around the world come to work, live and intern throughout the year at their Have Seeds House in Los Angeles that works with youth in distressing living conditions and adults who live in special care facilities.
Learn more about the Outpost at their Facebook Page.
***
Dottie Zold, originally from the Philadelphia/New Jersey area, is a community activist working out of Rudolf Steiner’s Threefold Commonwealth. She was inspired by her experience at the Goetheanum in Dornach at the youth section house at the bottom of the hill and opened a cafe in Hollywood called Elderberries Threefold Cafe. Her imagination was that she could create a safe space for the graduating Waldorf youth, and those who were more at risk, to meet around peer to peer conversations while finding their work and making a difference in their community. She began to work more deeply with the houseless youth from the foster care system and adults facing social and mental challenges. She, along with a few of the coworkers of the cafe, founded the Have Seeds House in Los Angeles that houses the coworkers and other at risk youth, and a cultural hub – Urban First Aid: Art As Medicine down the street from the cafe. Now in Chicago Dottie is hoping to bring greater awareness of the farmers working out of the biodynamic principles founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1920. She is also striving to make these foods and available to those in more economically challenged areas.
Frank Aleph Agrama is an organizer, artist and educator, co-founding Have Seeds House, Urban First Aid: Art as Medicine, and Elderberries Biodynamic Outpost & 3Fold Cultural Hub. He is working to seed a society shaped by creativity and community well-being. He found his love for the living social art after graduating from film school, questioning how to create a real life miracle rather than make one up in a movie. Born and raised in Hollywood, Frank walked into the original Elderberries on his lunch break, and had to ask himself ‘what in the world is in this salad?’ Then he went walking through Raphael Gardens, and asked himself ‘what in the world is going on in this garden?’ He soon told himself ‘I better learn about Waldorf Education.’ He uses his Waldorf certification as a foundation for cultivating sustainable relationships with co-workers, the stars, and the international Youth Section, which he is helping to lead in North America (until he gets too old.)
Gallery
(click to enlarge)
Donations & Dues
The Branch is now accepting dues payments & donations through paypal. You may also use ChaseQuickPay with Zelle if you prefer.
Please include a note as to what the payment is for.
Thank you for your support.
Special Events
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All events take place at the Rudolf Steiner Branch, 4249 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 except as noted.
Wed. 23 Sept. 2020 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm - CRC Michaelmas Festival: ‘Courage Born of Wisdom’ FREE Zoom Conference
The CRC Michaelmas Festival: ‘Courage Born of Wisdom’
Wednesday 23 September 2020 – The Autumnal Equinox – 7:15 pm CDT – 8:30 pm
1st -A tale from ancient Chaldea where sophEA gives birth to Marduk, precursor to Michael.
Then “Wisdom Built herself a house (Proverbs 24: 1-9)”…7 members from various sections of the Anthroposophical Society will stand as Wisdom’s 7 Pillars to share how Courage was Born from Wisdom for them, leading to their work in the world.
Pedagogical Section –Michael Holdrege
Youth Section – Stephan Ambrose
Medical Section –Drs. Molly & Quentin McMullen
Eurythmy – Barbara Richardson
Social Science Section – Doug Wylie
BioDynamic Agriculture – Rand Carter
Three-Folding – Dorothy Hinkle-Uhlig
with Original songs by Lucien Dante Lazar!
& a closing about the connection between Michael, The Christ & Anthroposophia!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82070460900
Meeting ID: 820 7046 0900
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Meeting ID: 820 7046 0900
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kclU2SSTF
If you have questions, please contact Alberto Loya aloyavaca@utexas.edu
26 Sept. 2020 TIME CHANGE: Potluck Breakfast at 9 am, Fest: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm CDT Our Annual Michaelmas Festival: Joan d'Arc - PURIFYING FIRE: The Power Behind the Will
Michaelmas 2020: Joan d’Arc – PURIFYING FIRE: The Power behind the Will –
Date: Saturday 26 Sept. 2020. Time: 9 am doors open for potluck Breakfast: Please bring food & beverages to share!
Festival: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm then off to Zinniker Farm for the Michaelmas Prep (details below)
In-Person at: Elderberries Biodynamic Outpost & Cultural Hub in Chicago – The ‘Have Seeds House’ in Los Angeles – ‘The Arc‘ in Atlanta
& Online https://zoom.us/j/97955920156 Meeting ID: 979 5592 0156
Schedule:
Lucien Dante Lazar– Ring the Iron Bell – Welcome (10 minutes?)
Group Singing: Michaelmas Time Song (5 Minutes)
Angela Foster – 1. Social Sculpture: The Purifying Fire decoupage. (For those joining on zoom supplies needed: votive candle, tissue paper, magizines, glue) 2. Leading Thoughts, & ‘Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc – Preface’ (20 minutes)
Mary Spalding – ‘Courage Dear Hearts’ Biography of Jeanne d’Arc (10 minutes)
Copper Rod Eurythmy: (10 minutes)
Frank Agrama & Dottie Zold – A Michaelic Will: Joan of Arc, Sophie Scholl, Saint Odilie and Jesus of Nazareth. (30 – 40 minutes) ‘We are dealing here with a superhuman entity, a being who lived in the spiritual world and heard humanity crying out in misery, calling out to the spiritual worlds for help. This being prepared to receive the Christ Being.’ ‘Humanity cried out in pain and torment, and its cries rose up to that spirit being, who responded by seeking permission from the Sun Spirit to become imbued with Christ.’
Frank Agrama and Dottie Zold, of Elderberries and Have Seeds community, will look at the biographies of these individuals who developed the quality and capacity to work out of ‘a culture of selflessness’ in their community, and the impact this had on the world as young people becoming. We can understand these individuals’ path of sacrifice, as a reflection of the archetype of Jesus of Nazareth, during his growing and seeking years as spoken of in Rudolf Steiner’s Fifth Gospel. ‘Michael is a being of Strength, Courage and Will. He is Sun spirit. He wishes to be regarded.’
Group Singing: Firmly on the Earth I Stand (5 minutes)
Biography Work in Break out Groups – Sharing a story of courage from our lives: Each person takes 3 minutes to tell their tale. (15 minutes)
Large Group Sharing: Harvest from the break out groups (5-10 minutes)
‘The Passage’ by Lucian Dante Lazar (15 minutes)
Large Group Sharing: Impressions, Q's about the piece (5-10 minutes)
The Mars / Saturn Square (5-10 minutes)
Everyone takes a turn Ringing the IRON, Rudolf Steiner's 'Verse for the Michaelic Age' given at his 'Last Address'(5 minutes)
Group 1: Springing from Powers of the Sun,
Radiant Spirit-powers, blessing all Worlds!
For Michael’s garment of rays
We are predestined by Thought Divine.
Group 2: Michael, the Christ-messenger, reveals in us
Bearing humankind aloft — the sacred Will of Worlds.
You, radiant Beings of Ether-Worlds,
Bear the Christ-Word to human beings.
Group 1: Thus shall the Heralds of Christ appear
To our thirstily waiting souls.
Your Word of Light shines forth to us
In the cosmic age of the Spirit-Human.
Group 2: We, disciples who would know the spirit,
Follow Michael’s beckoning Wisdom,
To take the Word of Love, Willed by Worlds,
Into our highest aims of soul-work; actively!
12:30 pm – Goodbye – Thank you – CARPOOL TO ZINNIKER FARM
*From Petra Zinniker: Our fall preparation making will take place on September 26th at 1:30pm, here at the farm. We will be making 3 preparations this year: Horn manure, Chamomile and Dandelion preparations, and have a potluck dinner with a campfire afterwards.
*Please bring a dish to pass and a lawn chair for the potluck*
Please RSVP! Space is limited. Although this is an outdoor event we want to make sure everyone can find the space they need. Dress for the weather!
Petra Zinniker – Zinniker Farm N7399 Bowers Rd. Elkhorn, WI 53121 zinnikerfarm@gmail.com – zinnikerfarm.com
Saturday, 9/26 @9:30 am – 12:30 pm
https://zoom.us/j/97955920156 Meeting ID: 979 5592 0156
Sponsored by: The Rudolf Steiner Branch, Elderberries Biodynamic Outpost & 3-Fold Cultural Hub
for more info. contact Festivals coordinator Hazel Archer-Ginsberg
9 am Sept. 29, 2020 ALIANT Alliance zoom
Dear friends! our Elderberries/HowWeWill communities are initiating a sister to ELIANT Allianz in North America: ALIANT Alliance. Dr. Michaela Gloeckler has committed to mentoring us saying 'There is nothing more important to me right now than moving the work of ELIANT forward.'
We will make our beginning for ALIANT Alliance, in the United States/North America, sister to ELIANT, on Michaelmas, September 29th, 2020. If you'd like to join us for our seed blessing please email Frank and Dottie at CirclesforaRenewalofCulture@gmail.com . If you have already sent us a message to join we will make sure you are on the zoom list. (Please see the zoom information below.)
'As a Europe-wide platform for anthroposophical initiatives we want to engage in the social, cultural and political discussions of the EU and contribute the experiences and perspectives of Steiner/Waldorf Education, Demeter agriculture, anthroposophic medicine, curative education and patients' initiatives. In this way we will be able to inform European decision makers more directly about the holistic projects and initiatives which so many citizens are participating in and promoting'
Join Zoom Meeting (please sign up first by sending us an email at CirclesforaRenewalofCulture@gmail.com )
https://zoom.us/j/6297219642
Meeting ID: 629 721 9642
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Meeting ID: 629 721 9642
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aexeI01uxz
ELIANT has laid the foundational organizing steps whereby the fruits of Rudolf Steiner's work in Medicine, Agriculture, Education and Curative Education can find a seat at the legislative tables in Europe for 'human freedom, dignity and choice'.
Michael as we know is a cosmopolitan being. He is a being of Will, Strength and Courage. We could not imagine a more important time to bring forth this initiative, as indeed we are standing at a turning point of time.
If you'd like to hear Dr. Michaela's talk on ELIANT at our How We Will: Threefolding our Cultural Revolution gathering please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGjmDW0_nco&feature=youtu.be
May good become!
Frank and Dottie
Tuesday 29 Sept. 2020 2 pm CDT “The Present Age of Michael” – online lecture by Daniel Hafner
Rudolf Steiner calls attention to the evolution of consciousness, both as a fact and as a continuing task. The regency of the archangel Michael offers to help further this evolution by challenging individual human responsibility. URL:https://zoom.us/j/97244587630 Meeting ID: 972
4458 7630, Phone: 312-626-6799, For more info Andrei Onegin aonegin@rschicago.org
The event is free. Suggested donations $5-$10. Your payments can be sent through QuickPay with Zelle to Rudolf Steiner Branch, chase@rschicago.org, or with regular check sent to the Branch.
Tuesday, September 29 MICHAELMAS ‘Talisman for Courage’ Art Workshop with Victoria Martin 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
MICHAELMAS ‘Talisman for Courage’ Art Workshop at the Rudolf Steiner Chicago Branch 4249 N. Lincoln Ave. 6:30-8:30 PM Facilitated by Victoria Martin contact 312-961-3380 viccimartin@gmail.com
6:30 (sunset) Doors open: orientation. Tea, nuts, and fruit are served
7 PM sharp Visual lecture and demonstration
7:15 PM –8:00 PM workshop - Pastels on flat canvas good for 100+ years (archival materials)
8:00– 8:30 PM discussion - We will learn all about symbols of The Michaelmas: Wings, Iron Meteorites/Stars, Scales of Judgment, Sword of Justice, and the Serpent/Dragon. There will be a wide selection of easy to render visual images in any/all of these 5 categories at each workstation. We will use a black charcoal pencil and the colors red, gold, and turquoise archival pastels on raw canvas size 11” x 11” this Talisman will be suitable for mounting on stretchers or framing (no glass needed).
Limited to 10 participants $15 tuition + $5 materials = $20 or pay what you will. Observers and guests are welcome at no charge, but please bring tree nuts, greens, fruit, or other paleo snacks.
Everyone: wear something RED: Michael’s color!
October 3, 2020 7 pm CDT online lecture by Stephen E. Usher "Iron and the Cosmic Intelligence” –
zoom.us/j/94917954191 Meeting ID: 949 1795 4191 Phone: 312-626-6799, For more info Andrei Onegin aonegin@rschicago.org
The event is free. Suggested donations $5-$10. Your payments can be sent through QuickPay with Zelle to Rudolf Steiner Branch, chase@rschicago.org, or with regular check sent to the Branch address
