Branch Library

For information, to take out a book or to arrange a visit, contact Valerie Hope, valerieannhpdx@aol.com 503-775-0778

The Book Catalog is now on the website itself in the Library section, where you can search for a title - and maybe happen upon something you didn’t know you were interested in.

To schedule the space for an event or meeting contact James Knight, j365k@yahoo.com

To contact the Portland Branch Council: portlandanthroposophy@gmail.com

Website portlandbranch.net

February Newsletter/Calendar 2023

In This Issue:

• Willem Zeylmans Van Emmichoven, on working with the Foundation Stone Meditation

• Jacqueline Freeman Event, ’Becoming Sensitive to Nature Beings’

• Link to Jacqueline Freeman piece, ‘Animals and Elementals, Bringing Peace to Your Land’

• Matinee Videos - as we move in 2023 from the First Goetheanum to the Foundation Stone Meditation

• Ongoing gatherings: Transformation from Goetheanum to Foundation Stone Meditation

• Council Breaking News!

• Portland Anthroposophical Branch Membership

• Letter to the Members of the Anthroposophical Society

• Listing of Resources For Exploring Implications of the Goetheanum Fire

• Calendars - current events and ongoing groups

• Events Fliers

• Advertisers/Donors

• Embryo Workshops by Dr. Jaap Van Der Waal, dvds available

From Building to Meditation

We can perhaps think of hundred year anniversaries as offering special opportunities for spiritual forward progress, opportunities to attempt again what had not been completely fulfilled a century before. In 2022 we have sought to penetrate the mystery of the First Goetheanum and the fire on New Years’ Eve 1922/23, which burned the physical Goetheanum to the ground and sent the etheric forces embedded in it into the etheric realm. In 2023 we are increasing our efforts to work toward the awakening of our individual egos with the Foundation Stone/meditation, which Rudolf Steiner gave for this purpose, as the transformed Goetheanum, to the 7-800 souls present at the Christmas Conference 1923.

The passages below, which can help to describe this striving, are taken from the book The Foundation Stone by Willem Zeylmans Van Emmichoven, an accomplished Dutch medical doctor, who was a pupil of Rudolf Steiner, and who attended the 1923 Christmas Foundation meeting. His book was published 33 years after that meeting, 33 years spent working with the Foundation Stone Meditation. I have found his first person accounts to be very affecting.

If you would like to be part of an in person group that reads and works with what Emmichoven brings in this small but mighty book, please respond to this email, with an indication of what gathering times would work for you. (Note that the videos on February 26 are relevant here). …Valerie Hope, Branch Council

The laying of the first Foundation Stone (of the Goetheanum in 2013 vh) made the Stone visible in physical, mineral, form as a double pentagonal dodecahedron. As the Goetheanum grew, its forms and colours became a path of training for Imaginative consciousness. Although it was brought down from the highest spiritual worlds and reborn as Inspiration in Rudolf Steiner’s soul, it displayed its nature on earth in image form, only to be fully apprehended by Imaginative consciousness. The Foundation Stone which was laid in the hearts of men in 1923, was the transformed Goetheanum itself. (emphasis vh) For the images carried up by the flames and transformed in the fire, came resounding back from the spiritual heights in the words of the Foundation Stone, to be experienced in Inspiration.

Just as the Goetheanum building rose up on the first Foundation Stone, so the General Anthroposophical Society was to grow up from the second Foundation Stone as a society in which the human soul could be at home. Rudolf Steiner’s departure into the spiritual world was for us a shattering sign that the individual was not yet in a position to make the necessary sacrifices to form this new spiritual community. This departure, therefore, could become for us the task of developing Intuitive consciousness.

In Imagination, the soul rises up to the pictures which reveal themselves spiritually; but these pictures, although they have a spiritual origin, still have a subjective colouring. The Imaginations must be banished once more from the soul, they must be removed by auto-suggestion, as Rudolf Steiner also expressed it. The aim is to remain awake with an empty consciousness, so that the spiritual world may allow its Inspirations to stream in. But to achieve Intuition, all egotism must have been overcome, so that the pure will may become a vessel for the Will of the Spirit. In intuition, Rudolf Steiner also once said, one gives oneself to the Gods as food, one allows oneself to be consumed by them.

…Following Rudolf Steiner’s death, the central task can only be the spiritual awakening of the Ego in each individual, and the further treading of anthroposophical paths in free community. In this sense it will be possible to speak of a continuation of the impulse of the Christmas Meeting. ~ Willem Zeylmans van Emmichoven

Becoming Sensitive to Nature Beings, with Jacqueline Freeman

In 2023 the Branch is working to bring biodynamic information and inspiration to Portland, in hopes that it will be applied to yards, gardens and more. Applying biodynamic practices helps to heal the earth, and for those growing food, can provide better nutrition.

We are grateful to have as our first offering on February 12 a presentation by Jacqueline Freeman, addressing a fundamental activity - becoming sensitive to the elementals all around us. Jacqueline is a longtime biodynamic farmer at Friendly Haven Rise Farm, and is known for her books ‘What Bees Want’, and ‘Song of Increase’. Reply to this email to register for this event. You can donate online https://portlandbranch.net/donations/, or at the door.

At our request Jacqueline Freeman created a link to her article from The Biodynamics Journal regarding “Women of Biodynamics” just for us to read and learn about her work. Thank you Jacqueline!

“Animals & Elementals: Bringing Peace to Your Land” https://www.spiritbee.com/elementals/

Her website, https://www.SpiritBee.com shows her in the midst of thousands of bees, free of protective equipment, celebrating the considerate ways humans and bees exist in harmony.

Over the course of the holy nights, many of those who attended the explorations of the burning of the First Goetheanum one hundred years ago, and its aftermath leading to the Christmas Conference of 1923, were interested in continuing the exploration as preparation for the anniversary of the 1923 Christmas Conference and the laying of the Foundation Stone Meditation. (see article below). This is the first gathering to that end, and all are invited to attend. If you intend to attend please respond to this email.

2 pm: The Windows of the First Goetheanum, From Design to Execution, with Ronald Templeton. As we strive to connect with the spiritual content that was embodied in the art of the First Goetheanum, Ronald’s presentation is helpful as he describes the controversy and evolution of the images in the wonderful colored windows. This illuminates what Dr. Steiner meant when he said that none of it was symbolic. Ronald shows the controversial artwork which illustrates the difference.

3 - 3:15 pm break

3:15 - 4:45 The Envy of the Gods, the Envy of Man with Adriana Koulias. In this presentation Adriana describes the turning points in human development which occurred with the burning of the temple at Ephasus, and the burning of the First Goetheanum. Highlighting the spiritual opportunities at hundred year anniversaries, she assures us that we agreed to be here at this time, and stresses the importance of where we put our attention over this next year, which leads from the Goetheanum Fire at Christmas 1922 to the Christmas Conference and offering of the Foundation Stone in 1923.

First and Second Goetheanum, Mirko Luccini

Opportunities Over The Year Ahead - Further Explorations of the First Goetheanum and its Relationship to the Foundation Stone and the Meditation

To begin, the Foundation Stone group is now open to new members. The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm. If you are interested in joining the group as we proceed toward the hundredth anniversary of the 1923 Christmas Conference and the laying of the Foundation Stone in members’ hearts, please reply to this email.

In addition, those who attended the gatherings exploring the First Goetheanum and the fire during the Holy Nights have signed up for further explorations over the coming year. The First Goetheanum has a presence in the etheric that can be helpful. Anna Samweber, who was present at the fire, describes being overwhelmed by a spiritual experience when the domes crashed down and huge flames shot up. “I saw the ‘Bau’ high above the burning place, shining brilliantly white, and I felt with certainty that something stupendous was happening here…”

There are many revealing and thought provoking presentations which have recently been made that are available as videos. In addition to ‘movie dates’, we can explore a Steiner what Dr. Steiner said about ‘The Purpose of the Goetheanum’, and other aspects of the building that he describes.

If you would like to be informed of these gatherings, please reply to this email. Include your name, email, phone #, and what your best times for meeting are.

Council Breaking News!

We have been generously gifted a $4,000 matching grant for 2023 Library rent.
First of all, we have greatly appreciated the heart-felt generosity of the community in matching the 2022 grant. A new donor has been inspired to offer a matching grant for the coming year. Having our own space has made possible an enlivened and busy community life, in addition to making the wonderful books that we have in abundance available. This generosity and support is heartening to the Council, as 'wind beneath our wings'. We look forward to the year ahead together, and to another successful match.

Reminder to Sponsors/Donors to renew your newsletter ads.

Portland Anthroposophical Membership

Please consider becoming a member of the Portland Anthroposophical Branch, and if you are a member, please consider renewing now. Your membership helps support our library space, events, and website throughout the year. Being a member of our branch shows your support and dedication in making Anthroposophy available to those who are trying to find it. Last year we hosted several workshops, lectures, and festival events. We hope you enjoyed the gatherings and look forward to many more in the coming year. We will have a strong focus in two areas, in addition to the usual festivals: biodynamics for gardening and healing the earth; and the hundredth anniversary of the 2023 Christmas Conference and the laying of the esoteric Foundation Stone and the Foundation Stone meditation.

We are transitioning this year to annual memberships beginning in January each year. Renewing your membership for the 2023 year in January will help with our administrative records and the attention we give each membership. We hope that having a renewal beginning at the same time each year will also be easier for you. If you made a payment in late 2022 that you intended for 2023, please let us know.

The annual recommended membership is still $50, or what you can afford and you may renew or otherwise donate (for instance to the matching grant for rent) on our website at https://portlandbranch.net/donations/. If you send a check, we will receive 100% of your donation. Make out to Portland Branch, and send to:

Portland Branch

c/o Valerie Hope

2606 SE 58th Ave.

Portland, Or 97206

Thank you for your commitment, your participation, and the community building your help gives to ensure that Anthroposophy is alive and in action here in the Portland area.

Letter to the Members of the Anthroposophical Society Goetheanum, 20 January 2023

We have included a link here for this informative letter on the current events at the Goetheanum. We hope you enjoy it. https://anthroposophie.org/de/newsletters/letter-to-the-members-20-january-2023

Listing of Resources For Exploring Implications of the Goetheanum Fire

This list is meant to help those interested in exploring the creation and meaning – then and now - of the first Goetheanum on this hundredth anniversary of the fire, New Year’s Eve 2022 – and as a preparation for a celebration of the 2023 hundredth anniversary of the Christmas Conference and laying of the Foundation Stone Meditation.

If you have anything to add to this list, please send it as a reply to this email.

Videos

Why the Goetheanum Had to Burn and How Its Loss Can Help Us – Was offered by Daniel Hafner December 31, 2022. Sponsored by the Sungarden Waldorf Inspired Home Daycare, not yet on Youtube.

Goetheanum website, Goetheanum TV, The Goetheanum as a Total Work of Art: 14 presentations, German with English Subtitles, except the two given in English https://goetheanum.tv/programs/das-erste-goetheanum-als-gesamtkunstwerk?categoryId=100054&permalink=trailer-das-erste-goetheanum-als-gesamtkunstwerk&locale=en_us

Presentations through the Chicago Branch https://www.rschicago.org/happenings/programs

The Envy of the Gods, the Envy of Human Beings, presented by Adriana Koulias through the Chicago Branch. Indications for our work over the next year in preparation for the anniversary of the Christmas Conference and the laying of the Foundation Stone Meditation.

New Year 1923 to New Year 2023 with Richard Ramsbotham , See link to Chicago Branch above

ASA presentations: Tour of the First Goetheanum Model with Esther Gerster, & presentation by Daniel Hafner https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA287/English/UNK1958/BldDrn_index.html

Websites

AnthroWiki, The Glass Windows of the First Goetheanum , with Assia Turgenieff’s etchings made in cooperation with Rudolf Steiner that were used for the Second Goetheanum. https://en.anthro.wiki/The_glass_windows_of_the_first_Goetheanum

Jannebeth Roell Website, The Windows of the First Goetheanum, Jannebeth has drawn the windows of the First Goetheanum https://www.jannebeth.com/goetheanum-windows

Anthroposophical Society in America, Attending the Fire, a packet with Preparatory materials, artistic activities, recorded lectures, and other resources - for now and leading up to the New Year (I couldn’t get a link that worked)

Rudolf Steiner Lectures (for more search the archive)

What was the Purpose of the Goetheanum GA84 April 9, 1923, Basel https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA084/English/19230409p01.html

XVII. The Envy of the Gods - The Envy of Human Beings GA 260 31 December 1923 8:30 p.m. (New Years’ Eve of the Christmas Conference) https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA260/English/AP1990/19231231p01.html

The Building at Dornach, Five lectures given by Rudolf Steiner at Dornach in October of 1914. Rudolf Steiner Archive https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA287/English/UNK1958/BldDrn_index.html

Architectural Forms Considered as the Thoughts of Culture and World-Perception 20 September 1916, Dornach GA 288 https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA288/English/19160920p01.html

The Mysteries of Light, of Space, and of the Earth, I. The Dualism in the Life of the Present Time GA 194 12 December 1919, Dornach https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA194/English/AP1945/19191212p01.html

Man and the World of the Stars, GA 219, V. Spiritual Knowledge is a True Communion, the Beginning of a Cosmic Cult Suitable for Men of the Present Age, December 31, 1922 (The fire which destroyed the First Goetheanum was discovered one hour after this lecture had finished.) https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA219/English/AP1963/19221231p01.html

Health and Illness II, The Brain and Thinking GA 348 5 January 1922, Dornach https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA348/English/AP1983/19230105p01.html (This was the first lecture given to the workmen after the burning of the Goetheanum. As a demonstration of their sympathy, all present stood when Rudolf Steiner entered.)

Books

The Aims of Anthroposophy and the Purpose of the Goetheanum(CW 84) 11 lectures in various cities, April 9, 1923 – May 26, 1924 (CW 84)In his final lectures to the general public, Rudolf Steiner speaks with great clarity and purpose about the inner and outer need for the anthroposophical impulse in modern times. https://steinerbooks.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781855845718/The-Aims-of-Anthroposophy-and-the-Purpose-of-the-Goetheanum

The Goetheanum Cupola Motifs of Rudolf Steiner By (artist) Gerard Wagner Foreword by Sergei O. Prokofieff Contributions by Peter Stebbing, Rudolf Steiner, Assya Turgenieff and Louise Clason
Edited and translated by Peter Stebbing Gerard Wagner’s paintings of Rudolf Steiner's Goetheanum cupola sketches bring these works to a wide audience that would otherwise have little access to or knowledge of those representations of Steiner's artistic spiritual vision contained in the first Goetheanum and lost to the fire that destroyed that great building. .https://steinerbooks.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9780880107372/The-Goetheanum-Cupola-Motifs-of-Rudolf-Steiner

Architecture as Peacework The First Goetheanum, Dornach, 1914 (CW 287) Rudolf Steiner Introduction by John Kettle Translated by Frederick Amrine 5 lectures, Dornach, Switzerland, October 10-25, 1914 (CW 287) Never announcing his intentions, and using the metamorphosing forms of the hand-sculpted wooden architraves resting on the columns inside the building itself as illustration, Steiner embarked on a convincing and heartfelt appreciation of the uniquely beautiful qualities of the various European cultures at war. https://steinerbooks.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781621480990/Architecture-as-Peacework

Toward a New Theory of Architecture, The First Goetheanum in Pictures (CW 290) Rudolf Steiner Introduction by John Kettle Translated by Frederick Amrine An introductory lecture with slides, Bern, Switzerland, June 29, 1921 (CW 290) Given in June 1921, in Bern just eighteen months before its tragic destruction by fire, this lecture and slide show (consisting of a hundred slides) is both the closest thing we have to a guided tour of the original Goetheanum by its architect and a profound statement of artistic purpose.https://steinerbooks.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781621480976/Toward-a-New-Theory-of-Architecture

Architecture, Sculpture, and Painting of the First Goetheanum (CW 288) Rudolf Steiner Edited and translated by Frederick Amrine Foreword by Douglas J. Cardinal Introduction by David Adams 9 lectures in various cities, April 1915–June 1920 (CW 288) The lectures in this volume—accompanied by reproductions of more than a hundred slides—were heard by various audiences as the building neared completion and before it was destroyed by fire. https://steinerbooks.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781621482048/Architecture-Sculpture-and-Painting-of-the-First-Goetheanum

The Figure of Christ: Rudolf Steiner and the Spiritual Intention behind the Goetheanum's Central Work of Art Peter Selg Contributions by Assya Turgenieff Translated by Matthew Barton “Yes, that is the Christ. This is how my spiritual eye perceived him in Palestine.”—Rudolf Steiner (speaking of his sculpture, The Representative of Humanity) The Christ he sculpted was not the possession of a specific community with a religious worldview, but a being active in all of humanity and, thus, “a figure of the future.” https://steinerbooks.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781906999018/The-Figure-of-Christ

Fire Borne By Jean W. Yeager – Former Administrative Director of the Anthroposophical Society in America (1996-2006), Award Winning Writer/Playwright (www.the-three.com) jwyeager2@gmail.com The 1923 Arson Fire Didn’t Destroy Spiritual Ideals… THIS IS A CENTENNIAL OF COURAGE. https://anthroposophicalpublications.org/RSPubs/FBorne.php Buy early and receive a pre-publication discount.

Portland Branch Calendar

First Class of the School of Spiritual Science. Sunday February 12, 9:30 am sharp, Recapitulation Lesson 1 • (no admittance after the class starts) • Bothmer Hall, 5915 SE Division St. • Remember your Blue Card. See 2022 Schedule below. For more information contact: Cheri Munske cherimunske@gmail.com, Diane Rumage drumage@comcast.net or Rebecca Soloway rrsoloway1@gmail.com

Portland Branch Council Meeting Monday February 13, Branch Library/Community Space, 5415 SE Powell Blvd, entrance off parking lot in the back. All Branch members are welcome to attend, and/or call us with agenda items, proposals, suggestions, or to observe. Please contact us at portlandanthroposophy@gmail.com to let us know you’re coming. Meetings are normally held on the second Monday of each month.

Welcoming Poems with Annie Lighthart January 9-February 27, 5:30-6:30 pm Portland Waldorf School See Flier below

Becoming Sensitive to Nature Beings, Jacqueline Freeman February 12, 1:00pm Branch Library/Community Space, 5415 SE Powell Blvd, entrance off parking lot in the back. More information in this newsletter.

Matinee Videos February 26, 2:00pm Branch Library/Community Space, 5415 SE Powell Blvd, entrance off parking lot in the back. More information in this newsletter.

Jacob Wooton at the Art Hall: Light Inside and Out January 19-March 17, Opening Reception January 19, 5-7:30 pm Cedarwood Waldorf School, 3030 SW Second Ave See Flier below. Contact Robin Lieberman, 503-222-1192

Ongoing Groups and Activities

Inquiry: Is there any interest in creating a study group in Vancouver? Five people are very interested in meeting up and would love your participation. Please contact kathyrem@gmail.com

Study: An Outline of Occult Science with Cheri Munske Monday Evenings starting 10-3-22, 6:45-8:15 pm, Portland Waldorf School Eurythmy Room, 2300 SE Harrison St. Milwaukie, OR 97222. Suggested Donation $15 For more information email PacificEurythmy@gmail.com or visit PacificEurythmy.com See flier below.

Beginning Astrosophy Class First and Third Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm • 8654 NE Boehmer St. • Contact Diane Rumage, 971-271-7479 drumage@comcast.net This class will introduce participants to the basic principles of Astrosophy in a study of the works of Willi Sucher and Diane Rumage’s work with the stars, with indications that Rudolf Steiner gave for those interested in the cosmos. No previous knowledge necessary. Please bring blank paper and colored pencils to the class in case we need to use them. If you are just curious if you’d be interested, please feel free to come and check us out. Free

Community Eurythmy Saturdays Saturdays 9:30-10:30am 10/22/22 - 4/29/23 (No Class 11/26, 12/17, 12/24, 12/31, 2/25, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8) At the Portland Waldorf School, 2300 SE Harrison, Milwaukie. Free and Open to All Adults. For details contact Amanda Leonard leonaaleonaa@gmail.com or (503)519-9487.

The Occult Significance of Forgiveness Study Group • First Monday of the month, 7:45-9:00 pm • Currently conducted in person and on Zoom • Contact Heidi Sheppard, HSHEPPAR@LHS.ORG Free Please join us in lively discussions centered on Sergei Prokofieff’s The Occult Significance of Forgiveness.

Speech Formation and Mystery Drama Group 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm • 8654 NE Boehmer St, Portland, OR 97220 • Contact Diane Rumage drumage@comcast.net or 971 271-7479. Free No experience necessary, just enthusiasm and a love of the Word. Now studying Glen Williamson’s mystery drama, Future Dawning.

The Tarot in Light of Spiritual Science with James Knight • Every other Tuesday • James (j365k@yahoo.com) is leading a class on "The Tarot" in light of spiritual science and practical occultism. This is not a class on the use of Tarot for divination. In this class we focus on the major arcanum of "The Tarot" as a practical tool for self development and insight into oneself and the world. The classes take place approximately every other Tuesday from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Branch Library Space (5415 SE Powell Blvd) Entrance off the parking lot in back of the church • This is a free class. Registration for the class happens through Meetup (meetup.com) where you can learn more about the class and RSVP at this page: https://www.meetup.com/experiences-in-spiritual-science/.

Pacific Eurythmy Open Classes for the Community in Anthroposophy and the Arts Monday Evenings For details please see Pacific Eurythmy or call Jolanda, 503-896-3345 or Carrie, 415-686-3791

Waldorf Education and Teacher Training Lectures and Courses Conducted throughout the year by the Micha-el Institute Email us at inquiry@micha-elinstitue.com or call 971-808-1640

A full-scale–­­­production tour of

Fire in theTemple

with a full cast of twelve actors and eurythmists is in the works to premiere in September, 2023 Please help us make this happen by sending a check payable to “Lemniscate Arts Inc”, and mail to

Fire in the Temple
C/O Lemniscate Arts
117 Durham Rd.
Freeport, ME 04032

Or click here to donate through PayPal

Please join our growing circle of donors in supporting this important deed for the Anthroposophical movement. Whether you give $20,000, $2,000, $200 or $20, your goodwill is essential for this production. We have already raised over $25,000, twenty percent of our projected budget, and need your financial help and prayers to bring this play to fruition. Please also share this message with anyone you think might be interested.

With Gratitude and Warmest Greetings, Glen Williamson

Embryo in Us & Embryo in Motion: Two Seminars with Jaap van der Waal. Two separate DVD sets recorded live in Portland in 2010 & 2017, available only here. These two seminars explore human prenatal development and show how biology is expressing the essence of human spiritual enfoldment. Jaap van der Wal, PhD, MD now retired, was an associate professor for anatomy and embryology at the University of Maastricht, Holland. Contact the Portland Branch.

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Or send a check made out to Portland Branch, and send to Portland Branch c/o Mark Hope, 2606 SE 58th Ave. Portland, OR 97206. We will receive 100% of your donation if you choose this method of payment.