Branch Library

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

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

In This Issue:

• Rudolf Steiner on Faith in Humanity, Belief in Yourself

• Gratitude for Exceptional Branch Activities in August

• MIchaelmas Observance Coming Up

• Participants’ Reflections on the Orland Bishop Event, Reintegrating in Community After Separation and Crisis

• Request for Fortitude, Rudolf Steiner verse translated by Helen Lubin, with some additional information.

• Eliant Health Care Declaration by Michaela Glockler

• Michaela Glockler: Where are We Now in the Corona-Pandemic? What Can Help Us to Live Constructively with the Consequences? Link to pdf available on our website.

• Calendar

• Event Fliers

• Advertisers/Sponsors

• Jaap Van Der Wal Embryo DVD’s Available

Rudolf Steiner on Faith in Humanity, Belief in Yourself

It was the final superstition of civilization that people did not have faith in themselves, but rather that they believed that the “forces of production” directed life. . . .

What will lead us to develop, what will lead toward a re-infusion of social life with true life forces, is finding the ability to create in people a faith in humanity out of the current skepticism toward it; a faith that finally expresses itself as follows: “What I will experience as good fortune or bad, or as a social institution, or as something in external life—all these things I will do myself!”

You cannot bring this to people without simultaneously strengthening them with your words. You have to bring people to a place where they have trust, where they have belief in their own being. And this is precisely what you must strive for in your hearts at the most basic level. How you do this at the moment will perhaps depend on your own capacities. But if you devote yourself with good will to these matters, then soon it will no longer depend on these capacities; instead, your capacities will be seized by the necessity of these times. And you will outgrow yourself precisely by bringing this faith to people; so that faith in humanity will have to replace skepticism toward humanity.

—Rudolf Steiner, lecture of February 17, 1921, in Communicating Anthroposophy: The Course for Speakers to Promote the Idea of Threefolding (CW 338)

Exceptional Branch Activities in August - Who’d Have Thought!?

The Branch Council ordinarily does not schedule events in August, as it is usually a time when many members are away or otherwise unavailable. (Especially on a weekday!) But two opportunities came toward us that seemed too good to pass up, so we and they thought, let’s see what happens!

Well, a good crowd showed up on Tuesday afternoon and evening for Daniel Hafner’s presentations on ‘Christ and the Earth’, including the cast and crew of the following evening’s production who had come all the way from Port Townsend. Daniel was happy to be with us in person, and with the help of a large map of the world, and a lively sense of humor, introduced us to geography and geology from an anthroposophical perspective: that of the earth as a living being with whom the Christ has united so that the human project here can continue. Among many other things, Daniel presented a moving picture, describing how the whole aura of the earth changed when the blood of Christ entered it, making possible a different evolution. He brought our attention to passages in the bible indicating that the death was active – the head didn’t drop, Christ bowed it and consigned his spirit to the earth. Several of those present made a point to let us know how much they appreciated what Daniel had brought, and how much they would love to have him back.

To add to the festivities, the next evening the group from Port Townsend, sponsored by the Micha-el Institute, presented excerpts from Rudolf Steiner’s mystery play, ‘The Portal of Initiation’. First of all, the amount of work they did to set the stage, was amazing. They rented and installed lighting and beautiful blue ceiling to floor curtains, creating a wonderful ambience, and they transported ladders and scenery from Port Townsend. But that was just the frosting on the cake! The scenes that they presented, representing struggles most of us likely can relate to, were instructive and moving.

The three hour performance was well attended, and Portland community members send our great appreciation and gratitude for what our Port Townsend brothers and sisters brought to us out of love.

Respectfully Submitted, Valerie Hope

‘Soulscape’ by J. Sanz-Cardona

Reflections on the Orland Bishop Event: Reintegrating in Community After Separation and Crisis

by Kathy Rem

Orland Bishop’s quiet demeaner and thoughtful presentation, centering on working in full consciousness in our communication and deeds, gave us real practical tools to work with. The stories he shared with us were profound examples of the abundance of strength and energy we can receive and create. He is an amazing example to us all. Following is my experience of what Orland brought, and some commentary by others.

We were reminded of the power we have been given to spread love to all we encounter, to use love to create and fulfill what it ours to do. When deeds are done in love there is no exhaustion. Deeds of love have eternal energy. Burn out is caused by giving what is not essential, hence we should ask, ‘What is needed?’ and, in freedom, give what is essential. When we are not giving in freedom others may take our will. When we unconsciously let that happen we can experience burn out, even get sick. When we ask what is needed, and in full agreement, give what we can out of love, we are energized instead of depleted. Doing something for another in full love brings joy. Joy is the portal for the Logos to pour into us.

Know Thou Thyself. We must question our motives. If there is an expectation for a return on the gifts we have ‘agreed’ to give, the spiritual portal closes. Unconditional giving allows the love of that giving to ripple out into the world, and out to the cosmos. Even though it starts out as a micro deed, the ripple from the drop in time grows wider and wider. It’s such a powerful picture. Imagine throwing a rock into a body of water (deed). The water first embraces the stone, swallows it up, and then the deed ripples out in wondrous circles - every act of love resounding over the world and reaching out to the Logos, returning the love from whence it came.

Are we ready to be baptized into this agreement?

Diana Bright, music teacher at Cedarwood School, led singing over the course of the weekend. In three-part harmony we blended our voices, our very life breath, and in pure angelic form offered our community up to the Logos. Diana wrote the following song especially for this occasion:

Om! Listen to the silence.

The silence that is sounding.

Creates in us the will to listen.

Be still! Listen to the silence.

Empty your heart, to me.

Timothy Kennedy master minded breakout exercises that transformed the weekend themes into practical doing. With each session our hearts could open to each other with profound gifts of love, with giving and receiving. The simple exercises helped to demonstrate how giving in freedom can open hearts, and how receiving the offered gifts can reveal something within ourselves. The heartfelt giving opened portals to be able to receive in full gratitude.

James Knight brought us his wisdom of eurythmy. Keeping within the weekend’s community building themes, we moved with each other in a harmony that expressed our connectedness to each other and the cosmic forces. We were reminded of the connection we have with our spiritual counterparts. Eurythmy is a deeply profound way to express that connection from our individual I, with the community of I’s, and reverberating out into the cosmos to the collective I Am.

Timothy also brought us a community artistic activity. Our collective impressions merged together in several rotating groups. We explored the possibilities of accepting another’s contributions to a bigger picture (literally) and letting go of our own individual imaginations of an outcome. From a blank canvas to a finished masterpiece we saw how many hands and minds can create something completely new and be perfect.

We requested attendees’ impressions, and one community member reported that she found the workshop very fulfilling, and that she had a powerful experience on Whitsun morning.

Lucy O’Neal offered what she took away from the experience: We can create community, working towards love, light, and life, as we co- host each other in our development. For me this requires asking the spiritual world to assist me in seeing and welcoming the gifts in myself and in others, and in having the courage to share my gifts. In a group in which this agreement of co-hosting each other’s development is honored, I am helped in resisting criticizing and rejecting myself and others because of our differences or “mistakes.” Instead I can focus on the loving, life affirming center which is essential and in each person. This takes an effort of will, and is smiled upon by higher beings. With that focus I can listen for and ask about the needs of others. In this giving and receiving, we wake up to the space between each other, and can be careful to respect, and not to impose upon, another person’s will. This is mostly a learning process for me. Through this way of thinking and doing, I hope to be part of initiating a brighter future filled with life and love.

Request for Fortitude*

Rudolf Steiner, Translation by Helen Lubin

Victorious Spirit,

Flame through the impotence

Of irresolute souls.

Burn out egotism,

Ignite compassion,

That selflessness,

The life-stream of humankind,

Well up as the source

Of spirit rebirth.

*Found in Guidance in Esoteric Training. Helen also forwarded the following information: In the German edition there is an endnote that says that when it was first published, Maria Steiner added the indication: 'words of meditation which take hold of the will', which became its title. In another text that was prepared for publication, the verse has the indication "Request for fortitude".

The Peoples' Declaration for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH).

Dear Friends of ELIANT,

Most citizens want health care that focuses on the whole person and respects cultural diversity. While 80% of all countries world-wide report the use of traditional, complementary or integrative practices, this high demand is not yet reflected in national health systems due to the lack of recognition and regulation, or a result of limited collaboration between different healthcare systems.

In response, a group of more than 89 healthcare organisations, practitioners, patients, and scientists from around the world is uniting around a shared vision of healthcare and have launched the Peoples' Declaration for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH). Our Alliance ELIANT member, the International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA) is an active promoter of TCIH and have supported the Declaration partners in developing a common vision of health care for the near future:

''The healthcare we envision focuses on the whole person, is participative, respects individual choices, as well as cultural diversity and engages in respectful evidence-informed collaboration between all systems of healthcare.''

TCIH focuses on the whole person and considers the individual in their physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and environmental context.

The Declaration will collect signatures of support from organisations and individuals worldwide over the course of one year to demonstrate the demand for TCIH to policy makers.

We would be extremely pleased if our ELIANT friends would support this international call to action and could sign and follow the Declaration milestones at tcih.org!

With your signature you support this urgently needed change of perspective in medicine worldwide. This is the good "lobbying" that can currently only be done by civil society! It is up to all of us!

In the hope that you will be able to support this important cause.
Best summer greetings on behalf of the ELIANT Team

Yours, Michaela Glöckler

MICHAELA GLÖCKLER: WHERE ARE WE NOW IN THE CORONA-PANDEMIC? WHAT CAN HELP US TO LIVE CONSTRUCTIVELY WITH THE CONSEQUENCES?

This 49 page booklet was kindly translated from German to English by Astrid Schmidt-Stegmann and forwarded to council member Walter Rice at his request. We have Dr. GlÖckler’s permission to make it available through our newsletter. Click here to be linked to the materials, now available as a pdf.

Portland Branch Calendar

First Class of the School of Spiritual Science. Sunday September 11, 9:30 am sharp, Recapitulation Lesson 3 • (no admittance after the class starts) • Bothmer Hall, 5915 SE Division St. • Remember your Blude 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

First Class Schedule for 2022: September 11, October 16, 3rd Sunday; November 13, December 11

Portland Branch Council Meeting Monday September 12, 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.

Michaelmas Observance Sunday, October 2. 3-5 pm Reading and Conversation, Art and Eurythmy, potluck 5 pm, Branch Library/Community Space, 5415 SE Powell Blvd, second floor, entrance off parking lot in the back. Each year as we come together to observe this important festival, we seek to immerse ourselves in one of the tasks of our time as described by Rudolf Steiner: “Now, just as you must transform your vision of matter through the development of natural science into Spiritual Science, so must you rise from your former idea of iron to a perception of meteoric iron, the iron of Michael's sword. Then healing will come from what you can make of it.”

Ongoing Class: the Tarot in Light of Spiritual Science with James Knight • Tuesday September 13 - ‘The Lovers’ • 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/.

Clay Modeling with Maestro Victor Monday Evenings September 26-October 31, 5:30-6:30 pm, 2300 SE Harrison St. Milwaukie, OR 97222. Suggested Donation $15 Space is limited, please let us know if you would like to join us. Contact PacificEurythmy@gmail.com Maestro Victor will be leading us through a metamorphosis of form in Clay Modeling on Monday evenings!

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

All Souls Observance Wednesday, November 2, 7 pm, Branch Library/Community Space, 5415 SE Powell Blvd, entrance off parking lot in the back. Join us for a remembrance of those you have known who are across the Threshold, and reminders of why our connection with them is so important for them and us. You may bring pictures or other items associated with those you would like to remember and include. They can be placed on the tables with candles that will be provided. Raya, a music thanatologist, will be providing harp music.

Ongoing Groups and Activities

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

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.

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 Contact Jen Davis, 503-449-7387 jennifer@micha-elinstitute.com

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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Great gratitude to the members and friends who have donated thus far in 2022 to make this newsletter and our library/community space possible.

John Beck, Jeremy Davis, Julie Foster, Vicki Hess-Smith, Mark Hope, Valerie Hope, Lois (Tish) Johnson, Marsha Johnson, Timothy Kennedy, Rene Kehrwald, James Knight, Anne Kollender, Barry Lia, Mihoko Lunsford, Lisa Masterson, Brian McClure, Cheri Munske, Robin O'Brien, Lucy O’Neal, Donna Patterson-Kellum, Pamela Rico, Diane Rumage, Kimberly Sinclair, Jerry Soloway, Rebecca Soloway, Linda Sussman, Miriam Ward

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.