In this edition
From the World Society
On Seeking Truth
Meeting One Another Reminder
Meeting one another:
John Vanden Heuvel
Marguerite Doray
The Living Connection to Christ in the Etheric: A Crucial Issue
ASC Expands Fundraising Capacity by Accepting Donations of Securities
Trillium Waldorf School is raising up to $2 million in Community Bonds
Confluence of Three Rivers update
Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening in Ontario Newsletter
Nature Institute
Obituary: Edna Cox
Membership Update
Anthroposophy Worldwide #12
Events and information:
Perennial Roots Farm - Winter 2022 Biodynamic Study Group
Agricultural Conference Feb 2, 2022 – ‘Quality Through Biodynamics’
– at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, and online
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From the World Society
On Seeking Truth
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Dear Members and Friends of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada,
For millennia one of humanity’s most cherished endeavours has been to understand the mysteries of the world. We long to find our way into what works from beyond the sense visible, informing our lives together – to seek truth.
This search has changed along with humanity’s growth and development. In recent years, and especially over the past year, this fundamental soul process has come under attack. The quest for the true, a way once clearly discernible, has become shrouded, lost, disoriented. This loss can be sensed but is difficult to elaborate or understand.
As one of the first to take up this great endeavour, Gilgamesh reveals how loss and grief in the death of his beloved Eabani, becomes the impetus for his search for the incomprehensible truth of death. Not willing to accept what comes as an answer from his contemporaries, he resolves to seek comprehension for himself. This is the significant beginning of this quest for true understanding. To experience what is true cannot be conveyed by others. We must go into the unknown, into the regions of ‘death’ beyond our sense experience, and only then can come close to a direct experience of the realities that affect our lives.
This cultivation of the individual’s capacities to seek for truth is at the heart of classical Greece. All that flowers in the academies, all that is drawn out of the world beyond the senses, becomes the foundations of mathematics and medicine, astronomy and geometry. The cultivation of knowledge is firmly founded on the quest for archetypal truths that have their direct effects in Greek society. These archetypal laws are seen as the truths upon which not only the sciences can be established, but are the authentic foundations for human relationships. Truth could inform the very structure of language, Grammatica, and elevate human discourse, Dialectica. The lonely individual way taken by Gilgamesh is now cultivated between those seeking knowledge. This is a significant shift where this search for truth remains a uniquely individual journey, but one that can be carried by a ‘community of seekers’.
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Group II, Human Being series
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Meeting One Another
In the vastness that is Canada we celebrate those times when we can come together, to be with one another. The separation we have experienced over the past year has affected us deeply. We have longed to be with one another. This is our strength.
As we come closer to the point of renewal, of re-inauguration, at Christmas 2023 we seek to support this longing to meet each other month by month through the eNews. To make this possible an invitation is given to each of you to share your story.
How did you meet anthroposophy? What led you to join the Anthroposophical Society?
With 500 words, and a photo, share your journey with us. We all look forward to meeting you.
Send your contribution to:
The next contributions from this invitation last month are printed below.
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John Vanden Heuvel
Victoria, BC
In 1971/1972 I travelled to Israel - from London (by motorcycle) and ended up on Kibbutz Ein Gedi by the Dead Sea. Being there was the turning point of my life. How so ?
One of the many volunteers there was Dilnawaz Bana who had left India travelling with her sister Aban (who was on another kibbutz).
I sensed Dilnawaz was special - Zoroastrian background . . . they financed their travels by publicly performing mystic Indian dances. We stayed in touch (via aero gram letters) and a year later, I was near Basel in Eastern Switzerland, as were the 2 Indian sisters.
An anthroposophical German woman had met the two and introduced them to Dornach and Anthroposophy.
So with an invitation, I visited them in Dornach. Upon meeting them in front of the Goetheanum, I asked, “What is this beautiful building.” Her response, “This is where East meets West”.
Their mentor and supporter Frau Spengler invited us for lunch, insisted on giving me ‘How to Attain Higher Worlds’ and ‘Philosophy of Freedom’. To make a wonderful journey short, upon reading those books, I learned German, enrolled in the Waldorf Teachers course, and attained an English teaching position at the St.Gallen Rudolf Steiner School, where I had an amazing enriching 8 years.
Dilnawaz and Aban (both took the Eurythmy and teacher courses, taught at the Lukas Klinik and various schools) and became deeply involved in the anthroposophical movement in Europe and initiated the founding of many Waldorf schools in India.
Back in Canada (1982) and after a 5 year stint in Nova Scotia where we helped Anna Keefe start the Halifax school, our family ended up in Nelson where I was on the board of the Nelson Waldorf School. I founded WWOOF Canada and have always had one foot within the anthroposophical movement and bio dynamics !
I was fortunate enough to visit both sisters in their home village in 1999 in India with my daughter. My 3 children are Waldorf School graduates from Nelson, BC.
What a wonderful journey, filled with gratitude !
John Vanden Heuvel
Victoria, BC
(778 433 7755)
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Interview with Marguerite Doray
Montreal, QC
How did you meet anthroposophy?
In the 1970’s, inspired by the back-to-the-earth movement, I had moved from Montreal to the Beauce region of Quebec. It was a time of introspection and consciousness raising. Zabulon Dostie gave me a copy of Knowledge of Higher Worlds. I felt an immediate connection to what I read because it focussed on the qualities of freedom and autonomy in one’s spiritual development. I then went about reading a second book by Rudolf Steiner, The Spiritual Fundamentals of Education. I decided to travel to England to train as a Waldorf Teacher at Emerson College. When I returned to Quebec in 1980, I resumed my work as teacher in the village school.
Since I was the only trained Waldorf teacher in Quebec, Huguette Chaurette, of the fledgling Rudolf Steiner School in Montreal, asked me to return to Montreal to take the first-grade class in September, 1981. At midnight, on Christmas eve, 1980, an image came to me, an image of a rose. The rose – a visible manifestation of Waldorf education; the rose I was being called upon to help create. And that is what compelled me to return to Montreal to teach at the Waldorf school.
During the 19 years I taught at the Rudolf Steiner School of Montreal, I always dreamed of a store where anthroposophically inspired products could be purchased – a boutique which would ideally be located on the ground floor of the school and would also serve as a symbol of the economic life that supports cultural initiatives. After many years of dreaming of this possibility, I realised that it would be up to me to make it happen.
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THE LIVING CONNECTION TO CHRIST IN THE ETHERIC: A CRUCIAL ISSUE.
By Hélène Besnard
What is more precious to us in our time than the possibility of meeting Christ in the etheric? What do we have that could be more important than safeguarding this possibility, so essential for the continuation of human evolution, for human beings incarnated in a physical body on earth? (1)
For this we need a healthy body, capable of experiencing this MEETING, a body in the image of the one given to us by the Father.
On the subject of FREEDOM, Rudolf Steiner's fundamental message, we read in his Leading Thoughts, at the beginning of the letter intitled The Mission of Michael in the Cosmic Era of Human Freedom, (November 9, 1924) that human freedom must live in the Ego, and from there, through the astral body, influence the physical and etheric bodies. That it (freedom) should however not, in any instance, act as a direct external force on these physical and etheric bodies. “If this were to happen, the human being could only deviate completely from what he has become in the course of his evolution under the influence of the divine-spiritual essence and the divine spiritual manifestation.”
But are not the anti-covid injections genetic manipulations that change the body? Every individual who is the least bit informed is aware of this fact. (2) Moreover, the transhumanists, who are becoming more and more powerful, do not even hide this fact. There is no conspiracy as such, many say, because anyone who seeks to look beyond the official narrative can have access to available information pointing to the intentions, projects, plans conceived by a so-called elite whose stated aim is the elimination of a part of humanity and control and domination over the rest. Peter Selg, for example, mentions Klaus Schwab's book, The Great Reset (3).
This process has been so clearly explained by Rudolf Steiner and others that I can only denounce those who are becoming ultra-rich and increasingly exerting power over the masses, as we are currently experiencing. (4) I must name the being who, among others, is behind these individuals, individuals who are perhaps themselves also victims of the great attack being waged against the very essence of the Human Being.
Indeed, the advent of Ahriman at the turn of the third millennium is here. And what’s more, with this attack also come the asuras and their master.
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St. Francis giving his mantle to a poor man.
GIOTTO di Bondone
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ASC Expands Fundraising Capacity by Accepting Donations of Securities
Note: The information in this article is for convenience only. Nothing in this article is to be taken as financial advice. Please consult your investment or legal professional for specific advice relative to your situation.
On October 15, the ASC received a donation of securities in the form of stocks in a Canadian company. This landmark milestone represents an evolution of our capacity to offer our donors more flexibility in gift planning and bequests. It all began some months ago, when Council resolved to expand our capacity to receive gifts by opening a securities trading account. The sole purpose of this account is to enable the receipt of donated securities (stocks, bonds, etc.).
Flexibility
Donors are often faced with decisions to make regarding the source of their donation (cash, securities, real property etc.). Up to this point, cash was the only monetary option for gifts to the ASC. There may have been cases where donors sold securities to generate that cash. This can invoke capital gains tax. Now an alternative is available: the stocks themselves can be gifted to the ASC.
Valuation
Upon receipt, ASC establishes the value of the donated securities by immediately selling them on the open market. This provides a “fair market value” for issuing a tax receipt in the same amount and eliminates any market speculation by the ASC (for example by holding the securities and guessing at the best time to sell). On the donor’s side this provides not only the possibility to manage the impacts of capital appreciation described above, but also provides a tax-deductible receipt as an additional benefit.
Council is pleased to provide the possibility of securities as donations or bequests in support of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada. Please reach out to any of us if you would like to confidentially discuss this further in the light of your own unique situation.
John Glanzer, Treasurer
Anthroposophical Society in Canada
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Click image below to view the video |
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Trillium Waldorf School is raising up to $2 million in Community Bonds as part of our Trillium Rising Campaign to purchase our school building.
We call on school supporters, local businesses, foundations and other advocates to be key contributors by investing in this project.
Community Bonds and Social Impact
A community bond is a social finance tool. Investors are paid their interest annually. At the end of the bond period the investor may choose to redeem the principal or re-invest if another offering is available. Trillium bonds will be used for the purchase of our school building, thus ensuring the availability and impact of Waldorf education on many more children from our community.
Social Impacts
· The Waldorf curriculum promotes the importance of human relationships and respect for the natural world.
· The Waldorf methodology educates children in a way that will prepare them for the world ahead while encouraging them to be leaders and dynamic thinkers that are independent, curious, bold, and compassionate.
Financial Impacts
Trillium bonds will allow us to keep funds in the community while ensuring the long-term viability of the school. Owning our school will allow us to save on rising rent costs moving forward, enabling us to properly compensate our faculty, expand our programming, and extend our reach.
Trillium Bond Offering
Investors will be offered the following options:
· Series A - 3% interest, $1000 minimum,
5-year term
· Series B - 3.5% interest, $10000 minimum, 6-year term
· Series C- 4% interest, $25000 minimum, 7-year term
Our Trillium Bond Partner
Trillium Waldorf School has partnered with Tapestry Community Capital to manage the investment and interest payment process for the lifetime of the bond (tapestrycapital.ca).
Investor Package
Investors will receive a formal investment package including: a legally reviewed Offering Statement, Business Plan, Term Sheet, and Trust Agreement.
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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Edna Cox, July 19, 1946 – August 6, 2021
In the end, Edna returned to her beloved city of Victoria. The place of her birth, it was also the place where as a young person, she spent many happy hours with her maternal grandmother.
It was the site of her first apartment on Rockland Av. where she lived with her sister Gail, the place where she attended the University of Victoria, and the city where she met her husband David. Whenever visiting Victoria, she delighted into dipping into the Papery, Russel Books, settling into a booth at Paul's Motor Inn for a light meal and attending concerts such as the Pacific Baroque Festival, the opera, and the symphony.
Upon graduation from university, she and David moved to Kelowna, he to find work as a high-school English teacher and she to eventually become a key founder of the Kelowna Waldorf School. Edna felt that Rudolf Steiner's approach to education would offer her children the best foundation.
Steiner's philosophy of Anthroposophy deeply rooted in the mystical tradition and a scientific exploration of the spiritual world, provides that one should receive children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom. One of Edna's greatest gifts was her ability to receive everyone in this spirit, in any walk of life, and at any age.
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MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
DECEASED
Edna Cox, Port Alberni, BC
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Anthroposphy Worldwide - 2021
If you would like to see the archive of past issues, go to: Archive
then, if required, enter password AWE-2018
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Editorial Notes
The eNews is published 10 times per year from September to June for members of the Anthroposophical Society In Canada.
Please send correspondence and articles in either Word doc or ipages without formatting except for paragraphs before the 15th of the month prior to publication. If you are including photographs please also attach a pdf showing placement. Articles over 1,500 words may be edited.
BACK ISSUES are available on our website:
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Contact Info
Anthroposophical Society in Canada
# 130A - 1 Hesperus Rd.
Thornhill, ON
L4J 0G9
Membership Administrator
Claudette Leblanc
416-892-3656 (Toronto area)
877-892-3656 (Freephone)
Communication Administrator
Jef Saunders
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Perennial Roots Farm - Winter 2022 Biodynamic Study Group
Tuesdays 7 pm EST, January 3 - March 22 (online, based in USA)
“Course Description: Biodynamics can seem confusing and even impractical. This course is delivered by a farmer for aspiring gardeners and farmers in order to communicate esoteric concepts as clearly as possible. This course draws on years of experience and extensive research.
“Goals: Gain a comprehensive working knowledge of Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course in order to develop better farms and gardens.
“When: every Tuesday at 7pm EST from Jan 3rd to March 22nd
“Price $150 (billed as $50/mo. for 3 payments, totaling $150) includes twelve live study group Zoom sessions AND access to discussion group questions AND access to the live Zoom meeting recordings.
“Requirements: Participants must attend eight (8) out of twelve (12) sessions. If a session is missed, paticipants must review the recording of the previous session. Participants will be asked to refrain from commenting on passages they have not read unless what they offer is from relevant direct experience. Participants must submit 1-3 succinct questions about the assigned reading at least 48 hours before each meeting.”
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Agricultural Conference Feb 2, 2022 – ‘Quality Through Biodynamics’
– at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, and online:
Under the theme for the year, ‘The quality of biodynamic products and what it means for the earth and for human beings’
“…But what exactly is biodynamic quality? How is it produced during cultivation, and how is it developed or possibly even improved by processing?” … and other questions to explore.
With: Joke Bloksma, Olivier Clisson, Romana Echensperger, Maike Ehrlichmann, Jean-Michel Florin, Agata Glazar, Thomas Hardmuth, Craig Holdredge, Georg Meissner, Arizona Muse, Jasmin Peschke, Carlo Petrini and others.
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GOETHEANUM COURSES 2021/2022 |
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GOETHEANUM LEADERSHIP COURSE
Entrepreneurial Leadership in a Complex and Challenging World.
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