Mild is the parting year, and sweet
The odour of the falling spray;
Life passes on more rudely fleet,
And balmless is its closing day.
I wait its close, I court its gloom,
But mourn that never must there fall
Or on my breast or on my tomb
The tear that would have soothed it all.
—Walter Savage Landor, "Mild is the Parting Year”
Greetings on this seventh day of January!
One of the many profound gifts to be derived from a familiarity with Rudolf Steiner's work is the possibility of a re-connection with, let's call it, the Soul of the Year. The fifty-two Calendar of the Soul verses, of course, artistically trace this feeling-movement-life, and open the door to experiencing for oneself the breathing of earth in relation to sun, in relation to our life on earth, as soul-spiritual beings.
Nothing terribly fancy, in a way, just the possibility of discovering for oneself that the human soul not only exists, but exists in relation to everything else, like nature and time.
Modern life and consciousness had largely closed this door long ago. The festivals of the year were, and are for far too many, at best, mere tradition, forms whose roots in the spirit are largely lost. And yet their "re-discovery" by Steiner is an example of the universal accessibility of what he returned to us, which is never a mere re-hashing of ancient (or medieval) wisdom but an opening to reconnect, with modern consciousness, to what is real and close to hand. It's time for this.
Thus, I am grateful to have just lived through the twelve holy days (and nights) of Christmas (and Epiphany), and emerge now rested, renewed, and grateful for all that has been, and all that is becoming and yet to be.
I would also like to acknowledge that this day, the first day of the secular year, in a way, also marks three years since the passing of our dear Gene Gollogly (former President of this company), a friend of time and faithful keeper of the Holy Nights of the year, each one, til the end.
—John-Scott
New Release
Basic Concepts of Modern Physics
Quanta, Particles, Relativity
Georg Unger
In this unique text, Georg Unger provides clear descriptions of the conceptual bases of twentieth-century physics, including quantum mechanics, particles, and relativity theory, as well as other aspects relating to key physical concepts to phenomena. An essential introduction for all those who are interested in gaining a better understanding of modern physics.
“In his seminal study of contemporary science, Georg Unger explores the conceptual foundations of twentieth-century physics, including quantum theory, probability, relativity, and mathematics. He does so in a way that relates them to both phenomenology and Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophy. This book can act as a model for understanding modern science from a spiritual perspective.”
— Arthur Zajonc, PhD, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Physics Emeritus, Amherst College, and author of Catching the Light and Meditation as Contemplative Inquiry
2024 Calendars Still Available
The Maria Thun Biodynamic Almanac 2024
North American Edition
Titia Maria Thun and Matthias Thun
The original biodynamic sowing and planting almanac, now in its 62nd year. The easy-to-view layout features detailed planting, tending and harvesting information to help growers maximize the yield and vitality of crops and plants. Trusted by generations of farmers and gardeners.
READ MORE | CONTENTS | SEE INSIDE
This monthly calendar is beautifully illustrated with Elsa Beskow's characteristic seasonal artwork, featuring joyful children and magical little folk. The main UK, US, and Swedish public holidays are indicated. Presented in a sturdy cardboard envelope. Eco-friendly printing processes include the use of sustainable (FSC) paper and plant-based inks, which reduce chemical emissions and make the calendar easier to recycle.
READ MORE | SEE INSIDE
From Eclipse to Apocalypse
Star Wisdom, vol. 6
Edited by Joel Matthew Park
Each volume of Star Wisdom includes articles of interest on star wisdom (Astrosophy) and a guide to the correspondences between stellar configurations during the life of Christ and those of today. The guide comprises a complete sidereal ephemeris and aspectarian, geocentric and heliocentric, for days throughout the year.
READ MORE | CONTENTS | SAMPLE ARTICLE
The Calendar of the Soul
Rudolf Steiner's collection of fifty-two meditative verses—presented here in both English and German—were first published in 1925, shortly after Steiner's death. This durable, pocket-size hardcover volume includes a short introduction by Hans Pusch, describing a unique and useful way to approach and use The Calendar of the Soul.
READ MORE
From the Collected Works of Rudolf Steiner
On Philosophy, History, and Literature
Lectures at the Worker Education School
and the Independent College, Berlin, 1901–1905
Author’s summary and summaries of 34 lectures, 1901–1905;
with reports on Rudolf Steiner’s activity in the “Giordano Bruno Association,” 1902 (CW 51)
READ MORE | CONTENTS | INTRODUCTION
The secret of the master lies in the overcoming of matter by form. What is the material of poetry in general? In what conception lies the right standpoint for the contemplation of the beautiful? As long as I am interested in a particular face, I have not acquired the true artistic view, and there is still a clinging to the material. “Consider what, but more, consider how!” As long as the poet still shows that he hates the villain in the manner of personal interest, he is still attached to the material, not to the form. He has not yet arrived at the aesthetic view. Only then has he advanced to this view when the villain is presented in such a way that the natural order executes the judgment, not the poet himself. Then world karma takes place, and then world history becomes world judgment. The poet switches himself off and looks objectively at world history. Thereby, what Aristotle has said—that poets are truer than history—occurs. In history, one cannot always survey the whole event. A section lies before us so that we often receive the impression of injustice. In its completeness, therefore, the work of art is truer than history.
—Rudolf Steiner, from “Schiller and Idealism (Aesthetics and Morals)” in On Philosophy, History, and Literature (CW 51)
SteinerBooks / Anthroposophic Press, Inc. is an independent 501 (c) 3,
not-for-profit publishing company. Click above to make a tax-deductible donation.