Archangel Michael -- Painting by Ninetta Sombart
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The Michael Inspiration by Rudolf Steiner

Stuttgart, 15th October, 1923
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What I have to say to you to-day will be expressed in the form of pictures drawn from the imaginative life, which is the expression, the revelation, of the spiritual world. The human being is woven with his whole existence and activity into the spiritual world. We know from the many and varied descriptions of it that have been given here, that an abstract manner of speaking, such as is applied to external, sense-perceptible nature, cannot be used in speaking of the spiritual world, if actual manifestations of that world are in question. We know too, however, that the manner of speaking we must then adopt is no unreal one, but, on the contrary, one far more realistic than the logical, abstract speech we employ to express merely natural truths. This I wanted to say about the attitude to be adopted in what I shall now put before you.

When man finds, with spiritual vision, the way out beyond the physically sense-perceptible world, there reveals itself to him a world of spirit. In that world he feels led to make use of the phenomena of the physical world as pictures, with which to express what is spiritually revealed to him. So let me now put a picture at the centre of our considerations; a picture which is in truth a deep reality. Mankind, throughout its evolutionary history, has always been guided by impulses from the spiritual world. Those who could see so far found these impulses written as it were in brazen letters in a spiritual light, indicating the direction they should take. What is thus found in the spiritual world might be compared with the signposts of the physical world; not those that have just a pointing hand perhaps, and the name of some place or other, but signposts on which is expressed in powerful words — or at least in powerfully sounding words — what changes are due to take place in human thinking, feeling, willing. I am speaking of spiritual signposts. Such directions in the spiritual world, however, are usually drawn up for human beings in a remarkable manner, and have been so in all epochs — namely, in a kind of riddle-language. One has in a certain way to make an effort to get behind the riddle. In order that one of these signposts in the riddle-language may become a real impulse for life, a great deal of what one knows has to be brought together. And so just at the present time, as something suited to our immediate present and the near future, one finds in the astral light, as I may call it, such directing words as can become impulses for mankind. On the most varied occasions — I might say in the most varied places — there comes before one to-day, if one has the faculties needed to behold it, something that is like a warning, having moreover the quality of a riddle, and it calls forth in man the feeling that he should be guided by it, should take it as a strong impulse into his will, into his whole life of soul. What thus shines out to meet us in the astral light, as one such spiritual milestone, consists approximately of the following words: --

Thou mouldest it to thy service,
Thou revealest it according to the value of its substance
In many of thy works.
Yet it will only bring thee healing
When to thee is revealed
The lofty power of its Spirit.

First of all there is a challenge to discover what is actually meant. Some sort of impulse is referred to, something which is already present, something known to man, since otherwise one could not reckon on his finding an answer:

Thou mouldest it to thy service,
Thou revealest it according to the value of its substance
In many of thy works.
Yet it will only bring thee healing,
When to thee is revealed
The lofty power of its Spirit.

The explanation of these words, which, as has been said, how themselves in the astral light like a directing impulse or human beings, will be the purpose of to-day's lecture.
​

Since September 2021 Sven Saar and Alan Swindell have been leading the new seminar in Ringwood, South England, the largest course for aspiring Waldorf teachers in Britain.

In Great Britain almost all training courses are part-time and need to be financed by the students themselves. There is a long tradition here: the course at Emerson College and the London Waldorf Seminar have become known worldwide because of their international orientation. Emerson College Education Course was replaced by the West of England Steiner Teacher Training (WESTT) at the beginning of the century, and the final students will graduate from the London course at Rudolf Steiner House this July. Both seminars are now closed.

The Waldorf Institute, standing on the shoulders of these giants, wants to offer a new beginning and an Anthroposophically based, contemporary path out of the crisis for British Waldorf schools: modern Waldorf teachers must not only know the basics, but also be able to relate critically and confidently to tradition in order to become innovative in the best sense. They also need resilience and high professional standards to withstand the scrutiny of inspectors and enable their schools to survive and have a healthy economic future. Modern students are seeking a new orientation, transforming themselves and learning their craft, but they also want to be active co-creators of the process.

The Waldorf Institute sets itself high standards, developed and challenged not least through its international network and undogmatic approach to curriculum: its experienced tutors regularly offer online courses in Asia and mentor new and established schools in many countries.

The Institute’s next course begins on September 9th. More ... 

An Exploration of Collaborative Arts at the Summer 2022 Puppetry Arts Conference in Hawthorne Valley, New York
By Janene Ping

Courage for the times we live in… from where do we gain the strength to meet the complex challenges in the world today? In contemplating this question, a thought recently came to me. The first step comes from coming to peace with our vulnerability. To accept and know ourselves - and all of the ways we may feel small, helpless, and at risk - like little children who are this way. But they are not yet self-conscious of their vulnerability. Our often intensified individual identity unfolds as we grow older.

So perhaps, if we pay attention to the wisdom that works through the child, we find the second step lies within seeking connection with all of creation. When such presence is a present; it opens the door to wonder, awakening awareness - and we intimate the numinous. Through the spirit, our soul is connected with a greater whole of that which is eternal.

These themes were very present in the World Association of Puppetry and Storytelling Arts collaborative conference that was held this past July. Over 90 participants joined in an exploration of Wisdom, Wonder, and Enchantment. Our need to experience wonder in the world, the laming of will when we fall out of relationship with our true self, the wisdom that is a fruit of our striving endeavor when we overcome challenge… these explorations were embraced through activities of willing, feeling, and thinking as we came together in a unique constellation of colleagues and friends.

Eurythmist Oxana Chi deepens the exploration of the bird Ngyia in Enchanted Waters
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One aspect that came to the fore is that collaboration is not easy. Steiner states that the birth of the consciousness soul requires the paring down of personality - to quiet the self, and widen our understanding of the other.

Collaboration is a practice of this. To be able to share our vision and also welcome that which lies in the heart of the other - is the honing of this skill. It is a kind of ecology of the soul… when relationship in context is key. The holding of a festival or event in which the healthy social life is found and the virtues of each can resonate in the whole is a worthy endeavor! In my experience this has become more challenging, and more crucial, in this 21st century.

There were two main stories that were highlighted in performance art during the conference and each was a testament to the human spirit that is able to overcome individual despair through service to the whole. One was the presentation of Kayteck the Wizard, presented by Brian Hull and Mary Tanner. These professional puppeteers brought a multi-media performance for older children and adults that highlighted a story by Janusz Korczak.

Dr. Korczak was a physician, author, and humanitarian who advocated for children’s rights and cared for orphans in Warsaw, Poland - lasting during the WWII German occupation until he accompanied children to Treblinka, where he perished. It is interesting that in the spirit of collaboration, Dr. Korczak collaborated with the children of the orphanage in his writing of stories - as well as in the management and leadership of the orphanage that he created.

The work of Kayteck the Wizard shows how the arts can open doorways to education about history, social justice, and the great courage of inspired individuals who are the heroes of our times.

The other story highlighted was Hambakahle and the Enchanted Waters. In two and a half days, in-person participants explored the evolution of this tale from Eswatini - through marionette making, movement, music, storytelling, colored light and shadow, Eurythmy, and puppetry.

The archetype of the lead character, Hambakahle, stands for all who, inspired by the spirit, tirelessly work for social justice and freedom day after day, even when it does not seem to make a difference, countered by the racism and depravity of cruelty that can manifest in the world. The understanding of service in honor of humanity is a capacity that I hope to deepen for myself and my community. The beauty of such an archetype working within the metaphor of story is that it reveals truth of human potential which is universally available for all.

When we join together with others in artistic presentation, there is a joyous exploration of creative possibilities. This is then grounded in the difficulty of weaving together the threads of individuality. It leads us toward the art of the social, where we creatively enter into relationships with others out of our inner being. We experience the giving over of our own design and desire to that which benefits the good of the whole. Increasingly, life calls for us to pay attention to our interdependence out of which we awaken to new ways of being human.

“This is how humanity is developing now. We no longer come with a ready-made mind or feeling aspect that works instantaneously. Nor do we have a ready-made intellect that can penetrate everything. The consciousness soul Is giving us something much more separate and individual, with greater tendency towards egoism and loneliness…the remedy for the difficulties we encounter in one another is: social understanding.”*-Rudolf Steiner

Steiner believed that storytelling and puppetry arts hold the potential of healing the ills of our modern humanity.

Artistic collaborators who came together for the July Conference Wisdom, Wonder, and Enchantment
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I am grateful to fellow collaborators who shared their talents, insight, and imaginative vision with our conference community through the works mentioned above as well as in on-line, practical, puppet making sessions. For more information about such artistic explorations, please check out www.puppetryandstorytelling.org.

*From Psychological Distress and the Birth Pangs of the Consciousness Soul ~ R. Steiner Zurich, 10 October 1916

Janene Ping was a Kindergarten teacher at the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School in upstate NY for over 30 years, Janene is the founder of the Magical Puppet Tree Theater (1992 - present) and president of the World Association of Puppetry and Storytelling Arts. She is a core faculty member at Sophia’s Hearth Teacher Education Center in Keene NH.

SAVE THE DATE! --- 2023 WECAN Early Childhood Conference

Dear WECAN conference goers, 

This coming year we are returning to an in-person conference for the first time in three years! We have heard from many colleagues of their deep desire for an in-person experience of keynotes and workshops, as well as opportunities to eat together, see old friends and colleagues, and shop in the vendor hall. 

We explored the possibility of a hybrid conference but realized that it would not be possible if we want to focus on offering a great in-person experience. However, WECAN will offer various online presentations and opportunities for conversation on the conference theme and other related topics during the coming school year. And several of our WECAN regions are planning smaller regional gatherings this year, which will be announced in our News Updates and on our website and WECAN Community Hub.

We will limit the number of participants at the February conference due to Covid considerations and will make every effort to make the conference as safe as possible for all participants. 

More information will be posted in the coming months on the WECAN home page at www.waldorfearlychildhood.org and shared on the WECAN Community Hub.

We hope that you will join us! 

with warm wishes from the Conference Team

With the potential threat of covid infections and other increasing health issues in our lives, we at Eurythmy4you invite you to check out our courses to strengthen your resilience, relax your nervous system and feel at home in your body: Prepare for Winter. 
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We also recommend this international program, run by our certified ABSR Trainers in a multitude of different languages: Activity-Based Stress Release (ABSR) Program

Job Listings

***Click here to see hundreds of other jobs at waldorftoday.com***

Spanish/World Language Teacher
Berkshire Waldorf School, Great Barrington, MA

Co-Lead Grade Three Teacher
Corvallis Waldorf School, Corvallis, OR

First Grade Teacher
Living Oaks, Dripping Springs, TX

1-4th grades loop
Portland Village School, Portland, Oregon

Second Grade Teacher
Asheville Waldorf School, Asheville, NC

Flexible Early Grades Teachers
Maui Community Home School, Haiku, Hawaii

Third Grade Class Teacher
Green Meadow Waldorf School, Chestnut Ridge, NY, New York, NY

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Waldorf School of the Peninsula, Los Altos, CA

High School Physics and Math Teacher
Austin Waldorf School, Austin, TX

Grades Teacher
Woodland Charter School, Murphy, Oregon

School Director
Shining Mountain Waldorf School, Boulder, CO

Lead teacher 2nd Grade
Children’s Garden, Myrtle Beach, SC
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***Click here to see hundreds of other jobs at waldorftoday.com***

As an initial introduction to my project, it is called The Alchemy Kids. This is a project dedicated to increasing access to Waldorf early childhood curriculum and enrichment, meant to be implemented in a home setting, but there is no reason that it couldn't be incorporated into a more traditional classroom setting. 

My mission is to create more access-opportunities, within the Waldorf sphere, and to empower and support parents to bring more rhythm, reverence and age-appropriate intention into their homes - if they want to!

I'm writing a Waldorf children's book series which is extremely unique and, I believe, important. Publication is in progress! 

instagram.com/alchemykids exists to find my audience and provide Waldorf resources by a trained-teacher

Jenny Buzzotta

From Sven Saar

Since September 2021, Alan Swindell and I have been leading the new seminar in Ringwood, South England, the largest course for aspiring Waldorf teachers in Britain.

In Great Britain almost all training courses are part-time and need to be financed by the students themselves. There is a long tradition here: especially the course at Emerson College and the London Waldorf Seminar have become known worldwide because of their international orientation.

Emerson College Education Course was replaced by the West of England Steiner Teacher Training (WESTT) at the beginning of the century, and the final students will graduate from the London course at Rudolf Steiner House this July. Both seminars are now closed.

The Waldorf Institute, standing on the shoulders of these giants, wants to offer a new beginning and an anthroposophically based, contemporary way out of the crisis for British Waldorf schools: modern Waldorf teachers must not only know the basics, but also be able to relate critically and confidently to traditions, in order to become innovative in the best sense.

They need resilience and high professional standards to withstand the scrutiny of inspectors and enable their schools to survive and have a healthy economic future. Modern students are seeking a new orientation, transforming themselves and learning their craft, but they also want to be active co-creators of the process.

The Waldorf Institute sets itself high standards, developed and challenged not least through its international network and undogmatic approach to curriculum: its experienced tutors regularly offer online courses in Asia, and mentor new and established schools in many countries.

More on the website: www.waldorfinstitute.uk

Annette Park had a love and appreciation for Waldorf education and the dedicated teachers, parents and communities that nurture and support Waldorf schools. In 1996, as an entrepreneur and Waldorf mother of five, Annette developed this mission for a business:

• To aid in the teaching of the arts of painting, drawing, handwork and creative play by providing instruction, materials, and resources, in harmony with Waldorf education.
• To provide the best possible products and services, in the most socially conscious, economical, and personal way, to teachers and parents working out of the Waldorf School philosophy and curriculum.
• To work toward the development and implementation of associative economic principles in our business practices.

We sincerely love our products, and we strive to continue our own education at Paper Scissors Stone every day: we roll wool, we pack paint, we cut felt and dye silk, and best of all, we play with our products, challenging ourselves to explore the sense of wonder that comes with creating colorful things with beautiful supplies.

Annette treasured the opportunity to learn with her children. In her own words, “The more I enter into painting and wax modeling and knitting and coloring and playing music and playing with silk – the more I understand the value of the education of my children. When I try to bring beauty and truth and reverence into our home, I give a gift, and I also receive the gift of my own education.”

​Paper Scissors Stone promotes quality, American and locally made supplies, values our employees and community, and offers the most environmentally sound products we can find. In 1996, Paper Scissors Stone sent out its first catalog, with a small, yet thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, high-quality items that fit into the Waldorf home and classroom and introduced new, American-made alternatives to Waldorf staples such as paint, paintbrushes, crayons and main lesson books.

Since then many things have changed; more items have been added and our catalog is now this online store. We’ve seen the Waldorf movement expand to include the ever-growing Waldorf Charter schools and Waldorf homeschooling community. 

Our warehouse and store is located in the small town of Viroqua, Wisconsin, nestled into the rolling hills of the Driftless region. We are just one block from the main-street business district and two blocks from Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School and Youth Initiative High School. All of our employees have been involved with Waldorf as students, teachers and parents. 
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Paper Scissors Stone, although small, has a huge heart. We care about what we are here to do, and we care about how we came to be. We value our roots being firmly secured in the Waldorf community, in the schools that inspired our founder to form this business, to the community that helped build and support its vision, and to the people along the way that took the hand we offered and expanded our network outward.

We share in decision-making and prioritize the well-being of our employees. We consider all of YOU – teachers, parents, artists, crafters and suppliers – in the choices we have to make as a small business in the ever-changing economic climate. We strive for fair prices and shipping rates, to be responsive to your inquiries and concerns, and to use the twenty-plus years of experience and understanding this business has to support you in your journey in education and play.  

Visit Paper Scissors Stone here.
Free Shipping on Orders $200 and up
When shipped to the contiguous United States