Friday, June 18, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Celebrating 21 Years of the Anthroposophical Society in Ireland
Twenty one years ago, on Whitsunday 1989, the Anthroposophical Society in Ireland was founded. The council has been looking at ways to mark our 21st anniversary this year
In marking this occasion, it is worth noting that significant events occur in the heavens in May. The journal of the Astronomical Section of the Goetheanum has called 2010 “The year of the great opposition”. Jupiter and Saturn meet in a triple-opposition between Easter 2010 and 2011. This means that the planets stand diametrically opposite each other in the sky - one is rising in the east as the other sets in the west.
Such oppositions occur approximately every twenty or twenty one years, but what is especially significant at this time is where the planets are placed celestial event. Jupiter stands at the spring equinox point, in the constellation of Pisces, while Saturn stands opposite on the autumnal equinox in Virgo. These points are the gateways to spring and autumn, where the Sun crosses respectively north and south of the equator. Jupiter-Saturn Oppositions happen in this location only every several hundred years.
The first of these three oppositions happens on Whitsun, the 21st anniversary of the Irish Society’s founding. It is interesting to read what Rudolf Steiner, in relation to new forms of technology, says about the Pisces and Virgo forces;
"It will be the task of the good, healing science to find certain cosmic forces that, through the working together of two cosmic streams, are able to arise on the earth. These two cosmic streams will be those of Pisces and Virgo. It will be most important to discover the mystery of how what works out of the cosmos in the direction of Pisces as a force of the sun combines with what works in the direction of Virgo. The good will be that one will discover how, from the two directions of the cosmos, morning and evening forces can be placed at the service of humanity: on the one side from the direction of Pisces and on the other side from the direction of Virgo.
...From the cooperation of what comes from Pisces and Virgo one will not be able to bring about anything harmful. Through this one will achieve what in a certain sense loosens the mechanism of life from the human being but will in no way found any form of rulership and power of one group over another... "
Dornach 25 November 1917, GA0178
May these healing forces carry us for ward to the next period of the Society’s biography. Rather than organising one single event to which not everyone may be able to travel, the council instead suggests that people arrange to meet locally on Sunday 24th May, to read Steiner’s Whitsun verse. Thus, wherever we are, members will have an opportunity to mark the event of our society’s “Coming of age”, knowing that the occasion is celebrated in many other places all over Ireland.
With warmest Greetings
The Council
Whitsuntide
June 2-5: International Early Childhood Care Conference, Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland.
Rudolf Steiner’s salutogenesis approach to infant pedagogy. The conference will focus on healthy and healing child development, care of children in their home environment, in playgroups, institutions and day-care centres, and in medical, nursing and therapeutic practices.Contact: Goetheanum. Tel: +41 (0) 61-7064444. Email: tickets@goetheanum.org
Application form can be found on http://www.goetheanum.org/3426.html (German) or for
the English version: http://ahasc.org.uk/events/index/
June 5-6: Dunshane:
Humans and Nature Spirits
Working and playing with Nature Spirits workshop Led by Tanis Helliwell, based on her book “Summer with the Leprechauns”. “This course will share with you the secrets of manifestation according to natural laws and the natural world so that you can be more effective in your work and world.” Further info phone 051 - 647947
Theory of Colour
This is a call for those who have worked with the Theory of Colour can meet together and share research. Contributions can be in the form of a talk, an artistic exercise or experimental presentation. The venue is a new village hall in the little seaside town of Portballintrae on the north Antrim coast, a few miles from the Giants’ Causeway in an area where nature forces are in dynamic interplay. MNany landscape artists live in this area to see the elements at work.
Cost: depends on numbers but no more than £30. Meals and lodgings not included.Transport: Buses to Portballintrae from Belfast. Nearest train station is Portrush.
Accommodation: camping, youth hostel, self-catering cottages, B&B and hotels all within walking distance of venue. Booking: Malin Starrett, 520 Antrim Road, Glengormley, Co. Antrim BT36, N.Ireland Tel: UK 0044 (0)28 909 25211
Goethean Science & Art Therapy
A series of three week end workshops exploring basic principles of Goethe's new science. We will engage Art Therapy to help us in following Goethe's trail artistically, using watercolors, clay and our splendid human imagination. Contents include Metamorphosis of the Plant, Comparative Studies on Bones, Theory of Color (selection), Newton's Experiments
11.30-17.00 Sat/Sun June 5/6, July
3/4 August 7/8 in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Facilitator: Klaus Klier, Art Therapist, Psychotherapist, Dublin
Price: € 100 (Materials and light refreshments included)
Group size max. 8 Pers. Please inquire online for program and application form
or ring Klaus on (00353) 86 373 4662
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Eithne the Pirate's Daughters
Performance March 19th and March 20th , 7:30 pm
Millenium Theatre, Limerick Institute of Technology
An original play performed by Raheen Wood Steiner School's class 7/8
This swashbuckling tale set in the 16th Century depicting heroes and heroines, spies and their masters, all eager for the acquisition
of new territories and the superb map making skills of Ben Reuben, the masterful Jewish mapmaker.
Set in Ireland, Portugal and Spain, the play shows how Donal O'Malley aids Ben Reuben to escape the Inquisition
and subsequently to secretly smuggle his maps while mistaken identities, dastardly attempts at subterfuge and espionage, confusion
and a sea battle rage about them.
This play comes out of our active learning programme, an approach which integrates many subjects and skills including history,geography, cartography, fencing, stage combat, tango, music and set building. Proceeds from the performances will go
to the the funding of the class trip to Italy to study Renaissance art and thinkers.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Open courses at Easter 2010
6 - 10 April
You are very welcome to join our foundation year students in the week following Easter.
This year’s topics are:
An Overview of Waldorf Education with Eugene Schwartz
Exploring the Temperaments through Masks with Allmut French
Eutony with Helene Roitinger
Clay Modelling with Ian Castles
Each topic is presented as a course over 7 hours.This is made up of a 1½ hour session each day for 4 days, Tuesday to Friday plus a shorter 1 hour session on Saturday.
Dates: 6th – 10th April. Venue: Raheen Wood School, Tuamgraney, Co Clare
You can sign up for a single topic, and attend that session each day (€85 per topic) – OR – sign up for the whole week (€325 for the whole week course).
A warm and wholesome meal is available each day (pre booking essential, €50 for the week’s lunches)
Exact timings are still to be confirmed, but preliminary enquiries are welcome.
Contact training@steinerireland.org
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Michael Miklis of the Biodynamic Association in Ireland writes:
"Dear Friends,
You are welcome to participate in the making of the 3 King's Preparation*
as indicated by Hugo Erbe
on Tuesday the 5th of January
at 3 pm
in Camphill Jerpoint
please bring a saleable vessel for your prep.
Voluntary contribution towards costs are welcome
Please take not that I will give a talk right after the Three Kings' Preparation making on
Astronomy and the use of the Sowing and Planting Calendar by Maria & Mathias Thun.
Cost for this event is € 10
Charts and Calendars extra
Tea and Coffee included
Weather permitting we will also locate visible constellations and planets so be warmly wrapped,
looking forward to see you all!"
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Here are two items of news: the biodynamic calendar and DVDs for South African Waldorf Schools.
NOW AVAILABLE
*€ 11 P&P included*
Biodynamic Agricultural Association in Ireland
Camphill Jerpoint
Jerpoint
Co. KIlkenny
Tel 00353 051 347245
Light & Shadow Film
michael@lightandshadowfilm.com
In the run up to this Christmas I'm offering 25% off DVDs. For every 10 DVDs sold 1 DVD will be donated to help raise funds for the South African Waldorf schools.
I am originally from South Africa and my mother (Tessa Lovemore) has been working closely with the South African Federation of Waldorf Schools. There is a great demand and waiting lists for some of the schools yet they struggle with a lack of funding and experienced teachers.
My experience of what is happening now in South Africa is that there is still a legacy of the apartheid era affecting every aspect of life. Black Africans and coloured people of mixed origins who suffered under the apartheid regime are now suffering under poverty. The Waldorf schools are working to break down these barriers and create equality and an appreciation of differences.
You can watch a preview of the film and order copies through my website at www.lightandshadowfilm.com
Best wishes
Michael Lovemore
Spirit in Matter 2009
A series of public lectures exploring aspects of Anthroposophy, the worldview of Rudolf Steiner.
The Christmas Story in the Gospels of St.Matthew and St.Luke
The Wisdom of Contradiction
An Illustrated Talk by Martin Henry
The Christmas Story in the Gospels has warmed and nourished many hearts down through the centuries, yet on close examination the stories reveal apparent and indeed striking contradictions. One hundred years ago Rudolf Steiner sought to make sense of these contradictions and so lead to a fuller and truer understanding of the nature of Christianity and the events of 2,000 years ago, which can continue to warm our hearts and to enlighten our thinking into future centuries.
At
Castalia Hall
Camphill Community Ballytobin
Callan
On Friday 11 December 2009 at 8p.m.
All are welcome! - Admission free. Seasonal refreshments.
Enquiries to Martin Henry at 087 7713224 martin33@eircom.net
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A series of public lectures exploring aspects of Anthroposophy, the worldview of Rudolf Steiner
Making the Invisible Visible
Practical techniques in the Art and Architecture of Rudolf Steiner
Rudolf Steiner, apart from his work in the realm of spirituality and its practical application in education, medicine etc. is also recognised as a pioneer of the “Organic” Architectural movement. His designs for the Goetheanum as headquarters for the anthroposophical movement in Switzerland are both original and breathtaking. The first building, which tragically burned down in 1922/3 was largely made of solid wood while its successor was possibly the first large scale reinforced concrete building in the world. Not only were these buildings themselves original but Steiner strove for new techniques in many materials to give expression to the aims of the building.
At
Castalia Hall
Camphill Community Ballytobin
Callan
On Friday 16 October 2009 at 8p.m.
All are welcome! - Admission free, contributions welcome!
Enquiries to Martin Henry
At 087 7713224 or mail to martin33@eircom.net
Parent and Child Group, Killaloe, Co Clare
Our best wishes to Dawn Dickey, former Kindergarten teacher at Raheen Wood Steiner National School and her baby Tala who with Brona Moriarity, Resource Centre Administrator and Raheen Wood School parent, are starting this Parent and Child group in Killaloe, Co Clare - Lucky parents and children to have this available to them. Parent and Child Group. Every Friday 10am-12. Inviting Dads, Mums, Mums-to-be, Grannies and Grandads, Childminders, Carers and anyone interested to attend a fun and relaxed morning featuring painting, baking, singing, storytelling, parenting study group, crafts to make and bring home & much more . . . following the holistic philosophy of Steiner/Waldorf Education Venue: Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Killaloe Contact: Brona 061-374741 or Dawn 085-1121524 (Donations or loan of natural toys, art materials and other Waldorf things needed. Kindly contact Brona and Dawn) |
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Workshop for Teachers and Parents of Young Chidren led by Nell Smyth
By uncovering the natural breathing rhythm we discover the power of our voice, the imagination and our intuition in working with children.
This workshop will:
Help us to connect with our own individual breathing rhythm
Help to strengthen our own vitality and capacity for patience
Help us to be more intuitive and supportive of children`s physical and developmental needs
Help us to build the connection between the physical body and language development through poetry, song and storytelling
Increase confidence and creativity in creating our own verses and stories
Deepen the awareness of how the different parts of our being are integrated
Nell Smyth is a Steiner teacher, teacher trainer and workshop leader with over 25 years experience. She has worked with all ages from 2 years to 82 years in both America and Europe. She is also a Middendorf Breath Practitioner of many years standing, a faculty member of the Institute for Breath Experience in San Francisco`s Bay Area and the author of ` The Breathing Circle: learning through the movement of the breath`
For more information phone 085 788 4851 or email penelopesmythe@gmail.com
Friday, September 11, 2009
Saturday, September 05, 2009
* New Foundation Year *
one year part-time course starts September 2009
in Tuamgraney, County Clare
The Foundation Year is designed as an orientation year for the kindergarten and class teacher training but it also stands as an autonomous one year introductory course. This course in anthroposophical studies will be of interest to those looking for an introduction to the work of Rudolf Steiner combined with a foundation course in the arts.
Pedagogical Years One and Two
These two years focus on teacher development and child development and will prepare students to work within a Waldorf kindergarten or primary school. These years include: simple crafts, storytelling, puppetry, seasonal festivals, practical work in the kindergarten, child observation, health and parenting issues, work with the angels and inner development.
The course takes place at Raheen Wood Steiner School in Tuamgraney, Co.Clare and is composed of:
• 8 weekend sessions (Friday evening to Saturday 5.30pm)
• Three 5-day Residential sessions in October/November, April and July,
(coinciding with school holidays at Halloween, Easter and the summer break)
Course fee for the Foundation Year: €1850
Applications with deposit of €300 (non refundable) by 6th August 2009
for more information on the Foundation Year, please contact: Ruth Marshall
tel: 061 473866 email: training@steinerireland.org
www.steinerireland.org/
Early Childhood Education Programme
providing a wide range of high quality training courses developed out of anthroposophy
Tuesday, July 28, 2009

one year part-time course starts September 2009 in Tuamgraney, County Clare
The Foundation Year is designed as an orientation year for the kindergarten and class teacher training but it also stands as an autonomous one year introductory course. This course in anthroposophical studies will be of interest to those looking for an introduction to the work of Rudolf Steiner combined with a foundation course in the arts.
Pedagogical Years One and Two
These two years focus on teacher development and child development and will
prepare students to work within a Waldorf kindergarten or primary school. These years include: simple crafts, storytelling, puppetry, seasonal festivals, practical work in the kindergarten, child observation, health and parenting issues, work with the angels and inner development.
The course takes place at Raheen Wood Steiner School in Tuamgraney, Co.Clare
and is composed of:
• 8 weekend sessions (Friday evening to Saturday 5.30pm)
• Three 5-day Residential sessions in October/November, April and July,
(coinciding with school holidays at Halloween, Easter and the summer break)
Course fee for the Foundation Year: €1850
Applications with deposit of €300 (non refundable) by 6th August 2009
for more information on the Foundation Year, please contact:
Ruth Marshall, tel: 061 473866 email: training@steinerireland.org
www.steinerireland.org/training/
Early Childhood Education Programme: providing a wide range of high quality training courses developed out of anthroposophy
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
See a wide range of not so common Cereals, inclduding Spelt, Rye, Irish Heritage Oats and a Winter Wheat evolution row (from primitive grasses to two days bread wheat.
Hosted by biodynamic gardener Wiebe.
In the afternoon at 4 pm there will be a tour of Vincent and Liam O ‘Sullivan's Coolahill farm in County Laois to see their Irish Heritage Oats Ardri and Sonas
July 31st, 11 am at Camphill Jerpoint Thomastown Co. Kilkenny
Visite the Spring Wheat evolution row and 30 other small propagation plots
Also Heritage Oats Cafferys No2 the most undervalued one!
IMPORTANT:
You must register for these events and voluntary contributions for the BDAAI and the hosts are welcome!
Please note, you might also be treated to some culinary experiences and in order to cater for this it is essential to book your intent by the July 10th via email or telephone (see below).
Looking forward to seeing you all!
Kind regards,
Michael Miklis
Biodynamic Agricultural Association in Ireland Tel. / 051-347245
tel. 051 347245 skype biodyn.ie
Email bdaai@indigo.ie
Camphill Jerpoint, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
Saturday, June 20, 2009

Rudolf Steiner (1861- 1925) is probably best known today as the inaugurator of Waldorf or Steiner education, and as a forerunner in the organic agriculture movement. What is perhaps less known is that these initiatives of his have their genesis in his philosophy of the human being and the world, which he called “Anthroposophy.” According to Steiner, there are two worlds; the earthly and the spiritual. The human being originated in the spiritual world but in the course of development became separated from it. Steiner was insistent that without this estrangement no development of human independence, thinking and creativity could have come about. He also asserted that in our time it is not only possible, but also necessary for our relationship to the spiritual world to be restored, if human progress is to continue.
Steiner’s work covers a broad spectrum and presents us with a paradigm that challenges the reductionist approach threatening to permeate every facet of our lives. No idle dreamer, Steiner foresaw that a spiritual understanding of the human being and the world could lead to a renewal and transformation of all aspects of human activity. His work has borne fruit in spiritual research and inner work, and in a host of practical applications such as education, social renewal, the Arts, the Camphill movement and many others.
“What Happens when we Die ?” Exploring life, death and destiny. Martin Henry
Friday 25 September 2009 8p.m.
“From Natural Science to Spiritual Science” Dr. Nick Blitz M.B.
Friday 16 October 2009 8p.m.
“Making the Invisible Visible” Practical techniques in the Art and Architecture of Rudolf Steiner. Andre van Schaijk and John S. Clarke
Saturday 24 October 2009 (10am to 5pm)
“From Crystal Caverns to Computer Screens” A workshop with experiments. Dr. Malin Starrett Limited to 15 participants. Cost for day 20 euro. Places must be booked.
(Refreshments provided)
Friday 20 November 2009 8p.m.
“The Discipline of Speech Formation” Revival of the Bardic tradition. Danijel Grcevic
Friday 11 December 2009 8p.m.
“The Christmas story in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke” The wisdom of contradiction. An illustrated talk. Martin Henry
Friday, June 12, 2009

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre.
www.murphysicecream.ie