| |  | Branch Library For information, to take out a book or to arrange a visit, contact Valerie Hope, portlandanthroposophy@gmail.com The Book Catalog is now on our website – the ‘search’ function is really helpful. To schedule the space for an event or meeting Contact James Knight, j365@yahoo.com Contact the Branch Council: portlandanthroposophy@gmail.com Website: portlandbranch.net | | November Newsletter/ Calendar **** | Contents All Souls Observance, November 2, 7 pm, At the Branch Library Advent Event with Matias Baker, December 1, 7 pm - December 2, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Invitation to join the Biodynamic core group of stirrers and spreaders for a November stir From the Branch Council - Gratitudes Holy Nights Observances: The Hundredth Anniversary of the Christmas Conference will be celebrated around the world, and in Portland too! Only $995 to go on our $4,000 matching grant for rent! The Shepherds’ Play is cast & practicing weekly Library Improvement Updates Events Flyers Calendar Advertisers/Sponsors Embryo DVD’s available
| |  | With harp music, candle lighting, eurythmy, and verses we will together build a bridge to send warmth and love to those we know who are now across the Threshold - and who can be helped by the anthroposophical thoughts that we read to them.
If you wish you can bring pictures and/or mementos of those you know across the Threshold to place on the table as you arrive, and light a candle.
If you have questions, or are able to help with clean up please contact us at portlandanthroposophy@gmail.com Note that the observance will be held at the Branch Library | | Good Thoughts and Feelings Give Wings to the Dead It is very important to send our thoughts and feelings to a loved one who has died and is now in the spiritual worlds. Our thoughts must not contain yearnings to have the departed back with us, as this complicates his life in the spheres in which he must now enter. What we need to send to the spiritual worlds is not the suffering we endure but the love we bear towards the departed. […] Spiritual research has shown that feelings of love give wings that bear the dead up, whereas longings like: “Oh how I wish you were still with us” create obstacles in his path. This is a general indication of how to direct our feelings in such events.
Source (German): Rudolf Steiner – GA 264 – From a letter to Paula Stryczek – Berlin, 31 December 1905 (page 101)
|  | |  | |  | Friday December 1, 7-9 pm: Exploring the Alchemical Principles in BioDynamics and the Cycle of the Festival Year.
Saturday December 2, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm:Advent and Its Relationship to the Mineral Kingdom – with Matias and Timothy Kennedy. They will offer the opportunity to explore together and experience the inner reality of the ‘First Light of Advent’. This model can be applied to deepening our work with all the festivals of the year, and to practicing the sacred art of biodynamics.
Portland Branch Library, 5415 SE Powell Blvd, 2nd floor Entrance off parking lot behind the church
Fee $50 No one turned away.
To register go to the Branch donations page here, Click on ‘Tribute Gift’, put in Advent as the honoree, and fill in your info. Contact us at portlandanthroposophy@gmail.com | We have asked Matias to Portland - after a long time of intending to invite him – to assist us as we continue to develop our observances of the festivals, and our biodynamics initiatives.
He will offer the results of his own experience in seeking to understand how Rudolf Steiner’s teachings on biodynamics connect to the script of nature, which connects us with the cycle of the year, and can allow for a renewal of the festivals. | Matias Baker is founder and operator of Kepher Dynamics, a consultant-based service focused on the art and science of biodynamic agriculture and Holistic design. He has worked with a wide range of biodynamic projects and has helped establish new communities throughout North, Central and South America. Matias is currently building a Research Sanctuary named Matriosa with his partner Svava Carlsen in the beautiful California Sierras. | |  | Join the Biodynamic Core Group of Stirrers and Spreaders! by Denise Tester
The Portland Branch is starting a new Biodynamic Group! In his Agriculture Course, Rudolf Steiner introduced several preparations that he intended to be used widely over the Earth as a kind of homeopathic treatment for the enlivening of the soil and plants, to awaken them to the cosmic influences and vitalize them in a way that current methods couldn’t. Some of these preparations are only fully activated after being stirred in water for an hour, then sprayed or sprinkled over land or plants within a short time period.
We are looking for a core group of people interested in meeting regularly in community to stir and distribute the appropriate preparations for the season/weather. No experience necessary.
The first stirring will be in the afternoon at the home of Denise Tester between November 20 and November 29th. Exact time and date to be decided by the group, but weather dependent. Please let Denise know your availability. We won’t stir or spread in the rain.
Please contact Denise at deeprootsfarm@harbornet.com if you are interested, or with any questions. For our first gathering, we will be stirring the BD 500 horn manure preparation (provided). You will need to dress appropriately for being outside for an hour or two in November. Bring a watertight container to take home your stirred preps.
For those who can’t participate in stirring but would like the preparations spread on their land/potted plants/tiniest patch of soil, please contact Denise at deeprootsfarm@harbornet.com and we will try to arrange delivery of the activated preparations to you. You do not need to have a farm or a garden to use and benefit from the preparations. We are looking forward to a likely tree paste party in February! | |  | From the Branch Council - Thanksgiving Gratitudes | Since this is the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S., Council members, and friend of the Council Timothy Kennedy, would like to offer our own thoughts of gratitude for the significant amount of Anthroposophical striving in our Portland Community, by individuals and groups. Reading our thoughts may help you to get to know us a little better, and our offerings here demonstrate the variety of personalities and temperaments that the Council represents. (You are welcome to join in by replying to this newsletter email for future publication if you would like.) | Kathy Rem: What better place to begin a gratitude month than with the Portland Anthroposophical Branch. I moved here two years ago and went to my first event at the branch as soon as I could. I really looked forward to becoming a part of the Oregon community. I was welcomed with open arms. It felt like I had found a second anthroposophic family. I was honored to join the council and serve with a rich historical group who seriously takes on the task of making anthroposophy available to all who want it. Recently I have faced some fires in my personal life and I have been held, supported, and loved through this time by my new community. I have so much gratitude for so many hearts that have touched mine. My deepest and sincerest thanks you to you all. | James Knight, What I am grateful for:
1) The Spiritual World which bestows its grace upon us and gives us life, intelligence, creativity, and the capacity for love.
2) My fellow human beings who show me how to love, and who walk with me in friendship on this human journey. I am particularly grateful that so many of those companions, both known and unknown, are doing so much in the Portland area to foster the fruits of Anthroposophical wisdom. I think of the many Waldorf schools with their parent bodies and teachers; and all of the Anthroposphically inspired medical doctors, therapists, and artist (visual, speech, movement), who are active in our community. And all of those who contribute with their time, energy, money and talents who are both within and without our particular spiritual movement.
3) For all those beings or substances such as the Kingdom of Nature and the unseen elemental hierarchy and human laborers, who sacrifice that we may live on the earth plane in a physical body. | Walter Rice: This Thanksgiving season I'm filled with great gratitude. First of all for my family and all our travel and amazing experiences. All are in excellent health, including our family dogs!
Another source of joy for me is our Branch Library---having been on the Council now for18 years, it's been such a treat to see this actualize and come into being....every time I go there, I'm overjoyed that we have made it such a warm and welcoming spot that supports our Branch in all of our endeavours! I feel it's given us all more of a grounded spot that is really 'ours', a sacred space, that draws in more and more interested souls! I hope we can sustain this momentum and have it blossom even more! I am also so thankful for the current Branch Council members, and those who are showing an interest in becoming more involved with our activities! We have a great team that works so well together, and we've been able to bring so many interesting and stimulating programs for our members and the public at large. Blessings on us all! My best wishes to all for a terrific Thanksgiving and Holiday Season! | Timothy Kennedy: I'd like to express my gratitude to all the members of the council who continue to volunteer tremendous amounts to keep the Anthroposophical movement available to Portland. To cultivate and grow the branch library and its relationship to the worldwide anthroposophical movement and all the anthroposophical endeavors throughout the greater portland area. Valerie and Mark Hope extend so much sacred hospitality to this community, that it's almost unimaginable without them. Walter Rice Continues a stalwart care and continuity that supports so much professionalism and warmth. Kathy Rem has brought so much life and hope with her recent engagement with the council and connections to biodynamics, James knight continues to bring buoyancy and Timelessness and a genuine sense of wonder to the many tasks he takes on. And even Christine Badura believes so much in this work that she makes every effort to co-create from afar, all that so much good may become for our community. Thanks for a Chance to express that. | Valerie Hope: Like many of you, I have experienced the evolution of our community for a significant amount of time - in my case, the 37 years since my oldest son began at the Portland Waldorf School. One of the things that I am grateful for is the opportunity to have experienced the evolution of individuals, the schools, and the Branch over time. Thirty-Seven years ago (and for some longer ago) we were all anthroposophical pioneers in Portland, and have experienced one anothers’ development over that time - have seen what working with Rudolf Steiner’s indications and our own destinies and inspirations can do. It has been for me a valuable lesson in not fixing anyone in place at a given point in time - to trust and expect their positive enfoldment. Hmmm. This is not what I had thought I would write about. I thought I would enumerate specifically many anthroposophically influenced individuals, activities, professionals and institutions that are serving positive human evolution in Portland. And thank all those who have pitched in financially to make so much possible, including sponsors and advertisers. But this will do for now. Much of what I would have listed you see every month in this newsletter. Blessings for your Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and Holy Nights striving - and festivities!. | |  | One More Gratitude - We Have only $995 to go to match the $4,000 matching grant for rent for this year! Thank you so much for all of your contributions, and any that you may yet make to help us reach our goal. | | |  | Holy Nights’ Observances, 100th Anniversary of the Christmas Conference!
Tuesday, December 26, 3-5 pm Monday, January 1, 3-5 pm Saturday, January 6, 3-5 pm (Epiphany)
Planning is underway, with contributions from the Foundation Stone group. If you would like to help, contact Miriam at miriamhcosentino@gmail.com | |  | Shepherds’ Play Update Hello everyone!
The cast is now filled, and we are practicing weekly. Stay tuned for performance dates.
You can call me at 503-568-5009 or reply by email to boltedupsteel@gmail.com A Blessed Advent - Wes | | Library Improvement Updates |  | Dear Friends,
Great gratitude to those of you who have volunteered to help with bringing the library up to speed! Deborah Ham has begun the task of calling in books that have been taken out, preparatory to doing an inventory and updating our catalog. She is also re-designing our card system, as there is not contact information for borrowers on many of the existing cards. In the meantime, also in preparation for inventory, we are looking for someone(s) to enter new books that have been received into our excel spreadsheet. For the next step we will be calling on volunteers to inventory, comparing the catalog with what’s actually on the shelves. In the meantime, we welcome offers to clean out closets and cabinets, and otherwise beautify the space.
If you would like to offer help, or return a book, please reply to this email.
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Our library has been a real gift to the community - created by the community - in the 3 1/2 years or so of its existence! Groups have started study groups with the multiple copies we have had of some volumes, and individuals have received inspiration from the books they have borrowed.
However, we have been without a librarian now for about a year, and a number of tasks need attending to make the library all it can be! We are listing what needs doing here in hopes that you will be able and willing to help make the needed improvements. Please contact us at portlandanthroposophy@gmail.com to let us know what you can help with. Timing will depend on your availability. The tasks are: Contacting people who have books outstanding - Deborah Ham has volunteered Adding books newly donated into the catalog Shelving books that have been entered into the catalog or returned Taking inventory of what we have Organizing the books on the shelves - considering whether we want to change the organizational system we have. Arranging for books that we have for sale to be sold online. Organizing cabinets
We look forward to collaborating with you to make needed improvements and to get up to date with borrowed books so that the library works well for everyone.
Warmly …The Branch Council, Valerie Hope, James Knight, Walter Rice, Kathy Rem | |  |  |  | |  |  | | | Portland Branch Council Meeting Monday, November 13, 5pm, 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. | All Souls Observance Thursday, November 2, 7 pm Save the Date! See description and details in this newsletter above. | Advent Observance with Matias Baker/Alchemy of Festivals Friday eve/Saturday Workshop, December 1, 2 Save the Dates! See description and details in this newsletter above. | Holy Nights Observances, Tuesday, December 26, 3-5 pm; Monday, January 1, 3-5 pm; Saturday, January 6, 3-5 pm (Epiphany) Branch Library/Community Space, 5415 SE Powell Blvd, entrance off parking lot in the back. The Hundredth Anniversary of the Christmas Conference will be celebrated around the world, and in Portland too! With questions, or to help, contact Miriam at miriamhcosentino@gmail.com
| COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES | | Pictures of Songs and Places by Jenny Nielson Oct. 5 - Nov 15 at The Art Hall at Cedarwood Waldorf School, 3030 SE Second Ave., Portland, OR. See Flyer included in this newsletter. See flyer included in this newsletter.
Woodworking with Tom Myers Oct. 16th - November 13th, 5:30 - 6:30pm at Portland Waldorf School, 2300 SE Harrison St., Milwaukie, OR See flyer included in this newsletter.
Clay Modeling with Maestro Victor November 27th thru December 11 5:30 - 6:30pm at Portland Waldorf School, 2300 SE Harrison St., Milwaukie, OR See flyer included in this newsletter.
A Modern Path of Initiation - Michael School Conference November 10-12 At the Michael School, 13515a Rusk Rd, Milwaukie Or See flyer included in this newsletter for details.
Community Eurythmy Wednesday mornings, 8:45-9:30 at the Portland Waldorf School, 2300 N. Harrison St. Portland, Or. See flyer included in this newsletter.
| Pacific Eurythmy Events - See Flyers in Newsletter Dear Friends, Blessings on the Autumn season! We want to share with you the wonderful workshops and classes that are ahead! For more information visit our website: PacificEurythmy.org, or email us with questions pacificeurythmy@gmail.com.
| ON-GOING STUDIES/GROUPS | First Class of the School of Spiritual Science. Usually second Sunday of the month with a few exceptions. 9:30 am sharp, • November 12, Lesson 8 (no admittance after the class starts) • Bothmer Hall, 5915 SE Division St. • Remember your Blue Card. For more information contact: Cheri Munske cherimunske@gmail.com, Diane Rumage drumage@comcast.net or Rebecca Soloway rrsoloway1@gmail.com
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(Sergie Prokofieff) 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 for lively discussions.
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. Our group will start a new reading and studying of “The Portal of Initiation”, Rudolf Steiner’s first Mystery Drama dealing with the karma and reincarnations of a group of people around the turn of the 20th century, on April 12, 2023.
The Tarot in Light of Spiritual Science with James Knight • Every other Tuesday 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/.
Waldorf Education and Teacher Training Lectures and Courses Conducted throughout the year by the Micha-el Institute Email us at inquiry@micha-elinstitue.com or call 971-808-1640
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A new feature of the newsletter is this Community Bulletin Board, the brainchild of Christine Badura, who now finds that she has time to make it a reality. Community members can post their offerings and/or things they are looking for. To post, please call Christine at 707-494-6741 or email badura88@hotmail.com. Possible categories that can be posted: Housing, Give Aways, Help Wanted/Offered, Announcements, Items Wanted. **** |  | | |  |  |  |  |  | |  | Please consider becoming a member of the Portland Anthroposophical Branch. The annual recommended membership is still $50, or what you can afford. Annual memberships renew every January. This supports our newsletter, our community workshops, presenters, festivals, branch rent, website, and library.
Please join, renew, or donate (for instance to the $4,000 matching grant for rent) on our website at https://www.portlandbranch.net/don(ations/. If you send a check, we will receive 100% of your donation. Make it out to Portland Branch, and send to: Portland Branch *c/o Valerie Hope * 2606 SE 58th Ave. * Portland, Or 97206.
Thank you for your commitment, your participation, and the community building your help gives to ensure that Anthroposophy is alive and in action here in the Portland area. | | | Great gratitude to the members and friends who have donated thus far in 2023 to make this newsletter and our library/community space possible:
Anne Kollander Diane Schell-Rowley Donna Patterson Geelim Soowhan Jeremy Davis Julie Foster Karen Nelson Kimberly Sinclair Laura Elmore Linda Sussman Lisa Masterson Mark & Valerie Hope Marsha Johnson Michele Limas Miriam Ward Nancy Peirce Pamela M Rico Robin Lieberman Robin O’Brien Amada Eastman Anca Harriton Barbara Strong Betty Baldwin Brian McClure Cheri Munske Christine Badura Constance Stokes Cyndia Ashkar Deborah Ham Diane Rumage James Knight Jeremy Davis Jerry & Rebecca Soloway Kathy Rem Kendall Weaver Kimberly Sinclair Lisa Masterson Lucy O’Neal Magic of Waldorf Marsha Johnson Mihoko Lunsford Miriam Ward Nancy Peirce Pamela Rico Rene Kehwald Robin O’Brien Rod Endacott Sandra & Wes Burch Susan Andrews Timothy Kennedy Tish Johnson Vicki Hess-Smith Waldorf Travel Service Walter Rice | |  | 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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