100 Years of Rudolf Steiner’s “Soul Calendar”

by Herbert O. Hagens, Princeton, NJ

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner’s Calendar 1912-1913. That publication contained the 52 verses we know as the “Soul Calendar.” The dates listed here are intended as a guide for those who follow the practice of beginning a new verse on the Sunday of each week. In keeping with Rudolf Steiner’s instruction, we begin with Verse 1 at Easter. This procedure matches the way in which the 52 verses appeared in the original 1912-1913 edition, and it adheres to the seven-day astral rhythm of the soul. In addition, this approach takes into account the seven preparatory verses (Lent) leading up to Easter, and the seven verses that follow, from Easter to Whitsun.

There are 51 weeks from Easter 2012 through Easter 2013, but we have 52 verses. This calls for an accommodation in order to maintain the organic whole of the Soul Calendar. One possible solution for this year is to work with Verses 44 and 45 together during the same week in February. These two dynamic meditations focus on strengthening the soulforces necessary to overcome Ahriman’s powerful deceptions.

The changing cosmic date of Easter requires the meditant to chart a new course through the Soul Calendar every year, since there are never just 52 weeks between one Easter and the next. It is a joy to celebrate the treasure that Rudolf Steiner gave us 100 years ago!