the in-between, bring time into all we do, counteracting all that is involved in our digital age, bring life into our lives? The middle exists only through the movement between polarities—in the balance of the soul, and balance is not equilibrium but a breathing, to and fro. The middle is only possible between polarities—we need to work with Lucifer and Ahriman. Is the impulse still living? I would say yes, but in need of incredible increase and strengthening. The forces against anthroposophy are strong and getting stronger, and we are being called to counteract them, to place something to balance them out, to work towards and with those beings who have the future of mankind as their goal. We must strive to recognize, for instance, the ahrimanic forces and find the strength to not be drawn down by them. As Ita Wegman says, you cannot fight them, but you can starve them—use them consciously, where appropriate, but not allow yourself to be enslaved by them. Comfort and love of ease is possibly the most prevalent tool Ahriman has.
Covid, on the one hand, could make one more aware of the need for truly human interaction, but has also lulled one into using, for example, Zoom as an alternative. So much easier and cheaper than taking the trouble and expense to meet in person. The presence of the other human being with their spiritual qualities is lacking and one has the illusion of being together. Would Rudolf Steiner have used Zoom? Possibly, probably yes, but very consciously and where appropriate and he would have given so much more to counteract it spiritually. The Covid time made one much more awake to true values. Now is the challenge: Can we learn from this, and stay awake! Dorothea Mier was born and grew up in England in anthroposophical circles and spent twenty-five years in Dornach, where she trained and was active in eurythmy in the Savitch group at the Goetheanum. Since 1980, she has been active in Spring Valley, New York. In 2005, she retired from the leadership of Eurythmy Spring Valley but is still active teaching there, in Europe, and in Asia.
Houses of Brick and Fire Reflections on January 1, 2023
Aaron Mirkin Last night, one hundred years ago, the Goetheanum, the John building, the House of the Word, was burnt down. The very spirit home of our movement was destroyed. There was an intention to thwart something that is so very much needed in our time… Communities of free individuals who serve the Risen Christ—the Representative of Humanity. In the tale of the Three Little Pigs, it is the one who builds his house of brick, and who is able to light a fire in the hearth, that is able to save his brothers and overcome the wolf. So too might this simple tale call to us… …To build a spirit house baked in the kiln of unshakable commitment to the spirit impulses of our age—ever fresh and authentic.
…To kindle a spirit-fire burning with enthusiasm for the truth—fearless and upright. …To open our doors and hearts to all brothers and sisters who seek us—entirely without dogma or convention. Then, that which was meant to be thwarted will only grow stronger—for it is clear, what we are building is no outer building, but an inner one—an eternal Goetheanum in our hearts—and it really is there!—built on a Foundation Stone of deepest humanity—one that no wolf or outer fire can ever touch … … For no wolf can ever comprehend selfless love. Aaron Mirkin has been a priest of The Christian Community for twenty-two years and currently lives and works in Stroud, England. Prior to that, he was a biodynamic farmer in Camphill, and prior to that a chemical engineer in the petroleum industry—both in South Africa. december 2023 • 23
