MICHAELMAS: TAMING THE DRAGON by Michael Wright, 5th Grade Teacher
Subtle changes in the light, cool mornings, tips of maple leaves turning red, all signs that the great wheel of the seasons is turning. Walking past the classrooms in the mornings one hears songs of harvest time and Saint Michael calling us to summon our courage to tame the dragons that accost us, both inner and outer. In olden times, the approach of winter brought the need to fill the larder, preserve the food that had been grown, stack up the firewood, make ready for the coming months of darkness and cold. We continue with these types of activities today, putting our gardens to bed, tightening up our houses to keep out the drafts, making sure our winter coats, sweaters, and snow boots are handy. Some of us are out in the barn before daylight tending the animals. In Waldorf schools, children are given the image of Saint George taming the dragon, a picture of bringing one’s inner courage to face uncertainties, anxieties, and fears. Behind Saint George stands Saint Michael holding his sword, representing courage, truth, and strength. The autumn Perseid and Alteid meteor showers provide the iron for Michael’s sword. Page 6 - CWS Seasonal Journal, Autumn 2019
