TAMING THE DRAGON

MICHAELMAS: by Michael Wright, 5th Grade Teacher

Saint George leads the Dragon

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.

IN AUTUMN SAINT MICHAEL

In Autumn Saint Michael with sword and with shield

Passes over meadow and orchard and field.

He’s on the path to battle ‘gainst darkness and strife.

He is the heav’nly warrior, protector of life.

The harvest let us gather with Michael’s aid.

The light he sheddeth fails not, nor does it fade.

And when the corn is cut and the meadows are bare,

We’ll don Saint Michael’s armour and onward will fare.

We are Saint Michael’s warriors with strong heart and mind.

We forge our way through darkness Saint Michael to find.

And there he stands in glory Saint Michael we pray,

Oh lead us on to battle and show us thy way.

The school children complete Tasks of Bravery!