The Easter Story Book

Collected by
Ineke Verschuren

Illustrated by Ronald Heuninck

Softbound

$19.50

This collection of over thirty stories, legends and folk tales reflects the season around Easter and early summer. In this season there are also a number of other important religious festivals: Ascension, Whitsun and St. John's.

Some of the stories, like "St. Veronica," are placed in the context of the great Easter and Whitsun events. Others, like "The Bargemaster's Easter," show the effect of these events on the human heart. For younger children, folk tales from all round the world illustrate at a deeper imaginative level the theme of sacrifice and the triumph of love and loyalty over adversity. The motif of resurrection, in which the character throws off an outer skin and emerges in a new, truer and shining guise, recurs again and again.

This collection is another one of those treasures that can grace your family life for many, many years. Excellent.

Stories for the Festivals of the Year
Told for Children

Irene Johanson

Softbound

$19.95

I had never heard of this little treasure of a book until a few weeks ago. In fact, I had never seen a copy until those I had requested sight unseen arrived at my door.

It's been a long time since I was in a community where simple yet deep and beautiful stories were told at festival times -- Irene Johanson has brought that all back to me and offers it to anyone who opens her book. Although these tales for the Christian festivals are indeed told for children, it is hard for me to image anyone who could listen to or read these stories without loving them.

Most of the stories are quite short, which is good not only because they can be told at bedtime, but because there is so much imaginative gold contained in each that these small portions allow the heart to wrap itself completely around the stories and lets the mind imagine each one to the fullest.

Contents:

• Easter, Ascension and Whitson - 9 different stories
• Legends about St. John (the Baptist) - 10 stories
• The Marriage of the King's Son (for Michaelmas) - 3 stories
• The Animals' Joy at Christmas - 6 stories
• Star Legends for Epiphany - 6 stories
• Holy Week - 6 stories

The Emperor's Vision
and other Christ Legends
(formerly titled Christ Legends)

Selma Lagerlöf

Softbound

$12.95

This is one of my favorite collections of stories surrounding the life and reality of Christ. Selma Lagerlöf's telling of these tales - ranging from the story of the surly shepherd of Bethlehem, to the war-hardened soldier at Herod's feast, to St. Veronica's act of grace toward the Emperor Tiberius - is profoundly beautiful and deep. These stories are timeless and will appeal to a wide range of children and adults - some stories are best told only to older children while some can become family treasures at a very early age. All of them will remain a cherished treasure in the hearts of those who hear them.

The Isenheim Altar
Suffering and Salvation in the Art of Grünewald

Gottfried Richter

Softbound - full color reproductions of the altar, paintings, and painting details

$19.95

No other painter has ever so terribly and truthfully exposed the horror of suffering, and yet kept before us . . . the conviction of salvation.

- Sister Wendy Beckett

I would like to add that, in my estimation it is also true that no other painter has so clearly painted the grace of human joy or the triumph of love over fear - Grünewald's masterpiece is a tour de force of all the possibilities of the relationship of human beings to the divine and the nature of human life and love. I have often contemplated the various panels (or the progression of the full altar) and have always come away with new insights and the renewed energy of faith, hope and love.

The real joy of this little book is that the reproducations of the Isenheim Altar are so good that they invite you to explore, contemplate, and meditate on the content, meaning, beauty of these panels. Richter's discussion of the altarpiece is an excellent introduction and offers a great deal of history and artistic insight. However, I will tell you that, as good as his essay is, it barely scratches the surface of what you will discover over the years.

Something that is not discussed in the book, but which I have found valuable in my own contemplation of this amazing altarpiece, is that the Nativity, Crucifixion and Resurrection panels encompass the 15 mysteries of Mary as meditated through the Rosary. (Notice that the Christ Child and St. Anthony are both holding prayer beads.)

The Isenheim Altar was commission by the Order of St. Anthony - a monastic fraternity that cared for the sick of their time (early 1500's). They were so aware of the healing value of contemplation and awareness of the mysteries portrayed on this altarpiece that they positioned it so that their patients could see it and benefit from its health-bestowing images.

Clearly, there is much to explore. The Isenheim Altar is a wellspring sending forth living waters.

Secrets of the Stations of the Cross and the Grail Blood
The Mystery of Transformatin

Judith von Halle

Hardbound

$24.00

After she received the stigmata in 2004, Judith von Halle began vividly to experience the events that occurred at the time of Christ. These continuing experiences are not visionary or clairvoyant in nature, but constitute an actual participation, involving all human senses, in the events themselves. To complement this method of witnessing Christ’s life, von Halle applies a spiritual-scientific mode of observation—a form of research based on one’s true being—the human “I”—crossing the spiritual threshold while fully conscious. Combining the results, here she describes, in her most powerful book to date, secrets connected to various events of Christ’s Passion.

Von Halle discusses the Mystery of Golgotha in its relationship to the formation of the Resurrection Body; the Mystery of the Spear Wound in Christ’s side and the Grail Blood; and how Christ’s Seven Words on the Cross relate to the Stations of the Cross.

And If He Has Not Been Raised . . .
The Stations of Christ's Path to Spirit Man

Judith von Halle

Softbound

$30.00

At Passiontide 2004, Judith von Halle received the stigmata, the duplication on her body of the wounds of Christ. Following a period of careful consideration, she eventually decided to share this intimate occurrence with a small group in Berlin in Michaelmas of that year. Usually, the phenomenon of the stigmata is either seen as a sheer miracle or simply denied. By contrast, in her first lectures contained in this volume, she tries—based on Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual scientific knowledge—to understand it and its significance for personal destiny.

As a result of receiving the stigmata, von Halle began to experience the events of the life of Christ in full sensory detail. Moreover, she has explored these events through spiritual scientific research, sometimes called “continuity of consciousness.” In the following five lectures, she offers commentary to the Mystery of Golgotha, the “turning point in world history.” Her intention is to stimulate the reader to reflect patiently and repeatedly upon this great mystery and to enter an continually closer relationship with Christ.

Contents:

1. About the Knowledge and Reality of the Resurrection of Christ
2. The Significance of the Phantom, the Resurrection Body, for an Understanding of the Human Being
3. The Mystery of Golgotha as the End of the Old and Beginning of the New Initiation
4. An Account of the Events between Death and Resurrection (Descent into Hell)
5. The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor and the Last Night on the Mount of Olives
6. The Event of Easter at the Time of Christ
7. The Event of Whitsun at the Time of Christ and Its Connection with Anthroposophy

Easter
The Legends and the Facts

Eleanor C Merry

Softbound

$26.95

In this volume, Eleanor Merry applies her remarkably wide-ranging knowledge of world religion and mythology to the Easter story. She focuses on three legends: that of The Holy Grail and Perceval; an old Irish legend, and the legend of Faust.

With the Sun, the Moon, and Nature forming a continuous background to her ideas, Merry draws out the common themes that lead, ultimately, to the Christian Easter story.

Parzival
The Quest of the Holy Grail

Illustrated by David Newbatt

Based on Wolfram von Eschenbach's epic poem as translated by Mustard and Passage - retold by David Newbatt

Hardbound, Dust-jacketed, Large Format, Gloriously Illustrated!

$75.00

Parzival is one of the great classic stories of the last millennium, a colourful tale from the time of knighthood, full of romance, love and adventure.

David Newbatt's illustrations in this book bring a refreshingly vivid and direct interpretation of the Quest for the Holy Grail. The accompanying text gives a brief introduction to some of the many characters and events portrayed in this epic tale, in a clear and concise way.

It is the artist's intent that his (sumptuous!!) book be a lively introduction to Eschenbach's great work, not a replacement. However, the joy of discovery that awaits the reader, whether or not you are familier with the original story, is so exciting that this book itself can be the source of hours of pleasure and deepened understanding about our own human story.

Parzival is a great story for reading by the fireside. It is also a deep and intense piece of literature in which is portrayed an individual's archetypal biography, which can speak to us today in our own search for the modern Grail Temple.

Love and Its Meaning in the World

Lectures by
Rudolf Steiner

$24.95

After over 25 years of reading this book and thinking about its content, I am of the opinion that these are Steiner's most important lectures. A better knowledge and understanding of their content would go a long way toward removing a lot of the dogmatism and hierarchical thinking that has permeated the Anthroposophical movement and the world at large over the years. The title lecture alone is worth the price of the book - in it Steiner clarifies with poignant and exquisite beauty that the Being called Christ is Love, that anyone for whom Love is the primary reality of life is "Christian," regardless of whether he or she has ever heard of Jesus or Christ.

In relation to his development of Anthroposophy, love is the very heart and ground of all Steiner's teaching, the foundation of all he did, and all he hoped that others would do. These are the lectures that make that usually implicit assumption explicit - these are the lectures that reveal the foundation of his work. Steiner taught that, without love, nothing is possible; but that with love, we can do everything. Love is always love of the not-yet. To love is to create; it is to enter selflessly into the current of time that flows toward us from the future.

This collection brings together all of Steiner's main lechers and writings relating to love - from earthly love to the nature and function of spiritual love. Among the topics included are: The Mystery of Love; The Division into Sexes; The Mission of Reverence; the Buddha's Teaching of Compassion; and Love, Faith, Love, Hope; and the title lecture.

Wonderful reading!

An Easter Play
Prologue and Part 1
Parts 2 and 3

Karl König

Softbound in 2 playbooks

In general, the plays are to be performed by teenaged and adult actors.

$17.95

Plays occupied a special place in Karl König's creative life. He didn't write them as 'works of art,' rather, he wrote them when a special constellation within the community in which he lived inspried him - a constellation of people and events within the festival being of the year. For him, they were a way of bringing the spiritual impulse of the time into direct connection with human beings and their lives.

An Easter Play contains:

• Prologue - Maundy Thrusday
• Part 1 - Good Friday
• Part 2 - Easter Saturday
• Part 3 - Easter Sunday

Plays for Ascensiontide

Karl König

Softbound

In general, the plays are to be performed by teenaged and adult actors.

$8.95

Plays for Ascensiontide contains:

• Evening in Emmaus
• The Cup of Zarathustra
• Quo Vadis, Domine?

The Hidden Gospel
Decoding the Spiritual Message of the Aramaic Jesus

Neil Doglas-Klotz

$14.95

Neil Douglas-Klotz has again given us a book that unveils Jesus/Yeshua as a full participant in a Middle Eastern culture whose worldview was one of spiritual interpenetration, spiritual Unity. Here God and humanity do not have the subject-object relationship that Western civilization has assumed. In the Aramaic world in which Jesus of Nazareth walked, it was so deeply known that the Father and all creations are One that the words of the language itself presumed and echoed this awareness. Unfortunately, this awareness was lost as the spoken Aramaic was translated into Koine Greek, then Latin, then German, then other modern European tongues -- all of them reflecting cultures that had long presumed a separated relationship to the divine.

What a wonder springs to life in Klotz's translations from ancient Aramaic texts! What comes forth from Jesus' words taken with deep understanding from his native language is moving, heart-opening, inspiring and healing.

As a small sample of what you'll find in this book:

Clear holy space around your Name:
let it be the center on which our life turns.

Focus your light within us - make it useful:
as the rays of a beacon show the way.

- two alternate readings of the second line of the Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:9, from the Aramaic
(KJV: "Hallowed be thy name.")

The Hidden Gospel is a well inviting us all to drink deeply.

Prayers of the Cosmos
Meditations on the Aramaic Words of Jesus

Translated and with commentary by
Neil Douglas-Klotz

$12.00

If the English words of Jesus somehow don't really convey to you what you would expect from someone who says in humility and truth, "I am the Light of the World," Prayers of the Cosmos will not only confirm your suspicions that something has gone awry, but give you the cosmic truth you originally sought. The English New Testament (all translations) we know is a translation from the Koine Greek. Koine was sort of a "business Greek" and was itself used to translate the more provincial and more cosmically aware Aramaic that Jesus actually spoke. Aramaic is a language rich in its ability to convey multiple levels of human and cosmic experience. In this little book, translator Neil Douglas-Klotz gives us a Jesus who speaks in Loving Awareness of his consciousness union with Earth and All Creation. Wonderful!

Vox de Nube (Voice from the Cloud) - CD
Inspired Songs Sung by Nóirín Ní Riain and the Monks of Glenstal Abby

Includes 2 vision songs of Joa Bolendas

CD includes booklet with complete words to the songs

$16.98

Under the light of the Voice from the Cloud we are drawn into God's own time.

- Nóirín Ní Riain

I recently discovered Vox de Nube. It has been a very long time indeed since I have listened to music that has so washed over my soul. I felt my heart simply open and leap to the heavens from which these inspired songs seemed to pour. I have never experienced anything quite like what I felt upon hearing Joa Bolendas' two songs - Praise to Mary/Glory be to you, O Christ and Vater Unser (Our Father). It was like hearing Love. And, I went back for more (several times - this is the first album I can recall since my early 20s where I actually listened to it 3 times in a row, nonstop). St. Brigid's Prayer brought tears to my eyes. There are several of Hildegarde's hymns, rendered with exceptional beauty, St. Bernards homily to Mary, "Star of the Sea" and much, much more.

This is heart-opening music - I hope you can hear it also.

The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Anne Catherine Emmerich

As transcribed by Clemens Brentano

Softbound

$18.00

When the wide-ranging comments about Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ began appearing in the papers, I was as interested as anyone. As more and more of the storyline was described, I found myself saying, "It sounds like he must be basing the movie on Anne Catherine Emmerich's The Dolorous Passion of the Christ." [first published in 1833] Interestingly, in none of the accounts I read, did they refer specifically to his sources, only vaguely to "Catholic legends." Finally, I did come upon more considered accounts, and it turns out that I was correct -- Emmerich's visions were indeed the inspiration for Gibson's remarkable movie.

I'd like to share my own experience reading this book, and offer it as having a unique, deeply heart-opening potential for anyone who reads it with a willingness to follow the story as if a friend witnessing the events.

I first discovered The Dolorous Passion in the late 1980's when I was working in the Rudolf Steiner College Bookstore -- Emmerich's visions were among the background material then recommended by René Querido. His comment about them was that Steiner had said they were "pictorially very accurate." I was intrigued and chose this book for my Lenten reading that year.

It was the most heartbreaking, heartwarming, painful, healing, love-drenched, and, ultimately, renewing road to Easter I have to this day ever walked. This is a story that can break your heart wide open.

The Seeker's Guide to the Rosary

Liz Kelly

$11.95

I was not raised Catholic nor am I Catholic now. However, I have always been respectfully curious about the Rosary, in much the same way that I have sought to learn more about other prayer forms throughout the world.

It's too long a story to relate how I happened to focus my attention, and then my heart, on the Rosary. What I will tell you is that after all these years of study, meditation, and prayer, what I have found in the Rosary is the most invitingly, beautifully complex and deep prayer/meditation of any that I have encountered in previous seeking. My original (many years ago) impression of the Rosary was that it was a beaded prayer that simply involved many repetitions of specific prayers in a rhythmic order. What I have discovered is that this aspect of the Rosary barely scratches the surface of the gifts it holds. As one repeats the prayers, there are 15 mysteries of the Life of Christ, seen from Mary's point of view, that are remembered, visualized, relived. Standing with Mary on a ground of repeated prayer, watching as her son - now your son, for ultimately you join with her - lives through the joys, sorrows and glories of his life - can open the heart to an experience that there is no separation between sacred and profane, that heaven and earth have always been one, and that faith, hope and love are part of the air we breath regardless of what name we call God.

The Seeker's Guide to the Rosary is the best book I've found that presents the Rosary in this way. It is not written for Catholics only, but speaks to the heart of anyone wishing to explore this beautiful prayer/meditation.

*An excellent overview of using the Rosary is the article "Telling the Rosary" by Christopher Bamford, published in the Garden issue of Parabola (March 2001).

Women in Chant - Recordare
Remembering the Mysteries in the Life of Jesus, Son of Mary

The Choir of Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis

Meditations: Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B.

CD - 65 minutes

Includes a 53 page illustrated booklet with an outstanding discussion of the Rosary and chant, the history of the abbey and its impulse, and full text and translation of the sung text and meditations

$18.98

Recordare - "to remember." Here the Choir of Benedictine Nuns joins Mary, Mother of Jesus, in "pondering all things in her heart." These crystalline chants merge two traditions - the Gregorian tradition of the chant itself and that of the meditated Rosary, the beaded prayer that calls the petitioner to stand with Mary as she experiences the mysteries of her Son's life: The Joyful Mysteries from annunciation to finding her twelve-year-old son in the temple; the Sorrowful Mysteries, beginning with the Agony in the Garden and ending with the Crucifixion; and the Glorious Mysteries proceeding from the Resurrection through to Mary's Enthronement in Heaven.

These chants are not performances, but are the prayers themselves, and this infuses the music and the meditations with a life and depth that moves the heart. The multi-layered, living depth of the Rosary prayer/meditation is given yet another dimension by this beautiful choir. This is music that has the power to heal and move us forward.

The Grail Legend

Emma Jung
and Marie-Louise von Franz

Softbound

$19.95

Emma Jung who, in addition to being married to Carl Jung was also a student of Rudolf Steiner's, made the legend of the Holy Grail her life's work. When she died before completing her work, Marie-Louise von Franz (Carl Jung's best student) took up the task and bought the work to completion. The result is The Grail Legend.

Writing in a clear and readable style, the authors present the Grail legend as a living myth that is profoundly relevant to modern life. We encounter such universal figures as the Fool (the naive young Perceval), the Wise Old Man (the Hermit Gornemanz), the Virgin Maiden (Blancheflor), the Loathly Damsel, and such important theses as the Waste Land, the Trinity, and the vessel of the Grail. Weaving together narrative and interpretation, the authors show us how the legend reflects not only fundamental human problems but also the dramatic psychic events that form the background of our Christian culture.

This is a book that I have found rewarding in both the depth of its insight and the pleasure of its story. A rare combination! Very highly recommended.

Joseph of Arimathea
a Romance of the Grail

Robert de Boron

Translated from the Medieval French by Jean Rogers

Softbound

$10.95

Written around 1200 A. D., probably in monastic circles, this is one of the earliest accounts of the Grail and its importance. It tells, in beautiful images, the story of Joseph of Arimathea's charge of the Holy Grail from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion, where he captures the Blood and the Water in the chalice of the Last Supper; Soon after, he is imprisoned for many years by the Romans, surviving without food and water through the life-giving power of the Holy Grail. When he is freed, a company forms about him to guard the Grail and see it safely to a place where it can be kept for all time.

This is one of the most powerful legends of Christianity - it has a beauty that resonates in the heart long after it is over. If you haven't yet read it or heard it, I can only say, "Do - you'll love it!"

The Ninth Century and the Holy Grail

W. J. Stein

Softbound

$32.00

Walter Johannes Stein was a personal pupil of Rudolf Steiner and one of the founding teachers at the original Waldorf School in Stuttgart. His research of the 9th Century and the various Grail legends coupled with his understanding of reincarnation and karma produced what is really the seminal work on the subject from the perspective of esoteric Christianity: The Ninth Century and the Holy Grail.

In studying the central Grail narrative - Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach - Stein takes a twofold approach. On the one hand he searches historical records in order to identify atual people and events hidden behind the Grail epic's veil of romance. As a counterpoint to that, he deciphers Eschenbach's hidden spiritual messages, revealing Parzival to be an esoteric document containing mighty pictures of the huma beings inner path of development.

Most importantly, Stein reveals the period of the ninth century to be of more than historical and academic interest. It is the karmic ground out of which the destiny of modern times grows - the mighty battle that must take place between the powers of the Grail and those of the anti-Grail.

Note: This is one of those books that has been out-of-print more often than it has been available. We are extremely happy to see it on the shelves once again and encourage you to take advantage of its availablility - it is a truly remarkable work.

Mit den Händen loben wir
Mit dem Herzen singen wir
Mit den Lippen beten wir

With Our Hands We Praise
With Our Hearts We Sing
With Our Lips We Pray

Vision Songs of Joa Bolendas

In German, accompanied by a complete, sensitive translation by Miram Mason

Softbound, beautifully illustrated and designed, half-tone and full-color art reproductions, large format

$39.95

In what is the most beautifully designed and artistically composed book I've ever seen, the vision songs of Joa Bolendas are presented in words and score alongside some of Joa's sketches and commentary. In an outpouring of gifts, the covers offer reproductions of four of Joa's vision paintings, chosen for their immediate connection with the songs.

Where this volume of music needs to be seen to be fully appreciated, the songs themselves beg to be heard to be . . . well, to be believed. Three of the songs presented in Mit den Händen are easily available to English-speaking audiences (thought they are sung in the original German) on Nóirín ní Riain's Vox de Nube. They are among only a very few pieces of music which have moved me to tears (and continue to do so, I might add) through the intensity of their beauty.

If you are an artist or a lover of art, you will want to see this book to discover how it is that a book becomes, in itself, a work of art. If you are a musician, you will want to see and work with these songs, to discover this modern expression of the Spirit. If you are a seeker, you'll want to see the book, discover the music, and live in gratitude with these gifts for a long, long time to come.

Alive in God's World
Human Life on Earth and in Heaven as Described in the Visions of Joa Bolendas

Joa Bolendas

Foreword by Therese Schroeder-Sheker

Compiled, Translated, and Introduced by John Hill

$16.95

I have found enormous wisdom, insight and warmth in the visions of Joa Bolendas. Whenever I have endeavored to carry into my own life a prayer, an attitude, an awareness gleaned from her work, I have always found it to be true and valuable. Working with the world in this way is so fundamentally healing - for oneself and for the world - that my hope is that many more may become aware of her message. This is the message of life lived in awareness of the unity with the divine - and in an awareness that this is to live as a full human being.

Images of the Madonna
A Series of 15 Art Postcards as Recommended by Rudolf Steiner for Meditation toward Healing

Includes general background and specific commentary on each image in English and German

15 Cards plus information sheets in cardstock folder

$19.95

This series of images was suggested to Dr. Felix Peipers by Rudolf Steiner in Munich for use with the patients in Dr. Peipers' clinic, especially those suffering from emotional disturbances. In different contexts, Rudolf Steiner repeatedly mentioned the inherent healing forces in the Madonna images, especially those from Raphael, and their healing properties for treating both distrubed adults and children. The essence of the beneficial effect lies in the sequence which depicts a journey of transformation, both for Madonna and Christ Child.

My own experience is that gazing on these images opens the heart -- it is like receiving one grace-filled gift after another. I also find this meditative sequence very much related to the journey of the Rosary -- the journey of human life through joy and sorrow into resurrection and transformation. Seeing these paintings in relation to each other is quite an experience -- one which I am most happy to at last be able to share with you.

I also want to tell you that I am in awe of the quality of reproduction of these paintings -- especially given the size reduction that was necessary. The detail and color are remarkable and it is obvious that the publishers went to a great deal of effort to make sure that what was produced on the printed surface reflected accurately the original painting. As an example, the image of the full Sistine Madonna is so well done that you can see all the angels in full detail gathered behind the Madonna.

The Way of Saint John of the Cross
A Guide through the Dark Night of the Soul

Susan Muto

Audio Cassettes, approx. 5 hours

$29.95

St. John of the Cross is often referred to as "a master of prayer" or "the ultimate spiritual psychologist." After meeting him for the first time through Susan Muto's gifted presentation, I now understand that here is a treasure that is seldom known outside seminaries, yet reaches into the heart of modern spirituality as though it were written yesterday. I didn't know it before I reviewed these tapes for our bookshop, but I have been longing to know what he has to teach us. I don't think I'm unique in this regard. If you are a spiritual seeker, looking for a path that is as alive and present as it is clear and well-marked, then I gladly recommend this audio presentation to you. I think you'll find as much as I did here.

Susan Muto immerses us in the transformational concepts, symbols and metaphors at the heart of St. John's writing. Drawing from his great masterpieces, The Ascent of Mt. Carmel, The Dark Night of the Soul, The Living Fire of Love and more, Muto offers a new and accesible approach to St. John's "secret wisdom of dark contemplation" - those events in our lives which stretch our faith and our endurance to the breaking point are in fact our greatest teachers.

And all does not remain darkness - just as vividly, St. John describes for us the joyful dawn that awaits us after the midnight hour; the fulfillment and peace that come after the joy; the warm heart that comes with the fulfillment and enables us to go deeper at the next midnight. John knew each and every step of the way so deeply and so intimately that his writings (early 16th century Spain - some done while a prisoner in his own monestary) continue to stand as a beacon of light illuminating the human heart.

I can't recommend this audio series highly enough. If you're uneasy about embarking on a 5 hour listening journey, I can assure you that you can easily listen in whatever few moments you have and come back for more until you are done. I listened to the entire set in 10-15 minute intervals while running errands in my car and never felt lost.

*I should tell you also that the first 20 minutes or so of Muto's presentation are so boring and stiff that I almost stopped listening altogether. I think what happened is that she was very uncomfortable creating a presentation in a recording studio and was reading from her notes in a way that betrayed no enthusiasm at all. But just in the nick of time (for me), she began to talk about John's life, and then her own flame began to burn. Once she connected not with the studio but with St. John and his work, her enthusiasm and joy took hold. The rest of the tapes are like listening to a wise and close friend tell you things you've always wanted to know.

The Easter Festival in the Evolution of the Mysteries

Rudolf Steiner
Translated by Brian Kelly

$7.95

These four lectures will go a long way toward explaining the truly human - as distinct from specifically religious - significance of what the Christian religion celebrates as Easter. Steiner traces the pre-Christian origins of this festival and shows it to be grounded in cosmic-earthly reality has been experienced by humanity throughout time. I think you'll find this perspective to go deeper than most accounts of the history of various festivals. More importantly, I think you'll find it freeing.

The Festivals and their Meaning

Rudolf Steiner

Revised translation
by Matthew Barton

$30.00

This is an anthology of 30 of Rudolf Steiner's most detailed descriptions of the primary Christian festivals. Together they form a picture of deeply held, truly joyful, celebration of events that are cosmic and universal, not secular and specific. The cycle of the year is seen as a living organic development that embraces not only the human being but all creation as well. Steiner sees the traditional form of these Christian holidays as having once bespoken the newest revelation of human evolution. Now, the full cosmic significance of these moments requires new understanding and new forms. If you would like to comprehend the meaning of the festivals from an anthroposophic point of view, this is the cornerstone book.

Festival Images for Today

Fourteen Lectures by
Carlo Pietzner

Softbound

$15.95

This anthology of 14 lectures points to the correspondence of microcosmic or human rhythms with the macrocosmic cycles of the year - acknowledged in what we call festival celebrations. Pietzner describes the inhalation and exhalation of our sense experiences during the course of the year, the connection of deep esoteric traditions and Christian striving with the gentle progression of nature, and the attempt to focuse our consciousness toward specific and important moments during the year.

I especially like that he makes an effort at every turn to link the phenomena and images of daily life with the grand events of the festivals that create each year anew. His insights are warm, human, caring and loving - his intent to help others by bringing us ways to enliven our world is so apparent. I think that if you are looking for a way to both understand and celebrate the festivals of the year, you will love this book

The Four Seasons and the Archangels

Rudolf Steiner
Translated by Pauline Wehrle

$20.00

These five lectures are among our favorites. The beauty of Steiner's portrayal of the activities of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel at the four pillars of the year is breathtaking. These lectures picture the alchemy of the cosmos, human beings, plants, animals and minerals moving together through the all the forces of elemental nature to find the balance point of the Earth's true goal. Highly recommended as another key doorway to understanding the cosmic significance of the turning of the year.

The Cycle of the Year as a Breathing Process of the Earth

Lectures by
Rudolf Stiener

Softbound

$15.95

Human beings must attain an esoteric maturity in order to think not merely abstractly, but to be able to think so concretely that they can again become festival-creating. Then it will be possible again to unite something spiritual with the cycle of sense phenomena.

- Rudolf Steiner (in The Cycle of the Year as a Breathing Process of the Earth)

In these five lectures given at Easter in 1923, Rudolf Steiner lays a foundation for celebrating the Christian festivals - Christmas, Easter, St. John's, and Michaelmas - in a fully conscious way. He begins by describing how the festival year evolved over long ages from the cycle of inbreathing and outbreathing that the forces which are the Earth's soul element carry out in relation to the cosmos. He reveals the deep relationship of humankind to the Earth's seasons, to the time of the solstices and the equinoxes, and through the festivals of the seasons to the Christ Being. The esoteric realities behind the festivals are also discussed in relation to subearthly and superearthly forces, the ancient Mysteries, St. Michael's activity, morality, and the arts.