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Memorial GatheringDaniel Bittleston

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Memorial Gathering
Daniel Bittleston
July 17,1938 -February 2, 2024
4PM – 6PM

Paloma Hall

Daniel John Bittleston passed away in the early morning of February 2nd at the age of 85.  Many know that he had a series of cardiac problems since the Fall but had remained active until the very end.
Daniel was a beloved member of the branch, serving for many years as a member of our core group.  He also served for some years as a class holder of the First Class.  Before locating in Santa Cruz, he was a Waldorf teacher for many years, both in his native UK and here in America.
His home on Moore Street in Santa Cruz was, for many years, a veritable salon of artists and anthroposophists as well as tenant students. He was an amazing storyteller, who taught workshops on storytelling and on understanding Shakespeare. Daniel could bring people to tears and to laughter across the span of just a few minutes. He created and edited the Imagination Troubadour publication, and loved to encourage creativity and imagination in others. His craftsmanship in installing and refinishing hardwood floors is reflected all around the area in the homes of many of us and locations such as Paloma Hall.
Daniel was father to 6 children, from 3 marriages: Mathew, Misha, and Mia with Su, Evamarie and Leonora with Reirin, and Elijah with Deborah. He also had two stepchildren, Megan and Brian, and 4 grandchildren: Leunamme, Cypress, Julien, and Zaiya. He was so proud of all his children and loved to discuss their accomplishments.  
Two very dear elements of anthroposophy were the Foundation Stone meditation, which was never far from his heart, and his beloved Oberufer Play, which he participated in from his earliest childhood through a dozen years here in Santa Cruz as actor, producer, and director.
His many warm social connections run through the branch like a finely woven thread.
His body is being watched over in vigil by many friends until this Monday.
Friends and family can share a song, poem or short story. We hope to honor his love of people sharing their creativity in community with others.
Please note that in consideration of the 6PM branch event (see below), we will begin to clear the hall at 5:50PM.

Kolisko Institute Webinar

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Kolisko Institute Webinar:
February 17, 1 – 2 PM CT

Free Are we, as individual anthroposophists, part of the anthroposophical movement?When he laid the Foundation Stone at the Christmas Conference (1923/24) R. Steiner stated that with that Mystery Act the Anthroposophical Movement and the Anthroposophical Society became one. 
What did he mean by these intrinsically complicated concepts?
These questions may seem theoretical but, in actuality they address the very identity of each one of us. 
How did he expect us to conduct our lives in view of these statements?
100 years later can we develop fresh new insights based on R. Steiner’s work –
and perhaps aided by the inspirations of the Michael students that have passed the threshold.
The webinar will show practical (and practicable) steps forward. 
Please join us for the free live presentation-later online availability for a fee. 
Your presence will be essential!
Register Here
Please log into the waiting room in advance. Entry after start time will not be allowed.For the Kolisko Team,Ross Rentea MD

A Festival of Unbornness: The Journey Toward Birth

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The Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Branch is pleased to present:
Mary Stewart Adams
General Secretary and President
Anthroposophical Society in America
Christine Burke
Western Regional Council, ASA
A Festival of Unbornness:The Journey Toward Birth
Sunday February 4, 2024 at 6PM
 Paloma Hall, 4096 Fairway Drive, Soquel, CA

Join us at a special branch meeting on Sunday, February 4 where we host two key members of our national society, Mary Stewart Adams and Christine Burke. Together, they will weave a tapestry of spiritual research, story and poetry out of the ancient understanding of the human pre-birth experience.

The timing closely coincides with the Winter Cross Quarter, traditionally celebrated as the 40th day after Christmas (February 2).  The Winter Cross Quarter marks the halfway point in the winter season and is variously celebrated as Ground Hog’s Day, Candlemas, and Imbolc. Each of these celebrations is related to inner light and inner purification, in preparation for the year’s mystery. 
In the work of Rudolf Steiner, this time of year is also delightfully described as the season when all the souls that will come to birth in the year are gathered into the Moon sphere. 
Mary Stewart Adams will also share a short perspective from her new role as General Secretary.
We hope you will join us.

For over twenty years, under the title of Star Lore Historian, Mary Stewart Adams has worked as a dark skies advocate, to raise awareness about the effects of light pollution and to make known the mysteries of the starry skies from environmental, cultural, and anthroposophical perspectives.

Mary first encountered the work of Rudolf Steiner at age 18 in 1981 and met Hazel Straker, a pioneer in Astrosophy, in 1996. These two destiny moments have shaped much of her life path, which, together with her education in literary arts, continue to inspire her work and research. She joined the School for Spiritual Science in 2000.

Mary has four children, and since accepting the position of General Secretary for the Anthroposophical Society in America, she makes her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Christine Burke sits on the Western Regional Council of the Society.  She is a Logodynamics Practitioner / Speech Artist, Community Gatherer, Communication Professor.

The Western Regional Council’s (WRC) primary task is to connect people and to encourage the circulation of anthroposophical ideas and initiatives in the American West. The WRC seeks to deepen esoteric and community life through visits with groups and branches, meeting with local members in person or online. 

We request our usual donation of $20
or $10 for current paid branch members.

Inauguration of the First Class of the School for Spiritual Science

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An online talk by Peter Selg

February 10 at 9 am Pacific Coast Time

Description

This event is offered by the Faust Branch in Sacramento, California.

REGISTER HERE

More information

At the 1923 Christmas Conference, Rudolf Steiner re-founded the Anthroposophical Society. In the months following, Steiner lectured many times about karma and reincarnation.  Of particular note, are twelve talks given in Dornach between February 16 and March 23.   

In this same period, Steiner gave a series of lectures, presenting “Esoteric Lessons for the First Class of the School for Spiritual Science.  These inaugurated “The First Class.”

To mark the centenary of these lecture cycles, Dr. Peter Selg is offering two on-line presentations accessible to friends in North America. 

Dr. Peter Selg is one of the leading figures in the Anthroposophical movement. Trained as a medical doctor with a specialty in pediatric psychiatry, he has practiced, done research, and taught at several noted Anthroposophical medical institutions. In 2006, he founded The Ita Wegman Institute for Basic Research into Anthroposophy in Arlesheim, Switzerland, and still directs that organization.  Dr. Selg is Co-leader of the General Anthroposophical Section of the School for Spiritual Science and member of the Goetheanum leadership committee.  A prolific author, he has written literally scores of books and articles dealing with Dr. Steiner, Anthroposophy, and the many sister movements.