Anthroposophy (noun)
[an-thro-POS-o-phy] Steiner chose the term anthroposophy (from Greek anthropo-, 'human', and sophia 'wisdom') to emphasize this philosophy's humanistic orientation. He defined it as "a scientific exploration of the spiritual world.”
ABOUT US:
The term “Anthroposophy” can be a stumbling block in itself. It means "wisdom of the human being." This wisdom implies insight into the human being in terms of body, soul, and spirit. This wisdom has been with us since time immemorial, and Rudolf Steiner stood for a conscious, wakeful approach, in keeping with the modern, scientific mindset. It has been a hallmark of our local branch (formerly Pioneer Valley Branch) to honor independence and openness in working with this "Science of the Spirit.”
The Sojourner Branch, located in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts, is organized as a branch of the Anthroposophical Society in America (ASA) for the purposes of building community that promotes personal spiritual development, as well as social, cultural, educational, and scientific activities arising from the work of Rudolf Steiner, through study groups, lectures, artistic performances, and seasonal festivals.
The spiritual center of the group is located in Hampshire County with thriving anthroposophical initiatives, including The Hartsbrook School, in Hadley, and the biodynamic-inspired Brookfield Farm in Amherst (see other initiatives on the Affiliates & Resources page.
We strive to attain the goals set out by Rudolf Steiner in his Letter to Members, January 13, 1924, regarding the Foundation of the General Anthroposophical Society during the Christmas Meeting at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, which can be read on the Rudolf Steiner Archive website here.
“The Anthroposophical Society is to be an association of people whose will it is to nurture the life of the soul, both in the individual and in human society, on the basis of a true knowledge of the spiritual world.”
An “open heart and comprehensive mind..."
Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy
The collective insights of Dr. Steiner’s body of work inspired endeavors in fields as far ranging as agriculture (biodynamic farming), education (Waldorf), child care, elder care, care of the disabled, health and medicine, therapeutic movement, art and architecture worldwide. These global initiatives brought a renewed knowledge of the spiritual dimension of life while addressing practical challenges in the world. To make this wisdom, or anthroposophy, accessible, Rudolf Steiner, together with many active coworkers, worked tirelessly to make his uncommonly broad and deep insights fruitful for a great many endeavors which are cultivated in the world today. More about Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy.