Dear Friends,
Beyond offering an opportunity to participate with other members in branch life, Members’ Evenings provide a means to participate in a world-wide movement through work with the annual theme suggested by the executive council (Vorstand) at the Goetheanum. Insights coming out of anthroposophy show that when many over the world are able to form one body of thought in this way, a powerful spiritual organism is being created, one which both unites and inspires those who contribute their earnest effort.

Members’ Evenings also offer the essential ingredient of social life with other like-minded individuals. Our developing individualities are guided by angel beings along life paths that unfold through the laws of karma. Beyond angels in the spiritual world are the archangels, higher beings who work with groups and nations, and who work from soul to soul. We broaden our being when we work with the archangels. Although it is possible through individual study to raise ourselves to very high level in the spirit, without communion with others of like mind, we remain cramped and contracted. The ego can suffocate without this breathing from soul to soul. Joining in a circle of souls within a network or archangelic organization is the next step beyond personal cultivation of spirit.

Valuing and living in the themes together constitutes a spiritual breathing that moves over the earth and through the heavens. This can fill the individual with a powerful communion, inspiring and expanding the ego into love. This love is a fiery word that speaks to members who participate in the stream coming from the theme of the year.

David Anderson