For human life unfolds its essence in a mutual give and take in spiritual matters.

It is natural for those who wish to make Anthroposophy part of their lives,

to seek its cultivation through a society.

Rudolf Steiner, 'Letters to the Members'

 The General Anthroposophical Society was founded by Rudolf Steiner at a conference which took place over Christmas of 1923 at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. It aims to provide opportunities for those who are striving to nurture the life of soul both in the individual and in human society to meet with others to work together on the basis of a true knowledge of the spiritual world. Since 1923, the General Anthroposophical Society has spread throughout the world and the Anthroposophical Society in New Zealand is a national group of that General Anthroposophical Society. Membership is open to everyone regardless of nationality, cultural background, scientific or artistic conviction, or religious belief. It is entirely non-sectarian, and non-political. The sole criterion for membership is "to consider as justified the existence of an institution such as the Goetheanum in Dornach, in its capacity as the School of Spiritual Science

It is a Society of individuals who are both entitled and encouraged to develop their own convictions. Respect for the freedom of the individual is of paramount importance, and no member is expected to have any commitment to either Anthroposophy or the General Anthroposophical Society apart from that which is freely self-imposed. It is, therefore, not essential that anyone wishing to join already has an extensive knowledge of Anthroposophy, but only that he or she joins so as to better acquire or enhance their knowledge of Anthroposophy. However, it is expected that an applicant will have had sufficient contact with members of the Anthroposophical Society in New Zealand to both understand and wish to support the Society's aims as outlined in its Statutes. The Statutes of the General Anthroposophical Society were given to the members by Rudolf Steiner at the Christmas Foundation Meeting in 1923. They characterise the basis on which the Anthroposophical Society is constituted, and the School of Spiritual Science is incorporated into it. They describe the nature of working and living together in a human community that has arisen from the spiritual impulses of our time.

The members of the Executive Council at the Goetheanum are; Virginia Sease, Heinz Zimmermann, Paul Mackay, Bodo von Plato, Sergei Prokofieff, Cornelius Pietzner and Seija Zimmermann.

Goetheanum contact details are:

The General Anthroposophical Society Administrative Office

PO Box 134 CH 4143 Dornach 1, Switzerland

Phone (0041 61) 706 4242 Fax (0041 61) 706 4314