The School of Spiritual Science is the active esoteric centre of the anthroposophical movement. The centre of the School is at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland but members of the School work within New Zealand and throughout the world.

 

The School of Spiritual Science is often referred to as the First Class and Rudolf Steiner had intended to develop three Class levels, but only the first was founded. The School was set up in order to further the work of those who are prepared to be responsible for and to be active in the anthroposophical cause. In the Anthroposophical Society it is a question of getting to know Anthroposophy, in the School above and beyond this there is an engaged and co-operatively practiced work towards fulfilling the anthroposophical cultural impulse's spiritual and practical goals.

 

Anyone may seek admission to the school who has made themselves acquainted with anthroposophically oriented spiritual schooling paths and has formed for themselves a clear picture of the task of Anthroposophy. It is expected that members of the School maintain as close and lively a connection as possible with other representatives of anthroposophical work.

 

The General Anthroposophical Society is for all members, and the only requirement of membership is that a person accepts as justified the existence of the School of Spiritual Science as the kernel of the General Anthroposophical Society.

There is a process whereby members who wish to deepen their esoteric knowledge and take responsibility for the Society apply to and are admitted to the First Class of the School of Spiritual Science.

 

When a person makes the decision to join the Anthroposophical Society they may wish to know what responsibility this brings with it. Rudolf Steiner wanted the Anthroposophical Society to be open and available to all human beings striving towards spiritual development. "Anyone can become a member without regard to nationality, social standing, religious, scientific or artistic conviction, who considers as justified the existence of an institution such as the Goetheanum in Dornach, in its capacity as a school of spiritual science."

 

It is only on choosing to become a member of the School of Spiritual Science that a member takes on responsibility for the Society. The School of Spiritual Science offers a path of inner development that brings with it knowledge and understanding that we, as human beings, carry responsibility for the world, the cosmos and its future. We have the possibility to consciously work with the Spirit of our Time, Michael, who can only act on our initiative and action. In the words of Heinz Zimmerman, "Michael is a spirit of initiative. He is active when we have presence of mind. He is a risk taker!"

To participate in the class is to work actively with meditation, self knowledge and spiritual science.

 

Though there is no official time that a person is a member before applying to the School of Spiritual Science, it is normal for a member to wait two years before joining the Class. This gives each individual the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the writings and meditations given in books and lectures such as ‘Occult Science' and ‘Knowledge of Higher Worlds' by Rudolf Steiner.

Application for membership is made through a class holder in the local area. In an interview the class holder outlines the conditions of membership. It is important that the applicant, through the conversation, be enabled to make as conscious a decision as possible. The application is then forwarded to the leadership of the General Section at the Goetheanum in Dornach. The following list of class holders welcome all conversation of interest or intent.

 

Class Holders

KERIKERI

Class reader contact: Trudy Schladitz, 130 Landing Road, Kerikeri 0230. Ph: 09 407 7400. Class lessons every 2nd Sunday of the month.

 

AUCKLAND

Class contacts: Billie Roigard-Bevan, 2/26 Springcombe Road, St Heliers, Auckland 1071. Ph: 09 575 7893.

Jose Kakebeeke, 90 Michaels Avenue, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051. Ph: 09 579 1112.

Class lessons every 1st Sunday at 10.00, every 3rd Sunday at 15.00, every 4th Sunday at 10.30 (class discussion), of the month.

Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 104 Michaels Avenue, Auckland.

 

COROMANDEL

Class reader contact: Marie Buchler, P0 Box 13 085, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3251. Ph: 07 829 5207.

 

TAURANGA/ROTORUA

Class contact: Janet Molloy, 34 Ranginul Road, Welcome Bay, Tauranga 3112. Ph: 07 544 8840.

 

HASTINGS

Class contact: Sue Simpson, P O Box 8279, Havelock North. Ph: 06 877 6656.

Class lesson every 1st Saturday at 11.00 and class discussion at 0930 of the month.

Venue: Anthroposophical Centre in Hastings, corner of Nelson Street East/Whitehead Road.

 

WELLINGTON

Class contact: Mariel Rosalind, 231 Ohiro Road, Brooklyn, Wellington 6021. Ph: 04 384 4884.

Class lesson every 1st Saturday at 10.00 and class conversation at 09.00 of the

month. Venue: Anthroposophical Centre, 19 Bristol Square, Lower Hutt.

 

CHRISTCHURCH

Class contact: Helen Snowdon, 51 St. Andrews Hill Road, St. Andrews Hill, Christchurch 8081. Ph. 03 384 1439.

Class lesson every 2nd Sunday at 20.00 and class discussion at 19.00 of the month.

Venue: Novalis House, 275 Fifield Terrace, Waltham, Christchurch.

 

DUNEDIN AND NELSON/MOTUEKA

Class contact: Hans van Florenstein Mulder, 18 Grants Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053. Ph: 03 354 4447.