Waldorf Advent Verse

As advent is here, I wanted to share the traditional verse used week by week to deepen our connection to the world around us in preparation for christmas. Steiner intended Anthroposophy as a tool for people of all faith to deepen their spirituality, understanding of themselves and others, and our place in the universe.

I feel that deep reflection of the themes presented by Steiner for each week of advent really do help deepen our understanding and connection of our place in the universe during this season as we await for light. Its a beautiful process for people of all faiths to partake in.

The first light of Advent is the light of stone–.

Light that lives in crystals, seashells, and bones.

The second light of Advent is the light of plants–

Plants that reach up to the sun and in the breezes dance.

The third light of Advent is the light of beasts–

All await the birth, from the greatest and in least.

The fourth light of Advent is the light of humankind–

The light of hope that we may learn to love and understand.”

See also my post on - Waldorf Advent Traditions here

Happy Advent to all! Peace and love

K x

The Waldorf Advent Spiral

The advent spiral is synonymous with Waldorf Education and probably one of the most beautiful displays I have ever seen. The book 'All year Round' by 'Anna Druitt, Christine Fynes-Clinton and Marije Rowling describes the Advent Spiral with such magic I had to include it here

Many years ago some of our friends introduced us to a delightful way of celebrating the beginning of Advent: The floor of a large room had been cleared and a path was laid out, spiralling inwards. Moss and greenery edged the path and a small tree stump stood in the centre of the spiral, bearing a tall lighted candle. beautiful stones and crystals were set in the greenery, and stars of gold card shone at the sides of the path. The room was lit by a few candles, and as adults and children took their seats, the soft music of the flute, lyre and xylophone set the mood. The celebration began with a story for the children, followed by carol singing for everyone. During the singing, each child approached the entrance of the spiral path to receive a white candle in a shiny red apple, which they carried toward the centre of the spiral.

The Spiral itself is not just a Waldorf tradition, spirals of light can be found in all cultures and is often attributed to re-birth , times and seasons and the spiritual realm

The Advent Spiral in Waldorf Celebrations honours the seasons of light and dark, and the coming together of humanity to light the world together.

Beautiful Symbolism.

The advent spiral is full of symbolic meaning, physically the spiral represents the celestial seasons, the outer spiral marking the summer solstice the longest day of the year, the centre marking the shorter days and the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. On a personal and spiritual level walking to the centre of the spiral not only reflects this change in seasons, but also reflects our inner growth. Finding our own inner light, own own inner strength, beauty and knowledge which we give as gifts to the world. Walking back out of the spiral, symbolic of us carrying these newly found gifts within us and back to the world to share over the coming year.

Evergreens are often used to line the spiral walk. They represent longevity, life and strength. Trees which weather the harshest of climates in our world, not going dormant, not needing to sleep .The Evergreen path therefore represents the power of life and strength not only our lives as human beings but the power of nature our lives are supported by. Just as each week of advent places particular significance to the natural world, so natural items are dotted around the spiral, in harmony with the evergreen and reflecting the wonderful diverse nature of the world around us.

Apples, so often used as candle holders at an advent spiral hold great symbolism in Waldorf Education, from a simple snack time song, to the symbol of hidden potential. The apple seeds present inside the apple represent the adult present inside the child waiting to sprout, to flourish and develop through nurture and nature, kindness and love.

Beeswax candles are not only symbolic of natures abundance, in China and some other eastern cultures, beeswax candles are considered a symbol of eternal love and warmth. As eternal love and warmth is present around children.

How could you recreate this at home?

A simple seasonal display, some evergreens, a beeswax candle and apple along with some natural treasures could bring all this symbolism and reverence for your child, and their journey in the advent season to your home!

(featured image copyright and used with permission from @sarahssilks)

Quadrant 'Ore - 40 hours of devotion

This past weekend was the Feast of Christ the King.

The feast day of the school I went to in Manchester and which my children attended before we moved. In the Parish Church it’s marked by Quarant ‘Ore (40 hours of devotion) to the Blessed Sacrament. Over 300 candles adorn the Altar all donated by parishioners all bearing family names, names of those in the parish, names of loved ones passed away. It is a spectacular sight and as we were once told by the Bishop of Salford the most beautiful he has ever seen outside of Rome. I highly recommend anyone to go and visit next year if you are religious or not. The church is quiet, peaceful and serene a place for thought ahead of the busy festive season which can be so overwhelming.