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Alan speaks in a very symbolic and esoteric manner in some parts of his books. Although they can be read anthroposophically, passages speaking of Atlantis, archangels, gods, etc. do not need to be taken literarily to be meaningful. The more you read, the more you will realize he uses many different religions to express ideas in a symbolic manner and not in a religious manner. His writings are not religious. In some places his writings are meant to refer to religious events in a historical way. In some places he is using religious figures (from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Paganism, Ancient Roman and Greek Religions, etc.) in a symbolic manner. However, at no point is he promoting a specific religion or speaking from a religious point of view.
I have kept the writing as close to one-hundred percent original so you will also find that he speaks of Australia often and some spelling or manners of speaking may be cultural. Any words I have changed are presented like this: <word>.
Also keep in mind that these books are written by a Waldorf teacher with decades of experience who also studied with a Steiner student himself, so he speaks to an audience that is dedicating their lives to the Waldorf method without exception.
Because of this, all of his views are not reflected in the Earthschooling curriculum and not all of them may be ones you want to embrace or are able to use. In all of Alan Whitehead’s writings the opinions are his own and may not align with Earthschooling or Waldorf Books. In some cases, we will be updating some of these chapters in the future with additional and/or updated information.
Ultimately, however, as I read through these passages I find I can distill wisdom from even those paragraphs that do not resonate with me.
We invite you to read with an open mind and heart and with eagerness to learn and discuss…
VOICE OF FIRE
Stories of Agriculture – Class 3 – Main Lesson
The kelpie rushed out and barked wildly as the teacher, one Persephone, parked her silver hatchback under the scarlet embrace of a spreading Poinciana tree.
“Go orn – git out!!” growled the farmer as he strode out to meet her, his size 12 riding boots raising small dust eddies. Persephone looked up in alarm. “No, not you Miss, the dorg – g’won, skit!” The black and white working dog melted into the shade of a tractor and watched.
‘Thank you for giving me the time,” said Persephone smiling sweetly, as she gathered her folders together “as I explained on the phone, I have to teach a ‘Farming’ main lesson to my Class 3. It’s the ‘life sciences’ strand of the Science curriculum; but being a city girl, I don’t know anything about the land.”
“Glad to help; you’ll know a lot more when this lesson’s finished I’ll be bound. It lasts for 3 weeks don’t it? Let’s see – 15 days times 2 hours – that’s 30 hours teaching! – more than some of these young fullas do in tech these days. Then they come out and call themselves farmers. Mark my words, farming’s something that takes a long time to learn, some people are even born to it, never knowing any other kind of life. Whatever, you’re never a real farmer till you have soil funning through your veins.”
Persephone tried to ignore this curious metaphor as she suggested they talk at the table under the poinciana tree, surrounded by a carpet of fire from the fallen blossom.
“What are these red flowers, Warathahs or something?’
Farmer realized that he was dealing with a real beginner here! Mind you, not a bad looking one though. So they made themselves comfortable on either side of the rough wooden table, just in time to see a delicate fiery flower drift down and land between them – “A good omen.” She thought. Then the dog pressed his cold nose to her thigh, and she banged her leg on the table!
“I suppose there are many hazards to living on a farm?” she began, rubbing her knee.
“Yeah; it would be good to tell the children that farming is Australia can be a dangerous game – not like them softies from Europe! That’s why farmin’ got off to a poor start here. Those people just tried to import European methods. Of course today this country is a cornucopia to the world – and will become more so Farmers regularly deal with flood, drought, fire, disease, vermin…”
Farmer went on for some time in this vein about the tribulations of life on the land. It seems it was always either too hot, cold, wet or dry! Persephone’s sore kneed seemed insignificant in comparison. At last he paused, so he set in quickly. “I think you’ll find that’s ‘cornucopia’ – oh never mind. I’m going to base my main lesson on a story – a tale of agricultural discovery. Naturally I’ll have a bit of magic to carry me over the difficult bits; like how a family becomes lost, and how, over time, they have to establish – in Swiss Family Robinson style – their own food resources from wild plants and animals.
The story might serialize over 12 days, introducing a different rural commodity each day. In one case, the young boy (9-years-old!) might set traps to catch wild fowl – their incipient poultry industry. Another day we might find how they (humanity!) discovered and cultivated grains and…”
“I like that – by the way, I know the Robinson’s, they’ve got a place about 30 miles away. You could even show how, with selective grafting, the story family created the modern fruit tree from its smaller and bitterer descendants.”
“Ah, I think you’ll find that’s “predecessors’.”
“What are? And how about stock? Surely there were wild sheep in the hills, but hang on.. this can’t be Australia… oh I see, ‘magic’! ‘Anyland’ yes? Ha, ha!”
“Stock you call them eh?” Persephone jotted down some notes “I thought an afternoon block lesson on, say, bees, might complement the more imaginative/academic approach in the morning. Of course one wouldn’t use this valuable ‘head’ part of the day for a specifically ‘hand’ activity. We might learn the origin of vegetables in the morning, and plant them in the afternoon.”
“Hmmm, I see,” murmured Farmer as he watched his sneaky dog sniffing round the little hatchback “although there is a strong knowledge base to agriculture – science even – the children should still get their hands dirty, even in the mains lesson, or whatever you call it. For a start, they might learn the simple process of Ph soil testing. Any study of agriculture (‘soil culture’) begins with this magical, living element, soil – meaning ‘sun’ (Latin ‘solum’).
Have you ever thought how unlikely it is that a cabbage can emerge from this apparently dead matter?” he kicked a clod to pieces to emphasize his point. The dog spoked for a moment, then trotted away; someone else was coming – what a busy day! Farmer drawled on.
“Soil-composition testing would be great for children too. Just collect various soil samples, from as wide a range as possible – the beach, bush, garden, backyard even. Put a small amount in a long bottle, fill it with water, shake, and let settle. You will have an exact picture of each soil’s composition from the lightest – grass, fine mud, etc., some even floating on the top – right down through light clay, sand, and finally gravel at the bottom. A real pretty picture it is too, in its earth-toned laminates. There is no other simple way to garner this vital growing information.
Then there are soil spectrographs; these tell us the amount and kind of life forces in the soil – it’s a bit esoteric, but as practical as a dog’s nose. Only us Bio-dynamic farmers do this, appreciating as we do the artistic element involved – art and science are truly complementary in agriculture. The color flowers found on the blotting paper, which are created by the invisible etheric forces of the soil are… um, they’re…”
“Breathtaking? Profound?”
“Yeah, that’s it.”
“Can I see one of those?” said Persephone, her voice warm with anticipation. As there was no answer, Farmer’s attention having been captured by something in the distance, she went on. “I was thinking about the role of Bio-dynamics in this lesson. I intend to insinuate the principles into the story, without stating it overtly. There is a 3-week unit on Bio-dynamic Agriculture programmed for Class 12.
This spiritually informed Class 12 unit consciously reflects, in practical as well as theoretical terms, what the children have absorbed allegorically in Class 3. In fact, I suppose I should read the Bio-dynamic literature to acquaint myself with the wisdom-filled principles involved. But there’s nothing like getting it from you, from the horse’s mouth, I …er, I didn’t mean!!”
“Haw, Haw, haw!” guffawed Farmer, his long, lugubrious face bearing more than a passing resemblance to a Percheron. “You could do worse than compare me with a horse; farming life in this country was born in the saddle. In fact a fun-down of the history of agriculture in Australia would be a great idea. Tell how it led from simple wide-acre and grazing, to the huge variety of rural pursuits we find today: horse studs; hatcheries; poultry; timber; nursery; oil growing; dairy; apiary; horticulture; herbs; vines …”
Persephone’s mind drifted as farmer continued with his interminable list. She felt content in the knowledge that Bio-dynamic practices were entering all areas of agriculture – like yeast in a loaf. B.D. farms were linking with other wholesome methods as well, such as the ancient Chinese Feng Shui. These people harness this old Atlantean perceptive power in understanding the earth as a living being, manifesting in the twin elements of air and water. Feng Shui is the ‘body’ of an understanding of nature; Atlantis heralded the descent of the physical/material body.
And then there’s Permaculture, the ‘soul’; their methods are helping dead earth to live again in countries all over the world; especially those of the 3rd World. These practices are not based on the elements so much, rather the ‘temperament’ of the earth (Hot-dry, cold-wet, etc.).
Bio-dynamics explores the mysteries of the Earth Spirit itself, and its relationship to the cosmos. So we see body, soul and spirit, a truly holistic approach to earth healing. The farm community can’t afford to neglect any of these if the decline in health of our planetary Mother is to be halted – and indeed reversed. Oh how the poisoners, polluters and exploiters have triumphed … these could indeed be the villains of the story, woven in metaphorical images of course. This lesson is not one of blame, but of awakening.
Perhaps the nasty one can be, um, The Poisoner; his mission, to oppose the soil’s healing forces, such as that natural soil medicine, weeds! Or he might force poor protesting plants to grow to his will, with pump-up fertilizers and the like. He would be a villain who imposes mono-culture on the groaning land, offending the First Law of Life – Variety; health through species variation.
“turf; sugar can; dog breeding; mushrooms … are you listening? Anyway, there’s plenty more agricultural pursuits where they came from. I suppose in any portrayal of farming, you have to deal briefly with climate, topography, wildlife, hydrology – astronomy even!”
He does go on with those lists of his – thought Persephone, as she looked around at the beautiful farm nestling in a valley. Hills and vales were clothed in a tapestry of greens, browns, and golds. “A Bio-dynamic farm always looks so… so, artistic? All the elements, like grazing land, forest, orchard, flowers, water – and human habitation even – seem to be in harmony. Everything – earth, plant, animal, man – is complementary, in balance. I must remember to emphasize this artistry in building in their imaginations an archetypal farm for the class. Science and art – truth and beauty – must be mutually supporting if life is to flourish. Of course in Australia exceptions to this can be made in the essentially broad-acre cultivation of inland areas of this wide, brown land.
In fact, in describing the creation of a farm, I will have to include the ‘karma of place’; every land area has its own long-term destiny, like people. In this case it could stretch all the way back to the great earth-forming convulsions of Ancient Lemuria. What a happy karma a piece of land has which becomes a B.D. farm!”
“…diseases; pests; geography of agriculture; history of same; crop provenance… here you could describe how all of today’s stunning variety of citrus came from a fairly insignificant rainforest tree in South-east Asia. Then there’s composting; fertilizing; irrigation…”
“Yes – er, thank you. I was thinking of taking my class on a camping excursion to the various farming areas within easy reach of the school. Ah, any ideas there?”
“Now you’re talkin’ – get ‘em out amongst it eh? You could visit – just in this, say, 200 kilometer area – a citrus orchard; vineyard – even let them have a tiny sip of wine eh!; an apiary; a sheep/wheat property; pome fruits – which usually have conning facilities nearby – very interesting; and er, a Bio-dynamic farm…”
“You mean I can bring them here!?”
“Well why not – they can camp down there by the creek, near the swimming hole. And if it’s next month, the strawberries will be ripe. I’m spraying with that ol’ cosmic sweetener, 501, tomorrow. The fruit will just melt in their gobs – er, sorry, in their little mouths. Maybe you could first introduce them to the concept of that great farming partnership, silica and lime. The 2 main B.D. preparations use these substances, as do even ‘straight’ farmers, with their constant concern over acid and alkali soils (silica and lime respectively). When the children come they can help me dig out the cow horns, and stir and spread the 500 (that’s the ‘lime’ prep). A real taste of farm work for them! Hey, this is gonna be fun!”
I’m glad I’m not bringing them here to learn English – thought Persephone, rather gratuitously she later considered. And so did Demeter, who was privy to the thought, as she was to all that was taking place under the Poinciana tree. The dog naturally knew she was there, but kept his peace. He would never bark at a goddess, especially the Earth Goddess herself! Besides, he knew her well enough, she was a fairly regular visitor to the farm (and other well-fun Bio-dynamic establishments).
She looked particularly beautiful today, in a matronly kind of way, or so thought Farmer (even he caught glimpses of her on his good days). She held as usual her symbol of power, the sheaf of wheat. Her Dragon Chariot was parked some distance away, probably not to alarm the dog, after all, you never knew what Dragons would do next! They were such sensitive creatures, restive, with fire darting form their nostrils. This farm was one of Demeter’s regular stop-offs, sue to the power with which working B.D. farms harnessed cosmic forces of growth and plenitude. Sun, moon, stars – and earth – all in harmony!
“Nothing goes in his farm gate in terms of fertilizers, etc.; but a lot of high-quality produce sure leaves – how does he do it?!” Farmer’s neighbors often mused – Demeter would merely smile. As she watched the two friends in the shade of the fiery-flowered tree, she recalled the flint of arrogance in Persephone’s soul. She gathered her voluminous drapes around her generous loins, and bent down to whisper in Farmer’s ear. He looked up rather puzzled, and said to Persephone.
“Maybe you can do me a favor; we’re a bit short on culture out here in the bush. How about helping us set up an arts program? You know, music, painting, poetry – this sort of thing. I’d like to work on me English a bit; maybe we could do some drama and speech work? I hear you’re pretty good at that.”
Persephone paled – had he read her thoughts?! She started as the dog scrambled from under the table to chase the Dragon Chariot into the distance. Streamers of flame from the firedrakes breath created a wake of scarlet – for those with eyes to see – against the blue sky. A token bark is enough to show them I mean business! Thought the dog.
“Why, er, certainly – I’d love to. This would build a bridge between town and country as nothing else can. Usually it’s a one-way road; you produce the Staff of Life, and we eat it! Yes, we could start with some speech work. How about next week?”
“Ahem – back to the class; I was just thinking how apt it is to have the Farming main lesson in Class 3. In the Educational Zodiac, starting with Cancer in Class 1, we arrive at Virgo in Class 3. The Virgin is a rural/fertility sign – Demeter in Greece – which is usually depicted as a female figure holding a sheaf of wheat. All B.D. (and other wholesome) farms are said to be, not only a re-enactment, but a progression of the Virgo/Demeter/Ceres Mysteries. In a sense, my 9-year-olds are experiencing – unconsciously – a Virgoan year, accounting no doubt for their obsessive interest in growing things – you should see their tomatoes – we used these in our Cooking afternoon block lesson; this complements, in a practical way, the Farming main lesson.”
Gawd she does go on – thought Farmer as he scuffled the dog’s soft tummy with a dust-covered riding boot, then he said “Although a lot of farming isn’t about food, a good way to sheet home the importance of life on the land is to eat the produce – consciously I mean. Maybe on the last day of the main lesson, you could ask the children to bring in various food stuffs – for a class feast! Before devouring it all, describe the origins of each product – even the salt! The youngsters will be amaze at the network of skills – and wills; the sheer human effort required to fill their table. This amazement will transform in time to respect, then gratitude – then a desire to contribute something back. It’s really next week you’re coming to teach us speech yes?
Anyhow, a study strand of the various agricultural deities would be nourishment, not to their bodies, but to their young souls. For instance your namesake, Persephone, or Roman Proserpine, is Demeter’s daughter She is allowed to dance in the sunlight of the upper earth for only half of the year – Spring and Summer actually, the growing season (in Europe anyway). These stories portray the Spirit behind the living, manifest world. Persephone is an imaginative embodiment of the Will of the earth in bringing forth its rich harvest each year; the name means …? Damned if I can recall…”
“It means ‘fire voice’.”
SPIRIT OF THE SWARM
I stand and marvel at the weaving harmony,
Mass of bees on golden, waxen walls.
Lofty gumtree gives a gift of nectar free –
Work all day until the evening falls.
The Spirit of the Swarm guides worker, nurse and queen;
Wisdom shines on every living bee.
His kindly, golden glow few eyes have ever seen –
Born of warmth before air, earth or sea.
I have looked up and down,
In the bush, in the town,
Swarm of bees honey brown – waiting for me.
Peaceful and calm they are,
In the box in the car,
Back to the school we are – waiting to see.
I can look deep inside,
Into my painted hive,
Safe now and so alive – happy and free.
8 wooden frames are made,
Foundation wax is laid,
We give the bees our aid – honeycomb free.
Dangers are threatening,
Termite, ant, spider sting.
Hive stand is just the thing – safe as a tree.
There goes a honey scout,
Seeking the blossom out,
Nectar without a doubt – Dance of the Bee.
Full music notation in my book 33 Sun Songs
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