THE MEANING OF MICHAELMAS
By Karen Rivers from Waldorf Education – A Family Guide
At autumn time, as the life forces of nature recede, turning toward a winter
sleep, the inner life of the human soul is awakening. It is a time of
conscious selfhood, a time when we celebrate the building and
strengthening of our inner life.
In many cultures, the autumn time marks the beginning of a new year. The
forces of nature are transiting with the autumn equinox, as the relationship
of light and darkness changes in the world around us.
The equinox is for us a turning point, a change in the relation of light and
darkness in the world around us. (During the last week of September) the
autumn festival traditionally known as Michaelmas is celebrated. This
festival is named for the Archangel Michael, conqueror of the powers of
darkness, the harvester of the deeds of human souls. It is at this time that
the image of Michael with the dragon appears before us as a mighty
imagination, challenging us to develop strong, brave, free wills, to
overcome love of ease, anxiety and fear. This demands inner activity, a
renewal of the soul which is brought to consciousness in the Michaelmas
festival, the festival of the will.
Michael is often portrayed as the angel warrior, astride his powerful steed
carrying a sword of light. The children hear stories about St. George, a
brave knight, who with the help of the Archangel Michael, slays or tames
the dragon. Michael is the angel who hurled Lucifer down from heaven for
his evil workings against God. St. Michael, warrior of courage, fighter
against evil, rules the heavenly spheres; he guides and inspires us to take
courage against darkness. St. George symbolizes the human aspect of this
conflict; he is the knight who looks to Michael for strength and guidance.
By Karen Rivers from Waldorf Education – A Family Guide
At autumn time, as the life forces of nature recede, turning toward a winter
sleep, the inner life of the human soul is awakening. It is a time of
conscious selfhood, a time when we celebrate the building and
strengthening of our inner life.
In many cultures, the autumn time marks the beginning of a new year. The
forces of nature are transiting with the autumn equinox, as the relationship
of light and darkness changes in the world around us.
The equinox is for us a turning point, a change in the relation of light and
darkness in the world around us. (During the last week of September) the
autumn festival traditionally known as Michaelmas is celebrated. This
festival is named for the Archangel Michael, conqueror of the powers of
darkness, the harvester of the deeds of human souls. It is at this time that
the image of Michael with the dragon appears before us as a mighty
imagination, challenging us to develop strong, brave, free wills, to
overcome love of ease, anxiety and fear. This demands inner activity, a
renewal of the soul which is brought to consciousness in the Michaelmas
festival, the festival of the will.
Michael is often portrayed as the angel warrior, astride his powerful steed
carrying a sword of light. The children hear stories about St. George, a
brave knight, who with the help of the Archangel Michael, slays or tames
the dragon. Michael is the angel who hurled Lucifer down from heaven for
his evil workings against God. St. Michael, warrior of courage, fighter
against evil, rules the heavenly spheres; he guides and inspires us to take
courage against darkness. St. George symbolizes the human aspect of this
conflict; he is the knight who looks to Michael for strength and guidance.
These images truly symbolize the challenge we face in the autumn season.
They speak to our deep need to carry an inner light of wisdom and courage
at this time when the light is diminishing. Through strength of will, inner
activity of selfless consciousness, we bring light to the darkening time. May
we gain insight, courage and truth at this Michaelmas time, to bring light to
our inner life, our community and the world in these times of darkness
