‘I invite you to travel with me along the spiral of the yearly festivals, to share what I have discovered there in the 40 years I have been exploring this path. I hope you will find a fuller feeling for your own festivals and a latent creative talent for them within your domestic or working situation. I also hope your festivals become a real link between your own spirit and the spirit that weaves through the year.’ – from the Introduction

The esoteric path of development described in this book is suitable for anyone, regardless of religious persuasion. It offers ways – through meditative and contemplative work – in which each of us can participate in the yearly festive and seasonal cycle.

Festivals of the Year takes as its premise that the Earth is a living being. In earlier ages, she existed through her inherent vitality, but now the Earth needs us to help nourish and sustain her. Basing his work on the research of Rudolf Steiner, the author indicates how we can participate in festivals through our inner, spiritual self. The human ‘I’ or ego can be enhanced by accessing forces from beyond Nature, which in turn can re-enliven the Earth. Engaging with festivals through meditative effort, we become creators ourselves, transcending the purely commemorative, and entering a living, creative dynamic. The practical exercises in this book enable an experience of this, allowing for a perception of the true power of Christianity.

ROGER DRUITT was surrounded by Nature as a boy, growing up on a farm. Since the age of three he has wanted to understand the world, and was fortunate to meet Anthroposophy in his teens.  He studied mathematics at Cambridge, graduating in Economics to work in computing.  He discovered the Anthroposophical Society and The Christian Community in the 1960s and has enjoyed the inspiration of both movements ever since, teaching widely on aspects of Nature observation and connecting to the hidden spirit. Festivals have been important both in his work as a priest and that of his wife Ann’s work as educator and mother. They live in Sussex and have four children, five hens, eight grandchildren and thousands of bees.

7 April 2014; RSP; 136 pp; 23.5 x 15.5 cm; pb;