Bees

Rudolf Steiner (b. Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner, 1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe’s scientific writings. Steiner termed his spiritual philosophy anthroposophy, meaning “wisdom of the human being.” As an exceptionally developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern, universal “spiritual science” that is accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unbiased thinking. From his spiritual investigations, Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of numerous activities, including education (general and for special needs), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, Christianity, and the arts. There are currently thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and initiatives in other fields that involve practical work based on the principles Steiner developed. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of human beings, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods for personal development. He wrote some thirty books and delivered more than six thousand lectures throughout much of Europe. In 1924, Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches around the world.

Gunther Hauk brings four decades of experience as a biodynamic beekeeper, gardener, and farmer. In 1996 he cofounded the Pfeiffer Center, one of the first biodynamic training programs in the US. Since then, he has been invited to teach around the world. His book Toward Saving the Honeybee was first published in 2002. In 2006, Gunther and his wife Vivian founded Spikenard Farm and Honeybee Sanctuary in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. His work was featured in two full-length documentary films about the honeybee crisis: Queen of the Sun (2010) and Vanishing of the Bees (2009). Gunther also produced his own educational film, Hour of Decision (2015).

David Adams holds a PhD in art history education and has taught art history at state universities and art schools for eight years. He has written numerous published articles, essays, and art exhibition booklets. He is currently an adjunct faculty in art history at Sierra College, director of the Center for Architecture & Design Research, and a freelance writer and editor.