Journey into Advent – week 3

As we enter the third week of Advent, the BDNZ council wanted to share a small reflection inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s picture of this sacred season. In the anthroposophical tradition, each week of Advent helps us turn our attention to a different layer of creation.

After our quiet contemplation of the mineral world in week one and our connection with plant life in week two, this third week invites us to awaken our hearts to the animal realm.

In biodynamics, we recognise animals as essential partners in the farm organism (or on a smaller scale, the home and garden). Their presence brings vitality, rhythm and an enlivening, soul-bearing quality to the land. This week offers us a chance not only to appreciate their contribution outwardly, but also to cultivate inwardly the qualities they mirror for us: attentiveness, courage, trust, and warmth of heart.

Here are a few gentle ways to bring this week’s theme into daily life:

• Light the third Advent candle with gratitude for the animal realm:
  As the flame is kindled, hold in mind the animals who support the health of our farms and gardens; those who enrich our soil, those who offer nourishment, and those who simply grace our surroundings with their presence.
• Offer mindful care to animals nearby:
  This might mean an extra-attentive moment with your own animals, preparing something special for them, or simply observing their gestures and movements. If you don’t tend animals yourself, consider feeding wild birds or acknowledging the unseen creatures who share your land.
• Add animal figures to your seasonal table or Advent garden:
  Handmade wool animals, carved figures, or even simple stones placed in animal shapes can express the warmth of this week. This is especially meaningful if you include animals connected to biodynamic farms: cows, bees, chickens, goats, or working horses.
• Bring the farm organism into meditation:
  Take a few minutes to picture the harmony of the farm as a living whole, with each animal playing its part. You might reflect on what qualities you feel these animals embody and how you can cultivate those qualities within yourself.
• Enjoy a story or moment of stillness that honours animals:
  A quiet reading or even time spent observing the night sky in silence can help anchor the mood of this week. Advent reminds us that inner stillness nurtures outward service.

If you would like to dive deeper into the ideas of Advent, please check out this link to The Josephine Porter Institute over on Substack.

May this week bring warmth to your heart, renewal to your home, and a deeper appreciation for the animals who help weave life and vitality into our world,