Foundations in Anthroposophy
This original course by Erwin Berney in 2000 provides the foundations of Anthroposophy within 26 lessons over the course of a year (one lesson every two weeks). It is a self-directed distance learning course based on the principal ideas of Rudolf Steiner, called Anthroposophy or Spiritual Science.
Participants can begin any time and work at their own pace.
Color Wheel, by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1809
Anthroposophy sheds light on understanding the physical, soul and spiritual aspects of the human being and its relationship to the other kingdoms of nature - from the soil, plants, animals, elements, ethers and right out to the cosmos.
The EduCareDo Foundations in Anthroposophy year-long course provides the principals of anthroposophy through reading, experiments, artistic activities, meditative exercises and is supported by private communication with a tutor. The lessons raise new questions, and challenge and inspire participants to discover something new in the world and in themselves.
These foundations are fundamental to understanding how to apply the methods that arise out of anthroposophy such as Waldorf Education, Biodynamic Agriculture and Anthroposophic Medicine. The course is the basis for many teacher trainings, parent education, health practitioner training and biodynamic apprenticeships.
Lesson Plan
Each lesson contains practical exercises and applications of the theme. Throughout the course of study, the participant is invited to consider and engage with new perspectives on health, nutrition, biography, the arts and sciences, gender and sexuality, social ecology, biodynamics, the natural world, and much more.
See the entire list of subjects by lesson →
Participants may complete the course at their own speed and submit diary sheets and artistic renderings to their tutor to receive a Certificate of Completion. Working further with a mentor, participants can fulfill further assignments to receive a Certificate for Teachers.
An example of the Capillary Dynamic method of quality testing (Biodynamic Crystallization), Health and Nutrition Lessons 23-25
Cost
Standard enrollment: $450 AUD/~$330* USD
This option is for individuals who are not part of an anthroposophical organization or an EduCareDo study group. It is easy to register, and you can start studying straight away.
Steiner/Waldorf school members (or any other anthroposophical initiative): $400 AUD/~$295* USD
This option is available to people who are studying on their own or with a group of five or less, and are part of an anthroposophical organization. For example board members, staff and parents of Waldorf schools, members of the Anthroposophical Society, and members of an anthroposophical medical or biodynamic association. The enrollment process will ask for the name and location of the organization.
Local Study Group members: $350 AUD/~$260* USD (per participant)
This option is available to people who are studying with a group of six or more. Study groups must be registered with EduCareDo by contacting our admin team before individuals can register for this discount. Once your study group has been registered with the admin team your study group leader will receive a unique registration code for individuals to use at registration.
*Please note that due to exchange rate fluctuations, the exact cost in US dollars is variable and the above listed amounts are estimates.
Register your study group and receive this discount →
Learn more about study groups →
This course includes
26 PDF lessons sent fortnightly via email throughout the year
The opportunity to communicate with a tutor over 2 years via the lesson diary sheet
Certificate of Completion upon fulfillment of the course requirements
Option to join with other participants around the world in online study groups now in the future. New study groups begin in January 2024.
Access to online workshops now and in the future.
Full color hard copies of the lessons can be sent to your residential address for an additional cost of $300 AUD for posting within Australia and $350 AUD for posting anywhere else.
Books, workshops, and mentoring for the Certificate for Teachers are at the student’s discretion, and are not included in the fee.
The threefold relationship between human beings and plants, Lesson 6