Hastings, New Zealand. 2025 is the 100th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner’s death. How does he live on in specific individuals? Nic Parkes, an anthroposophical pharmacist from New Zealand, gives her answers.
Which sentence by Rudolf Steiner particularly touched you, and why?
“The stars once spoke to man, It is world destiny that they are silent now.” I first encountered anthroposophy at 35 years of age when I was studying Organic Agriculture. One module introduced Biodynamic Agriculture. I connected with the concept of the cosmos, planets, and stars, being intimately connected with life on earth and the responsibility that man has for the earth. Earlier in my biography, my brother died in an accident when he was 21. Although sad at the loss, I understood that he had completed his task on Earth and had returned to the stars. During some trauma regression counselling, I had a very clear image of my conception and travel to Earth from the starry heavens. Our relationship with the stars is profound.
How do people around you recognize that you are interested in Rudolf Steiner?
I am an anthroposophic pharmacist. People ask, “What is that?” My answer often starts with, “Have you heard of Rudolf Steiner”?
Where did anthroposophy irritate you?
Sometimes, when I hear or see Rudolf Steiner’s work quoted to make a point, I get the feeling it is seen as the endpoint, instead of a beginning for individual research. Peter Selg, in a talk last week, described the Christmas Conference as a conception, and Rudolf Steiner’s September Courses in 1924 as a birth. He died soon after. If anthroposophy is to flourish, we need to continuously do the research work to create that future. It is a lot of hard work—the other “irritating” thing—it is hard ongoing work requiring much in the way of will forces.
In what human encounter did Rudolf Steiner come close to you?
It is the encounter with myself where I feel close. You know, I was born on March 30 around 11 am, and it does have significance for me. My career path is one of service to others, but outside of that, I am content to be with my dogs and surround myself with the nature around me and the cloak of the cosmos.
If anthroposophy were a mythical creature, what would it look like?
A giant black snake with golden, glowing rainbow-coloured diaphanous veined wings that reach up towards the heavens.
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Image Nic Parkes. Photo: Mary Green
