Guarding the Shores Exploring Hibernia

In the spring of 2018, the Anthroposophical Societies of Ireland, Switzerland and Romania sponsored a shared conference on the edge of Ireland. Also the edge of Europe. For several days, under the protection of the ancient fort of Dún Aonghasa, some 60 people gathered to reflect on the meaning of 'Hibernia' - both anciently and in our times, inwardly outwardly. The various lectures, presentations and other offerings have been brought together here as a way of sharing that striking event with a wider audience. Not only those friends the countries immediately concerned, but worldwide. For 'Hibernia' is not merely an Irish theme, nor only a European one is of univer meaning for a humanity that finds itself increasingly at the threshold, but without the 'vocabulary' for understanding this experience. We know of 'Ireland' as a place where the Christ Event could be seen from 'afar'. We also know the importance of the Hibernian Mysteries in the run-up to the refounding of the Anthroposophical Society in 1923 especially now, one hundred years later, when in short order we will be remembering the challenges facing the Anthroposophical Movement at that time, leading to the burning of the First Goetheanum (one year away). None of these events belong to Ireland uniquely, of course, but it may well be that Ireland has unique role in regard to them.