Books to Explore a
Spiritual Approach to Nature Science
in the tradition of Johann Goethe and Rudolf Steiner

Catching the Light: The Entwined History of Light and Mind (Oxford University Press, 1995), by Arthur Zajonc, a quantum physicist, researcher, college professor, and leader of the Anthroposophical Society. This book is not so much about Goethean Science as it is an inspiring example of living soul-infused science. Zajonc tells the story of the human encounter with light – metaphysically and physically – culminating in the realization that we see only when we can bring an inner light to meet the outer light. Zajonc’s poetic study is an inspiration to anyone who wants to know science with the heart as well as the mind; and it is one of the most readable books written in this genre.

Genetics And The Manipulation Of Life: The Forgotten Factor of Context (Lindisfarne Press, Hudson, NY, 1996), by Craig Holdrege, a contemporary biologist and ecologist working out of the inspiration of Goethean Science. For Holdrege the modern fascination with genetics ignores the crucial relationship of living organisms with the environment. Holdrege’s thesis is well illustrated with drawings and lively examples. His holistic vision of life provides a basis for a more conscious and responsible relationship to Nature.

Goethe’s Way of Science: A Phenomenology of Nature, edited by David Seamon and Arthur Zajonc (State University of New York Press, Albany, NY, 1988) is an excellent anthology of writings by leading contemporary scientists who have applied Goethe’s holistic approach to such areas of research as plant morphology, architecture, animal development, water movement, color perception and ecology. The book is divided into three sections: the first on the foundations of the work – epistemology and methodology, the second on practical results of Goethean science research – unlike the mostly theoretical books on this subject, and the third section with a vision of the future and the role of Goethean science in caring for the Earth.

Goethe on Science edited by Jeremy Naydler (Floris Books, Edinburgh, 1996) is an excellent short anthology of his scientific philosophy and studies, with clear and accessible introductions by the editor.

Goethe: The Collected Works, ­Volume 12, Scientific Studies, edited and translated by Douglas Miller (Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 1995) offers the most comprehensive reading of Goethe’s scientific writings, including major sections on scientific methodology, morphology, botany, zoology, geology, meteorology, physics, color and philosophical reflections.

Healing Plants: Insights through Spiritual Science by Wilhelm Pelikan (Mercury Press, Spring Valley, NY, 1997) is volume one of a three-volume set originally published in German, and also available in French. The book is so rich with insights that I’ve been struggling with the French editions for years, and await with anticipation the publication in English of the other two volumes. Healing Plants is a book about medicinal qualities of plants, but it approaches plants as etheric beings, which are permeated with life forces and processes that give rise to their healing properties. Each chapter is devoted to the members of a particular plant family, showing the overall healing themes within this family, and then the individual variations on those themes expressed by each plant in its healing properties. Vibrant line drawings by Walter Roggenkamp bring to our vision something of the unique etheric qualities which emanate from each healing plant.

Natures Open Secret by Rudolf Steiner, edited and translated by John Barnes and Mado Spielger (Anthroposophic Press, 2000) Originally known as an interpreter of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Rudolf Steiner at the age of twenty–one was asked to be the editor of Goethe’s scientific writings for a new collection of Goethe’s complete works. It was by thoroughly assimilating and appropriating Goethe’s way of thinking during this time that Steiner began his own training in epistemology and spiritual science. Natural science had created a powerful tool for understanding the inorganic world, but failed to comprehend the phenomenon of life. Goethe discovered how thinking could be applied to organic nature, and he understood that this experience requires not rational concepts but a whole new way of perceiving. Steiner develops Goethe’s theory of knowledge in remarkable ways, and we see here the seeds of all that flowered into Steiner’s spiritual science. Includes an essay on participatory science by John Michael Barnes

The Plant, Vol 1 and Vol 2 (Biodynamic Literature, Kimberton, PA, 1989), a two volume work by Gerbert Grohmann, is an excellent study of plant morphology in relationship to habitat and botanical classification. Volume 2 is particularly helpful in understanding the gestures of major families of flowering plants.

The Plant Between Sun and Earth, (Shambhala, Boulder, 1982) by George Adams and Olive Whicher is a classic treatise on Goethean Science as applied to plant growth. The unique feature of this book is its mathematical depth, applying the perspective of projective geometry to a study of the growth cycle of the plant. Of particular interest to flower essence researchers is the description of the unique role of the blossom as the physical manifestation of cosmic astral forces that are otherwise invisible, which the author calls the “star centre.” Whicher’s thesis lends support to FES research that essences made from flowers have unique soul-healing properties which are not found in vibrational preparations of other substances. The special geometric forms, textures, fragrances and colors of flowers are expressions of these soul forces and nature, and this explains the special resonance of flowers for the emotional colors, textures, forms and scents of the human soul.

The Wholeness of Nature, Goethe’s Way toward a Science of Conscious Participation in Nature (Lindisfarne Press, Hudson, NY, 1996), by Henri Bortoff, who studied quantum physics and paradigms of wholeness with David Bohm. In this work, Bortoff debunks the dogma of absolute truth claimed by reductionist science, showing it to be culturally based. As a scientist himself, Bortoff does not dismiss analytic science. Instead he sees it as one-sided, needing the complementary holistic approach of Goetheanism. Through many specific examples in Goethe’s work and that of other classical scientists, Bortoff demonstrates Goethe’s greatest contribution to be his way of knowing, even more than the content of what he discovered.

These books are available from Flower Essence Services