In our course we will look at the phenomena connected with different stages of cancer and how the increasing “blindness” of the organism against the illness undermines the body’s inherent ability to develop self- healing powers. The anthroposophical spiritual perspective, which broadens our view of cancer, leads to an integrated approach in treatment: besides the elimination of the tumor it is necessary to awaken the body’s own resources.

Through an anthroposophical approach the patient can be seen as a spiritual being who existed before birth. From this perspective the disposition for cancer was acquired before conception in the spiritual realm.

However, how the illness actually manifests itself and which course it takes, depends on the presence of the Higher Self in body and soul during the earthly incarnation. During the illness patients are meeting the threshold of the spiritual world in an open or more hidden way. They have to learn to deal with these experiences.

We will look at the mistletoe therapy and other treatment options, including eurythmy and art therapy, which bring forward the transformative forces of our Higher Self by practicing new patterns of thinking and acting.

In order to better grasp the nature of these transforming patterns we will study the process and conditions of healings in selected stories from the New Testament.

The collaboration of medical doctors and priests, which will be attempted in this course, is based on a recommendation by Rudolf Steiner. In a profound way both professions can, by working together, deepen an understanding of how the visible and the invisible manifest in our lives and how healing forces for the patient can arise out of this cooperation.

This course is for physicians, therapists, nurses, those who suffer with a close friend or relative and those who are met by illness.

Eurythmy with Cezary Ciaglo.



HANS-BRODER VON LAUE, M.D., is one of the founders of the Öschelbronn anthroposophic hospital in Southern Germany, which has developed into a center for integrated cancer treatment and cancer-related emergencies. A graduate of the University of Berlin and University of Tuebingen, Dr. von Laue’s clinical work over four decades has included general practice, with specialization in cancer treatment and oversight of an outpatient oncology program. He now lectures and teaches widely, including the Anthroposophic Medical Seminar in Stuttgart and the anthroposophic physicians’ and therapeutic eurythmy trainings in England. He is cooperating with the Havelhoehe Research Institute in Berlin in clinical research, and has published in both conventional and anthroposophic medical journals on cancer biology, cancer treatment, and therapeutic eurythmy.

JULIA POLTER studied philosophy, linguistics, literature, and theology in Germany. Since 1999 she has been working as priest for the Christian Community, a worldwide movement for religious renewal founded with the help of Rudolf Steiner. She enjoys exploring fields in which art, science, and religion are merging and has developed a special interest in contemplative practices, pastoral-medical work, spiritual counselling, and anthroposophically inspired angelology.