The concept of rites of passage was first articulated by anthropologist Arnold van Gennep (1873-1957) in his book The Rites of Passage, first published in 1908.   In this seminal work, van Gennep subdivided rites of passage into three sub-categories:  rites of separation, transition rites, and rites of incorporation.  These rites might represent components of one...Read More

Scientists at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California reported in the journal Nature that they have discovered the existence of a genetic pathway in roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans) that appears to extend their lives when their caloric intake has been reduced.  This finding may have implications for human longevity.  It’s been known for some time...Read More

Although the population of aging America is going to skyrocket in the next two decades, the practice of geriatric medicine is actually decreasing.  The number of certified geriatricians fell by a third between 1998 and 2004.  The reasons for this are very similar to the reasons for the decline in the practice of adolescent medicine...Read More

The early twentieth century philosopher and mystic Rudolf Steiner conceived of a theory of human development based upon seven year cycles, and linked those cycles to astrology.  The first seven years of life (0-7 years old) were associated with the Moon. During this time, the psychic forces are working to transform the body of the...Read More