Folks:
Patti asks: <<I do not believe, however, that my plants grow because I
connect with some sort of "inner self" or some universal power source. Is
this a part of what biodynamics is?>>
It might help to read the following:
WHAT IS BIODYNAMICS?
by Sherry Wildfeur
Can the Earth heal itself, or has the waning of the Earth's vitality gone
too far for this? No matter
where our land is located, if we are observant we will see sure signs of
illness in trees, in our
cultivated plants, in the water, even in the weather. Organic agriculture
rightly wants to halt the
devastation caused by humans; however organic agriculture has no cure for
the ailing Earth. From
this the following question arises: What was the original source of
vitality, and is it available now?
Biodynamic agriculture gives us the answer.
Biodynamics is a science of life-forces, a recognition of the basic
principles at work in nature, and
an approach to agriculture that takes these principles into account to bring
about a balance and
healing. Biodynamics is part of the work of Rudolf Steiner, known as
anthroposophy -- a new
approach to science which integrates precise observation of natural
phenomena, clear thinking,
and knowledge of the spirit. Some of the basic principles of Biodynamics
are:
Reading the Book of Nature
Everything in nature reveals something of its essential character in its
form and gesture. Careful
observations of nature -- in shade and full sun, in wet and dry areas, on
different soils, will yield a
more fluid grasp of the elements. So eventually one learns to "read" the
language of nature. And
then one can be creative, bringing new emphasis and balance through specific
actions.
Cosmic Rhythms
The light of the sun, moon, planets, and stars reaches the plants in regular
rhythms. Each
contributes to the life, growth, and form of the plant. By understanding the
gesture and effect of
each rhythm, we can time our ground preparation, sowing, cultivating, and
harvesting to the
advantage of the crops we are raising.
The Life of the Soil
Biodynamics recognizes that soil itself can be alive, and this vitality
supports and affects the quality
and health of the plants that grow in it. Therefore, one of the fundamental
efforts is to build up stable
humus in our soil through composting.Vegetable waste, manure, leaves, food
scraps, all contain
precious vitality which can be held and put to use for building up the soil
if they are handled wisely.
A New View of Nutrition
We gain our physical strength from the process of breaking down the food we
eat. The more vital
our food, the more it stimulates our own activity. Thus, Biodynamic farmers
and gardeners aim for
quality, and not only quantity.
Chemical agriculture has developed short-cuts to quantity by adding soluble
minerals to the soil.
The plants take these up via water, thus by-passing their natural ability to
seek from the soil what is
needed for health, vitality and growth. The result is a deadened soil and
artificially stimulated growth.
Biodynamics grows food with a strong connection to a healthy, living soil.
Medicine for the Earth
Rudolf Steiner pointed out that a new science of cosmic influences would
have to replace old,
instinctive wisdom and superstition. Out of his own insight, he introduced
what are known as
Biodynamic Preparations.
Naturally occurring plant and animal materials are combined in specific
recipes in certain seasons
of the year and then placed in compost piles. These preparations bear
concentrated forces within
them and are used to "organize" the chaotic elements within the compost
piles. When the process
is complete, the resulting Preparations are "medicines" for the Earth which
draw new life forces
from the cosmos.
Two of the preparations are used directly in the field, one on the earth
before planting, to stimulate
soil life, and one on the leaves of growing plants to enhance their capacity
to receive the light.
Effects of the Preparations have been verified scientifically.
Economics Based on Knowledge of the Job
Steiner emphasized the absurdity of agricultural economics determined by
people who have never
actually raised crops or managed a farm.
A new approach to this situation has been developed which brings about the
association of
producers and consumers for their mutual benefit. The Community Supported
Agriculture
movement was born in the Biodynamic movement and is spreading rapidly.
Gardens or farms
gather around them a circle of supporters who agree in advance to meet the
financial needs of the
enterprise and its workers, and these supporters each receive a share of the
produce as the
season progresses. Thus consumers become connected with the real needs of
the Earth, the farm
and the Community; they rejoice in rich harvests, and remain faithful under
adverse circumstances.
[Sherry Wildfeur is the complier of the Stella·Natura agricultural
calendar, which includes articles, charts, and practical advice about how to
utilize cosmic rhythms when working with various types of crops.]
And, if you've gotten this far with open mind intact , "Life Force
Agriculture" by Tom Meier at http://www.kootenay.com/~aurora/lifeforc.html
and
"The Nature of Forces" by Hugh Lovel at
http://www.kootenay.com/~aurora/forces.html
Regards,
Woody at
Aurora Farm. the only
unsubsidized, family-run seed farm
in North America offering garden seeds
grown using Rudolf Steiner's methods
of spiritual agriculture. http://www.kootenay.com/~aurora
