Rising Moon
Well-Known Member
Welcome one and all!
What Is Biodynamics..?
In 1924, Rudolf Steiner gave a series of lectures to a group of Farmers, Gardeners and others, who had gathered to discuss the depletion of soils, decline in crop nutrition and increase in livestock disease.
The ideas that came out of those lectures laid the foundation for what was to be called...Biodynamics (BD).
The purpose of this thread is for me to share my understanding of BD, and get back to the original intention of the teachings. Biodynamics encompasses many disciplines, and knowledge of Medicine, Herbalism, Agriculture, Meta-physics, Chemistry, Biology and Spirituality.
Many of the current BD practitioners are completely misrepresenting this original intention, and the critics of BD tend to focus on the "out there" aspect of the techniques presented by these individuals...
Aside from a series of preparations (500-508, what is BD?
What is Steiner talking about?
Before humans took over this planet, the Earth was in a state of Equilibrium, with every ecological niche filled and the purpose and role of every organism clearly defined.
But as our species began to take hold, forests were cleared, mountains were mined and cities were built on previously pristine land. As a result, the energy forces at work on this planet have been disrupted. The water cycle, nitrogen cycle and soil food web have been destroyed. The constant bombardment of radio waves, electric signals and nuclear radiation have disrupted our planets ability to communicate within itself, and with the Universe we are imbedded in.
For Steiner, Human beings are the energy manipulators of the Earth, and BD is one of the techniques used to manipulate this energy. Steiner believed the role of human beings on this planet was that of an Alchemist, helping and assisting with the perfection of the ultimate being, planet Earth. We have simply lost our way/forgot our original intention/plunge into history. The goal of our species should be rooted in the notion of the Earth as an organism, and it is our duty to connect with the organic process happening all around us, unbeknownst to science and most of modern civilization
BD is a personalized connection, a meaning for the evolution of our species and a selfless act of true humanness. Something that can be adapted to any culture and any region of the world. The techniques presented can be changed out of necessity or practicality, and there are NO hard fast rules when it comes to TRUE Biodynamics. The only rule is to work within the realm of the living.
The BD preparations (BD 500-508 described by Steiner in his Agriculture lectures, are intended to reconnect the soil and plants to the Earth/Cosmic energy.
"The farm or garden is a self-contained organism, embedded in the living landscape of the earth, which is itself embedded in a living, dynamic cosmos of vital, spiritual energies."
(Hugh Courtney)
So now lets discuss the individual BD preparations, we will talk about how they are used later
(Disclaimer, many of these preparations use various organs of animals, I will not go into detail about why these specific organs are used, but they are linked to concepts of Chinese medicine, flow of Chi and inherent energetic properties, also these are part of daily life on a working farm. I am not sure why the numbers start at 500, regardless; this is what I will refer to them as. These preparations are made according to long standing traditions, and come from farms/farmers who raise animals, food, seeds, medicine and appreciate and utilize every aspect of the land they work and animals they work with.
The goal being, ever-increasing soil fertility, and a closed loop system. )
The best known and arguably the most important preparation is: BD#500
Simply put, this is fresh cow manure from grass fed cows, placed into an empty cow horn and buried during the winter months. During the winter, the energetic forces on the earth flow inward, much like taking a long slow breath in.
When spring arrives, the energy is slowly released back into the atmosphere, and thus grasses, flowers and trees bloom, grow and appear to come back to life, similar to a long exhale. The plants drawing the energy up from the earth, and emitting it through blossoms or newly formed leaves. The energy they contain and emit is self-evident on a sunny spring day, when the birds, bees and flowers finally dance together again, after a long winter season.
BD#500 is a literal concentration of those energetic forces, and the horn acting like an antenna focuses this inward Earth energy into the cow dung placed inside, transforming it into a substance unlike any other. Brimming with Earthly forces, when this substance is sprayed on our soils, the inherent energy is transferred, inoculating the soil with nitrogen fixing bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and the inward breath of the Mother Earth.
BD#501 is the exact energetic opposite of BD#500, made from ground quartz crystals and buried in a cow horn during the summer months, this substance is embodied with the cosmic forces that enter the earth during summer. Quartz Crystals being mostly Silica, represent the second most abundant mineral in the Earths continental crust, and are well documented to have amazing data/energy storage capacity.
Enhancing the light metabolism of the plant, this preparation stimulates photosynthesis and formation of chlorophyll. When sprayed on plants it influences color, aroma, flavor and keeping qualities of crops.
BD#502 is a preparation made from the flowers of the Yarrow plant, and allowed to ferment inside the bladder of a deer (the bladder being linked to the enzymatic breakdown/distribution of sulfur in the body) BD #502 enhances the Potassium and Sulfur elements.
BD#503 is made from Chamomile flowers stuffed into a cows intestine to form sausages. The reason being, the digestive enzymes present will colonize and break down the Chamomile into a substance unlike anything else. The resulting humus will have a strong concentration of Calcium and Nitrogen forces and enhances growth and reproduction of plants.
BD#504 is made from Stinging Nettle. According to Steiner Nettle is so balanced it need not the influence of anything besides the Earth itself. Fresh Nettle leaves are simply buried and covered with peat moss for one year. The resulting humus is said to bring intelligence to the soil, and help attract and fix any necessary element called for by the plants. This prep has a direct connection to the Iron and Magnesium forces in the soil.
BD#505 is an Oak bark prep. This is likely one of the most out there preparations as far as how it is made
Ground Oak bark is placed inside the Skull of a domestic animal, and buried in a shallow stream, or placed in a rain barrel. The idea being to get as much water flow as possible over the skull, the resulting substance contains upwards of 77% calcium, in a completely accessible form plants and microbes can readily use. Used to combat plant disease, promotes healing forces.
BD#506 is a Dandelion flower preparation, created by sowing up fresh Dandelion flowers into a bovine mesentery. This preparation contains high levels of Silicic Acid or Silicon (Si) and Potassium.
BD#507 is simply the fresh juice of Valerian flowers. It stimulates the Phosphorus elements in the soil, and is used as a spray to induce/promote flowering.
BD#508 is a tea (fermented or steeped) made from the Equisetum or Horsetail plant. It is used to strengthen, combat disease/fungi and increase microbial activity.
As of late many BD farmers have begun using the preps in new ways, either by themselves, or in combinations to achieve particular results
More on this later
What Is Biodynamics..?
In 1924, Rudolf Steiner gave a series of lectures to a group of Farmers, Gardeners and others, who had gathered to discuss the depletion of soils, decline in crop nutrition and increase in livestock disease.
The ideas that came out of those lectures laid the foundation for what was to be called...Biodynamics (BD).
The purpose of this thread is for me to share my understanding of BD, and get back to the original intention of the teachings. Biodynamics encompasses many disciplines, and knowledge of Medicine, Herbalism, Agriculture, Meta-physics, Chemistry, Biology and Spirituality.
Many of the current BD practitioners are completely misrepresenting this original intention, and the critics of BD tend to focus on the "out there" aspect of the techniques presented by these individuals...
Aside from a series of preparations (500-508, what is BD?
What is Steiner talking about?
Before humans took over this planet, the Earth was in a state of Equilibrium, with every ecological niche filled and the purpose and role of every organism clearly defined.
But as our species began to take hold, forests were cleared, mountains were mined and cities were built on previously pristine land. As a result, the energy forces at work on this planet have been disrupted. The water cycle, nitrogen cycle and soil food web have been destroyed. The constant bombardment of radio waves, electric signals and nuclear radiation have disrupted our planets ability to communicate within itself, and with the Universe we are imbedded in.
For Steiner, Human beings are the energy manipulators of the Earth, and BD is one of the techniques used to manipulate this energy. Steiner believed the role of human beings on this planet was that of an Alchemist, helping and assisting with the perfection of the ultimate being, planet Earth. We have simply lost our way/forgot our original intention/plunge into history. The goal of our species should be rooted in the notion of the Earth as an organism, and it is our duty to connect with the organic process happening all around us, unbeknownst to science and most of modern civilization
BD is a personalized connection, a meaning for the evolution of our species and a selfless act of true humanness. Something that can be adapted to any culture and any region of the world. The techniques presented can be changed out of necessity or practicality, and there are NO hard fast rules when it comes to TRUE Biodynamics. The only rule is to work within the realm of the living.
The BD preparations (BD 500-508 described by Steiner in his Agriculture lectures, are intended to reconnect the soil and plants to the Earth/Cosmic energy.
"The farm or garden is a self-contained organism, embedded in the living landscape of the earth, which is itself embedded in a living, dynamic cosmos of vital, spiritual energies."
(Hugh Courtney)
So now lets discuss the individual BD preparations, we will talk about how they are used later
(Disclaimer, many of these preparations use various organs of animals, I will not go into detail about why these specific organs are used, but they are linked to concepts of Chinese medicine, flow of Chi and inherent energetic properties, also these are part of daily life on a working farm. I am not sure why the numbers start at 500, regardless; this is what I will refer to them as. These preparations are made according to long standing traditions, and come from farms/farmers who raise animals, food, seeds, medicine and appreciate and utilize every aspect of the land they work and animals they work with.
The goal being, ever-increasing soil fertility, and a closed loop system. )
The best known and arguably the most important preparation is: BD#500
Simply put, this is fresh cow manure from grass fed cows, placed into an empty cow horn and buried during the winter months. During the winter, the energetic forces on the earth flow inward, much like taking a long slow breath in.
When spring arrives, the energy is slowly released back into the atmosphere, and thus grasses, flowers and trees bloom, grow and appear to come back to life, similar to a long exhale. The plants drawing the energy up from the earth, and emitting it through blossoms or newly formed leaves. The energy they contain and emit is self-evident on a sunny spring day, when the birds, bees and flowers finally dance together again, after a long winter season.
BD#500 is a literal concentration of those energetic forces, and the horn acting like an antenna focuses this inward Earth energy into the cow dung placed inside, transforming it into a substance unlike any other. Brimming with Earthly forces, when this substance is sprayed on our soils, the inherent energy is transferred, inoculating the soil with nitrogen fixing bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and the inward breath of the Mother Earth.
BD#501 is the exact energetic opposite of BD#500, made from ground quartz crystals and buried in a cow horn during the summer months, this substance is embodied with the cosmic forces that enter the earth during summer. Quartz Crystals being mostly Silica, represent the second most abundant mineral in the Earths continental crust, and are well documented to have amazing data/energy storage capacity.
Enhancing the light metabolism of the plant, this preparation stimulates photosynthesis and formation of chlorophyll. When sprayed on plants it influences color, aroma, flavor and keeping qualities of crops.
BD#502 is a preparation made from the flowers of the Yarrow plant, and allowed to ferment inside the bladder of a deer (the bladder being linked to the enzymatic breakdown/distribution of sulfur in the body) BD #502 enhances the Potassium and Sulfur elements.
BD#503 is made from Chamomile flowers stuffed into a cows intestine to form sausages. The reason being, the digestive enzymes present will colonize and break down the Chamomile into a substance unlike anything else. The resulting humus will have a strong concentration of Calcium and Nitrogen forces and enhances growth and reproduction of plants.
BD#504 is made from Stinging Nettle. According to Steiner Nettle is so balanced it need not the influence of anything besides the Earth itself. Fresh Nettle leaves are simply buried and covered with peat moss for one year. The resulting humus is said to bring intelligence to the soil, and help attract and fix any necessary element called for by the plants. This prep has a direct connection to the Iron and Magnesium forces in the soil.
BD#505 is an Oak bark prep. This is likely one of the most out there preparations as far as how it is made
Ground Oak bark is placed inside the Skull of a domestic animal, and buried in a shallow stream, or placed in a rain barrel. The idea being to get as much water flow as possible over the skull, the resulting substance contains upwards of 77% calcium, in a completely accessible form plants and microbes can readily use. Used to combat plant disease, promotes healing forces.
BD#506 is a Dandelion flower preparation, created by sowing up fresh Dandelion flowers into a bovine mesentery. This preparation contains high levels of Silicic Acid or Silicon (Si) and Potassium.
BD#507 is simply the fresh juice of Valerian flowers. It stimulates the Phosphorus elements in the soil, and is used as a spray to induce/promote flowering.
BD#508 is a tea (fermented or steeped) made from the Equisetum or Horsetail plant. It is used to strengthen, combat disease/fungi and increase microbial activity.
As of late many BD farmers have begun using the preps in new ways, either by themselves, or in combinations to achieve particular results
