| Introduction: |
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| Biodynamics is a method of food growing used by farmers and hobby growers in many countries of world. It was initiated in Europe in 1924, following a course of lectures delivered by Rudolf Steiner. |
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| The Biodynamic method is based on the understanding that soil, plant, animal and man work together in one agricultural whole. Steiner referred to the soil as a living organ of the agricultural individuality. He saw spiritual principles at work behind the visible material world. |
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| Biodynamics works in the realm of optimising the life force of the soil and plants by making use of all available forces. This results in a higher quantity of humus in the soil and food of exceptional nutritional value with exquisite flavour. |
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| Cosmic influences: |
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| The 'dynamic' part of the Biodynamic method draws attention to the fact that forces from beyond the earth have an effect on plant growth. Biodynamic practitioners use this knowledge practically by observing the cosmic forces active at the time, and choosing the most favourable times (in as far as climatic conditions allow) to sow, plant, cultivate and harvest crops. The Biodynamic planting calendar is used for this purpose. |
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| Just as the sunlight contributes to plant growth and the moon affects the water content of organisms, so it is also with the planets. Since olden times they have been divided into two groups: The inner planets (Moon, Mercury and Venus) which lie between earth, sun and the outer planets (Mars, Jupiter and Saturn). The inner planets work directly through the atmosphere or indirectly via water, humus or calcium (limestone, potassium and sodium) on the growth of plants. |
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| The influences of the outer planets, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are channelled through warmth and silica (Quartz, Feldspar, Mica and Hornblende); they stream in through the silica contained in the soil, and go on up into the plant and are expressed in the colours of the flowers, formation of fruit and in seed production. |
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| Biodynamic preparations overview: |
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| Detailed practice notes on the Biodynamic preparations are provided here. The use of Horn Manure and Horn Silica preparations are a practical extension of the cosmic influences. The preparations in action may be compared to homeopathy. They act on both plant and soil metabolic processes via energies released through a process of high potency dilution. |
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| Farmers and gardeners who have used the preparations for many years, observe that their usage belongs as much to the course of the year as does sowing, planting and harvesting. Just as is the case with cosmic influences, their effectiveness can be experienced directly, and there is no need to understand every detail of how they work in terms of the latest theories of natural science. There are experiments however, which show that the preparations do have an effect, and the experience of eight decades clearly agrees. |
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