Introduction to Biodynamics Decoded

Bio-Dynamic Agriculture is a large and complex subject which takes serious study to be understood. My aim is to make this journey as easy as possible. I have been journeying on this road since 1976, and along the way I have found a short cut. It is a way of seeing the bones of Bio-Dynamic understanding upon which all the flesh of its knowledge is placed.

Like a road map this book can help the newcomer to this subject, chart a quick course to understanding. This journey, while not necessarily easy, is indeed worth the effort. Just be aware that this study may well be damaging to your existing perception of reality!

Bio-Dynamics has developed out of the work of Rudolf Steiner, who in turn extended the work of the earlier German poet and scientist W.J. von Goethe. Goethe presented a world view in the mid 1700s which challenges the rationalistic deductionism of Bacon. He asserted that reality can be correctly perceived through the inclusion of subjective experiences ( of the subject studied ), as well as through the objective deductionist techniques favoured by our present scientists.

Goethe discovered that by rational observation of one's subject and direct experience through ones imagination and senses, a world of creative metamorphic force can be perceived in plant growth and animal development. This force is responsible for growth and form. The physical forms we see are but the residue laid down along its pathways.

Rudolf Steiner and his followers have developed and described this perception in minute detail over the last seventy years, leaving us with a treasure chest of understandings and practical advice to be applied to horticulture and agriculture. While much of this information is available in various publications the student is still left with a vast array of concepts which are in need of synthesis.

My research into both Biodynamics and Astrology have revealed that both these subjects contain the same underlying structure. This allows for the combination of information from both, and in doing so Biodynamics is organised and synthesised, while Astrology is extended. Using this structure as a starting point rather than an end product, found after years of study, an overview is established early on, which allows for any new information to be incorporated and utilised more efficiently from the outset. It also allows for firm conclusions and associations to be established, which allows for a sound basis for further experimentation.

With the Earth in such a state of disrepair, it seems timely Bio- Dynamic (BD) information should be as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.The heart of Steiner's message states that there are 'spiritual realities' we must consider in agriculture, as well as the physical phenomena of soil and climate.
If we are again to find health and harmony, understanding these spiritual forces and bodies becomes the starting point for any truly sustainable system of agriculture. At its extremes I have experienced that Biodynamics can offer techniques which revival the developments in Genetic engineering for plant control, and evolution. Rudolf Steiner outlined this perspective in his 8 lectures on Agriculture, as well as in other lecture series. He suggested our planet is encompassed by a sea of forces, streaming from the fixed stars ( formative forces ) and mediated by the planets and our atmosphere. These formative forces go on to be influenced and mediated by the various minerals, crystals and elements of our planet. Thus impacting upon the formation and development of all life forms here. He suggested it is the working of these forces that sustains life. Bacteria and pests, are only present in any given environment, because of the combination of forces existing in that place at that time. If the balance of these forces is altered, the pests depart for a more satisfactory environment. (see Case Studies)

Biodynamics aims to correctly perceive and balance these forces' activity as naturally as possible, and encourages us to act out of spiritual understandings. A word about my use of the word spiritual. I use this word in the most practical of ways. Spirit is the eternal seed which exists and sustains the greater cosmos and which enters into all life forms for periods of time. This spirits actions can be seen through its influence on external manifestations. The term 'spiritual bodies' I use in a more general sense to mean all the three bodies not seen directly with the average human eye. The spirit is not used to mean anything one believes in, or has faith in, it is something that acts into life very practically. In keeping with Steiners usage I use 'Ego' to indicate that part of humans which comes into action when the spirit incarnates into them. 'ego' is used rarely but is used to mean lower self as in 'egoist'.

Astrology as a system of thought which describes the life processes of our planet and how they are influenced by the solar system and stars. The simple formula, which is the basis of Astrology outlines the structural form and laws active in the creation of all life within our Solar formation. Astrology can do this because it is based on the very organs of our environment, the elements of the earth, all the planets of the solar system and the other stars of the galaxy. ( See Astrological Science) This astrological model offers a timeless 'structure of correspondence' useful in cross referencing seemingly unrelated pieces of information, in a manner that helps to "enlarge the picture". One fact or idea can be associated with other known 'facts' through what can be seen as a universal theorem. Theorems allow for the explanation and comprehension of known phenomena, as well as the projection of new potentials along 'proven' associations. New frontiers can be crossed in the mind before their trial in practical arenas, which forms the ultimate 'proof' of any theorem.

This process of association can be seen as a game. Like any game we must first learn the rules, and accumulate the bones of the reference system. The second part of the game is putting new information onto this structure. While the third part is the projection of the new information into practical outcomes.

This small publication does not attempt to be a complete book of Bio-Dynamics. There are many titles that cover practical applications and information alluded to in this work, so the bibliography, can lead you to titles that expand topics only touched on here. Please follow up these sources to broaden your skills and the tools available to you.

As Astrology is such a 'universal' science and comes from life, so it is likely that you have many personal references from your own experiences you can relate to the overall model. The "Biodynamics Decoded " chart is a diagram of all the presented material in their allotted position. As you understand what this chart represents add your experiences and understandings to the diagram as you go along.

This book is only meant to point the way of this new development, so many of the pictures, relationships and diagrams presented here are to act as a starting point for your own contemplation. They are doorways to understanding. Often the pictures are not complete and need some of your effort to finish them off.

This work does not make any pretensions to being ' scientific '; if anything it is attempting to bring the 'Wisdom of the Ages' into a modern context for the benefit of Agriculture and the health of the planet Earth. The practical work and innovations already developed from this thesis, are proving its worth and validity. This reality must also be addressed by any sceptics. (See Biodynamic Services, Garuda Human Essences, Case Studies)

This information is offered as a sharing of the picture and experience of order and harmony that Biodynamics and Astrology have brought to my perception of life on planet Earth. I hope you are broadened, challenged and soothed by it, in the same manner that it has influenced me.