What is Biodynamics?

Biodynamic agriculture is an organic farming system based upon the teaching of Rudolf Steiner (born 1851 - died 1925). Steiner was an Austrian philosopher/scientist and innovator. He came up with many interesting ideas (e.g. the Waldorf Schools are based on his teachings) but one pertinent idea is "Anthroposophy" - the idea of bringing the scientific method into spirituality.

Biodynamics is an organic way of growing food and raising livestock that brings in more ancient and spiritual beliefs. For example, planting and harvesting are completed in accordance to astrological calendar (e.g. moon phases), similar to the Farmer's Almanac. There are also a series of compost and field preparations that are made using combinations of medicinal plants, cattle parts, and manure. The preparations are made ceremonially because they follow the astrological timing and have a specific formulation. Essentially the preparations are compost teas that are used on fields and in the garden.

The interesting thing about biodynamics is that it accounts for the more subtle life force energies. Biodynamics maintains a sense of balance on all components of the farm - from plants to animals to humans. The compost tea preparations seem to be homeopathic remedies for the farm. I read some interesting things about pest control, that take into account these subtle life force and cosmic energies. Problems with insect, weed, or rodents, according to Biodynamics, indicates imbalance in the life force energies. To remedy this, ashes from the pest (e.g. weed seeds are burnt) are spread on the affected land, to attempt to bring energetic harmony to the land.

Now in typing this description, I can see Biodynamics almost seems unbelievable. However, this seems to work really well, and there are more and more Biodynamic Wines coming on the market. For sceptics I say this - the Farmer's Almanac, which follows the astrological calendar like Biodynamics does, has been around for a long time and if followed, amazingly works. Also, Rudolf Steiner knew the dangers of using chemical fertilizers and pesticides back in the 1920s, so the organic nature of Biodynamic agriculture is definitely to be supported. And finally, because Biodynamics accounts for the life force energy of the land and organisms, I feel this takes gardening and farming to the next level. Being conscious of all the living beings on the farm, taking conscious effort to maintain balance on the land, and being conscientious of everything you do to the land is miles and miles ahead of any conventional practice. Working with the land needs to account for the body, mind and spirit to provide a wholistic way of living.

Written and Researched by Kim Tanasichuk. Copyright © 2007-2009 Kim Tanasichuk. All Rights Reserved. You may not reproduce any content on this website without the written permission of Kim Tanasichuk.

Videos About Biodynamics

Videos courtesy of Youtube and Google Video and Copyright to Their Owners

DHLoveLife - Biodynamic Wine	Treehugger TV - Organic and Biodynamic Wines	Rick Knoll on Biodynamic Agriculture
Vortex Brewer (Used for Biodynamic Preparations)	Winery Biodynamics 101 in Sonoma County	Keith's Garden - Huerta (Homemade Pictoral Overview)