CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

A New View into Nature -
The Archetypal Plant

The Friday night session will introduce the idea that the earth, and the kingdoms of nature, must be freed from a purely materialistic conception, and once again viewed as part of a living cosmos, imbued with living forces. The plant in fact, lives between the formative forces of heaven and earth, and is an expression of the forces of rhythm, polarity and the ethers.  On Saturday we will study the archetypal plant and the principles of metamorphosis. Participants will have hands-on experience with the Biodynamic horn silica and horn manure, (preparations 500 and 501), and learn the basic stirring techniques.  

Compost and Soil -
Turning Lead into Gold!

There are far-reaching implications of working with the soil and compost. Our study will focus on the soil and its function as the diaphragm of the earth.  We will build a biodynamic compost pile infusing it with 6 alchemically processed compost preparations. Our session will include an overview of these six plants and how they energetically enliven our food. 

Wisdom into Matter -
Understanding the Carbon Cycle

The path of biodynamic agriculture leads us beyond a reductionist view of matter into a more holistic comprehension of the nature of substance. We will study the path of carbon and come to understand the elements as “personalities” in a dance of cosmic and terrestrial ordering. Participants will have some hands-on laboratory experience in plant alchemy.

A New Cosmology for Farmers and Gardeners -
Do You Know Where Your Moon Is?

The influence of the moon on our planet is widely accepted, but we can also begin to glimpse how the rhythms and positions of all the planets in our solar system affect plant growth as well.  This class will present a living view of cosmology, based on observation and tradition. Eurythmy gestures and forms for the planets accompanied by music will be taught. This is an important tool for those wishing to work with biodynamic indications, or anyone who wishes to ponder our very personal connection to the starry realms.

An Overview of Botany for Gardners and Farmers

This introduction to botanical concepts will include plant anatomy and classifications, families and taxonomy, pollination characteristics, climate, weather and seasonal factors, and soil requirements.  We will make a detailed plant study aided by some artistic work.

Cosmic and Earthly Nutrition: The Dance of the Five Sisters

Rudolf Steiner explains the elements of nitrogen, Sulfur, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon are bearers of the spirit. The activity of these elements informs us of the nature of the four ethers, and their roles in creating substance. A study of these five sisters from a phenomenological perspective will further develop our understanding of the principles of biodynamic agriculture.

The Garden and The Farm Individuality: Inner Seeing and Outer Work

How do we see ourselves in relationship to the land? What is our role as stewards of the earth? Inner seeing has both aspects of practical planning and seeing ourselves in right relationship to our project. The focus this weekend will be on planning a garden, farm, or an estate, including how animals can be incorporated.  Our study and practical work on Saturday will include preparing and seeding beds in the garden, planning crop and bed rotations, and selecting varieties.  We will also learn how we can develop a deeper relationship to our work through meditative exercises and developing inner pictures.

Weeds, Seeds, Pests and Disease

A variety of practical methods and techniques of weed control will be taught. We will approach problems from the biodynamic perspective, keeping in mind that issues arise when our system is out of balance. The emphasis is on healing rather than fixing, and understanding the scale of time needed for a remedy.

CONTACT GoodFarmers@hotmail.com
for dates and registration information