Module One Session One: 7.00pm - 9.00pm
We explore Man’s relationship to Nature through history and the realm of agriculture.
We gain an understanding of how our current agricultural practices based on chemical farming were developed from a materialistic viewpoint of the world, where the whole is divided into its separate parts.
We explore the need for a new outlook in agriculture, one which encompasses the totality of Nature and identify how Biodynamic agriculture can solve many of the problems associated with conventional agriculture through a science that is in harmony with the very essence of Nature.
The Role of the Biodynamic Preparations
We look at why the biodynamic preparations were developed and their role in revitalising the earth, plants, animals and ultimately man himself.
We learn how they work in a practical way to create the right conditions for the forces of the spiritual realm to gain access and explore what Steiner referred to as the Etheric, Astral and Ego forces of Nature.
Module Three Session Three: 11.00am - 12.30pm
Two Realms of Existence
To be able to work with biodynamic agricultural practices we must begin to open our minds to the invisible realm of forces in Nature and to understand that what we see manifested in the physical world is the result of the interplay of these forces.
We gain an understanding of what Steiner referred to as the Terrestrial and Cosmic realms and how the influences of these two realms are manifested on Earth.
We must acknowledge that growth does not depend on chemical and mechanical inputs, but on the balance of energy relationships.
Module Four Session Four: 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Biodynamic Preparation 500 (Horn Manure)
We look at the role of BD500 in agriculture and learn of the many benefits that can be achieved by using this preparation.
We look at how BD500 is made and the scientific principles behind this process.
Module Five Session Five: 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Preparations for Spreading BD500
We gain an understanding of the physical preparations that are required before the spreading of BD500.
We explore the benefits derived from the application of this preparation.
The Art of Vortex Stirring
Each participant will learn the art of vortex stirring used when we apply the biodynamic preparations. We will look at the different stirring methods used when applying BD500 and will learn the process of rhythmic vortex stirring.
Module Six Session Six: 9.00am - 10.30am
Using the Biodynamic Planting Calendar
We look at how in biodynamic agriculture through careful observations and on-going scientific trials we are able to gain detailed information of how the heavenly bodies influence all life on earth. We learn how the moon influences different aspects of plant growth and learn to read the signs and symbols on the biodynamic planting calendar.
We learn how to use these influences to increase the vitality and strength of our plants.
Module Seven Session Seven: 11.00am - 12.30pm
Rhythms in Nature
We learn about the rhythms in Nature and how they affect plant life. We learn to work with these rhythms in Nature; daily rhythms, lunar cycles and the daily and seasonal cycles of Nature when working with plants and applying the biodynamic preparations.
Module Eight Session Eight: 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Using Preparation BD508 (Equisetum arvense)
We explore what influences lead to the development of fungal diseases in plants and how these can be effectively controlled.
We learn to make the biodynamic preparation 508 and how to use this preparation to mediate excess moon forces which can lead to the development of fungal diseases in plants.
We learn about the apogee and perigee moon cycle and its relationship to the watery element in the earth.
Module Nine Session Nine: 3.30pm - 4.45pm
Review of Previous Session – Rhythms in Nature
We will review rhythms in Nature so the information is clearly understood.
Preparations for Spreading BD508
We learn about the equipment needed for the spraying of BD508.