🌱 Biodynamics

Cultivating Life in Harmony with the Cosmos

In a world racing toward artificial solutions and synthetic fixes, there’s something deeply nourishing about returning to the land—especially when we do so with reverence and rhythm. Biodynamic Agriculture is more than a method of farming or gardening; it’s a philosophy of life. It invites us to see the Earth not as a commodity to be exploited, but as a living being—alive, conscious, and intimately connected to the cosmos.

Developed in the 1920s by philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner, Biodynamics arose as a response to the growing industrialisation of agriculture. Farmers were already noticing a decline in soil vitality, seed strength, and animal health. Steiner proposed a revolutionary idea: that true fertility doesn’t come from chemicals, but from energetic coherence —between soil, plants, animals, humans, and the stars.

🌾 Beyond Organic: What Sets Biodynamics Apart?

While Biodynamic farming shares some similarities with organic practices—like avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting soil health—it goes far deeper. Biodynamics is rooted in the understanding that a farm is a self-sustaining organism, complete with its own cycles, relationships, and spiritual essence.

Here are some of the foundational principles:

• The Farm as a Living Entity: A biodynamic farm is seen as a whole being, where plants, animals, soil, water, and human presence work in conscious partnership.
  
  
• Cosmic Rhythms: Biodynamic growers plant, prune, and harvest according to lunar and planetary cycles. The movement of celestial bodies is believed to influence plant growth, vitality, and energy—just as it influences tides and circadian rhythms.
  
  
• Biodynamic Preparations: Unique plant and mineral-based preparations (like horn manure, silica, and chamomile) are used to enhance soil fertility and plant health. These are prepared and applied with intention, often during specific astrological alignments.
  
  
• Spiritual Connection: Biodynamics is based on the belief that spiritual and energetic forces influence all life. Farmers are stewards of these unseen realms, helping to ground higher energies into the Earth through their mindful care.
  
  

🌿 The Preparations: Earth’s Medicine Chest

One of the most distinctive aspects of Biodynamic agriculture is the use of nine core preparations, each made from natural substances and used to enliven compost, balance soil organisms, and support plant development. Some examples include:

• BD500 (Horn Manure): Cow manure is placed into a cow horn and buried over winter, absorbing Earth forces. When unearthed, it’s dynamised in water and sprayed on the land to enhance soil vitality.
  
  
• BD501 (Horn Silica): Crushed quartz is placed in a horn and buried over summer. This preparation strengthens light metabolism in plants and improves photosynthesis and structure.
  
  
• Herbal Preparations: Made from yarrow, chamomile, dandelion, valerian, oak bark, and nettle, these are added to compost to guide microbial activity and bring healing qualities to the soil.
  
  

The process is deliberate, sacred, and symbolic—blending earth-based wisdom with cosmic insight.

🌙 Working with the Moon and Stars

In Biodynamics, timing is everything. Just as the moon influences the tides, it also governs the flow of water and sap in plants. Farmers consult Biodynamic calendars that outline when to plant, prune, fertilise, or harvest—based on the moon’s phase and its position in the zodiac.

• Root Days (Earth signs): best for planting root vegetables
  
  
• Leaf Days (Water signs): ideal for leafy greens
  
  
• Flower Days (Air signs): perfect for blooms and herbs
  
  
• Fruit/Seed Days (Fire signs): best for fruiting crops and seed saving
  
  

This cosmic dance invites us to live with nature’s rhythm, not against it.

🐄 Animals, Community & Closed Loops

Animals are essential in Biodynamic systems—not only for manure, but for their unique energetic contributions. Cows, for instance, are considered sacred for their grounding, nurturing presence. Chickens, bees, and other animals are integrated respectfully, contributing to the wholeness of the farm organism.

Biodynamic farms aim to be closed-loop systems, meaning they produce most of what they need onsite—compost, feed, seed, remedies—reducing reliance on external inputs. This builds true resilience and integrity.

🌍 Why Biodynamics Matters Now

In an age of environmental collapse, over-farming, and soil depletion, Biodynamics offers a living antidote. It regenerates the land, restores the spirit of farming, and reconnects us to the cycles of life. Biodynamic foods are often noted for their vitality, flavour, and energetic integrity—nourishing not just the body, but the subtle bodies as well.

And it’s not just for farmers.

Home gardeners, herbalists, healers, and conscious consumers can all engage with Biodynamic principles—whether that’s planting by the moon, using preparations in home compost, or simply supporting local biodynamic growers.

🌟 Final Thoughts

At its heart, Biodynamics is a reminder that we are not separate from the Earth. We are co-creators in a living universe—each of us a thread in the great tapestry of nature. When we tend the soil with awareness, we heal ourselves too.

In the words of Steiner:
“Matter is never without spirit, and spirit is never without matter.”

And in my learnings from living at Damanhur in Northern Italy - your first pickings are placed or buried under to where you have harvested, to give thanks back to Mother Earth and for an abundant harvest next year.

Schedule a free chat, to get your next steps and support on your biodynamic journey.

Yours in health and happiness

Sandy B Simmons