# Applied Biodynamics — Issue 018–019 (Winter 1996 / Spring 1997)

**By JPI Admin** · 2025-12-31

_Applied Biodynamics_ Issues 018–019 join three complementary threads: Moon–Saturn calendar observation, a JPI program designed to strengthen grower experimentation, and the beginning of a practical equipment series. Together they connect cosmic timing, repeatable field observation, and dependable preparation handling.

In “Moon–Saturn Occultation Alert,” Hugh J. Courtney identifies an unusual 1997 sequence of lunar occultations of Saturn and maps the preceding oppositions. He outlines possible cold, drought, and geophysical patterns, pairing [BD 507 valerian](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/products/biodynamic-valerian-preparation-bd507) with cold conditions and [BD 508 horsetail](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/products/biodynamic-horsetail-preparation-bd508) with dry conditions, timed near the preceding opposition. The dated table gives growers a clear calendar for observation, comparison, and recorded follow-up.

Malcolm Ian Gardner’s “Confidence, Experimentation, and JPI ‘Prep Scholarships’” builds a confident culture of farm-based research. Gardner asks growers to plan applications, keep procedures consistent, record conditions and outcomes, repeat promising observations, and share complete reports. JPI supported this work with preparation discounts for growers who pledged to observe or experiment and a replacement set for a detailed report, turning individual experience into shared community knowledge.

“Stirring Vessels and Sprayers, Part 1” begins with [BD 500 stirring instructions](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/pages/bd-500-horn-manure-instructions) and then discusses water, containers, and small-scale spray equipment. Courtney describes one full hour of vortex reversal, glazed crocks, backpack sprayers, water temperature, standing chlorinated water in sunlight, and equipment cleaning.

For dependable present-day work, use clean, dedicated, clearly labeled stirring and spray equipment, follow current product labels, and record the water source, temperature, vessel, cleaning method, preparation rate, weather, and application timing.

Additional notices advertise a biodynamic seminar recording, a calendar, credit-card payment, and organizational acknowledgments, placing the field articles within JPI’s wider educational and membership work.

## Articles in This Issue

-   Moon–Saturn Occultation Alert — Hugh J. Courtney
-   Confidence, Experimentation, and JPI “Prep Scholarships” — Malcolm Ian Gardner
-   Stirring Vessels and Sprayers, Part 1 — Hugh J. Courtney
-   From the Editor and short institutional notices

## Key Topics Covered

-   Moon–Saturn timing as a framework for weather observation
-   BD 507 and BD 508 responses for cold and drought conditions
-   Grower observation, repetition, and complete field reporting
-   JPI preparation scholarships supporting farm-based experimentation
-   Stirring vessels, water handling, and small-scale spray equipment
-   Dedicated equipment, clear labeling, and repeatable application records

## Repeatable Practice in This Issue

-   Choose the calendar window and weather question before application.
-   Keep preparation rate, stirring duration, vessel, water source, and spray equipment consistent.
-   Record field, crop stage, soil moisture, weather, timing, and treated-area observations.
-   Repeat the same protocol in later windows and seasons so experience becomes dependable farm knowledge.

## Related JPI Resources

-   [Making and Using Biodynamic Preparations](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/pages/making-using-bd-preps)
-   [BD 500 Horn Manure](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/products/biodynamic-horn-manure-preparation-bd500)
-   [BD 500 Horn Manure Instructions](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/pages/bd-500-horn-manure-instructions)
-   [BD 507 Valerian](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/products/biodynamic-valerian-preparation-bd507)
-   [BD 508 Horsetail](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/products/biodynamic-horsetail-preparation-bd508)

[**Download Issue 018–019 PDF**](https://go.jpibd.org/ab-018-019)

## Citation

Source: _Applied Biodynamics_, Issues 018–019, Josephine Porter Institute, Winter 1996 / Spring 1997.

**Tags:** Applied Biodynamics Archive, Research Methods, Weather and Climate

---

> Source: [The Josephine Porter Institute](https://www.jpibiodynamics.org/blogs/applied-biodynamics/applied-biodynamics-issue-018-019-winter-1996-spring-1997)