Applied Biodynamics — Issue 029/030 (Spring/Fall 2000)

Applied Biodynamics Issue 029/030 is consciously transitional, pairing historical reflection with precise preparation practice. The issue does not treat the millennium as symbolic spectacle but as a moment requiring both cultural reckoning and technical continuity.

The opening essay, “Saying Goodbye to the Twentieth Century” by Peter Smith, reflects on the social, ecological, and agricultural consequences of the previous century. Smith frames biodynamics as a response to materialist reduction in agriculture, emphasizing responsibility, continuity of knowledge, and the human role in restoring meaning to land stewardship. The essay establishes the issue’s tone: reflective, sober, and oriented toward disciplined renewal rather than novelty.

This reflection is immediately grounded in practice through “How to Make the Valerian Preparation (BD #507),” also by Peter Smith, which provides a procedural, repeatable guide to producing BD 507. The article specifies harvesting valerian blossoms at peak readiness, extracting juice through crushing rather than heating, fermenting under controlled conditions, and stabilizing the finished preparation for storage. Attention is given to cleanliness, vessel choice, temperature moderation, and protection from light. The article emphasizes that BD 507 is not compost but a sprayable preparation, requiring careful dilution and application discipline.

The technical guidance is expanded by Hugh Courtney’s “The Valerian Preparation – Some Additional Perspectives.” Courtney situates BD 507 within the compost-preparation constellation, emphasizing its relationship to warmth processes and phosphorous mediation. Rather than repeating instructions, Courtney addresses misunderstandings, including overapplication, improper storage, and treating valerian as a generalized stimulant. He stresses that BD 507’s effectiveness depends on restraint, correct timing, and integration with the full preparation system.

The issue concludes with book reviews that extend the theme of transition and renewal. Bernard Lehman reviews Robes by Patricia Kelly, focusing on its exploration of vocation, discipline, and inner responsibility. Peter Smith reviews The Birth of a New Agriculture and Developing Biodynamic Agriculture by Alexander von Keyserlingk, highlighting their historical documentation of biodynamics as a cultural response to crisis rather than a technical add-on. Together, the reviews reinforce the issue’s integration of inner orientation and outer practice.

Articles

  • Saying Goodbye to the Twentieth Century (P. Smith)
  • How to  Make the Valerian Preparation (BD #507) (P. Smith) 
  • The Valerian Preparation – Some Additional Perspectives (H.  Courtney)  
  • Book Reviews: Robes by P. Kelly (B. Lehman), The Birth of a  New Agriculture and Developing Biodynamic Agriculture by A. Keyserlingk (P. Smith)

Key Topics Covered

  • Cultural and agricultural reflection at the close of the twentieth century
  • Responsibility and continuity in biodynamic practice
  • Step-by-step making of the valerian preparation (BD 507)
  • Harvest timing and processing of valerian blossoms
  • Fermentation, storage, and stabilization of BD 507
  • Valerian’s role within the compost preparation system
  • Warnings against overuse and misapplication of BD 507
  • Book reviews on vocation, renewal, and biodynamic history

Citation

Source: Applied Biodynamics, Issue 029/030, Josephine Porter Institute, Spring/Fall 2000.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this issue combine cultural reflection with preparation instruction?

The editorial structure intentionally pairs reflection on the twentieth century with concrete preparation work, emphasizing that renewal must be enacted through disciplined practice, not sentiment.
What harvesting criteria are specified for making BD 507?

The valerian blossoms are harvested at peak vitality, with attention to freshness and aroma, avoiding wilted or overmature material that would compromise fermentation.
How is valerian juice processed according to the how-to article?

Juice is extracted through crushing rather than heating, then allowed to ferment under controlled conditions, protecting it from excessive temperature fluctuation and contamination.
How does this issue demonstrate rigor rather than symbolic practice?

By providing explicit material handling steps, fermentation controls, storage requirements, and cautions against misuse, the issue demonstrates method-based discipline rather than belief-driven action.