Applied Biodynamics — Issue 065 (Summer 2009)

Issue 065 is a practice-and-evaluation issue, combining an extended field case study, critical textual review, experiential workshop reflection, and organizational planning. The issue repeatedly emphasizes process discipline, sequencing, timing, and observation, while clearly distinguishing practical work from interpretive or contemplative material.

The lead article, “Biodynamic Ashing at Sophia’s Garden – Weaving Together Biodynamics, Healing Medicinal Herbs, the Zodiac and Cosmic Dance,” by Christy Korrow, presents a detailed, multi-year account of biodynamic ashing (also referred to as peppering) for gopher population regulation at Sophia’s Garden, a six-acre Demeter-certified biodynamic farm in Sebastopol, California. The article explicitly anchors the practice in Lecture Six of Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course, where ashing is described as a method to influence reproductive forces rather than to exterminate organisms.

The case study documents the full sequence of the ashing process: identification of the pest pressure; consultation with agricultural extension agents to understand baseline population density; selection and drying of animal skins; timing of burning relative to planetary and zodiacal positions; grinding and dynamization of the ash; stepwise homeopathic dilution; and repeated application over multiple seasons. The article specifies quantities, timing (including three-day spray sequences), and repetition across years. Outcomes are reported descriptively: a sustained decrease in gopher activity, return of predators such as owls and foxes, and rebalancing of the local ecosystem. The author explicitly notes that the method requires patience, ethical intention, and repeated application rather than immediate results.

“Commentary on Dr. Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course,” reviewed by Hugh Courtney, evaluates Enzo Nastati’s published lectures interpreting the structure and deeper meaning of Steiner’s course. Courtney acknowledges the depth of Nastati’s engagement with Steiner’s broader corpus and highlights insights regarding planetary rhythms and historical epochs. At the same time, the review identifies methodological concerns, including the introduction of unclarified preparation variants and reinterpretations that lack sufficient practical testing. The review models critical engagement within biodynamics, recommending careful study alongside field verification before adoption.

In “Reflections on the Fall 2008 Preparation Making Workshop,” Maria Mihok offers a first-person account of participating in JPI’s multi-day preparation workshop. The reflection documents the complete preparation-making cycle: introduction to the animals used, slaughter and organ handling, stuffing and burial of preparations, compost turning, retrieval of previously buried preparations, and observation of material transformation. Mihok emphasizes sensory observation—changes in odor, texture, and vitality—and situates the experience as experiential education rather than technical instruction. The article reinforces the importance of hands-on repetition under experienced guidance.

The issue concludes with “JPI to Accept Applications for Executive Director,” a formal announcement outlining leadership transition planning at the Josephine Porter Institute. The article provides a clear timeline for solicitation, review, selection, and orientation of a new Executive Director. The emphasis is on institutional continuity, accountability, and long-term stewardship of preparation production and education.

Taken together, Issue 065 demonstrates biodynamics as a practice that integrates field experimentation, critical textual study, embodied learning, and organizational responsibility, while maintaining clear boundaries between observation, interpretation, and proof.

Articles

• Biodynamic Ashing at Sophia’s Garden – Weaving Together  Biodynamics, Healing Medicinal Herbs, The Zodiac and Cosmic Dance (C. Korrow)  
• Commentary on Dr. Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course by Enzo  Nastati (H. Courtney)  
• Reflections on the Fall 2008 Preparation Making Workshop  (M. Mihok)  
• JPI to Accept Applications for Executive Director (G. Nonini) 

Key Topics Covered

• Multi-year application of biodynamic ashing for pest regulation
• Sequenced preparation of ash including timing and dilution
• Observation of ecosystem response over successive seasons
• Ethical framing of pest management within biodynamics
• Critical review of contemporary interpretations of Steiner’s Agriculture Course
• Evaluation of proposed preparation variants through practical testing
• Experiential learning through preparation making workshops
• Material observation during preparation transformation
• Institutional planning and leadership succession at JPI

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 065, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Summer 2009.