Applied Biodynamics — Issue 047 (Winter 2004–2005)

Issue 047 integrates cosmic timing, sequential field practice, institutional realism, and disciplined self-observation, presenting biodynamics as a practice that must be technically grounded, economically viable, and internally examined.

In “The Jupiter Occultations from November 2004 to August 2005 – Another Biodynamic Opportunity?”, Hugh Courtney examines an unusually dense series of lunar occultations of the planet Jupiter occurring eleven times between November 2004 and August 2005. The article establishes the astronomical context clearly, defining occultation as the progressive blocking of a celestial body’s light by another and noting that such extended sequences are historically rare. Courtney frames the agricultural concern pragmatically: repeated occultations may correlate with diminished Jupiter-related influences, which in biodynamic interpretation are associated with expansive growth forces and economic vitality. The article explicitly avoids claiming proof and instead frames the situation as an opportunity for coordinated observation and response.

Courtney proposes that biodynamic practitioners may attempt to counterbalance potential diminishment through deliberate, time-coordinated application of preparations, emphasizing that the effort is exploratory rather than demonstrably causal. Central to the proposal is BD 506 (dandelion), identified—based on long-standing biodynamic consensus—as most closely related to Jupiter forces. The article stresses that the suggested actions are optional, experimental, and meaningful primarily through disciplined participation and record-keeping rather than belief.

The companion article, “Suggested Planet Jupiter Energy Enhancement Sequential Spray Protocol,” provides a fully specified multi-day spray sequence designed to bracket key occultation dates. The protocol is explicitly conditional: participants may apply the full sequence or partial elements depending on capacity. The sequence integrates Biodynamic Compound Preparation (or equivalent), BD 501, BD 500, BD 508 (fermented), and repeated emphasis on BD 506, with clear indications of morning versus evening application, contemplative pauses on occultation days, and avoidance of astrological blackout periods. Alternative dates are provided when conflicts arise. Substitution rules are specified, including when Pfeiffer BD Field Spray may replace BC or BD 500. The protocol’s success criteria are intentionally modest: careful execution, shared timing, and post-application observation rather than guaranteed outcomes.

The issue then shifts from cosmic timing to institutional grounding in “Securing a Financial Future for the Josephine Porter Institute.” Courtney presents a candid assessment of JPI’s economic situation, documenting the end of long-standing external grant support, rising production and shipping costs, and the unsustainability of pricing preparations below cost. The article distinguishes between volunteer sacrifice and structural viability, stating explicitly that quality preparation making cannot continue indefinitely without fair compensation and cost recovery. Planned price increases are framed as corrective rather than opportunistic, with the long-term goal of preserving preparation quality and institutional continuity. The article situates financial transparency as a necessary counterpart to ethical biodynamic practice.

The issue concludes with “Assignment: Developing a Personal Relationship to the Nine Biodynamic Preparations,” a structured experiential exercise designed to deepen practitioner understanding through direct, isolated application. Participants are instructed to apply each of the nine preparations individually during two defined 28-day periods surrounding the spring equinox. The assignment specifies minimum and maximum stirring times, allows complete freedom of sequencing, and mandates detailed logging of date, time, weather, site, and observed effects—including absence of effects. The exercise explicitly includes inner perception as a recorded variable while maintaining observational discipline. Suggested reflective questions guide participants toward recognizing preparation-specific qualities without prescribing interpretations. The assignment frames learning as cumulative, non-judgmental, and shareable, emphasizing documentation over conclusion.

Across all articles, Issue 047 demonstrates biodynamics as a practice of timing, restraint, documentation, and responsibility, rather than assertion or prediction.

Articles

• The Jupiter Occultations from November 2004 to August 2005 – Another Biodynamic Opportunity? (H. Courtney)  
• Suggested Planet Jupiter Energy Enhancement Sequential  Spray Protocol (H. Courtney)  
• Securing a Financial Future for the Josephine Porter Institute (H.  Courtney)  
• Assignment: Developing a Personal Relationship to the Nine

Key Topics Covered

• Extended series of lunar occultations affecting Jupiter
• Astronomical definition and rarity of repeated occultations
• Hypothesized agricultural and economic implications of diminished Jupiter influence
• Exploratory use of coordinated biodynamic sprays
• Central emphasis on BD 506 in relation to Jupiter forces
• Fully specified sequential spray protocol with timing and substitutions
• Explicit avoidance of blackout periods
• Partial participation options within the protocol
• Limits of proof and invitation to disciplined observation
• Institutional financial sustainability of preparation work
• End of external grant support and impact on pricing
• Structured experiential assignment for isolated preparation study
• Mandatory record-keeping and acceptance of null results

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 047, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Winter 2004–2005.