Applied Biodynamics — Issue 034 (Fall 2001)

Issue 034 combines seasonal practice, controlled observation, and textual clarification, showing how biodynamics integrates inner orientation, field experiment, and conceptual grounding without collapsing one into another.

In “Preparing for Michaelmas,” Patricia Smith presents Michaelmas not as a symbolic festival alone but as a seasonal moment for conscious action and decision. Drawing on Rudolf Steiner’s lectures, the article frames late September as a time of heightened inner and outer tension—when growth forces withdraw and human initiative is called upon. Smith emphasizes that meaningful Michaelmas observance depends on intention rather than prescribed ritual. Examples include hosting gatherings, initiating difficult but necessary life changes, or consciously applying biodynamic preparations during this period. The article situates Michaelmas within the broader “Age of Michael,” emphasizing individual responsibility, courage, and clarity of thought as practical human capacities rather than abstract ideals.

The issue’s core empirical contribution appears in “Practical Observations: Observing the Forces Inherent in the Dandelion Preparation” by Hugh Courtney and Michael Green. This article documents a deliberately simple, side-by-side field observation designed to isolate the effect of BD 506 applied independently. Snow peas planted along a fence were divided into two approximately equal sections. One section received a spray of briefly potentized BD 506; the other was left untreated as a control.

The preparation protocol is explicitly described: one unit of BD 506 was placed into a partially filled gallon jug, potentized using a lemniscate motion for ten minutes, and applied as a fine mist using a hand sprayer. The first application occurred in late April, with a second application approximately four weeks later. Observations were recorded visually and quantitatively over the growing season.

Results are reported with specific indicators. Within three days, treated plants were visibly taller. Over subsequent weeks, treated peas showed greater uniformity in height, earlier and more abundant flowering, and substantially higher pod counts. Yield data are tabulated, showing a pronounced ratio advantage in blossom and pod number for treated plants, with total harvested weight nearly doubling relative to controls. The authors explicitly state that the observation does not constitute scientific proof, but argue that the clarity of the difference warrants replication. The article also proposes BD 506 as a potential yield-support tool when used independently, challenging the assumption that biodynamics necessarily trades yield for quality.

The article further identifies methodological implications: brief potentization using a lemniscate motion produced observable results, suggesting that smaller-scale applications and reduced stirring times may still be effective. The authors propose the trial as a practical quality test for BD 506 itself—failure to produce a comparable response could indicate preparation degradation or flawed making.

The remainder of the issue is devoted to book reviews and introductions under the heading “Rudolf Steiner Down to Earth.” Hugh Courtney and Patricia Smith introduce and review Steiner’s lectures to the workers at the Goetheanum, positioning them as uniquely accessible entry points for farmers and gardeners. These lectures, delivered to construction workers rather than academic audiences, are described as dialogical, concrete, and grounded in everyday experience. The reviews highlight specific insights relevant to agriculture, including soil fertility, nutrition, seed vitality, the role of sun forces, and the limits of mineral fertilization.

Rather than promoting esoteric study for its own sake, the reviews argue that these lectures help practitioners understand the conceptual background of biodynamics without requiring prior immersion in anthroposophical terminology. The issue presents these texts as practical companions to the Agriculture Course, offering clarity on themes that directly affect farming decisions.

Articles

• Preparing for Michaelmas (P. Smith)  
• Practical Observations: Observing the Forces Inherent in the  Dandelion Preparation (H. Courtney, M. Green)  
• Rudolf Steiner Down to Earth – Book Reviews: The Human Be-ing  in Body, Soul and Spirit and The Evolution of the Earth and Man  and the Influence of the Stars by R. Steiner (H. Courtney)  
• Introduction to the Lectures – Book Reviews: From Comets to  Cocaine, From Limestone to Lucifer, From Mammoths to Medi ums, Bees, From Elephants to Einstein, From Beetroot to  Buddhism by R. Steiner (P. Smith, H. Courtney)

Key Topics Covered

• Michaelmas as a season of practical decision and individual responsibility
• Michaelmas activities linked to action rather than ritual
• Independent field application of BD 506 on snow peas
• Controlled treated versus untreated comparison design
• Lemniscate potentization method and reduced stirring time
• Early growth uniformity and height increase in treated plants
• Quantified blossom and pod yield increase with BD 506
• Use of BD 506 trial as a preparation quality assessment tool
• Challenge to assumption that biodynamics limits yield
• Accessible Steiner lectures addressed to practical workers
• Explanation of sun forces seed vitality and soil fertility
• Use of worker lectures as conceptual support for biodynamic practice

Citation

Source: Applied Biodynamics, Issue 034, Josephine Porter Institute, Fall 2001.