Erbe #5 – To Stimulate and Support the Elementals

Anthroposophical Basis for Erbe #5

In the lectures given in Dornach in Autumn 1923 (Man as Symphony of the Creative Word), Rudolf Steiner pointed to the special nature of the cow as the animal that embodies the mysteries of the digestive process in an archetypal way. In his Agriculture Course, he described the growth of plant life on the surface of the earth as a higher form of digestion within nature.

The quadruple stomach of the cow is the site of the most comprehensive cosmic alchemy on Earth.

A cow’s blood is the carrier of its cosmic individuality, its cowness (The Group Soul). By including some blood in the preparation, we appeal to this high spiritual being for its powerful support. In using the contents of the cow’s stomach, we facilitate the continuation of the process of disenchantment of the elementals, which had already begun with digestion—in particular of those elementals that had previously been enchanted into the growth processes of the fodder plants.

The stimulus given thereby to these processes also produces an enlivening of and support for the re-enchantment of the elementals into the small creatures that inhabit the compost heaps (which are treated with the preparation), or the cultivated earth on which it is sprayed.

The essential aim of this preparation is the stimulation of the desired processes and the support that this gives to the request for help from the four groups of “very useful” elementals.

Making the Preparation on Your Own

Slaughter a cow when the moon is in Scorpio.
Immediately after slaughtering, place the contents of the cow’s stomachs are placed in an airtight container. Also, preserve 2–3L of the cow's blood.
With the moon in Pisces, mix the stomach contents and the blood with enough lukewarm rainwater to make a loose mixture.
Stir together one horn of BD 500, and 1cc each of BD 502–507.
Mix everything together thoroughly and seal into an airtight container for one week.
Remove cover and stir for 5 minutes, repeating this process on a weekly basis.
The preparation can be used after 4 weeks and will keep for several years.
Remove a quantity of the mixture and pass it through a sieve. Return the contents of the sieve to the original container and top it off with rainwater, preferably mixed with some cow’s blood and/or prepared liquid manure.
Stir 10mL of the preparation into 2–3 gallons of water for 1 hour in the usual biodynamic manner.

When storing or shipping the liquid, leave plenty of headspace and vent if possible because the preparation will continue to ferment.

Stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, the preparation will keep for several years.

Frequently asked questions

What is Erbe #5 used for?

Hugo Erbe No. 5 is JPI's Cow Stomach Preparation, intended for biodynamic compost heaps or as a soil spray. One 10 mL unit treats about one ton of compost or one acre of ground; follow JPI's current instructions.

How does Erbe #5 support elementals?

In Hugo Erbe’s anthroposophical framework, the preparation supports elemental processes in compost and cultivated soil. Its fermented blend and biodynamic preparation components are applied as an intentional gesture of nourishment, balance, and collaboration with living soil.

Can Erbe #5 be used in conjunction with other products?

Yes. Its recipe already includes BD 500 and BD 502–507, and JPI describes it for use in biodynamic compost or on soil. Follow the Erbe No. 5 directions and the separate directions for any additional preparation so each is stirred and applied according to its intended role; dated notes help growers observe the combined practice on their own site.

Who can benefit from using Erbe #5?

It is intended for biodynamic growers managing compost or cultivated soil. JPI specifies one 10 mL unit for about one ton of compost or one acre of ground, with distinct methods for a new heap, an established heap, and soil; choose the relevant method in the instructions.

Related: Shop Hugo Erbe #5 or read the instructions for use.