This is a fairly brief and concise summary of Biodynamics borrowed from the back cover of What is Biodynamics? A Way to Heal and Revitalize the Earth, (Seven Lectures by Rudolf Steiner with an introduction by Hugh J. Courtney). This book and many other helpful resources on biodynamics are available at www.steinerbooks.org.

" In 1924, a group of farmers, gardeners, and others concerned with the depletion of soils and a general deterioration in the quality of crops and livestock asked Rudolf Steiner (a highly influential Austrian mystic/ founder of anthroposophy and Waldorf education -ed.) to speak to them about what might be done. The result was the Agriculture Course, eight lectures on 'the spiritual foundations for a renewal of agriculture.'

Since then, on the basis of Steiner's indication, generations of farmers, gardeners, viticulturalists, and researchers have developed Biodynamics. It is a uniquely healing, ecological, and spiritual approach to a sustainable care of the Earth.

For Biodynamics, the farm or garden is a self-contained organism, embedded in the living landscape of the Earth, which is itself embedded in a living, dynamic cosmos of vital, spiritual energies. Emphasis is placed on integrating plants and animals, recycling nutrients, maintaining and improving the soil, working with the stars and seasons, as well as the spiritual realities active in all of these. The overall aim is the increased health and vitality of the whole, including the farmer or gardener.

Because it works consciously with the life forces and other subtle energies active in nature, Biodynamics understands the 'alchemy' of nature as a materialization of spirit and a spiritualization of matter. The biodynamic practitioner follows an alchemical, transformative path of working with the Earth in a way that is both healing and productive. To this end, he or she uses the nine 'homeopathic' preparations created by Steiner to enhance soil quality and stimulate plant life."