Biodynamics for Beginners: Principles and Practice

"Biodynamics is distinguished by the fact that it is a return from and through a mechanized prodigal society, not a regression. It is a return in a new way, like returning to your childhood home as an adult." -- Stewart Lundy

This collection of articles--compiled primarily by Hugh Courtney from the periodical Applied Biodynamics--introduces the basics of making the essential biodynamic preparations. What is discussed in these articles is much more than just ways to make preparations successfully; it also represents, for the most part, Hugh's way of doing so with lots of practical tips for success. The articles are down to earth, literally, with very little theory, and provide the technical knowhow to make the biodynamic preparations described by Rudolf Steiner in his Agriculture Course and further developed ever since by several generations of biodynamic practitioners.

"Biodynamics is a reorientation of agriculture to its primary purpose--not commerce, but life. Anthroposophy is not a fanatical movement, nor is it an iconoclastic movement. As Steiner says, we need cow horns to make the biodynamic preparations, but we do not need to be 'bull-headed' about it." -- Stewart Lundy

Biodynamics for Beginners, edited and introduced by Stewart Lundy and liberally illustrated throughout, is the perfect guidebook for anyone who is serious about becoming a successful, hands-on biodynamic farmer or gardener.

Author: Hugh J. Courtney
Publisher: Portal Books
Published: 03/19/2024
Pages: 300
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781938685415

About the Author
Courtney, Hugh J.: - Hugh J. Courtney (1932-2020), a veteran and librarian, discovered Steiner's agriculture course in 1975 at a health food store in College Park, Maryland. This led him to Josephine Porter, who was making biodynamic preparations according to Steiner's indications. He apprenticed under Josephine and, when she died in 1984, took up her work. He created the Josephine Porter Institute in Woolwine, VA, where he has been making and selling preparations (six compost preparations and 3 others), editing the newsletter Applied Biodynamics, and consulting on all aspects of the biodynamic approach. Hugh Jordan Courtney passed the threshold quietly in his sleep on June 15, 2020, at the age of 87 in Woolwine, Virginia.Lundy, Stewart: - Stewart Lundy co-owns Perennial Roots Farm in Accomac, Virginia, and has been farming with his wife since 2010. He studied biodynamics under Hugh Courtney's supervision and continued the practice, independently exploring the realms of anthroposophy, mysticism, and beyond. Stewart works with the Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics. He is an avid reader, amateur alchemist, and consultant.