Planetary Influences Upon Plants

Planetary Influences Upon Plants PDF

Author: Ernst Michael Kranich

Publisher: SteinerBooks

Published: 1986-06

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 162151191X

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One of the fundamental concepts of biodynamic agriculture is how the sun, moon and planets work through calcium and silica in the growth of plants. Ernst Michael Kranich's book describes the growth patterns, leaf placements, and flower forms of different plant families and how they are clearly connected to the same rhythmical activity of specific planets. With this study, readers can enlarge their perceptions of nature. Many examples and drawings are included, illustrating the connections between the orbital paths of planets and the shapes found in particular plants.

Cosmic Influences on Humans, Animals, and Plants

Cosmic Influences on Humans, Animals, and Plants PDF

Author: John T. Burns

Publisher: Scarecrow Press

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 9780810833135

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This annotated bibliography makes available to the general reader and scholar a broad survey of the scientific literature on alleged cosmic influences on humans, animals, and plants. To be included, a study must involve the collection of data or be a commentary on studies based on data. As some of the topics covered are still quite controversial in nature, while other topics have been scientifically studied to some extent, the terms "alleged," "claimed" or "suggested" are noted in the citations to remind the reader that a particular study has not necessarily been proven to be scientifically valid. The four parts of Cosmic Influences on Humans, Animals, and Plants are organized around alleged effects of solar activity, the moon, the planets, and possible mechanisms for such actions. Some effects that the sun and moon are known to have on our daily lives, such as the cycles of light and dark and the lunar tides have not been included because of their commonality. However, other effects such as those influences the moon has been shown to have over some animals have been included for the sake of completeness. With subject and author indexes.

OBSERVING NATURE’S SECRET

OBSERVING NATURE’S SECRET PDF

Author: Roger Druitt

Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press

Published: 2018-04-24

Total Pages: 106

ISBN-13: 1855845466

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‘[The student] should look at the world with keen, healthy senses and quickened power of observation, and then give himself up to the feeling that arises within him… This feeling penetrates the superficial aspect of things and in so doing touches their secrets.’ – Rudolf Steiner How can one progress from the ordinary, everyday vision of the senses to a perception of the subtle life- and spiritual forces around us – the very forces that shape nature? Basing his work on the research of both J. W. Goethe and Rudolf Steiner, Roger Druitt begins with the fundamental question, ‘What can you see?’ He presents a series of practical exercises for observing nature which, through diligent practise, allow for the maturation of subtle capacities of perception. Considering multiple species of leaves, for example, leads to the concept of ‘leaf’ itself. After this basic groundwork is established, steps can be taken towards a comprehension of further aspects, such as metamorphosis, gesture and type. Druitt demonstrates how this method – what he calls ‘anthroposophical phenomenology’ – can be applied in other fields of nature observation, opening the way for its use in all areas of life. In each case, whether working with bees, rocks, stars or colour, he shows how one can access the ‘individuality’ manifested in what is studied. Through a thorough step-by-step process we are led to the ultimate task: that of redeeming the beings of nature and of the earth itself.

The Celestial Garden

The Celestial Garden PDF

Author: Jane Hawley Stevens

Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing

Published: 2023-12-07

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 1645022145

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“So much thoughtful insight and practical advice is contained in these pages . . . Jane uses nature as a guide to living life in harmony rather than discord.”—Rosemary Gladstar, author of Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs Insight, ideas, and inspiration abound in this highly practical guide to growing successfully in harmony with the moon, the Earth, and other planetary influences. Planting by the moon is an age-old gardening tradition, but did you know that the cycles of the moon and the zodiac can be a powerful tool to improve your success with all kinds of gardening tasks? In The Celestial Garden, longtime gardener and herbalist Jane Hawley Stevens explains how the movement of the moon through the constellations of the zodiac provides a detailed calendar of optimal times for planting seeds, roots, and transplants, as well as for pruning, weeding, propagation, harvesting, and even starting new garden projects or throwing garden parties. While herbs are Stevens’s specialty, she loves growing all kinds of plants, and The Celestial Garden provides excellent gardening tips for every gardener, whether their passion is for vegetables, fruits, herbs, or flowers. At a deeper level, Stevens believes that gardening by the moon and learning about astrological cycles can help restore our elemental interconnection with Nature and the Earth. The Celestial Garden introduces and explains all aspects of astrological gardening: What moon signs are, and why and how the phase of the moon affects plant growth and development How to align the moon’s passage through the constellations of the zodiac with your choice of daily garden tasks and projects Specific tips and advice for the best activities to undertake during each of the moon’s phases How to incorporate simple, creative seasonal rituals into your astrological gardening practice How to design a unique chakra garden How to apply what you learn about astrological influences beyond the garden to experience a greater sense of flow and satisfaction in all aspects of your daily life Photos of the author’s garden throughout the book provide visual evidence of the positive results that come from gardening in harmony with the moon and planetary influences. Illustrations and charts help readers understand the lunar cycle and its influence on plants, the astrological rulers of the body, and the relationship between the signs of the zodiac and the four elements (earth, air, water, fire). Gardeners of every level of experience will find new insights, ideas, and inspiration in this unusual, beautiful, and highly practical guide to the simple yet expansive art of consulting with the cosmos to inform our garden tasks on any given day, week, or month and enjoy greater gardening satisfaction and success. "[Stevens'] advice is plentiful . . [and her] horticultural degree underscore the science of her work."—Booklist “A unique and wonderful book, brimming with the knowledge and skills that arise from a lifetime in herbalism. . . This book is a major contribution to herbalism’s role not only in the alleviation of suffering, but the transformation of human consciousness. Thank you, Jane!”—David Hoffmann, RH (AHG), fellow, National Institute of Medical Herbalists; principal scientist, Traditional Medicinals "In this easy-to-understand guidebook, Jane Hawley Stevens demystifies the moon and stars in relationship with nature and explains how you can use their powerful cycles to make your garden the most beautiful, bountiful, and happiest it can be."—Maria Rodale, author of Love, Nature, Magic

Food Full of Life

Food Full of Life PDF

Author: Gill Bacchus

Publisher: Floris Books

Published: 2012-08-30

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 0863159400

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Is organic and biodynamic food worth the higher price consumers often pay? Which aspects of us are nourished by the food we eat? How can different methods of growing and cooking food best preserve the life energies in our food? In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the quality of the food we eat, allied to a mistrust of many aspects of large-scale 'agri-industry'. In response to these concerns, many consumers turned towards buying organic or biodynamic produce. Our current financial climate makes those buying decisions difficult for many people. Organic food is often more expensive, and tests by conventional scientists claim to show that is has no extra nutritional value. This book questions whether these claims have any basis. Gill Bacchus concludes that modern scientific methods simply cannot reveal or measure the true life processes that give quality to our food. Exploring ideas from organics and Rudolf Steiner's biodynamics, the author discusses how the Earth's formative energies, especially sunlight, are essential to the healthy life of plants and animals. The living energy in our food is either enhanced or destroyed by our chosen methods of farming, processing and cooking. She argues that the health not only of our bodies, but also of our consciousness, thinking and emotions, depends on nourishing ourselves wisely, and gives advice on how we can learn to find and choose food that is 'full of life and light'.

Cosmos, Earth and Nutrition

Cosmos, Earth and Nutrition PDF

Author: Richard Thornton Smith

Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press

Published: 2013-04-03

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1855843196

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In recent years there has been an explosion of interest in organic and biodynamic produce. Although once marginal and 'alternative', escalating concerns about the environment, health, food quality and animal welfare have brought organics into mainstream consciousness. Biodynamics, a unique development of the organic approach, does not narrowly focus on agricultural techniques. It was conceived as a new way of thinking about farming, nutrition and the world of nature, allowing for a revitalized relationship with the living soil, the elemental world and the cosmos. Originating from a series of eight lectures given by Dr Rudolf Steiner in 1924, biodynamics broadens the outlook of agriculture and the science behind it, leading to a holistic perspective that incorporates astronomical rhythms and unique preparations for plants and earth. The author describes the foundations on which not only biodynamics but also the wider organic movement is based. He builds bridges between mainstream science and Steiner's insights, making it easier for the wider organic and ecological movement to approach biodynamic concepts and practise. This book has much to offer to the beginner as well as to those already involved with biodynamics. Its broad range of topics - including the ecology of the farm organism, food quality and nutrition, community supported agriculture, planetary influences, seed quality, and the vitality of water - contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject. The author is also concerned to promote innovation so that biodynamics moves with the times. An appendix includes details for contacting various elements of the biodynamic world. DR RICHARD THORNTON SMITH was formerly a geography professor at the University of Leeds, specializing in soil science, environment and conservation. Widely travelled, he has a long-standing interest in indigenous and sustainable farming. He was introduced to the work of Rudolf Steiner at an early age, although his full involvement with biodynamics dates from 1990 when he began to participate in training programmes and workshops at Emerson College, Sussex. In 1996 he began a biodynamic extension programme in Sri Lanka, for which he published a book, most recently updated in 2007. Since 2001 he has been an inspector for the Biodynamic Association's Demeter and Organic Certification in the UK. In 2003 he produced an edited selection of Steiner's work relating to agriculture. He is currently a council member of the Biodynamic Agricultural Association, and lives in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.