Biodynamics and the Redemption of Substance

Mon, Feb 06 2012 8:30 AM to Fri, Feb 10 2012 5:30 PM

Location: Fair Oaks, CA
Category: - Western Region, Biodynamics, Consciousness Studies

A five-day course in cultivating sacred practices for working on the land, co-sponsored by New Alchemy and Rudolf Steiner College

With Dennis Klocek, Laura Liska, and Matias Baker.

There is growing recognition among people who work on the land that a spiritual practice is vital to the worldly task of producing nutritious food. For those on a path of inner development, agriculture becomes a sacred art. It lends insight to practical methodology, transforming the practitioner through the activity of transforming substance.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the spiritual practice within the modern path of biodynamic agriculture. Founded on Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophic philosophy, methods for developing a sacred relationship to the land will be explored through:

• presentations on the alchemy of the four elements as the theoretical basis for the biodynamic worldview
• exercises in phenomenology growing out of the work of the poet Goethe
• hands-on experiences in the art and science of preparation-making
  as an alchemical practice.

This course weaves together three fundamental practices for acquiring true knowledge through our interaction with nature, best exemplified by the old educational adage of “say, see, do.” “Say” refers to how the thinking processes necessary for subtle understanding are developed. Traditionally this occurs through lessons given in the reasoning behind basic concepts. “See” is the development of aesthetic perception and delicate sensitivity for nature’s forms which are necessary for insight into the forces at work in nature. This sensitivity is cultivated by a training in observation of natural phenomena. Finally, “do” is the laboratory where the concepts learned in “say” and the experiences of “see” are focused and harmonized. In weaving these three together, a spiritual practice for working on the land can be envisioned as the source of future inspirations. These inspirations will allow human beings to align themselves with spiritual beings who are waiting for human souls to build a bridge to the spiritual world, redeeming substance by uniting it once again with spirit.

Please note: This course is intended for practitioners interested in deepening their work on the land through the biodynamic method. Some familiarity with biodynamics is needed. Farming practices and basic biodynamic techniques will not be covered.

Please see attachment for presenter bios, costs, and full details.