Keeping track of celestial opportunities, optimal timing for planting and biodynamic spraying, and more.
This week, let’s explore:
Biodynamic Scientific Research, the Calendar, and Planetary Trines
When Rudolf Steiner presented the Spiritual-Scientific Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture in 1924, he said, “We must include a far wider horizon in our studies of the life of plant and animal, and of the Earth itself. We must extend our view to the cosmos.” (Agriculture Course, Adams translation, 21).
How do we make farming work better with biodynamics? Over the last 12 years, a dedicated and hardworking group of farmers, ranchers, artists, and researchers has delved deeply into biodynamic practices, exploring ways to improve. One of the most exciting areas of research has been working with the biodynamic planting calendar to determine the optimal dates for applying biodynamic preparations.
In a multi-year scientific research experiment conducted on a 240-acre ranch in the Colorado mountains, we have found that biodynamic preparations are most effective when used during the optimal times indicated in the biodynamic planting calendar. The Sustainable Settings Ranch Biodynamic Research and Demonstration Project (see SustainableSettings.org for further information and biodynamic classes) has over a decade of scientific research, demonstrating that biodynamic techniques outperform all other farming practices in statewide (and nationwide) scientific trials for building soil health. The USDA research scientist reviewing our results had this to say:
“Sustainable Settings’ soil data is in the upper 1% of all the 220,000 farm soil tests we have run as far as gains in soil health. Their ten years of Haney and PLFA soil tests demonstrate that their soil life/health are improving, showing consistent gains each year in all 40 different forms of life metrics we measure. This is rock solid data, clear strong evidence that Sustainable Settings’ combined biodynamic and regenerative management strategies are effective. This is really awesome data, and is demonstrating what is possible in our effort to heal the land.”
– Rick Haney, Soil Chemist/Microbiologist and Research Farmer at the USDA-ARS Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory in Temple, TX and creator of the Haney Soil Health Test. Currently, Rick is Lead Scientist and Soil Data Analyst for Regen Ag Lab in Pleasanton, NE.
This type of soil test is the next step in soil testing for the 21st century, as noted in the background for this advanced soil research:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/HaneyTest.pdf.
A special thank you to Brook and Rose LeVan of Sustainable Settings Ranch for conducting and funding this significant research project, which further demonstrates the benefits of biodynamics to the scientific and agrarian world. This data supports the ongoing science of biodynamics. I have presented these results at various regional gatherings and know this would make an excellent presentation for national (or international) biodynamic conferences. It only underscores the fact that biodynamics is not about belief; it’s about real results.
Improving biodynamic research and best practices is my goal, and the following information is an attempt to share with you the best ways to upgrade and enhance your biodynamic work.
One way to augment good gardening practices is by using the biodynamic calendar. According to the decades of biodynamic research that provided the basis of these calendars, some general “rules” have been developed to improve results in the garden.
Planetary Oppositions ☍
Planetary oppositions occur when two planets are positioned on opposite sides of the Earth, forming a nearly straight line from one to the other, with the Earth situated between them. Oppositions are viewed as highly beneficial for promoting positive energies in plants.
Plant/planet energies can be more easily “tuned” into or harvested at these windows of opportunity.
Generally, the beneficial influence of planetary oppositions is most pronounced between 12 hours before the opposition occurs and up to six hours after the opposition occurs. That gives you, essentially, an 18-hour window to take advantage of an opportunity.
For example:
On August 6, two planetary oppositions will occur: a moon-Venus opposition, followed by a moon-Jupiter opposition, both regarded as beneficial for plant health.
Planetary Conjunction ☌
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the planetary conjunctions, which are when two planetary bodies get a bit too close for comfort (from our perspective) in the same part of the sky. Conjunctions are generally considered inferior times to do plant or biodynamic work.
Conjunctions are seen as a “blockage” (or confusion) of distinct celestial energies. For example, an eclipse is a perfectly aligned conjunction that results in an occultation: when two planetary bodies are not just close together, but one is physically blocking the other from view. When the moon is in front of the sun, the sun’s influence is diminished. In general, planetary conjunctions are considered unfavorable and should be avoided when performing plant work.
Three planetary conjunctions occur on August 12: Venus conjuncts Jupiter, the moon conjuncts Saturn, and the moon conjuncts Neptune. Three conjunctions happening back-to-back present us with time better not spent in the garden working with plants.
Planetary Trines △
When reviewing the biodynamic calendar, we look for times when the dialogue among the plants/planets/preparations may be more open and impactful. Planetary trines occur when two planets are 120 degrees apart, implying what could be an equilateral triangle in its fullest expression. When this happens, the planets forming a trine are always in constellations belonging to the same element. Trines are opportunities for biodynamic preparations to have an increased positive impact on the life of your farm.
Looking ahead to the next best time to have a positive impact on the life of your farm through the use of biodynamic preparations, the planetary trine in earth constellations on August 8 looks fantastic!
In the biodynamic calendar, when a trine happens in a particular type of constellation (Earth, Fire, Water, or Air), those specific energies are especially enhanced.
In the biodynamic calendar, the trines take priority, even overriding the day’s normal influence. For example, if the Moon were in a fire sign (Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius) this would normally be a “fruit” day, but if there were a trine (two planets at approximately 120 degrees from each other) in water signs, the water trine overrides the “fruit” day and makes it a leaf day, corresponding to the intensification of the water element.
As you grow into the calendar work, you will adjust it to suit your needs and the unique aspects of your farm, and that adjustment will likely change over time.
August features several celestial occurrences that can be utilized biodynamically to enhance your soil health.
August 8: Earth/Root △ (SP GOOD)
Mars is in Virgo (Earth) △ Uranus is in Taurus (Earth), with the Moon in Capricorn (Earth)
This one is marked in the biodynamic calendar as Specially Good (sp good) in the Maria Thun almanac. Often, you will find three planets in the same element on a day marked “SP GOOD.” When you see a triangle on the biodynamic calendar, this indicates a trine.
For example, on August 8, the Moon is in Capricorn. This means it's naturally an Earth/Root day, with the Moon in an Earth sign, but this is intensified by an Earth trine between Mars and Uranus at 120 degrees from each other, both of which are also in Earth signs, culminating in a particularly auspicious moment for working with root crops or sowing cover crops. During this strong Earth trine, we can have a significant impact on the Earthly aspect of soil health.
Biodynamic Barrel Compound and Biodynamic Horn Manure (BD 500) would be excellent to stir and spray to receive maximum benefits.
It is almost always better to apply a Biodynamic spray ahead of the planetary event.
I recommend stirring and spraying Biodynamic Horn Manure, BD 500, along with Biodynamic Barrel Compound on the afternoon of August 8. The next day, August 9, is the Full Moon, also a great time to apply biodynamic preparations.
If you prepare now, you may be ready to take advantage of this rare and potent planetary event. We will be stirring and spraying biodynamic preparations on August 8th and hope you will join us wherever you are.
Go biodynamic–for LIFE!
Wonderful and exciting
Loved listening to the recording and hearing your authority, authenticity and exuberance come through so strongly. I’m preparing for August 8 and looking forward to your next installment. Many thanks for your leadership and generous spirit, Lloyd.