Blog – Page 4 – The Josephine Porter Institute

Apr 9, 2023

How to Convert a Vineyard to Biodynamics

Transitioning a vineyard to biodynamics can seem like a daunting task, not even considering Demeter certification standards. When plants are habituated to synthetic fertilizers, the soil itself tends to become sickly and needs to be revitalized.

Apr 7, 2023

Intuition

Steiner's impulse is distinct. He is not advocating going "back" to a conception-free world, nor does he side on mere systematized conceptual thought. Instead, he urges us towards recovering intuition in the midst of scientific development and transforming the sciences so that they, once again, serve LIFE and not mere POWER.

Apr 7, 2023

Goethean Observation

If, as Goethe says, "A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart" then what we carry in our hearts when we approach phenomena will determine what we find in the world. As such, a mood of love will help us see the value in even outwardly distasteful things. Diffuse gratitude will help us develop a relationship with the world, and even, I dare say, with manure.

Apr 5, 2023

Healthiness

If we wish to have healthy plants, we should consider using healthy inputs. But that means reaching beyond soluble fertilizers which, let's face it, are not alive enough to be "healthy." Now, a particular chemical may be healthy or unhealthy for a living organism, but if we wish to foster healthy plants, we need to add heathliness back to the soil.

Apr 5, 2023

Wholeness & Holistic Farming

On the farm, we should imagine the farm as if it's a living thing that can be healthy or unhealthy and watch for where there's stagnation or inflammation. Look out at the field and you'll see dry spots or water-logged areas. Imagine that in your body as arthritis or bloating and you'll quickly grow more sensitive to how the farm organism "feels" and how to make it healthier.

Apr 3, 2023

Love & Farming

Do you need biodynamics? Not if you really love your land. I don't mean loving your land in a mere affectionate way. ...

Mar 31, 2023

The Mystery of Everyday Existence

Biodynamics may not be remedies that you or I might have imagined ourselves, but like blueprints, they work regardless of who decides to use them. The proof is in the pudding. Give it a try and you'll see, and not just that, your way of seeing itself may become regenerated.

Mar 27, 2023

Character of the Cosmos

As the Kyoto School philosopher Kitaro Nishida writes, when we discover a law of nature using the scientific method, this is actually the Universe, though us, discovering an element of its own character.

Mar 24, 2023

Does Biodynamics Work?

Most scientific epiphanies precede data collection. A scientist without any imagination is not likely to make creative intuitive connections between the data they collect. Biodynamics is such a creative intuitive leap. The science must follow afterwards, but those who utilize biodynamics can attest to significant changes in plant health, disease resistance, pest resistance, and flavor improvements.

Mar 24, 2023

Music of the Spheres

Everything relates to everything else, so to create holistic fertilizers, we should include "a bit of everything" in a way that mirrors the manifesting power of Creation itself.

Mar 22, 2023

The World of Ideas

What is believed must not just be affirmed, but deeply loved and valued and felt if it is to motivate fruitful action in the world. It is a danger to try to memorize biodynamic theory as if it is a recipe. Biodynamics should be born out of love for our neighbors and love of the source of all. Always remember that we are in service to life.

Mar 21, 2023

Esoteric Biodynamics?

Biodynamics is not an abstract philosophy but is drawn from the real world and its inner workings. Biodynamics is chiefly about what works and what can be in service of LIFE.