BD 506: Dandelion – The Golden Messenger of Heaven
What Is BD 506?
Dandelion may be called a weed by some, but in biodynamics, it’s a gift. BD 506 is made by placing dandelion blossoms inside the mesentery tissue of a cow—the web-like membrane that surrounds the organs—and burying this bundle in the ground over winter.
When unearthed in the spring, the preparation is deep brown, peaty, and full of earth vitality. It is added to compost to bring sensitivity and intelligence, especially in regulating silica forces.
What could be finer than a glorious field of glowing dandelions in full bloom on a beautiful, clear, spring day?
– Abigail Porter, Applied Biodynamics, no. 76 (2012): 145.¹
The dandelion’s brightness and cheerful resilience embody the spirit of this preparation. At JPI, where Josephine Porter pioneered the art of biodynamic preparation making in North America, dandelion remains central to compost renewal.
How BD 506 Works
Dandelion blossoms (not leaves or stems) are used for BD 506. They are packed into fresh mesentery tissue—not just for containment, but for the organizing quality it brings to the preparation. The bundle is buried in a moist, shaded location and allowed to transform over winter.
BD 506 enhances the compost’s ability to manage silica, helping the soil digest cosmic influences and balance trace element availability. It also supports plant resilience and communication — acting like a mediator between sky and root.
Hugh Courtney’s early experiments with BD 506 included seed baths, which showed measurable improvement:
We used one unit of BD506 with two quarts of water that we stirred/potentized for ten minutes in a one-gallon jug using a lemniscate motion… Where the dandelion preparation was used as the seed bath, the yield was much greater than the control.
– Hugh J. Courtney, Applied Biodynamics, no. 76 (2012): 161.²
This preparation is sometimes misunderstood as “mystical,” but its effects are consistent: increased root vitality, improved mycorrhizal interaction, and subtle light regulation through the compost process.
The Spiritual Science of Dandelion
Dandelion works as a messenger of heaven, mediating between cosmic silica and earthly root. Steiner saw it as capable of gathering silicic acid from all directions — aligning the compost with the structure of the universe.
Steiner referred to the dandelion as the ‘messenger of heaven.’ It has the ability to attract silicic acid from the whole earthly and cosmic environment.
– Hugh J. Courtney, Applied Biodynamics, no. 76 (2012): 154.³
In esoteric terms, BD 506 teaches the compost pile to listen — not just to nitrogen and carbon, but to the whispered intentions of the stars. This preparation gives the compost a sense of orientation, anchoring it in both depth and light.
📚 Footnotes
- Abigail Porter, “BD 506: Dandelion,” Applied Biodynamics, no. 76 (2012): 145.
- Hugh J. Courtney, “Field Tests Using BD506,” Applied Biodynamics, no. 76 (2012): 161.
- Hugh J. Courtney, “Dandelion as Messenger,” Applied Biodynamics, no. 76 (2012): 154.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BD 506 and why is it referred to as the 'Golden Messenger of Heaven'?
BD 506 refers to a specific preparation involving dandelions, often used in biodynamic farming. It is called the 'Golden Messenger of Heaven' due to the dandelion's bright, sun-like flowers and its role in enhancing nutrient availability in the soil.
How is BD 506 used in biodynamic farming?
BD 506 is used as a compost preparation. It involves infusing compost with dandelion flowers, which helps in the absorption and distribution of silica in the soil, thus improving plant health and vitality.
What are the benefits of using dandelion in biodynamic preparations?
Dandelion is valued in biodynamics for its ability to enhance nutrient uptake, particularly silica, which strengthens plant structure and vitality. It also promotes healthy soil ecology.
Can I create a BD 506 preparation at home for my garden?
Yes, you can create BD 506 at home by using dandelion flowers in your compost. However, it is essential to follow specific biodynamic methods to ensure its effectiveness in enhancing soil and plant health.