Planting with the Planets: The Astrology of Biodynamic Farming
by Mel Priestley
People have farmed in accordance with celestial rhythms for millennia. But in the last few decades, as large-scale conventional agriculture came to prominence, much of this wisdom — recorded in almanacs, calendars, mythology, and folklore — became disregarded or lost. Many farmers still consult an almanac, but this has largely taken a backseat to the latest innovations in farming technology, particularly chemical preparations like fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Biodynamics seeks to re-establish the connection between agricultural practices and heavenly energies. A holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, it was developed in the early 20th century by Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian philosopher, scientist, and mystic who also founded both Anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner Education (the basis of the Waldorf Schools for children).
As a young man, Steiner studied mathematics, physics, chemistry, botany, zoology, and mineralogy at the Vienna Institute of Technology, and audited courses on literature and philosophy. He went on to study religion and esotericism throughout the rest of his life, seeking to bridge the gap between science and spirituality through Anthroposophy, a philosophy he defined as the scientific exploration of the spiritual world. In his prolific body of writings and lectures, Steiner incorporated philosophies and teachings from Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism, as well as esoteric currents like Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, and Gnosticism.1
Steiner delivered the foundations of biodynamic agriculture in 1924 through a lecture cycle generally referred to as the Agriculture Course, outlining three main tenets. First, biodynamics is based on an animist worldview, regarding the Earth as a living being and the farm as an individual organism in and of itself. Second, it aligns its farming practices with the movements of the Sun, Moon, and other bodies in our cosmos. Third, it uses nine specific herbal and mineral substances, known as the biodynamic preparations, to help heal the Earth.2
On the surface, biodynamics might seem like organic agriculture with a peculiar twist. However, its underlying animist philosophy separates it from other forms of modern agriculture. Both conventional and organic agriculture are based on philosophical materialism: various substances are used to achieve scientifically measurable improvements in crop quality and production. Organic agriculture works with more benign material substances, but the end goal is essentially the same.3
While biodynamic farms also practice organic agriculture, biodynamics does not just aim for less pollution or better crop fertility. Rather, it seeks to spiritualize and enliven the Earth with the energy of the cosmos. Steiner felt that it was crucial to do this in order to nourish both humans — through the improved nutrition of the plants and animals that come from biodynamic farming — and the non-human, elemental beings that he believed also inhabit the Earth. Steiner viewed the biodynamic preparations as much more than material substances; he saw them as life forces unto themselves.4
Currently, biodynamics is growing in popularity around the world, particularly in Europe, where centuries of conventional agriculture have destroyed local biodiversity, stripped vital nutrients from the soil, and left vast tracts of land barren and in dire need of regeneration. The nonprofit Biodynamic Federation-Demeter International — usually called Demeter — has become a household name there, offering biodynamic certification and supporting member organizations in 65 countries around the world.5
Despite its recent growth in popularity, biodynamics does have detractors. Many are off-put by its spiritual underpinnings and dismiss its lack of scientific basis. Demeter itself is careful to avoid mentioning the spiritual and esoteric aspects of biodynamics on its website, in order to appeal to a wider audience.
The advent of biodynamic calendars
German farmer Maria Thun expanded greatly on Steiner’s introduction to biodynamics. Her extensive practical experiments on her farm in the 1950s were instrumental in establishing the modern biodynamic almanacs that exist today. Together with her son Matthias Thun, she created the Maria Thun Biodynamic Almanac, published annually in German by Floris Books, with an English translation and North American version also available.6
The Stella Natura Biodynamic Planting Calendar is another key resource, compiled and edited by Sherry Wildfeuer. Wildfeuer discovered Maria Thun’s work in 1970 while working in Switzerland. Upon returning to the US, she began producing her own biodynamic calendar to share with family and friends. In 1978, it grew into a formal publication published by Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, a nonprofit live-work farm and life-sharing community for adults with developmental disabilities.7
Biodynamic calendars present the best times to perform various farm tasks according to planetary transits, broken down by month, day, and hour. Most biodynamic calendars are based on the astronomical system of constellation boundaries, which divide the sky into unequal sections according to the constellations along the ecliptic. Farm tasks are timed according to the movement of the Moon and other planets through these constellations.
Some biodynamic calendars use the sidereal zodiac, which divides the twelve constellations into exact 30° sections. However, these are much less common.8
Biodynamic calendars are careful to differentiate the system they use as distinct from the tropical zodiac. While today, the Farmers’ Almanac lists both tropical and sidereal information, biodynamic calendars emphasize the importance of considering the entire sphere of the heavens, not just the solar/earthly relationship. Both the Maria Thun Biodynamic Almanac and the Stella Natura calendar describe their information as astronomical, rather than astrological.
The ecliptic constellations used in biodynamics have different names than the tropical zodiac signs, though sometimes they are used interchangeably. However, each constellation is associated with the same element (earth, water, air, or fire) as its analogous tropical sign.
It’s important to note that the interplay of agricultural crops and celestial transits remains the least-studied aspect of biodynamics. Many biodynamic texts acknowledge that there is still an enormous amount of research required to develop and refine this knowledge.9 The current calendars are a reflection of what has worked for farmers in the past, but much is still uncertain and subject to revision and improvement.
Moon as Lens: Root, Leaf, Flower, and Fruit Days
The Moon plays a central role in the biodynamic calendar. Steiner focused on the Moon as the most important factor in determining when to tackle farm tasks, because he felt that all cosmic forces were reflected by the Moon toward the Earth.10
In the 2021 edition of the Stella Natura calendar, Wildfeuer describes the Moon’s effect on plants using the analogy of a magnifying glass focusing the rays of the Sun into a pinpoint of light: the Moon is like a lens that concentrates the energies of the constellations, and the Earth is at the burning point of its focus.
The Moon’s movement through the constellations determines which activities are best performed on any given day, based on the element of the Moon’s current sign. Earth signs support the formation of roots; water signs support leaf formation; air signs support flowers; and fire signs promote the growth of fruit.11
Therefore, it is best to plant and harvest root vegetables like carrots or potatoes on days when the Moon is in an earth sign. Similarly, crops cultivated for their fruit, which include orchard fruits as well as vegetables like beans, peas, tomatoes, and pumpkins, are best sown on a day when the Moon is in a fire sign. Leaf crops like spinach and lettuce are best planted when the Moon is in a water sign; if planted during a flower or fruit day (when the Moon is in an air or fire sign), there is a tendency for these crops to bolt (i.e., go to seed) too quickly. When the Moon is in an air sign, these are good days for planting or pruning plants grown for their flowers, as well as for harvesting oil-bearing crops like sunflower, linseed, and canola.12
There is a buffer period when the Moon moves between constellations. The boundaries between constellations are often indistinct, so avoiding activities during these times resolves any ambiguity about the specific elemental energy on which the Moon is focused.13
Moving into the Mainstream
We can see evidence of the popularity and growth of biodynamics through current transits in the tropical zodiac. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that Uranus, the great revolutionary, is intimately tied to biodynamics — possibly the most radical form of agriculture out there!
Uranus was in Pisces when Steiner delivered his Agriculture Course in 1924. Steiner’s vision of biodynamics as a disruptive philosophy rooted in spirituality, which breaks down the boundaries of established structures of agriculture, is very in tune with the Piscean quality of Uranus at the time. Shortly after Uranus ingressed into Aries in 1928, Demeter became a registered trademark, signalling the initiation of a brand new, pioneering agricultural force.
More recently, transit Uranus in Aquarius from 1996–2003 saw several milestones in biodynamics, including the formation of Demeter-International e.V. from 19 independent global Demeter organizations (1997), worldwide ratification of the Demeter Processing Standards (1999), and the formation of the International Biodynamic Association (2002).20 In these developments, we can see radical Uranus acting in the Aquarian realm of idealism, forming new group structures and alliances in support of the collective good.
There is likewise a profound connection between biodynamics and the sign of Taurus. This makes sense on a very practical level, given the common associations of Taurus with plants, agriculture, and food. Taurus is also the sign of the Moon’s exaltation, which aligns with the pre-eminence of the Moon in biodynamic timing. Furthermore, five of the nine biodynamic preparations are made by fermenting mineral or herbal materials inside various parts of cows: the horn, skull, intestines, and the peritoneum, or mesentery membrane.
Time periods when Uranus moves through Taurus signal key developments in the history of biodynamics. The last time Uranus transited Taurus, from 1934–42, corresponded to the continued growth of biodynamics in Europe — and then its sudden censorship. The Nazi Party, which had a fraught relationship with biodynamics (some members sought to co-opt its ideology, while others opposed it), eventually banned all Demeter organizations and the publication of Demeter Magazine in Germany in 1941.21 Saturn’s co-presence in Taurus, and the Saturn–Uranus conjunction that went exact at 29° Taurus in May 1942, manifested quite literally as Saturnian restrictions suppressing disruptive Uranian forces within the realm of Taurean agriculture.
In terms of the current transit of Uranus in Taurus, Demeter International and the International Biodynamic Association recently joined forces to form the Biodynamic Federation-Demeter International, a new umbrella organization uniting their organizations worldwide. The Federation launched in February 2020, just a few weeks after the Saturn–Pluto conjunction in Capricorn (loosely trine Uranus in Taurus).22 In this configuration of Saturn and Uranus, Plutonian forces transformed the Saturnian impulse to impose order over innovative Uranus, creating a more positive manifestation of these energies.
In the future, we can expect a marked shift when Uranus enters Gemini from 2025–32. Rather than physical growth, we may see an increased emphasis on theory, perhaps via the publication of research scrutinizing the astronomy or effects of biodynamics.
It's important to note that the last time Uranus transited Gemini, from 1942–49, coincided with World War II and its aftermath. Food rationing and restrictions were ubiquitous, and biodynamics remained banned in Germany until the Nazi Party was abolished in 1945. 1942–44 saw the co-presence of Saturn and Mars in Gemini, with Mars retrograding to conjoin Uranus three separate times, clearly emphasizing the scarcity and conflict that affected biodynamic agriculture (and so many other areas of life) in this period.
The upcoming transit of Uranus through Gemini may present similar setbacks, particularly when Saturn ingresses into Gemini in 2030. Mars will transit Gemini from May–July 2030, and Saturn will be co-present from June 2030–July 2032. Despite these parallels with the 1940s, this period should be less intense, since Mars will remain direct during this time. Pluto will also be transiting Aquarius, and therefore in a strongly supportive trine with Uranus in Gemini, a boost from the more mildly supportive sextile from Leo in Pluto in the 1940s.
Biodynamic agriculture experienced renewed growth in the 1950s as Uranus transited the fertile sign of Cancer (the Moon's domicile) and Maria Thun began conducting her historic field trials. Whatever difficulties may occur in the 2030s, biodynamics is likely to experience renewed growth and healing when Uranus transits Cancer from 2032–39. Jupiter's co-presence in Cancer, from May 2037–June 2038, should be especially fruitful.
Moon on the Move
Other features of the Moon are also factored into biodynamic calendars.
Moon Phase
Steiner identified the Full Moon as a period that enhances germination — but only if preceded by some rainy days, because water distributes lunar forces within the earth. Therefore, it is best to plant seeds a couple days before a Full Moon (and water them well, if there has been no rain) to optimize the Moon’s drawing power.14
Ascending or Descending Moon
Aside from the period around the Full Moon, the rest of the Moon’s synodic cycle is less important than whether its lunar cycle is ascending or descending. These terms refer to the progression of the cycles that occur every 27 days, when the Moon moves from its highest point in the sky to its lowest and back again. The Moon is described as ascending after it crosses the (ascendant) North Node and moves toward the (descendent) South Node, and as descending when moving from the South Node to the North Node. This is analogous to the Sun's movement over the course of the year, when it is at its highest point on the summer solstice (in the sign of Cancer in the tropical zodiac) and lowest point at the winter solstice (in Capricorn).15
Sap rises more strongly in plants during the ascending phase, so this is a good time for working on the above-ground parts of the plant — such as grafting and harvesting fruit. Sap movement is slower during the descending phase, which makes this a better time for tasks like transplanting, trimming, pruning, and applying compost.
Note that this sidereal rhythm is different than the Moon’s synodic cycle with the Sun. The Moon can be at any stage of its soli-lunar cycle (waxing, waning, full, quarter, etc.) at any point on its path of ascending to descending. Therefore, one cannot simply look at the current phase of the Moon to determine the best time to focus on above-ground or below-ground activities — a departure from the folkloric idea that the Moon’s phase determines these activities.
Apogee and Perigee
When the Moon is at its apogee or perigee, the lunar energy is more intense and unpredictable. At apogee, when the Moon is farthest from the Earth, the pull of lunar forces can cause plants to send up a flower stalk earlier than normal. This should be considered when planting crops at this time (e.g., avoid plants harvested for their leaves, because they might bolt too quickly).
At perigee, when the Moon is nearest the Earth, seeds sown during this time can be more prone to attack by fungus or pests. Therefore, it’s best to avoid planting for twelve hours before and after perigee.16
Nodes
The time periods when the Moon crosses its own nodes, or the nodes of Mercury and Venus, can be chaotic and are best avoided. Specifically, biodynamic calendars suggest a buffer period of two hours before and two hours after the period when the Moon crosses either of its nodes, and twelve hours before and after the Moon crosses the nodes of Mercury and Venus, as well as before and after eclipses.17
Other Planetary Influences
Steiner discussed the relationship of the Earth with its closest neighbors (Mercury, Venus, and the Moon) and those further away (Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). He felt that the soil itself absorbed the forces of Mercury, Venus, and the Moon, and that their energies were integral to plant reproduction. In comparison, he believed that the forces of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn affected plants through the air, and influenced characteristics like colour and shape.18
Biodynamic calendars include the transits of other planets, as well as the aspects made by transiting planets, but all of these factors are decidedly secondary to the Moon’s primacy.
The most important aspect is the trine — which makes perfect sense to astrologers, since it’s the strongest supportive aspect. Because trines occur when two planets are in signs of the same element, they give an added boost to those elemental energies. This, in turn, corresponds to an added boost of either root, leaf, flower, or fruit, depending on the element in question.
In biodynamics, oppositions do not have the same meaning as in Western tropical astrology — they are not considered a hard aspect. In fact, the Maria Thun Biodynamic Almanac describes oppositions as both planets beneficially stimulating any seeds planted at this time. It acknowledges that differing elemental influences will be at play according to which elemental constellations the opposing planets occupy, but this is not regarded as particularly challenging.
Conjunctions, meanwhile, are generally considered to be negative in biodynamics. They have the potential to overpower the influence of the Moon, which can arrest plant growth. This negative influence becomes even stronger on the rare occasion of an occultation of either the Moon or Sun appearing directly in front of another planet (including solar and lunar eclipses).19
An Animist Calling
By demanding that farmers tune into the life rhythms of both the physical land and non-physical realm, biodynamics mandates a profound disruption of conventional agriculture, and unseats the materialist philosophy pervasive throughout the West.
The biodynamic farm is an expression of a holistic philosophy that seeks to integrate all facets and aspects of life. With Steiner’s tenets as its core, biodynamics today incorporates many techniques from other sustainable agricultural practices (e.g., permaculture, Native American land management), including free-run livestock grazing, conserving water with swales and mulch, growing open-pollinated and non-GMO seeds, and crop rotation.
The constellation system used in biodynamic calendars can be alienating for astrologers who work with the tropical zodiac. However, it’s instructive that we can trace key milestones in biodynamics’ history through transits in the tropical zodiac.
So much remains to be learned about the way planetary movements affect life on Earth — and the life of Earth. No matter which zodiac is used, one can learn from biodynamics, and explore how multiple systems may be valid simultaneously.
Practicing biodynamics, even on the small scale of a backyard garden, gives us a hands-on way to reconnect Earth and Sky, recognize the sacred and animistic nature of our world, and engage in more holistic, cosmic lifeways inclusive of all beings — human and non-human alike.
References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org, "Rudolf Steiner" (accessed November 8, 2021).
2. Rudolf Steiner, What is Biodynamics? A Way to Heal and Revitalize the Earth, SteinerBooks, 2005, pp. 3–4.
3. Steiner, What Is Biodynamics?, p. 11.
4. Steiner, What Is Biodynamics?, pp. 9–20.
5. https://www.demeter.net, “History” (accessed October 31, 2021).
6. Matthias Thun, The Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar 2021, Floris Books, 2020, pp. 13–14.
7. Sherry Wildfeuer (Ed.), Stella Natura 2021 Biodynamic Planting Calendar, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, 2020, p. 3.
8. Steiner, What Is Biodynamics?, pp. 12–13.
9. Steiner, What Is Biodynamics?, p. 13.
10. https://wn.rsarchive.org, “The Agriculture Course” (accessed October 31, 2021).
11. Wildfeuer (Ed.), Stella Natura 2021 Biodynamic Planting Calendar, p. 4.
12. Thun, The Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar 2021, pp. 25–27.
13. Wildfeuer (Ed.), Stella Natura 2021 Biodynamic Planting Calendar, pp. 4–7.
14. https://wn.rsarchive.org, “The Agriculture Course” (accessed October 31, 2021).
15. Thun, The Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar 2021, pp. 15–16.
16. Wildfeuer (Ed.), Stella Natura 2021 Biodynamic Planting Calendar, pp. 4–6.
17. Wildfeuer (Ed.), Stella Natura 2021 Biodynamic Planting Calendar, p. 13.
18. https://wn.rsarchive.org, “The Agriculture Course” (accessed October 31, 2021).
19. Thun, The Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar 2021, pp. 23–24.
20. https://www.demeter.net, “History” (accessed October 31, 2021).
21. Steiner, What Is Biodynamics?, pp. 160–177.
22. https://www.demeter.net, “History” (accessed October 31, 2021).
Images:
Barley field: Image by kangbch from Pixabay
Almanac: https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Maria-Biodynamic-Almanac/dp/1782507345
Vegetable basket: Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Apple harvest: Image by lumix2004 from Pixabay
First published in: The Mountain Astrologer, Aries Nox 2022.
Author:
Mel Priestley is a freelance writer and new astrologer based in Edmonton, Canada. She began her writing career with a weekly wine column for a local alt-weekly paper and has written extensively about wine, food, theatre, and culture for over 15 years. She completed the Fundamentals of Natal Astrology certificate at Kepler College in 2021 and has begun applying her writing and research skills to the field of astrology. Visit her blog at melpriestley.ca for posts on astrology, wine, and culture, or to book a consultation.
© 2022 - Mel Priestley
Taken from this issue:
This article was published in The Mountain Astrologer, Aries Nox 2022 and can be purchased here.
The Mountain Astrologer is widely acknowledged as the best
English-language astrology magazine in the world today. It can be found at
in 1600 stores worldwide or online by (print or digital) subscription.
