Description Introduction by Stewart Lundy Edited by Stewart Lundy Contributions by John Bradshaw, Philippe Coderey, Patricia Smith, Abigail Porter, German-Michael Hahn and Dennis Klocek This collection of articles—compiled primarily by Hugh Courtney from the periodical Applied Biodynamics—introduces the basics of making the essential biodynamic preparations. What is discussed in these articles is much more than just ways to make preparations successfully; it also represents, for the most part, Hugh’s way of doing so with lots of practical tips for success. Biodynamics is distinguished by the fact that it is a return from and through a mechanized prodigal society, not a regression. It is a return in a new way, like returning to your childhood home as an adult. — Stewart Lundy Biodynamics is a reorientation of agriculture to its primary purpose—not commerce, but life. Anthroposophy is not a fanatical movement, nor is it an iconoclastic movement. As Steiner says, we need cow horns to make the biodynamic preparations, but we do not need to be ‘bull-headed’ about it. — Stewart Lundy C O N T E N T S: Introduction by Stewart Lundy Honoring the Cow (Hugh J. Courtney) The Scientific Basis of Biodynamics (John Bradshaw) Sensitive Crystallization: Revealing the Life Forces behind Biodynamics (Philippe Coderey) 500: The Foundational Horn Manure Preparation (Hugh J. Courtney) Further Thoughts on Making BD500 (Hugh J. Courtney) 501: Horn Silica Preparation (Hugh J. Courtney) 502: How to Make the Yarrow Preparation (Patricia Smith) Achillea millefolium Esoterica (Hugh J. Courtney) 503: Chamomile: The Healer for People and Plants (Hugh J. Courtney) 504: The Stinging Nettle Preparation (Hugh J. Courtney) 505: How to Make the Oak Bark Preparation (Hugh J. Courtney) 506: Dandelion: Messenger of Heaven (Abigail Porter) 506: Dandelion Compost Preparation (Hugh J. Courtney) 507: How to Make the Valerian Preparation (Patricia Smith & Hugh J. Courtney) The Valerian Preparation: Additional Perspectives (Hugh J. Courtney) Revealing the Hidden Forces of Equisetum arvense (Hugh J. Courtney) Pest “Peppers” and Homeopathic Dilution (Hugh J. Courtney) The Three Kings Preparation (Hugh J. Courtney) Preparations as Beings: The Three Kings Preparation of Hugo Erbe (German-Michael Hahn) Expanding the Biodynamic Preparations (Hugh J. Courtney) Amethyst 501 (Dennis Klocek) Cited Works Further Reading Hugh J. Courtney (1932–2020), a veteran and librarian, discovered Steiner’s agriculture course in 1975 at a health food store in College Park, Maryland. This led him to Josephine Porter, who was making biodynamic preparations according to Steiner’s indications. He apprenticed under Josephine and, when she died in 1984, took up her work. He created the Josephine Porter Institute in Woolwine, VA, where he has been making and selling preparations (six compost preparations and 3 others), editing the newsletter Applied Biodynamics, and consulting on all aspects of the biodynamic approach. Hugh Jordan Courtney passed the threshold quietly in his sleep on June 15, 2020, at the age of 87 in Woolwine, Virginia.
