Preparations - Biodynamic Trainee

Research Project Arising From Practice (1.2) I have decided to research and develop a biodynamic stirring area in the valley. I became increasingly interested in the idea of a stirring area dedicated to the stirring of the biodynamic preparation following the weekend seminar on the preparations held at Ruskin Mill. It reinforced the importance of giving back energy to the garden, as we exploit the soil and forces when cultivating. The preparations are one of the ways we can revitalise our soils and gardens. (1.3) Initially, my project was to create an area on the valley bank with a dual purpose for the biodynamic stirrings, and also a place where students and staff could unwind. However, through discussions with staff, I quickly realised that students and staff already have many designed areas in the valley in which to unwind, and creating a new area may encourage students to abscond from their sessions. Furthermore, it became clear that a biodynamic stirring area should be in full view from the public footpath, and easily assessable for stirrings. Mattias recommended an area in the valley for my project, I agreed that this would be a great location. I then simplified my original proposal to designing and constructing an area solely for the purpose of stirring and the storage of the biodynamic preparations. Through the biodynamic preparations and the increased likelihood of using them consistently in the valley with a dedicated area, I believe that this project will be of great benefit, and aligned with the seven fields of practice. Genius Loci: I will spend some time observing the area before starting my project. I am taking down a pre-existing structure, and compost furnace. I intend to incorporate many of the materials back into the project.Practical Skills: My project will involve excavating into the clay bank, removing materials away, and constructing a stone wall and foundation. A host of practical skills will be involved to actualise this project.Biodynamic Ecology: The biodynamic preparations are central to biodynamic agriculture. By creating a designated area for the stirring of the preparations, it’s likely that the frequency of spraying them in the valley will increase.Therapeutic Education: Students will be involved during the construction of the stirring area. I hope my finished stirring area will be beautiful. If so it may rejuvenate more neglected parts of the valley, thus creating a more therapeutic environment where students are working.Holistic Support and Care: The biodynamic preparation provide holistic support for the land and plants. In turn, the nutritional dense vegetables grown in the valley will contribute to the well-being of the staff and students.Holistic Medicine: The biodynamic preparations that will be stirred together by practitioners in the valley, are holistic medicines for the soil, and the plants.Transformative Leadership: I will have to hold myself accountable for designing and creating this preparation stirring area. I will need to manage my time and solve problems that will arise throughout the project. (2.1) The project proposal was accepted. So I have moved onto the research stage. Firstly, I need to formulate a worthy question as a starting point for my research, such as: What is the importance of choosing a location solely for the purposes of the stirring and storage of the biodynamic preparations within the landscape of the Ruskin Mill Valley? How can a preparation stirring area be built to ensure that it is used frequently, and is continually maintained for years to come? Which building materials should be used or avoided when building a biodynamic preparation stirring area? How will the besom be held into the stirring barrel? How to construct a suitable pit for the cowpat preparation? All of the questions above are very important for my project, to justify the project, and to ensure that it will fulfil its purpose as a stirring area over many years. (2.2) To conduct my research I have many resources available. Firstly, many colleagues have extensive knowledge in the field of biodynamic and have built their own preparation areas in the past. I also have books including the Agriculture Course, where Rudolf Steiner first outlined the preparations, and where he also comments on the effects that the stirrings have on people, and comments on which materials should be used and avoided. I also have access to many biodynamic books such as 'The Biodynamic Spray and Compost Preparations, Directions for use, Wistinghausen' The Research How does a dedicated preparation stirring area benefit the Ruskin Mill valley? How important is the design and construction to ensure that it fulfils its purpose for many years? (3.1) Introduction A wooden barrel, spring water, and a broom is all you require for the stirring of the biodynamic preparations. The biodynamic preparations need to be used often, and practitioners must compromise if nessessary, to get the preparations dispirsed across the land. However, we must also strive towards the ideal when we can. I believe that a dedicated area for the biodynamic preparations stirrings is the ideal for any biodynamic holding. Through my research I want to discover the affects that a dedicated stirring area will have on the Ruskin Mill valley. Additionally, I will be reasearching how the design, materials, and construction will influence the frequency of strirrings. Lastly, I will need to conduct research to overcome (3.2) Literature Review (3.3) Data Collection Method (4.1) Results & Analysis (4.2) Conclusion Bibliography