 There are currently more than 450 biodynamic wine producers worldwide with the number growing fast. Where biodynamics differs from other forms of organic or sustainable agriculture is in its idea that farming can be attuned to the spiritual forces of the cosmos. This might mean linking sowing and harvesting to the phases of the moon or the positions of the planets; it also might mean burying cow manure in a cow's horn over the winter, unearthing it in the spring, diluting a minute amount of the substance in 34 liters of water, "dynamizing" it by stirring it by hand in alternating directions for an hour or so and then spraying the mixture over one's vineyard.Does it work? Well, adherents of biodynamics think so. Rudolf Steiner recommended wine as a cure for clairvoyance. Steiner told a story of a German pilot in World War I who began to know in advance which of his companions would be killed on missions. This knowledge thoroughly unnerved him. Steiner advised him to drink wine; when he followed this prescription, the insights vanished. As a metaphysician who relies on intuitive insight I had to give up wine because of its curative powers. But for those who are plagued by unwanted clairvoyant insights a glass of biodynamic wine radiating healing life forces should do the trick. |