Alchemy and Biodynamics
A SEMINAR SERIES WITH DENNIS KLOCEK
The image of the alchemical mandala of the four elements (Earth, Water, Air and Fire) is at the heart of the Biodynamic approach to agriculture. It is used here as the link that brings soil, plant and weather into wholeness, offering an approach to understanding the complex ideas behind Biodynamic practices. Through this approach the subtle forces that support the alchemy of transformation can be explored. These forces, when guided rightly, create vitality, aroma, color and enhanced stress resistance in plant growth. These offerings are co-sponsored by the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, Coros Institute and ClimaTrends long range weather service.
The Mineral Cross
February 12, 2008 SOLD OUT
9 am – 3:30 pm
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
200 Taplin Road
St Helena (MAP)
The series begins with the mineral cross, a day devoted to the geology of California, as it is expressed by the archetypal four elements. The basic polarity of lime (Earth) and silica (Air) in the geology of the west coast will be linked to potash (Water), found in the vast formations of feldspar that make up most of the Sierra Nevada range, and sulfur/phosphorus (Fire), found in the volcanic areas that are the backbone of the coast range.
The Plant Cross
March 12, 2008
9 am – 3:30 pm
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
200 Taplin Road
St Helena (MAP)
The second seminar, the plant cross, links the various soil types to the plant organs archetypically expressed by root (Earth), leaf (Water), flower (Air) and fruit/seed (Fire). These links will be traced by looking at the minerals, revealed in standard ash analysis, which are active in the production of each plant organ. The connection between the minerals in the soil and the plant organs will be extended to the problem of organic fertilizers and their properties as seen from an alchemical perspective.
The Climate Cross
April 9, 2008
9 am – 3:30 pm
Benziger Family Winery
1883 London Ranch RD
Glen Ellen (MAP)
The third seminar focuses on the four elements found in climate patterns of the West Coast. The mandala of the four seasons, will be presented and then modified to explain the Mediterranean maritime climate of central California. Case studies of historic drought, flood and heat wave patterns in California will be presented.
About the presenter
Dennis Klocek is the founder of Coros Institute and ClimaTrends; an international lecturer; and author of many books.
ClimaTrends offers an accurate, reliable and affordable long range weather forecasting service for the coastal regions of northern California. For information visit our website climatrends.com.
SEMINAR FEES (PER SESSION):
- Individual $95
- Student/Apprentice $75
- Business Group Rate $300 (for up to 5 participants)
For more information including scholarship assistance call 916-717-6007.