CEREALS

Agricultural Collection

WITH THE
HOMEODYNAMIC
METHOD

by
Enzo Nastati

January 2003
 Cereals – January 2003

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 Cereals – January 2003

CULTIVATION OF CEREALS
USING THE
HOMEODYNAMIC METHOD

BOTANICAL ASPECTS OF THE CEREALS

As is well known cereals belong to the family of grasses.
The parent, so to speak, of the grass family is couch grass. This plant is
characterized by underground growth, and its most significant element is the
node, the metameric principle that develops in the horizontal, which makes this
plant primarily a lunar plant.
Moon signifies water, hence couch grass loves heavy calcareous and hardened
soils. We know that the aerial part of this plant also has nodes, but it is not as
characteristic as the underground part. The spike/ear of the couch grass is nearly
empty, and in fact one thousand seeds weigh only 2 grams and moreover is green,
a sign that the vegetative principle remains even during ripening. The reason is
that the seed is not the main means of reproduction for couch grass, because it
does not favour the upper pole: couch grass reproduces primarily underground.
Around 7000 years ago, starting with couch grass, Zarathustra managed to
develop wheat. He achieved this awesome result by bolstering the upper pole of
the plant. Humanity needed a plant that produces grain, that gives food. Now, on
average, the weight of 1000 grains (the ‘thousand grain weight’) of wheat is 50 g.
The upper pole of the plant lives in light and warmth so it became necessary, in
order to achieve this transformation, to reduce the overwhelming lunar impulse
that lived in the lower pole. The result of Zarathustra's work was the inhibition of
reproduction through the root, so the root system was "normalized" although it
maintained its capacity for tillering.

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 Cereals – January 2003

In this process the ear also changed: the colour changed from green to golden
yellow, from Moon to Sun.
In the transition from the Moon to the Sun first Mercury is encountered (the
impulse of tillering) and then Venus (which is manifested from ‘raising’
onwards). Once we cross the spheres relative to these two planets the light of the
Sun brings maturity. In the cereals we see a sublimation of the lunar forces
With this transformation, now the main force acting on the plant is no longer
the Moon, but Venus. As a secondary force we have the Sun, and only as distant
contributors do we have the Moon and Mercury.
Venus is the giver of self, the sacrificer. She is the vestal virgin, the custodian
of the sacred fire, which she tends in secret, maintains, and then donates. Venus
also is linked to light.
The beard of wheat (the ‘arista’) is formed from pure silica, and this substance
is also linked to light.
The underground metameric1 principle, typical of couch grass, is reigned in
and re-emerges - transformed - in the aerial plant. The metameric principle has
therefore become vertical, moving from the lunar stream to the solar one. While
the horizontal sap was crude, or rather not the bearer of subtle processes, now it
rises. But what happens when the sap, while climbing, passes a node? It climbs
along the four nodes of the stem in sequence, corresponding to a sort of fractional
distillation in which the sap is purified as it reaches up to the Sun in the ear.
We recall that the area where wheat originated is Mesopotamia, where the
Earthly Paradise was also located. Those areas were so rich in genetic diversity
that there could be 50 to 100 different varieties of wheat present in the same
valley. Today this no longer exists. In Italy we are aware of about a hundred
different varieties, but the most widely grown can be counted on the fingers of
one hand.

THE PURIFICATION OF THE PLANT

It is interesting to read Goethe's considerations in respect to the grasses. (from
his journal On Morphology - Part I - by J.W. Goethe):
“"We can see in many plants that one node arises from the other. In
stems which are closed from node to node, as found in the cereals, in the

1
Matameric means a repetition of similar modules or segments like in a worms body or the
repeating nodes along the stolon of plants. It is a signature of the water Element.
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 Cereals – January 2003

grasses, the reeds, this is perfectly clear. It is not the same in other plants
that are completely hollow in the middle or full of pith, or rather, of cellular
tissue.
But now it is called into question the relevance so far supported of this
so-called pith compared with other internal parts of the plants and, in our
view, for well-founded reasons: it denies the alleged influence on vegetation
and has not hesitated to give any vital force and productive power to the
inner part of the secondary cortex, the so-called cambium. So, now it will be
easy to be convinced that a node higher, rising as it does from the previous
one immediately accepts the juices which it receives, purer and more finely
filtered, and benefits from the influence of the intermediary leaves, forming
more finely and transmitting finer juices to its leaves and its eyes.
While, in this way the cruder liquid is always drained away and more
arrives purer, the plant gradually develops more finely and to the point
prescribed by nature. Finally we see the leaves in their greatest expansion
and diversification, but soon we notice a new phenomenon: it teaches us
that the phase observed has so far been completed and it approaches
another: the time of flowering."

Wheat usually has four leaves, but there are varieties that also have 5, 6, 7
nodes and thus as many leaves. This is a sign of an increased need for
purification: they need more steps before reaching to the Sun (a cereal does not
manifest the external planets). Corn has 15 to 20 nodes or so, and in fact has a
greater need for purification than wheat: in fact its fruit is halfway up the plant, in
the leaf axil, which is also a sign of low quality astrality.
In corn the male inflorescences are at the top of the plant, while those of
females have fallen along the stem: we can interpret this as an indication that the
principle of the Fall does not exist in wheat. Moreover, corn has a tendency to
form adventitious roots from the lower nodes, another sign that indicates the need
for purification. This is a tendency that wheat also has at the first node, but only if
it is earthed up.

PURIFICATION (CARBON)
Rye ergot, found on some grains, makes the kernels large and dark, filled with
a black powder which is said to be carbon.
All plants have this process of purification within them. It makes sure that what
is underneath, which is Earth, can rise to become the Sun, or open up towards
dematerialization. But if the plant, in spite of the nodes, has not yet completed its
purification, it must somehow expel the excessive Earth forces that it still has
within (the low quality processes). It achieves this by forming black carbon
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 Cereals – January 2003

powder. In plants there is another process of purification, however, which is much

more subtle: the formation of a waxy bloom at the base of the ear. This is
indicative of high quality, because the purification is not of low quality (like
carbon) or average quality (pollen), but it has risen up to the higher pole.
The corn, which tends to produce lots of carbon, therefore has much more need
for purification than wheat.

GERMINATION
The germination of wheat happens between 4 and 37 degrees C. It can also
germinate at only one degree C, but that takes much longer. The ideal moisture
content of the seed during this phase is 40 - 45%.
As we mentioned, wheat is linked to light and warmth, but the warmth is not to
be understood as a high temperature: the warmth can be at a relatively low
temperature. The bottom of the wheat plant is always strongly linked to the lunar
forces, and therefore of Water, which is opposed to the forces of Fire.
The optimum temperature for germination is 25 °C.
To get an idea of the different ripening times for different varieties, the
following rule applies: the variety that germinates first also matures faster. The
germination time is proportional to the ripening time, as its reflection.

The presence of oxygen in the soil is of fundamental importance for the

capillaries, and also for metabolizing the substances contained in the seed reserve.
Thus wheat does not want soil that is too compact. Precisely because of this
strong need for oxygen, one is warned not to sow wheat after ploughing in a green
manure because then the soil used its oxygen to metabolize the plants that are
ploughed under, and would compete with the wheat seed. We should wait at least
a couple of months after ploughing in green manure, but if we use our ‘Pre
Sowing’2 preparation a single month may suffice.

2
One of the ‘homeodynamic preparations’ developed by the author and his team.
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THE ROOT SYSTEM

To the main root are added 4 more primary roots, then we have a situation of 4
+ 1. We find the same 4 + 1 in the aerial part of the plant (four nodes, representing
the Earth, Water, Air and Fire Elements and, finally, the ear - their quintessence).
The Moon which is transformed into the Sun is the image of the woman in
labour, the image of Mary from which Jesus was born
In ancient times Melchizedek, the great Priestly King, instituted the sacrifice of
Bread and Wine, then passed it on to Abraham and from Abraham this ritual has
survived to this day. Bread is the Moon that has been transformed into a Sun and,
therefore, symbolizes Jesus.
Wheat root systems can go two meters deep. In a drought wheat can send out
another three or four primary roots, for a total of eight or nine primary roots,
depending if we are counting the main root or not, and the eight is the number of
life beautifully expressed in the octagonal form of the Baptistery.

Wheat is a plant then that carries the imprint of life. An embryo, at the third
division, is composed of eight cells which completely fill the space of the mother
cell. From the next division it starts growing, with sixteen cells. Of those sixteen,
only eight cells continue to multiply: the eight others stop, and remain quiescent.
These cells are located in the perineum area, and the extraordinary thing is that
they never regenerate: they live throughout the life of the individual like a secret
source of life and renewal. These eight cells are the Tree of Life in us, which,
internally, supports the uterus. Eight is also the number of Mary (every three
months the 8th day is dedicated to Mary).
Now the root system is an ‘eight’, the wellspring of life, hence the symbolism
of Bread. It's the life brought by the Sun. Wheat then develops about one hundred
shallower secondary roots. We can hypothesize that there are about 128 (the

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 Cereals – January 2003

number linked to the seventh cell division). On average, the root system of a
single wheat plant is about 7 km, and rye reaches up to 10 km!
Wheat is also a monocotyledon and monocotyledons are the oldest plants,
linked to the Moon and ancient Lemuria. As another example we can mention the
Liliaceae.
At 0°C growth stops in the aerial part of wheat, but the root remains active.
This activity is inhibited only when the ground freezes.
We know that electromagnetic fields blind the capillaries of the roots, and if we
consider that the life of the wheat is based on the activity of its numerous
capillaries we can imagine the unpleasant consequences of exposure to
electromagnetic fields. In these cases it is recommended that the wheat is sprayed
with ‘Repel Electromagnetic Fields’ together with ‘Pro Rooting for Cuttings’, to
help the development of capillaries.
The adventitious roots do not develop if there is drought, and there will remain
only the eight primary roots that grew from seed. These are more vertical, while
the adventitious grow horizontally: one solar, the other lunar. A dry climate is
equivalent to a lack of Moon forces. Therefore the adventitious roots do not
develop. The adventitious roots grow in the spring, while the others grow mainly
in the autumn. In the trees, from spring until St. John's Day, the root grows "for
itself", and then starts to feed the plant. This also occurs in cereals: the root grows
"for itself" until the time of sending up the shoots and then begins to contribute to
the growth of the plant. We can therefore see how the first phase is an "egotistic"
type (Moon and Mercury), and the second is an "altruistic" type (Venus and the
Sun).
To help the plant through its several stages we have to follow the course of the
seasons, especially now with climate change. The plant "lives" in the etheric body
and the etheric body is the body of habits, and only takes notice of the past:
adaptation to what is new is a stresses with which the plant cannot cope in the
short term.

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TILERING AND INTERSOWING

In late February, when wheat reaches the third to fourth leaf, it forms new buds
at the base of the plant, from which will start the new culms. This is the indication
of the influence of Mercury, which stimulates regrowth.
The forces used by the culm to grow are those of the 13 Holy Nights that rise
up again on February 2nd3 and start to become available to the plants. Scarifying
and rolling in this period are particularly suitable to stimulate tillering, preferably
combined with a treatment of the ‘Pro Tillering’ spray. This can even reduce the
amount of seed needed for sowing.
Scarifying breaks the surface crust of the soil which is then slightly airy. This
is also the ideal time for sowing (even broadcasting) clover (or alfalfa) as an
intercrop or ground cover. The clover will remain low before the wheat is
harvested, and begins to grow after the harvest. Its presence will help to control
weeds and to fix nitrogen in the soil, and, as the clover only starts to fix nitrogen
six months after sowing, sowing it together with wheat gains it at least four
months, compared to a sowing in the summer.

RISING
Tillering reaches its peak in early March and ends with the flowering stage -
the transition from the influence of Mercury to that of Venus. The bloom is the
time of Venus, and it is this moment when we can naturally influence the wheat
yield. The Venutian threefold process is to "receive, transform, and pass
onwards." Therefore, we can stimulate it to take in the most light possible, and
then transform it (by photosynthesis) and transform it into fruit (grains). The yield
is determined now, at this flowering stage.
At the time of rising we have elongation of the internodes, while during the
third to fourth leaf of the plant there is already the outline of the future ear.

3
During the 13 Holy Nights the cosmic forces descend to the Earth and become available
to the mineral world. They will be accumulated by the Elemental Beings of the Earth in the
crystals of the land and, from February 2, will rise up to make them available to the plant world
(see: "The Influence of the 13 Holy Nights" by the author).
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Rising begins at a temperature ranging between 5 and 10 °C. Warmth is in fact

linked to time4, and thus the temperature limits the vital rhythms of the plant. All
other things being equal, as the temperature rises the more plant growth
accelerates. In the case of an extremely hot season we get faster maturation, but
the gluten content is reduced. This is because the production of gluten is related to
light, and if the ripening is finished in fewer days then the plant does not have
enough time to absorb all the light that it could. In environments rich in cold and
light such as Canada, the wheat has a high gluten content but low nutritional
quality, because nutritional quality is a result of warmth.
In summary: quality depends on warmth, while the yield and elasticity (gluten)
come from the light.
The nodes of the wheat may number from 4 to 8. The spine, or the "skeleton"
of the ear, incorporates the metameric principle of the node, a force of the Moon
that has now arrived at the Sun.

Knowing that in "sacred geometry" (ie

the geometry of life), the male is
represented by a straight line while the
female is represented by a curved line, we
see how the spine of the ear - with its
zigzag - is "physically" male.
Since the logic of the etheric plane is opposite to that of the physical plane5 we
can deduce that the etheric body of the spike is female. The node represents the
dialogue, the marriage. 280 days also corresponds to 10 lunar or etheric cycles, so
wheat also represents the completion (10) of the lunar forces (28) at the level of
the Sun

4
At the evolutionary stage of the Earth called "old Saturn" by spiritual science, we have a
correspondence to the birth of time as we know it today. This is manifested through the Warmth
element, of course, obviously not intended as a physical warmth.
5
The physical plane is the inorganic plane, death, and its law is decay (as with any
organism when it is abandoned by the etheric body). The etheric plane is indeed the plane of life
and keeps the organism alive "despite" the presence of the physical body that is the bearer of the
above mentioned forces of decay.
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The flower opens at dawn, and Venus is the morning star.

Venus (as a planet) is linked to the constellation of the Virgin, and the Virgin
in the sky is holding an ear or spike in her hand, the most luminous star is called
Spica: it is the star seed from which all of the Zodiac is born6.

PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND THE RIPENING STAGES

The ripening of wheat is divided into three phases:
- milky ripening (linked to the Moon);
- waxy ripening (linked to Venus);
- complete ripening (linked to the Sun).
The duration of the whole ripening period is 40 days, which is the time of
purification, the completion of the manifestation7.
During the waxy ripening the green colour starts to turn to yellow. When the
ear is yellow ripening is complete.
In total, the wheat plant lives 9 months: it is a pregnancy that ends with a
purification of 40 days, a purification which mediates the influence of the Sun
from the outside.
The maximum photosynthesizing activity occurs at around 20-25 °C.
In the 7 days after flowering the ear contributes up to 75% of the growth of the
grains, because the photosynthetic process is more effective than in the leaf. It is
the arista that makes this so. The ‘Pro Light’ preparation given at this stage
stimulates this production within the kernels. ‘Pro Light’ is expressly indicated in
the event of rain during flowering. In the ear, the arista doubles the process of
photosynthesis. Removing the arista reduces the final total yield by up to 10-20%.
A bearded variety of wheat is more suitable for dry land, while in wet areas it
is prone to fungi and lodging. This is because the beard promotes the cosmic
nutrition process and is not necessary in the richest soils. Indeed it may even
cause an imbalance. The beardless strains of wheat (without the arista) are more
suitable for "rich" soils.

6
See the author’s: “Spiritual Astronomy”.
7
Commonly known as the forty [It: ‘quaranta’] days in the desert for Jesus, or the so-called
"quarantine" for those with contagious diseases.
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The root system does not compete with that. In the case of stress neither of the
two systems is sacrificed. Normally a plant tends to save the root system (a selfish
gesture) in order to survive.
An autumn sowing tends to make the plant develop more roots, while a spring
sowing means that the roots will not develop so extensively, as with spring barley.
This means that if the wheat is sown in spring its root system will be reduced, and
thus should be stimulated with appropriate cultivations and treatments.
Interestingly, a man can stay alive with just high quality bread and pure water.
Suffice it to say that the period of greatest health for Italians was during the
Second World War, when there was not much else to eat and lots of black bread
was consumed.
In cereals, as we have said, there is a kind of distillation as one passes through
the four nodes and this number occurs again in the root system. The horizontal
forces are transformed into vertical forces and the plant produces grain related to
light and warmth.
Wheat is produced on the basis of daylight hours, while corn is produced on
the basis of accumulated warmth (‘T-sum’). One is wintry, the other summery.
For wheat the amount of light absorbed in the post-flowering phase is essential,
and can increase the yield by between 10 and 60%. We have also seen how the
green ear promotes photosynthesis, and almost completely nourishes the plant.
The ear is fed from the beard. But if the needs of the plant are supported by the
ear, then what is the function of the leaves? The leaves are inserted along the
stem, and have a shape that recalls the movement of water when it boils inside a
container:
SOLAR
MATURATION

NODE OF
VENUS

NODE OF
MERCURY

NODE OF THE
MOON

NODE OF THE
EARTH
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Each leaf is the outward sign of the gradual purification of the sap. Each leaf is
the alchemical laboratory into which the sap enters, passing from the node. Here it
is transformed and purified, and then exits back into the node to continue its
process of “circulation and purification.” At the end of this series the sap will
become pure silica, and will form the arista: it has become crystalline, as we men
should do in attaining the purity of the first Adam – adamantine - of diamond.

Photosynthesis in cereals is a basic function that occurs in all the green parts of
the plant up to the ear, which symbolizes the highest union with light: the first leaf
symbolizes purification at the Moon, the second purification at Mercury, Venus at
the third and the fourth at the Sun, and now the marriage can take place in the
Light.

Wheat is the annual plant that is a bridge between Earth and Heaven, between
the Darkness and the Light. Amongst shrubs this bridge is found in the rose, while
in the trees it is the apple. Unfortunately these three plants, which are plants that
maintain the harmony between Heaven and Earth, are put to a severe test by the
interference of humanity.
As the days get longer wheat increases its yield. Usually it is harvested around
the time of St. John, which is the time of the greatest light in the year. The
maximum of warmth, however, is found around the middle of August, but the
wheat matures before that: it is a marriage with the Light, and stops at the door of
Warmth.
If we need to delay the harvest or if the season is very hot it will be necessary
to spray our Repel Warmth preparation. In windy and thus dry areas, like in the
South [of Italy], wheat reacts to weather outside by "closing", or rather maturing
very quickly and producing very small ears.

FORMATION OF THE FUTURE EAR

The number of grains is ‘decided’ when wheat is at the fourth leaf stage, in
February, even when the ear cannot be identified by eye. This is closely correlated
to the amount of light the plant absorbs. To increase the number of grains in the
ear we should spray Pro Light in February, before the tillering. In biodynamics it

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is recommended to do spray 501 three times, while if we use Pro Light only a
single treatment in early February is suggested. In that moment we determine the
number of kernels, then the plant will fill them with the light that it will absorb in
the post-flowering period. If after flowering, the sky is overcast and the plant does
not absorb the necessary light, the ear remains empty at the apex or at the base,
depending on whether the last rain fell in the Full Moon (governing an excess) or
in the New Moon.

In March, when wheat has risen, the conventional farmer usually intervenes
with the addition of nitrogen. In fact, nitrogen resonates with the astral and,
therefore, with the cosmic images that have descended8. However, chemical
nitrogen has the disadvantage of carrying an excess of Moon9 which attracts
fungi. Atmospheric nitrogen is formed with lightning, along with ozone.
Low light and high temperatures bring on an early maturation, producing small
grains and empty kernels and thus a lower yield. It is appropriate in such cases, to
use the Repel Warmth and Pro Light preparations.

In the case of water stress - the lack of water - the plant behaves as if it receives
more light. Water stress can also be caused by excessive wind which causes a
hyper-transpiration in the plant. When there is abundance of light the plant is
stimulated to produce more grain, but if we lack the forces of water to fill those
grains they remain small. In the case of strong winds we need to give water, but
not physical water which leads to lodging. We need to give the forces of Water:
the Pro Humus10, which counteracts the drought.
An even greater temperature causes a lower final yield, especially if the
warmth is during the day because it cancels out the effect of the light. If, for
example, the daily temperature rises from 25 to 31°C the yield would fall by
around 16%. In such a case it would be a good idea to intervene with Pro Light,
Repel Heat and Pro Humus.

8
Most of the air we breathe is nitrogen. Nitrogen, in this view, is the bearer of a "hidden
sculptor" that conforms our body to the archetypal image spread out into the cosmos with each
breath we take.
9
This influence is dominant in the typical chemical nitrogen.
10
Pro Humus promotes the formation of organic matter in the soil which, in this way,
greatly improves the humidity.
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As it is known, a grain of wheat looks like the figure

to the right: a purely lunar form.
In a cross section, however, the grain shows a
convex "back" and a "face" crossed by a deep fissure.
This is also a lunar form. The external planets are active in the groove or inner
"fissure" while the internal ones predominate in the "back". This is not the case
for corn, which does not have this division: in corn there is effective separation of
male flowers from those that are female.

GLUTEN
In the outer part of the seed there is the highest gluten content, while around
the fissure, where there is the greatest force of warmth, the gluten content is
minimal. If we want to obtain corn seed we should promote the warmth, and thus
the most inner part of the seed.

Maximum
gluten (16%)
Minimum
gluten (7%)

Gluten begins to form about two weeks after flowering, in the milky ripening
stage and the waxy ripening stage, thus between the lunar ripening and that from
Venus. In the middle, between the two, we have Mercury, elasticity, and hence the
formation of gluten.
Gluten is related to warmth, because Mercury is the repetition of the Saturnean
evolutionary phase. It is a protein, the synthesis of life, so we still find the
character of Mercury which is to be at the centre between the luminous forces of
Venus and Earthly materialization.
Here, in this unique central point, we must carefully balance the light and
warmth for the formation of gluten. We need an artistic touch to forge a balance
between warmth and light. Light, properly calibrated, favours the formation of
gluten and warmth is the element that allows it to do this. In this case, however,
we are referring to warmth as an ether, not only as degrees Celsius.

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 Cereals – January 2003

Saturn brings the Warmth ether, Mercury is the environment in which it

manifests: the Fire.
If the temperature rises outside this is an advantage for the inner part of the
seed, the part corresponding to the invagination, and given that the areas of 7%
and 16% were opposed, an increase in internal forces corresponds to a decrease of
the external and, therefore, the total gluten.

Mercury lies between the Moon and Venus11. In the human body it corresponds
to the uterus, halfway between the Moon (reproduction) and Venus (metabolism).
Saturn, on the other hand, corresponds to the head. We have one warmth from
Saturn and one from Mercury, one external warmth and one internal. For wheat,
the internal warmth is that of the soil (and night), the external warmth is that the
atmosphere (and daytime).

Saturn
Area

Mercury
Area

As mentioned above the warmth of Mercury is the nocturnal one. The greater
or lesser presence of gluten in wheat is closely related to the temperature of the
soil, so that if the night is warm we will have less gluten, and vice versa.
The temperature of Mercury is that which influences the germination, while the
temperature of Saturn affects the ripening. Gluten is light that dies (light itself is
not elastic).
Gluten is cold light, which in man supports intellectualism.
Agronomic practices and climate affect 50% of the harvest, while the other
50% depends on the cultivar.

11
From the Ptolomeic to the Copernican models of the solar system these names, most
confusingly, were swapped!
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PHYTOHORMONES
There are four phytohormones, these substances which regulate processes in
living plants. They are the physical support for the etheric body of the plant. The
free ethers are reversed on entering into the plant and form its individual etheric
body.

FREE
ETHERIC
“SEA“

INDIVIDUALISED ETHERIC
BODY

PHYSICAL BODY

This etheric maintains some connection with the "etheric sea" from which it hs
budded off and the result is the production of phytohormones.
It is interesting to highlight the relationship between phytohormones and the
four ethers
- cytokines: govern cell proliferation and buds - Warmth ether;
- gibberellins: found in the apex – Light ether;
- auxins: are in all the vegetative and reproductive organs – Life ether;
- abscissic acid: governs chemical transformation– Alchemical ether.

We thus have four aspects of the plant that speak with the four free etheric
forces. The "bridge" between the individualized and free etheric has one foot in
the free and external ethers, and the internal foot in the phytohormones. If we
strengthen this bridge to we promote the flow of etheric forces.

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ROOT ASPHYXIA
Root asphyxia is a process resulting in a yellowing of the plant. It is usually
caused by an excess of soil-water that reduces the presence of oxygen around the
root capillaries. The capillaries have a great need for the oxygen that supports the
plants vital forces. Because the capillaries are such a vital part of the plant it
brings serious consequences for the life of the plant when they are hindered for
either physical (soil compaction) or meteorological reasons (rainfall). To reduce
the asphyxia it is necessary to protect the roots from this underground suffocation
using Yarrow preparation (502). To it we will add clay to reconnect to the Group I
of the plant. This product, related to the Harmonizer, is called Root Asphyxia
Repellent (A09) and is sprayed on a Monday (day of the Moon) as needed.

HARVEST
The wheat is harvested when the moisture content of the kernels is around
13%. Once upon a time, just after the harvest, wheat was gathered into sheaves to
concentrate all the life present in its stem into the ear. Nowadays maturation
occurs directly on the plant, and the threshing is delayed by a couple of weeks.
The consequence of this is a devitalized seed that can no longer collect the forces
present in the stem.

INDICATIONS ON ‘COMPANIONS’
R. Steiner says that sainfoin growing at the edge of the field has a positive
effect upon wheat: being a legume it fixes nitrogen, and favours the descent of the
cosmic ideas. Cornflower and radish are also companion plants.
Stinging nettles are useful to wheat for controlling rust. Chamomile is good as
a stimulant, but only in small quantities: it is a plant of Mercury, and an excess
will inhibit the full development of its nutritional quality.
Goethe says that the scent from flowering barberry makes wheat sterile.
We can see that the poppy is a typical weed of wheat. The poppy is an opiate,
and contains alkaloids, while wheat is a lunar-solar plant. As the rose represents
the redemption of the venous blood thus wheat is the transformation of the Fall,
the Gift/Love. The poppy is a plant of the Fall, one that has followed man, a

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 Cereals – January 2003

luciferic plant that tends to push the wheat “backwards”, to the Moon, and would
return it to the wild couchgrass.

CULTIVATION
To avoid water stagnation it is good practice to plough "a ridge". If cultivating
corn instead of wheat we should accumulate as much water as possible, and then
practice ploughing "a ditch".
With regard to corn, to produce 100 q/ha requires 5000 m3 of water, or half a
meter of rain. Corn gets half of the energy it needs from the soil, and the
remainder from rain or irrigation. Corn germinates at 10-12 °C, so it needs much
more warmth than wheat and plenty of water.

NORTH
ALCHEMICAL LIFE
(WATER) (EARTH)
cold

MATURATION
humid

WEST EAST
dry

ADAPTATION

hot
(AIR) (FIRE)
LIGHT WARMTH
SOUTH

Maize is a plant that lives in the Water-Fire diagonal of the square of the ethers
and elements, which is the diagonal of order-maturation12. Wheat lives in the
opposite diagonal, Earth-Air.

STORAGE
The grain of wheat has a gentle and shallow respiration, like the breath of an
animal in hibernation when its metabolic processes are extremely slow. The

12
See “Viticulture” by the Author.
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 Cereals – January 2003

depths of the breaths are proportional to the temperature and humidity. If the
seeds are somewhere warm and humid the metabolic processes are reactivated, the
reserves of the seed are consumed, and they germinate or lose their lives.
Once upon a time seeds were stored in the
loft space. The roof was triangular (a form
which resonates with Light), and often there
was a round window (which attracted the
Warmth ether).
The cereals otherwise would lose their
viability much more rapidly.
At 0 °C breathing is practically absent, at 10
°C it is weak, and at 25-30˚C it is fully active.
The ideal environment for preserving seeds should have a humidity of 13% and
a temperature of 10 °C.

RECAP ON MAIN PRACTICAL ASPECTS

Preparation of the soil:
If the soil has had chemical/conventional cultivation or is subject to pest
invasion we recommend spraying the Soil Purification and Protection from
Parasites preparation (A02). Indeed, in its updated version, this preparation acts
both as a deep purifier and as a protective measure against pests. One spray is
sufficient if the farmer is sufficiently consciousness, otherwise the treatment
should be repeated seven times.
It is also important to keep the soil balanced and ready for cultivation, by
spraying Harmonizer and Purifier (A01) 3 times, alternating between Earth or
Water, Air or Fire days.

Cultivation:
It is good to cultivate and fertilize in late summer to avoid cultivating deeply
and in stagnant water. Fertilization with semi-mature manure based compost is
always the best. In the case of the farm where there are no larger animals we can
use chicken manure, but it should be composted for at least 2-3 weeks with the
addition of Pro Humus and Purifier homeodynamic preparations. The composted
manure is buried slightly.
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 Cereals – January 2003

It is extremely useful to remember that over-manuring of the soil favours

lodging in cereals.
We recommend a thorough cultivation of the land (sub-soiling) to be
performed during the descendant Moon, choosing between:
- Fire days, for the quality of the grain;
- Water days or days when the Moon is in the Crab constellation, for
drought.
Cultivation of the soil on Water days also favours lodging.

Before sowing: in the event of poor fertilization, we recommend spraying the

ground with Pro Humus (B12) and Pre Sowing (B11) on Sunday every 14-28
days.

Seed Baths
Generic Purification Seed Bath (S00); Generic Production Seed Bath (S01); if
necessary follow in a second bath with Anti Lodging (S38); possibly Anti Drought
(S06) and Pro Light (E04).
Use of the Generic Production Seed Bath (S01) allows us to disengage from
the strict observance of Agricultural Astronomical Calendar.

Sowing:
It is good to avoid the month of November because of the state of the etheric
forces then13. Aim for mid-October. Optimum temperature for germination: 25 °C
(range of germination from 4 to 37 °C). Seed moisture: 40-45%.
Remember that sowing in a warmer climate favours production.

Holy Nights:
21 or 22 or 23/12 spray Opening to the Group I (G01), in the afternoon.
24/12: spray Helper for Cereals (I11) + Generic Plant Group I (O02), in the
afternoon to stimulate vigour or in the morning to stimulate quality.
25/12 and 29/12: spray Purifier (G34)
Other sprays (Humus, Pests, etc.) as necessary.

13
See the authors: “Etheric Cycle of the Earth.”
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 Cereals – January 2003

February 2nd: Candlemas, spray Repel Pests (Y01). If necessary repeat during
the year on Monday (fungi) or Wednesday (insects).

First half of February :

As mentioned, there is the formation of the new ear at this time, with cereals at
the fourth leaf stage. We suggest 1-2 sprays of Pro Light (E04) at intervals of 9
days (morning-Air days).

End of February:
Spray Pro Tillering (B15) (Water days), if the grain is not prone to lodging.
If the plant is stunted or yellow: repeat Pre Sowing (B11), on Sunday once or
more per month.
In the case of yellowing of the plant because of root asphyxia spray Repel Root
Asphyxia (A09).
Spray Pro Rooting for Cuttings (B14) if the capillaries are blocked as a result
of the influence of electromagnetic fields.

End of February/beginning of March:

Intersowing of clover (or another legume) into the cereal, preceded by a slight
harrowing of the soil to break the crust and remove weeds. The soil is then rolled
lightly to stimulate tillering in the cereal. After harvesting the grain (late
June/early July) the legumes can develop fully. Remember to treat the legume
seed with the Nitrogen Fixation Seed Bath (S13).

In March: spray Repel Weeds (Y02), on a Monday.

The moment of rising:

Rising begins with a temperature of 5-10 °C. At this time spray Pro Rising
(B16). Remember the importance of Repel Lodging (B17) and spray on a Monday,
especially if the cereal has weak stems.

Near the end of May: Spray Pro Nitrogen (B61) if the plant is stunted and
yellowish (spray once with the Sun and Moon in Taurus). This pushes the

22
 Cereals – January 2003

preparation towards plant vigour and quantity at the expense of quality: therefore
we should also add 1-2 sprays of Fruit Plus (B23) on a Sunday.

At flowering: spray the Zodiacal Helper (I11) product.

After flowering: spray Pro Gluten (B24), 1-2 times (Air days or a Thursday).

At the waxy ripening stage: spray Pro Light (E04), on Air days.
In the case of high temperatures that slow down ripening: spray Repel Warmth
(E05), on a Saturday morning.
In the case of water stress spray Pro Humus (B12), on Sunday.

In case of hail: spray immediately with Harmonizer (A01).

At 20 days before complete ripening: spray Fruit Plus (B23), on a Sunday.

Harvesting the cereal: when everything is golden and the moisture content of
the grain is around 13-13.5% (end of June/early July), cut down the cereal and if
possible leave it in the field (sheaves) for 2-3 days to bring the finishing forces
(quality) from the stalks to the grain. If this cannot be performed spray Fruit Plus
7-10 days before the harvest.

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 Cereals – January 2003

BIBLIOGRAPHY

By Rudolf Steiner (Anthroposophical editions):

 Spiritual Foundation for the Renewal of Agriculture; (Agriculture course);
 Theosophy;
 Initiation;
 An Outline of Esoteric Science;
 Philosophy and Liberty;
 Spiritual Hierarchies;
 Rosicrucian Wisdom.

By Ernst Marti:
 L’eterico (a cura del Gruppo Medico Antroposofico Italiano).

By Johann Wolfgang Goethe:

 Gli scritti scientifici, Vol I, Morfologia: botanica, Ed. Il capitello del sole;

By Remigio Baldoni:
 Coltivazioni erbacee, Patron ed;.

By Luigi marimpietri:
 Il chicco di grano, Ed. Rivista fitosanitaria;

By Gianni Giordani:
 Il frumento, Edagricole.

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 Cereals – January 2003

English Titles

Agriculture
1) Introduction to the Homeodynamic Method (p 41- β);
2) Nine Meetings about Biodynamic Agriculture: Basic Course (p 121- β);
3) Handbook of Homeodynamic Farming: The Application of the Method in Several Climates and
for Various Crops (p 89 - γ);
4) Astronomical Agricultural Calendar: With Indications of the Planetary and Zodiacal Aspects for
Planting, Cultivating and Treatments (p 35 Plus 13 Updated Tables Every Year - β)
5) Fertilisation or Bringing Life To The Earth (p 39 - β);
6) Four Aspects of the Agricultural Organism: Indications to Recognize and to Plan an
Agricultural Organism and its Requirements (p 55);
7) L'organismo Agricolo: La Multifunzionalità E L'allevamento Ovino, Di Enrico Meineri (P28)
8) The Influence of the 13 Holy Nights in the Physical, Etheric, Astral and Spiritual (p 35 - γ);
9) Associations of Plants with the Zodiac (p 41 - γ);
10) Cultivation of Cereals Using the Homeodynamic Method (p 24 - γ);
11) Principles of Fruit Growing According to the Homeodynamic Agricultural Method (p 58 - γ);
12) How to Cultivate Medicinal Plants with the Homeodynamic Method (p 52 - γ);
13) How to Cultivate Vines with the Homeodynamic Method (p 23);
14) Growing in The Garden and Greenhouse According to the Homeodynamic Method (p 63 γ).
15) How to Cultivate in Dry Conditions with the Homeodynamic Method (p 64 - γ);
16) How to Understand and Deal with Pests and Diseases: Introduction. (p 41);
17) How to Understand and Deal with Pests and Diseases: Second Part. Meditation (p 53);
18) A Garden Like Paradise: Spiritual Indications for Garden Design (p 98 - γ);
19) Regeneration of Seeds and Fruits Trees with the Homeodynamic Method (p 148 - β);
20) Understanding Animal Husbandry According to the Homeodynamic Method) (p 57);
21) Bee-Keeping and the Evolution of Bees: A New Vision of the Bee, its Task and its Treatment.
(p 45 - β);
22) Help for Domestic Animals: Understanding their Instincts, Needs and Development. R Nastati
(p 75)
23) The Etheric Cycle of the Earth: Indications for an Agricultural in Conscious Harmony With
the Macrocosmic Forces of our Times (p 41 - β);
24) Commentary on Dr Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course (p 500 - α);
25) Agriculture as Spiritualization of the Earth: The Christianisation of Nature (p 27);
26) The 'Diffuser' For Homeodynamic Products to Enhance the Flow of Life From the Cosmos to
the Earth (p. 31); (No Longer Available.)

Spiritual-Scientific Studies
27) Spiritual-Science: A Practical Guide to Anthroposophic Terminology. Fabio Montelatici (p
131 - γ);
28) Development of Therapeutic Thought: A Method for the Education of Thought with the aim of
Recognizing the Essential Aspect of Perceptions and to Characterize the Healing Process (p. 140);
29) Freedom and Love: A Spiritual-Scientific Approach to the Goals of Humanity (p. 112);
30) Point and Sphere: Individual, Social and Spiritual Aspects in the Relationship Between
Microcosm and Macrocosm. (p 18);
31) Meteorology: A Survey of the Past, Present and Future Relationship Between Man and The
Macrocosm and the Interaction with the Meteorological Sphere (p 38);
32) From Astrology to Astronomy Within Us: A Route Towards Inner Understanding of the
Stellar World (p. 32);
33) Elemental Beings: Their Origin, Influence and Transformation (p 60);
34) Foundations For a Development of Potentisation (p 60 - β);
35) Commentary on the Gospel of St John: Translated from the Greek and with Indications for
Their Free Spiritual Comprehension – Various Authors – (In Process Of Publication In Italian.)
36) The Mission Of Michael Between the Divine Sophia and the Christ: A Panoramic Exposition
of the Real Being of Michael and his Mission as the Herald of Christ and Bearer of the Cosmic
Sophia (In Process Of Publication In Italian.)
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 Cereals – January 2003

37) From the Therapy of Raphael to the Therapy of Michael (p 23);

38) The Mystery of Birth and the Mystery of Death (p 56);
39) ----
40) The Prayers of Christianity: The Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, and Gloria (p 60);
41) Learning to Pray: A Road to Dialogue with God (p 51)
42) Mary-Sophia: A Spiritual Scientific Survey of the Influence of Maria in the Earth and in the
Cosmos (p 90);
43) The Rhythm Of The Physical Earth: How to Green the Earth (p 24);
44) Christmas in the Mysteries of Time (p 81);
45) From Easter to St Johns: Steps in the Mystery of Light (p 161);
46) ----
47) True, Beautiful and Good: The Three Moral Ideals of Humanity (p 42);
48) The Coming of the Antichrist and the Science of the Spirit, in Sacred Writing and in the
Prophecies (p 126);
49) The Chosen People: From the Solar Origin to the Return of the Son of God. Steps in the
Christian Mystery of the Church of John (p 163);
50) ----
51) Indications For Mothers and Children By R. Steiner, With a Commentary by Enzo Nastati (p
28);
52) ---
53) I Am, by the Count St. Germain, with a Commentary by Enzo Nastati (p 112);
54) ---
55) -----
56) -----
57) Life and Death Forces and Their Roles in Nature: an Introduction to the Science of Life, By
Enzo Nastati and Fabio Montelatici (p 88);
58) ----
59) The Modern Path of Initiation Through the Books of Form, of Life And of Knowledge (p 44);
60) How to Enter the Book of Form Through the Thoughts of Michael and the Force of Mary (p
27);
61) (In Preparation – More On The Book Of Form)
62) An Interpretation of Fables and Myths: Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Perseus and Parsifal (p
78);
63) Raphael’s Sistine Madonna: A Spiritual-Scientific Study. (In Preparation in Itlian.)
64) Ancient and Modern Paths of Initiation: from Ancient India to the Esoteric Christ (p 82);
65) The Sacraments: Ancient Mysteries and Christian Initiation, By Enzo Nastati And Fabio
Montelatici (p 102);
66) The Road Towards Fate: A Spiritual-Scientific Examination of the “Lord Of Rings”, By Fabio
Montelatici (p 150);
67) The Redemption of the Sun: an Updated Interpretation of the “Lord Of Rings”, Adapted to the
Current Times, by Fabio Montelatici (P30);
68) Spiritual Astronomy: A Spiritual-Scientific Journey from the Milky Way to the Zodiac and
from the Planets to the Earth (p 120), by Enzo Nastati, Fabio Montelatici and Achille Minisini†
69) Commentary on Rudolf Steiner’s Calendar of the Soul (In Preparation)
70) Commentary On “The Course of the Year as a Path of Initiation to Experience the Christ
Entity - an Esoteric Examination of the Festivities of the Year” by S. O. Prokofieff, Edited by the
Group of Trieste of l’Albero della Vita (p 114); (In Revision – Not Available)
71) Hygiene of the 12 Senses From Infancy to the Third Age, by Livio Casetti (p 198); (In
Revision – Not Available)

Architecture
72) Influence of Colour in Life: With Indications of how to use Colour to Heal the House (p 39);
73) Influence of Form in Life: With the Indications of Using the Forms to Heal the House (p 36);
74) Spiritual-Scientific Indications for Planning and Construction: An Introduction to Spiritual
Architecture (p 71);
75) Course on the Quality of Dwellings: 12 Chapters with Indications to Carry Out an
Environmental Analysis of the Ethers, Physical and Sub-Natural Elements and Forces and how to
Heal the Room using Forms, Colours and Appropriate Materials (p 315).

Nutrition
76) Cosmic and Earthly Nutrition: In the Four Kingdoms of Nature with Reference to the Theory
of Ethers and the Elements (p 24);
26
 Cereals – January 2003

77) Quality in Food Preparation: Bread, Wine, Grape-Juice, Tofu, Jams (p 100);
78) Course on Quality in Nutrition: Ten Chapters in Order to Understand the Natural Kingdoms
and Foods. The Cosmic and Earthly Nourishment in Man, the Nutrition of the Seven Bodies, the
Effect of Temperature, Pots, Materials, Food Preparation (p 306);
79) The Nutrition of the Child in Body, Soul and Spirit, by Enzo Nastati and Fabio Montelatici (p
50).

Research
80) Water File: Water, its Memory, its Revitalisation in the Past and the Present with Particular
Reference to the Vitalisor “Aqua Viva” and to the tests Carried out on it by the EUREKA Institute
in Relation to Various Types of Water Pipes (p 45).
81) Pollution File : Results Obtained by EUREKA in Purifying Environments from Heavy Metals,
Atrazine, Chlorine, Salt, Diesel Oil, and Other Harmful Synthetic Molecules, Rat Removal,
Pathogens, Brackish Water, and of the Improvement of Water (p 39 - β);
82) Agricultural File: Some Results from our Associates Using the Homeodynamic Method in
Agriculture, Including Recovery of Damage from Frost and Hail, Stimulation of Nodulation in
Leguminous, Regeneration Of The Plants, Etc (p 65 - β).

______________

Translation from the Italian is undertaken by a team of English-speaking amateurs who are in the
process learning both Italian and spiritual scientific concepts. Therefore the quality of translation
can almost certainly improve. To help in this process we invite readers to let us know of blunders
and clumsy or obscure passages so that we can make the next print-run better. We have marked
our own translation from δ to α:
δ - we have only made a preliminary draft
γ - some ‘polishing’ has been undertaken on the γ draft
β - the translation is formally published
α – external feedback has been incorporated into the β version

---- are titles translated into Italian by l’Albero della Vita but which are already available in
English. The others titles are working titles given for guidance only.

All input is welcome via the publisher or directly to the translators: translators@moodie.biz

____________

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