Enlivening the Earth – Biodynamics Workshop

11 September to 13 September (1:30pm Friday to 1:30pm Sunday) 2026

Are you curious to experience a holistic way of farming, gardening, food, and nutrition?

Enlivening the Earth is a three day immersive program fostering land stewardship that integrates spiritual awareness, scientific observation, and practical skill. Based around the principles of biodynamics, an ethical, ecological and holistic approach to being in active conversation with the land and ourselves.

Over 100 years old in practice, the initial framework developed by Dr Rudolf Steiner, through the ‘Agriculture Course’ in Koberwitz, biodynamics is now present in over 65 countries.

Biodynamics is more than just the land, it also encompasses growing nutrient dense food, cultivating the inner life of the practitioner, connecting to the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of all. It is a very practical, local approach, which treats the ‘farm’ or the ‘garden’ as its own living organism, looking to be self-supporting in nature, and enhances the whole, enlivening the earth in the process.

Rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s insights, this workshop will guide participants through:

• The foundational principles of biodynamics, including an introduction to the cosmic and earthly forces at play in soil health and plant vitality.
• Practical instruction in the use and preparation of biodynamic sprays, including 500 (manure) and 501 (silica), with hands-on stirring and application.
• Understanding and using natural fertilizers, including a hands-on session making barrel compost / cow pat pit.
• The biodynamic farming and gardening calendar and how to align agricultural activities with planetary rhythms for enhanced fertility and resilience.
• Cultivating the inner life of the farmer through experiencing, supporting spiritual resilience and connection to the land.
• The role of nutrition in biodynamic agriculture, incorporating insights from anthroposophical medicine on the connection between soil, plant, and human health.
• Guidance on integrating biodynamic practices into diverse landscapes, whether participants are just beginning their journey or refining their current approach.

Through experiential learning, reflection, and discussion, participants will leave with practical tools to incorporate biodynamics into their land-based work and personal development.

• Biodynamic preparations – including stirring and spreading 500 and 501

• How to utilize the rhythms of the biodynamic farming and gardening calendar

• Making your own natural fertilisers, including a hands on session of barrel compost / cow pat pit
• Learning observational techniques, and how the natural world is speaking to us

This course is for:

• People who wish to action regenerative practice in their own farms or gardens

• Biodynamic practitioners who would like to experience the wider context of biodynamics and community
• Those interested in wellness for land and people
• Anyone wishing to increase their perceptive powers of land, soil and life

Tutors inlude:

• Monique Macfarlane has been immersed in biodynamics within home garden settings, lifestyle blocks, right through to larger land holdings and vineyards. She has a passion for helping others back to the land and themselves, through biodynamics and anthroposophy.
• Rachel Pomery is a biodynamic teacher and star watcher.

Cost: $350 per person for the weekend (includes morning tea and lunch Saturday and Sunday)

We are grateful to the Kete Ora Trust who are supporting the possibility of this workshop

Complete the form to register for this course.