Wednesday 1st January

Wednesday 1st January
Happy New Year! As we step into this new cycle, may the rhythms of the earth and cosmos guide us towards deeper connection and growth. Just as the seeds we plant in the soil carry the promise of renewal, let us sow intentions that nurture our body, mind, and spirit. May this year be filled with harmonious balance, a steady awareness of nature’s cycles, and the wisdom to live in tune with the land. Here’s to cultivating a year of health, vitality, and new beginnings, rooted in the rhythms of the earth

Tuesday 31st December

Tuesday 31st December
The last day of the year sets in motion a new beginning, marking the start of a new cycle on the Gregorian calendar, which has been in use since 1582. While this calendar doesn’t align with specific astronomical events, it is rooted in the Earth’s journey around the Sun. Many cultures celebrate the new year in spring when life is most visibly abundant. Yet, the Gregorian calendar, perhaps coincidentally, begins with a rhythm that reflects an inward turning, much like the early stages of any cycle. The beginning of the new year plants the seeds—whether metaphorical or literal—that will grow, evolve, and find expression as the cycle unfolds throughout the year.

Monday 30th December

Monday 30th December
We have arrived at the New Moon, with the Moon positioned between the Earth and the Sun. Although invisible, we know it has transitioned from Scorpio into the constellation of Sagittarius. A New Moon in Sagittarius should fill us with optimism for the future, especially as the year draws to a close and our reflective nature has already emerged. Let’s take stock of the year, appreciating the rhythms that have shaped it, and acknowledging that while we can never truly know the future, we can still set goals. By striving for them, we do the best we can to create our future.

Sunday 29th December

Sunday 29th December
The Moon is conjunct with Mercury in the constellation of Virgo, offering us the opportunity to observe the connection between body and mind. Contrary to the belief that they are disconnected, what affects the mind also affects the body, and vice versa. Walking, moving, and exercising are just as important as reading, writing, and mindfulness. To create true health, we must embrace both paradigms. Similarly, on a biodynamic farm, theory and practice must come together.

Saturday 28th December

Saturday 28th December
The Moon enters the constellation of Scorpio, making it an ideal day for tending to leafy plants in the garden. Hardy salads can be grown year-round in greenhouses if carefully sown and transplanted in succession. In the garden, it’s a good time to consider trimming hedges as the Moon is in Scorpio. Biodynamic farmers and gardeners may also consider applying biodynamic preparation 500, which helps rejuvenate and build soil structure. This is a great time of year for such preparations, in anticipation of spring, when the intensity of growth increases and the nourishment of the soil becomes paramount. Biodynamic gardeners often consider themselves as growers of soil, as this living membrane is at the heart of biodynamic practice.

Friday 27th December

Friday 27th December
Today, the Moon rises in Libra before continuing its pilgrimage into Scorpio, a sign of transformation. As the year’s end approaches, we reflect on goals and resolutions, though temptations often test our resolve. In a world of instant gratification, we need tools to support lasting, positive change. Let us take time to ponder what we truly want and how to build a foundation for meaningful growth in the year ahead.

Thursday 26th December

Thursday 26th December
The Moon journeys from the earthy sign of Virgo to the airy sign of Libra, bringing harmony and balance, and lifting our hearts. The celebrations continue as we share in the joy of Christmas. The light shines through winter’s cold veil, and spring feels closer now. Let’s take a walk, observing the plants and trees as they continue to breathe inward, drawing their vitality within while their outward appearance decays. Notice the colours, smells, and forms, and imprint these sensations in your mind. Observe the rhythm of their metamorphosis, as they prepare to transform into outward beauty in the coming months.

Wednesday 25th December

Wednesday 25th December
Today marks the birth of Jesus Christ, an event that bridges Earth, the cosmos, and the heavens. We celebrate this day with feasting and gathering with our loved ones, honouring the birth of a Saviour—the central figure in all of history. As evening falls, we lift our eyes to the night sky, marvelling at the planets and stars. Venus, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter illuminate the heavens, inspiring us to wonder which celestial bodies might have aligned to create the Star of Bethlehem. This radiant guide led the Magi to offer their gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold to the Lord.

Tuesday 24th December

Tuesday 24th December
The Moon strides onward through the constellation of Virgo as we reach Christmas Eve. From its position in apogee—the furthest point from Earth—our faithful Moon shines with an intensified light. This overrules Virgo’s earthy character, allowing the elements of light and air to take precedence, a fitting resonance for Christmas Eve. Let us join in singing the timeless Christmas carols, rich with wisdom and depth, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Monday 23rd December

Monday 23rd December
The Moon rises in the constellation of Virgo, grounding us on our journey to Christmas. It’s a very busy time of year, so let’s find a moment to pause and reflect—perhaps by going for a walk, reading a book, or whatever affords you an opportunity to relax. We are between the spring equinox and Christmas, a time of cultural, spiritual, astrological, and historical significance. Let us acknowledge this moment in our hearts and seek to understand this time of year beyond the material worldview that tries to permeate our environments.

Sunday 22nd December

Sunday 22nd December
Today marks the fourth Sunday before Christmas, symbolising love, as we light the fourth candle of Advent. The fifth candle will be lit on Christmas Day.  On many biodynamic farms, this time of year is celebrated with a cherished tradition: gathering to sing to the farm animals. Families and communities come together, surrounding the animals to sing Christmas carols. This age-old custom is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and love, not just for the cows but for all the animals that share in the farm’s life and work. It is a moment to connect deeply with the rhythm of the season, celebrating the bond between humans, animals, land, and divinity.

Saturday 21st December

Saturday 21st December
Today, the winter solstice marks the year's longest night, a sacred turning point as the Earth begins its journey back toward the light. Beneath the soil, unseen forces quietly weave renewal, with mineral energies and cosmic rhythms nurturing the promise of growth. It is a moment to pause, honour this hidden work, and embrace the hope of brighter days ahead.

Friday 20th December

Friday 20th December
Today, the Sun transitions from the constellation of Virgo to the constellation of Sagittarius, bringing a sense of optimism to the weeks ahead. The Sun’s journey through the zodiac creates our zodiac year, which will return to the first sign of Aries at the beginning of spring. Both the Moon and the Sun are currently navigating constellations of Fire, with the Moon in Leo and the Sun in Sagittarius. This alignment brings warmth to our hearts, countering the chill of winter. Let us embrace these fiery forces and find our creative spark through artistic pursuits and projects.

Thursday 19th December

Thursday 19th December
The Moon descends deeper into Cancer before transitioning into the constellation of Leo partway through the day. The warm forces of Leo are initially overshadowed by an earthy trine, as Venus and Jupiter align 120 degrees apart in the zodiac, residing in the root constellations of Capricorn and Taurus, respectively. In the garden, this alignment makes the second half of the day more favourable for working with the soil and the roots of plants, rather than focusing on the fruits, which are better enhanced when the Moon is fully in Leo.

Wednesday 18th December

Wednesday 18th December
The Moon rises in the constellation of Cancer, having departed from Gemini, thus transitioning from the element of Air to the element of Water. Cancer is known for its nurturing qualities, which are mediated by the Moon and brought down to Earth. This makes it a wonderful day to connect with friends and family as we approach Christmas. In the evening sky, we observe the Moon passing over the planet Mars from Earth's perspective, creating an occultation. This celestial event blends the caring forces of Cancer with the energy and action embodied by Mars.

Tuesday 17th December

Tuesday 17th December
The Moon continues its passage through the constellation of Gemini, sparking our intellectual curiosity. Today, we are presented with many thoughts—some fleeting, others lingering. Let us take this opportunity to discern our thoughts, pursue our ideas with research, and deepen our understanding of the concepts that intrigue us. In the garden, now in its winter slumber, nature awaits the winter solstice. Beneath the guise of outward decay, it manifests inwardly, preparing for renewal.

Monday 16th December

Monday 16th December
The Moon rises in the constellation of Gemini, radiating light and a sense of curiosity. Following the glorious Full Moon, it now begins its journey toward the New Moon, starting to wane slightly—a process that can be likened to a gentle exhalation. By observing these rhythms in the Earth and cosmos, we may find them mirrored within ourselves. In the field of biodynamics, there remains much to explore and experience. Practically, biodynamics yields the most nutritious food while fostering care for the Earth and its people. When studied deeply, it offers profound insights into the three great questions: Where did I come from? Why am I here? And where am I going?

Sunday 15th December

Sunday 15th December
The joy sparked by yesterday's conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter continues to resonate as we celebrate the third Advent Sunday before Christmas, a day imbued with the spirit of joy. Adding to this celestial harmony, the Full Moon in Taurus graces us with its grounding energy, inviting self-acceptance and inner peace. This cosmic moment is further marked by a shift in the Moon's sidereal rhythm, perfectly timed with its synodic phase change. Having reached its zenith, the Moon now begins its gentle descent, a cycle that will unfold over the next two weeks. This descending rhythm offers an ideal window for connecting with the soil—perfect for transplanting and nurturing the earth as we align with these celestial movements.

Saturday 14th December

Saturday 14th December
The Moon conjuncts with Jupiter in the constellation of Taurus, radiating joy down to the Earth and amplifying the cheerfulness of the season. We are just one week away from the winter solstice, yet even in these depths of darkness, we find encouragement to bring joy and light into ourselves and the world around us. This is a testament to the character of the human being and our innate capacity to move towards the light. Like the plant, we exist in a space between the earthly and the cosmic. Yet, unlike the plant rooted in soil, we are not bound to the Earth. One day, we shall rise fully toward the light, free from the temptations of the earthly realm.

Friday 13th December

Friday 13th December
Today, we transition from the fructifying forces of Aries to the grounding forces of the Moon in Taurus. In a biodynamic garden, great care is taken to generate as much fertility as possible within the boundaries of the garden itself. Composting serves as the garden's digestive system and is often placed proudly at its heart—a place of miracles where seemingly lifeless materials are transformed and reborn. This compost is then spread across the land to nourish it. With the Moon in Taurus, today is an ideal time to spread compost on your beds. The grounding forces of Taurus, combined with the activity of worms, will help carry the rich nutrients deep into the soil.