Biodynamic Guild

Liron Israely is the founding director of the Adama Haya Center, which offers training, inputs, and project management services in agriculture in the service of life, from biodynamics to agroecology. He is about to complete a Ph.D. in stream restoration, soil conservation, and agricultural training at Tel Aviv University. Liron actively engages in international forums, such as the BFDI training, research and Advisory, and the Better cotton standard. He’s a prepmaker that practices Jyotish astrology in Israel, Liron Israely. Please consider supporting some remarkable non-profits: Steiner Books https://steinerbooks.org Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics https://jpibiodynamics.org Biodynamic Guild https://www.biodynamicguild.org

Matias Baker is founder and operator of Kepher Dynamics, a consultant-based service focused on the art and science of biodynamic agriculture and Holistic design. He has worked with a wide range of biodynamic projects and has helped establish new communities throughout North, Central and South America. Matias is currently building a Research Sanctuary named Matriosa with his partner Svava Carlsen in the beautiful California Sierras. https://dennisklocek.com/alchemical-revival/ Please consider supporting some remarkable non-profits: Steiner Books https://steinerbooks.org Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics https://jpibiodynamics.org Biodynamic Guild https://www.biodynamicguild.org

Tobias Bandel, Technology in Natural Capital Assessment. After studying agricultural sciences at the University of Hohenheim, Tobias spent several years as head of fruit and vegetable cultivation and sales at Sekem in Egypt, a well-known and respected Biodynamic Operation. In 2007 he co- founded and lead the sustainability consultancy Soil & More Impacts focusing on agricultural advice, climate strategy and true cost accounting. In early 2022, Soil & More Impacts was taken over by the Sustainable AG Group as part of a restructuring process. Tobias currently works for The Landbanking Group and advises individuals, start-ups and companies on the topics of regenerative agriculture and impact assessments. You can find Tobias and his work at Landler.io Please consider supporting some remarkable non-profits: Steiner Books https://steinerbooks.org Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics https://jpibiodynamics.org Biodynamic Guild https://www.biodynamicguild.org

Eric Cunningham is a professor of History at Gonzaga University specializing in Japanese Intellectual History. After earning a BA in History from the University of Colorado in 1984, Cunningham was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy, and served for six years as an engineering and deck officer aboard guided missile cruisers. After resigning his commission in 1990, Cunningham went on a solo world backpacking tour for a year before taking a job in Northern Japan as an English conversation teacher. He spent five years in Japan, eventually directing his own school based in Tokyo. He returned to his home in Oregon in 1996, and entered the University of Oregon a year later, earning an MA in Japanese Literature (1999), and a PhD in History (2004). He was hired at Gonzaga University in 2003, and has spent the last twenty years there, teaching World History, Asian History, and several specialty courses in Catholic Intellectual History. He has published three books, Hallucinating the End of History: Nishida, Zen, and the Psychedelic Eschaton (2007), Zen Past and Present (2010), and The Luciferic Verses: The Daodejing and the Chinese Roots of Esoteric History (2018). He has just finished a fourth book, The Tarot of the Gospel of St. John in which he argues that the Major Arcana of the Tarot Deck serve as hermeneutic doorways into each chapter of the Gospel of John. In addition to his academic pursuits, Cunningham conducts research in Anthroposophy, psychedelia, film studies, and Hermeticism. Cunningham has seven children, and divides his time between Spokane, Washington and 10 X 27 foot cabin in Northern Idaho. https://www.biodynamicguild.org/

Allan Savory, born in Zimbabwe and educated in South Africa (University of Natal, BS in Zoology and Botany) pursued an early career as a research biologist and game ranger in the British Colonial Service of what was then Northern Rhodesia (today Zambia) and later as a farmer and game rancher in Zimbabwe. In the 1960s he made a significant breakthrough in understanding what was causing the degradation and desertification of the world’s grassland ecosystems and, as a resource management consultant, worked with numerous managers on four continents to develop sustainable solutions. He served as a Member of Parliament in the latter days of Zimbabwe’s civil war and became the leader of the opposition to the ruling party headed by Ian Smith. Exiled in 1979 as a result of his opposition, he immigrated to the United States, where he continued to work with land managers through his consulting business. The growth of that business, a desire to assist many more people and the need for furthering his work led him to continue its development in the nonprofit world. In 1992 Savory and his wife, Jody Butterfield, formed a non-profit organization in Zimbabwe, the Africa Centre for Holistic Management, donating a ranch that would serve as a learning site for people all over Africa. In 2009 Savory, Butterfield, and a group of colleagues co-founded the Savory Institute in Boulder, Colorado to serve the world through an international network of entrepreneurial innovators and leaders committed to serving their regions with the highest standards of Holistic Management training and implementation support. The Africa Centre became the first of the Savory Institute’s locally led and managed Hubs. Savory’s book, Holistic Management, Third Edition: A Commonsense Revolution to Restore Our Environment (Island Press, 2016), describes his effort to find workable solutions ordinary people could implement to overcome many of the problems besetting communities and businesses today. In 2003, Allan Savory received Australia’s International Banksia Award “for the person or organization doing the most for the environment on a global scale,” and in 2010 Savory (and the Africa Centre) received the Buckminster Fuller Institute’s Challenge award for work that has “significant potential to solve humanity’s most pressing problems.” A TED talk Savory gave in 2013 has received over 9 million views and in 2014 was voted one of the 50 most intriguing TED talks of all time.

Dr. Krishnamurti has his Doctorate in Sanskrit with a focus in Vrikshayurveda. His PhD Research focused on Medicinal Plant cultivation using Vrikshayurveda methods to protect medicinal efficacy, and good agricultural yield of AYUSH botanicals. He is also particularly knowledgeable on Ayurvedic Dravya-Guna Vijnana (Indian Traditional Pharmacology). He is currently working on two books, including a Sanskrit Agricultural dictionary. https://www.asianagrihistory.org/bulletins.htm

Gary Lachman is the author of many books about consciousness, culture, and the Western esoteric tradition, including Dreaming Ahead of Time, The Return of Holy Russia, Dark Star Rising: Magick and Power in the Age of Trump, Lost Knowledge of the Imagination, and Beyond the Robot: The Life and Work of Colin Wilson. He has written biographies of Carl Jung, Madame Blavatsky, Rudolf Steiner, Emanuel Swedenborg, P D Ouspensy, and Aleister Crowley. He writes for several journals in the US, UK, and Europe, lectures around the world and his work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. In a former life he was a founding member of the pop group Blondie and in 2006 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Before moving to London in 1996 and becoming a full time writer, Lachman studied philosophy, managed a metaphysical book shop, taught English literature, and was Science Writer for UCLA. He is an adjunct professor of Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies. You can find Gary and his work at gary-lachman.com

Kira is an Australian Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist and Medical Astrologer. Known for her vibrant, straight forward teaching style, Kira has lectured in Medical Astrology within Australia, North America and Europe. In private practice for over 25 years, Kira combines her knowledge in Natural Medicine with her passion for Medical Astrology into a wonderful mix of mind/body medicine. You can find Kira and her work at AstrologyOfHealth.com And her Complementary Medicine and Sports Nutrition practice, Uberhealth at KiraSutherland.com.au

Wendy Lilje has been working with biodynamic principles for approximately 40 years when she began producing Weleda and Wala remedies in Johannesburg. In 2000 she moved to Cape Town and shortly after purchased the Bloublommetjieskloof biodynamic farm in Wellington from Jeanne Malherbe, a single woman farmer, who started farming there in the 1960's, the first biodynamic farm in South Africa. In 2005 the farm received the first Demeter certification in South Africa. Apart from farming Wendy also works (voluntarily) in the Biodynamic Association of Southern Africa. You can find Wendy listed as a Biodynamic Federation Advisor at biodynamic-advisor.org, or at her site bloublommetjieskloof.com

Gary Lamb is the director of the Hawthorne Valley Center for Social Research and its Ethical Technology Initiative. His technical background includes a degree in civil technology and mathematics, and employment in the fields of building construction, medical technology, and manufacturing. Prior to working on A Road to Sacred Creation: Rudolf Steiner’s Perspectives on Technology, Volume 1, he edited Steinerian Economics with Sarah Hearn (Mecca), a compendium of Rudolf Steiner’s views on economics published by Adonis Press, and has authored books on Waldorf education and associative economics—Social Mission of Waldorf Education, Wellsprings of the Spirit, and Associative Economics. He was also the managing editor of The Threefold Review, a journal based on Rudolf Steiner’s ideas about a threefold social organism. You can find Gary and some of his work at hawthornevalley.org, and you can find his recent book, A Road to Sacred Creation at Steiner Books. https://steinerbooks.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781621482611/A-Road-to-Sacred-Creation

Babs Behan is a specialist in non-toxic natural dyeing, inks and printmaking, with a focus on bioregional regenerative textile systems. She is the author of “Botanical Inks”, as well as the Founder of the Botanical Inks natural dye studio and the Bristol Cloth project. She has been featured on BBC News, BBC Countryfile & Sky News. You can find Babs and her work at BotanicalInks.com

Johan Reyneke studied philosophy, and fell in love with environmental ethics. He got a student job working in vineyards, and converted a small vineyard to organic and biodynamic and things just grew from there. Today he has 120 hectares under certified Demeter status in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and a winery to go with it. Johan is happily married with two daughters. He loves surfing, martial arts and riding his mountain bike. When life calms down he would like to resume his studies and finish his Masters in philosophy. You can find Johan and Reyneke wines at reynekewines.co.za

Sundeep Kamath is the General Secretary of the All India Organic Network Association (AIONA); He is the former Secretary of the Biodynamic Association of India; He’s been on the board of IFOAM Asia (the representative body of the Organic Movement in Asia); and was on the Organizing Committee of the Organic World Congress in 2017. He is also a founding partner of Mandala Solutions, a boutique consulting firm which offers solutions to private organizations as well as governments. He is currently advising the Federal Government of Bhutan (on certification), State Government of Nagaland & several Municipalities & Provinces in the Philippines on their plans to fully convert to Organic (following the example of the state of Sikkim in India) Sundeep was part of the founding team of the first school in Asia offering a two year residential advanced diploma in Organic & Biodynamic Agriculture for rural underprivileged youth. He was on the Executive Committee of the Anthroposophical Society in India. He has been the past president of Sudatta, an Adoptive Parents Association and is a founder-parent of Bangalore’s first Waldorf School, the Bangalore Steiner School. You can find Sundeep listed as a Biodynamic Federation Advisor at biodynamic-advisor.org, or at his site mandalasolutions.in

André Tranquilini is a biodynamic farmer, consultant and teacher. He has been the Estate manager at Waltham Place, a 220 acre biodynamic estate in Berkshire, since 2018. André has worked extensively as a market gardener, outdoor classroom teacher and was a founding member of the seed company, Living Seeds, in Portugal. Born in Brazil, André has had the opportunity to work and manage farms in his homeland of Brazil, as well as Portugal and the UK. He has traveled widely teaching workshops and lecturing on Biodynamic Agriculture. André is married to Sophy and they have three children, Kai, Yasmin and Luca. In his spare time, André enjoys printmaking and kite flying. You can find Andre & Waltham Place at WalthamPlace.com

Robert is a practicing alchemist and author. In 1974, he left San Jose State University to pursue an intensive course of alchemical study at the Paracelsus Research Society (later Paracelsus College) under the guidance of Dr. Albert Reidel (aka Frater Albertus). By 1976, at the prompting of Frater Albertus, Robert returned to college at Boise State University to complete his degree in chemistry with the view of working at the newly formed Paralab, a commercial offshoot of Paracelsus College. In 1979, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and immediately began work at Paralab as Chief Chemist. Working closely with Frater Albertus, Robert researched and developed a wide range of mineral and metallic preparations following Western and Eastern alchemical traditions for applications in alternative health care. Later, Robert was selected by Frater Albertus to become a Director of Research at Tristar, the future vision of Frater Albertus which would combine the Paracelsus College, Paralab, and a Healing Arts Center into one complex. Unfortunately with the death of Frater Albertus in 1984, both the college and Paralab closed its doors and the Tristar dream was never realized. Robert is the author of, among other titles: Real Alchemy; The Way of the Crucible; The Temper of Herbs; And most recently, The Book of Antimony. You can find Robert’s work at spagyricus.com

Stewart Lundy, along with his partner and wife, Natalie, farms 50 acres of land on a tiny peninsula in rural Virginia. For the past decade he has practiced biodynamics, and for the past eight years he has made and applied the biodynamic preparations. Stewart also works for The Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Bio-Dynamics. In his free time he is an active esoteric researcher, amateur alchemist, and practicing herbalist, experimenting with a wide range of innovations on the farm. He consults with farmers and gardeners across the world. You can find Stewart and his work at PerennialRoots.com

Chris Trump is a world-renowned Korean Natural Farmer and the first to use KNF on a large-scale farm. He hails from the big island of Hawaii, where his family has been producing macadamia nuts on 800 acres for over 30 years. He’s since gone on to take the Korean Natural Farming teachings of Master Cho globally and helped numerous operations at scale adopt them. KNF has been all the rage in recent years, so we’re very happy to have secured a bit of Chris’ time. You can find Chris, his educational courses, and more at christrump.com

Sebastián is an Anthroposophist who encountered Steiner's World Economy Course at the height of the subprime mortgage crisis, which coincided with the appearance of blockchain technology. Since then he has advocated Rudolf Steiner’s socioeconomic legacy via online courses, documentary films and emerging financial technologies as a way to mitigate future social tensions. You can find Sebastián at econosophia.org and Econoshophia on Vimeo.com and Medium.com

Dennis Klocek is the author of 11 books covering subjects in Biodynamics, esoteric and alchemical practices, long range weather forecasting, physiology, meditation and more. He is the founder of the Coros Institute, a non-profit organization that sponsors dialogues focused on how meditative life impacts one's work in the world. He’s had a long standing relationship with Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento, California, where he has been the director of their Consciousness Studies Program, the “Goethean Studies”. I personally have found him to be the greatest living master on these subjects, that I’ve met. You can find Dennis and his most recent work at DennisKlocek.com You can find some of his books at Steiner Books.

Maison/Made is a Biodynamic Certified Skincare Company. It is a combination of the horticultural expertise of Adrien, and the formulation talents of his wife, Carolina. Carolina, a trained cosmetic formulator and herbalist, is responsible for all product development and the creative aspects of the brand. As a former fashion and beauty journalist in her home country of Argentina, she joined the illustrious Bureau Betak as Communications Director upon moving to New York. Seeing firsthand the misuse of raw materials created by the fashion industry, she sought to dedicate herself to an endeavor that creates a net positive impact on the planet. Her keen awareness of sustainable product development and sophisticated formulations drive the intentionality and thoughtfulness of the brand. With Biodynamic farming in his family’s history, Adrien manages the garden, as well as all supply chain logistics and exclusive partnerships with Biodynamic farms and producers. A world citizen, he has worked in sustainable asset management and land conservation across 3 continents, later earning an MBA from Columbia University with a focus on sustainable entrepreneurship. In addition to supply chain, he helps define the business strategy and execution, ensuring Maison/Made maintains its place at the crossroads of luxury and sustainability. You can find Maison/Made at Maisonmade.co