biodynamics

Biodynamic farming is one of the most ethical and sustainable forms of agriculture in existence. It excludes the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides and relies on the natural interdependence between all the different components of the farm to create a self-sustaining, balanced and harmonious environment.

At the Aura-Soma Shire Farm, our own biodynamic (Demeter certified) farm in the Lincolnshire Woods, we grow and harvest as much as we can to be used in the AEOS skincare products, sourcing other ingredients from organic and biodynamic farms across the world.

Our sustained commitment to biodynamic farming standards means that we honor the Being of each plant used within the AEOS range. This process begins with balancing the different aspects of the soil, which then encourages increased strength and vitality within the plants. This attention means that when the plant is harvested, its energy force has been nourished through the well tended soil so that it can provide us with its optimal quality and essence for use within the products, which in turn offers optimal regenerative opportunities for the skin. It is a gift from nature to us.

History of biodynamics
Biodynamic farming is founded on a holistic and spiritual understanding of nature and the human being and builds on the pioneering research work of Rudolf Steiner.

A remarkable visionary and educator in a number of fields including agriculture, Steiner had been asked to address the concerns of a group of farmers about the increasingly degraded soil conditions and deterioration in the health and quality of crops and livestock resulting from the use of chemical fertilizers.

Much about biodynamic farming reflects the principles of organic farming but the biodynamic farmer goes further to create a completely self-sustaining, holistic environment in which the farm is treated as a living (biological) organism capable of producing everything it needs within the dynamics of its own unique elements. These include soil structure, animal and insect populations, tree and plant life, elevation, rainfall, sun exposure, water sources and celestial influences.

Soil fertility
At the heart of a biodynamic farm’s success are the essential farm-derived soil preparations and fertilizers which are full of microbial composts that stimulate the soil’s ecosystem and enhance the plants’ abilities to absorb nutrients, fend off pests and prevent the spread of disease. Thus the emphasis is on integrating the needs as well as the contributions of livestock, insects, plants and crops for the generation and recycling of nutrients, improving soil fertility and nurturing the health of all including ultimately the farmer and the consumer.

Celestial influences
Biodynamic farming also recognises the interplay between earthly and cosmic forces such as the rhythms and cycles of the seasons and the impact of the sun, moon and planets upon the land. These form the basis of an annually produced planting calendar which guides the farmer towards appropriate times for cultivation and sowing for maximum quantity and quality.

In the biodynamic ecosystem, man is a conscious and responsible steward, recognising and nurturing the beneficial aspects and interdependence of all these diverse elements for the optimum benefit of the whole.