One of the fundamental concepts of biodynamic agriculture is how the sun, moon and planets work through calcium and silica in the growth of plants. Ernst Michael Kranich's book describes the growth patterns, leaf placements, and flower forms of different plant families and how they are clearly connected to the same rhythmical activity of specific planets. With this study, readers can enlarge their perceptions of nature. Many examples and drawings are included, illustrating the connections between the orbital paths of planets and the shapes found in particular plants. Contents Formulating the Question The Method The Archetypal Plant and its Cosmic Archetypal Image The Center Shoot: Earthly Image of the Sun Rhythmical Order in the Planetary System The Gesture of Foliation The Formation of the Perianth Pistils – Stamens – Pollination A Look at the Far Planets and the Planetary System Fruit and Seed: The Liberation of the Plant from Vegetative Life Germination and the Root: The Plant’s Connection with the Earth Summary: The Plant as an Organism Polarity in Plant Growth through Predominant Moon/Mercury and Venus-character Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons The Differentiation of the Flowering Plant into Various Growth Patterns Annual Herbaceous Plants Biennial Herbaceous Plants Perennial Herbaceous Plants The Deciduous Trees The Coniferous Trees The Shrubs The Dwarf Shrubs Summary Plant Families as Expressions of Dominating Planetary Influences Grasses The Bindweed Family The Umbellifers The Water Lilies The Buttercups The Rose Family Sympetalous Blossom Development and the Compositae Retrospect and Summary Epilogue: The Educational Purpose Index