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