In the Lab: Using a Simple Still for Home Extraction of Essential Oils
Join Dennis, an experienced gardener with 50 years of expertise, as he walks you through the detailed process of distilling essential oils from medicinal plants, specifically lemon balm. Learn how to use an old pressure cooker as a functional still, the importance of proper herb preparation, and the step-by-step distillation process using various laboratory glassware…
Read MoreIn the Lab: Straining, Filtering and Siphoning – Videos
The Backwards Review or “Ruchschau”
“Only the hand that erases can write the true thing” Meister Eckhart In Rudolf Steiner’s work, the backwards review of the day in images is known in German as Ruchschau, loosely translated as looking at movement. We could call the exercise the Backwards Review. The backwards review is a practical and potent alchemical force for…
Read MoreVideo Series: The Alchemical Basis for Holistic Health Science
In this series by Dennis Klocek, he outlines a different way to look at health science through the temperaments. Part 1: Phase Theory and Element Theory In the first video, he compares the similarities between the contemporary phase theory of matter (solid, liquid, gas, warmth) and and the older element theory (earth, water, air, fire).…
Read MoreVideo Series: Plant Sprays
This new series is the result of several days spent with Dennis over 6 months, in which he shared how the plant sprays he uses affect growth, how to make them, and some tricks he’s learned along the way. Video 1: Why Use Plant Sprays? Secrets to abundant oil, flower and fruit production in the…
Read MoreVideo: Alchemical Extraction using a Mary’s Bath
We’re using a device called a mary’s bath to extract resin from powdered myrrh to make a preparation called the three Kings. Learn how to use a Mary’s Bath to safely “loosen” compounds for making medicinal or biodynamic substances.
Read MoreGrandpa’s Gruel
This gruel is filling to the belly, a good complete source of nutrition during healing, and well tolerated by sensitive digestions. 2 1/2 qts hot, lemon balm, chamomile tea2 1/2 cups oatmeal1 can (13 oz.) light coconut milk1/3 cup slippery elm bark powder1 Tbsp butter1/2 tsp saltyour favorite sweetenerfive sticks of astragalus In a slow…
Read MoreThe Prayerful Warrior
The developmental signs of advancement in an alchemical soul practice usually involve some sort of healing crisis brought on by a discharge in the soul of accumulated assumptions and belief structures. Most often these assumptions are not perceived by the student in a conscious way. They arise like dream fragments in the daily life and…
Read MoreWorking with Symbolic Images
ALCHEMICAL EARTH CONSCIOUSNESS Alchemically, learning requires that there be a process of soul breathing , that is the capacity to form accurate inner pictures that we can follow as they change inside of us. The process of finding and then refining inner pictures is a form of breathing that can be cultivated into imagination. Exercise:…
Read MoreVideo: Sustainable Garden Harvesting – Fennel Harvesting Tips
Instead of one-and-done harvesting for the market, learn to harvest fennel so that your garden plants last all through the season. Plus, tips to winterize your organic veggies so they don’t rot when the rains come.
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