Tag Archive for: Advent

Journey into Advent – week 3

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As we enter the third week of Advent, the BDNZ council wanted to share a small reflection inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s picture of this sacred season. In the anthroposophical tradition, each week of Advent helps us turn our attention to a different layer of creation.

After our quiet contemplation of the mineral world in week one and our connection with plant life in week two, this third week invites us to awaken our hearts to the animal realm.

In biodynamics, we recognise animals as essential partners in the farm organism (or on a smaller scale, the home and garden). Their presence brings vitality, rhythm and an enlivening, soul-bearing quality to the land. This week offers us a chance not only to appreciate their contribution outwardly, but also to cultivate inwardly the qualities they mirror for us: attentiveness, courage, trust, and warmth of heart.

Here are a few gentle ways to bring this week’s theme into daily life:

  • Light the third Advent candle with gratitude for the animal realm:
    As the flame is kindled, hold in mind the animals who support the health of our farms and gardens; those who enrich our soil, those who offer nourishment, and those who simply grace our surroundings with their presence.
  • Offer mindful care to animals nearby:
    This might mean an extra-attentive moment with your own animals, preparing something special for them, or simply observing their gestures and movements. If you don’t tend animals yourself, consider feeding wild birds or acknowledging the unseen creatures who share your land.
  • Add animal figures to your seasonal table or Advent garden:
    Handmade wool animals, carved figures, or even simple stones placed in animal shapes can express the warmth of this week. This is especially meaningful if you include animals connected to biodynamic farms: cows, bees, chickens, goats, or working horses.
  • Bring the farm organism into meditation:
    Take a few minutes to picture the harmony of the farm as a living whole, with each animal playing its part. You might reflect on what qualities you feel these animals embody and how you can cultivate those qualities within yourself.
  • Enjoy a story or moment of stillness that honours animals:
    A quiet reading or even time spent observing the night sky in silence can help anchor the mood of this week. Advent reminds us that inner stillness nurtures outward service.

If you would like to dive deeper into the ideas of Advent, please check out this link to The Josephine Porter Institute over on Substack.

May this week bring warmth to your heart, renewal to your home, and a deeper appreciation for the animals who help weave life and vitality into our world,

Journey into Advent – Week Two

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Greetings to all our wonderful Biodynamic Community!

This year the BDNZ council wanted to share a little about the Steiner-inspired view of  utilising the four weeks Advent as a gentle inner journey –  and really, who doesn’t need a bit of gentle mindfulness at this time of the year when we all tend to get a little frazzled?.

Each week of Advent is connected with one of the natural kingdoms:

  • The mineral kingdom – The first light of advent is the light of stones, Stones that live in crystals in seashells and in bones.
  • The plant kingdom – The second light of advent is the light of plants, Plants that reach up to the sun, and in the breezes, dance.
  • The animal kingdom – The third light of advent is the light of beasts, The light of hope that we may see in greatest and in least.
  • And lastly, the human kingdom – The fourth light of advent is the light of man, The light of love, the light of thought, to give and to understand

This weekly focus is ideal for helping us slow down and awaken to the quiet growth happening both around us and within us.  Unfortunately, with all the busyness surrounding council, we missed the first week of advent, so we will be diving straight into the second week of Advent and an email will be sent out each Saturday to correspond with week three and week four.

The second week of Advent is linked with the plant kingdom and the element of water. It’s an invitation to honour and feel gratitude for the earth’s plants and water, which make our existence possible.  A time for nurturing calmness, emotional clarity, and a sense of quiet growth; just like how plants silently reach toward the light.

Here are a few simple activity ideas that fit the theme of this week:

Create a little “green” corner:
Gather a few sprigs of greenery, a houseplant, or even some pine branches and place them on a small table. Add a candle to symbolise the growing light.

Water meditation for children or adults:
Fill a clear bowl with water and let everyone drop in small leaves or petals. Watch how they float and move as a gentle way to reflect on calm feelings and letting emotions flow.

Planting seeds:
If you have some quick-sprouting seeds (like wheatgrass or beans), plant them in a small pot. Watching them grow through Advent is a beautiful reminder of quiet inner growth.

Create an Advent wreath:

Weave a simple wreath out of wisteria, ivy, willow, or similar plant material and place this on your table or bench.  Each week you can add something to the wreath that corresponds to the appropriate kingdom, as well as adding candles that can be safely burned.

These simple practices bring a peaceful rhythm into the week and help connect with the spirit of this season.

If you would like to dive more deeply into Advent, you might like to check out this substack post from JPBiodynamics.

Wishing you a gentle and green second week of Advent.