32. Are biodynamists a sect?

Let us look at the word in its original meaning. Sect comes from Latin secta: the path followed (from the verb sequor: to follow). This makes me think of the concept of ‘way’ in the Far East, whether in martial arts (Kendo, Aikido, Judo), art (calligraphy), or even the tea ceremony. For Orientals, it relates to a path of development of the person as a whole (physical, moral, and spiritual) from learning and mastering a technique. In this sense, biodynamics could undoubtedly be considered a ‘way of agriculture’. Why not?

Yet, in France today, the word ‘sect’ has become pejorative. It designates a group of dogmatic individuals with obscure, esoteric beliefs which set them apart from others. So no, biodynamists are not a sect. Yet I recognise the fact that some people might misunderstand or even fear the renewed influence of such things when hearing talk of astral forces, cosmic calendars, and so on. I hope that by now, after having read this book, your understanding allows you to hear these terms without undue reactions!

In fact, in viticulture today, very few biodynamists are anthroposophists. They are, above all, country people, pragmatic farmers searching for a good way to resolve the dilemmas of modern agriculture. Rather than a sect, it is a body of free individuals, often with strong personalities. A typically Cartesian wine lover recently told me, ‘Biodynamics as such does not interest me. However, I have noticed that the growers who are passionate about biodynamics have unique and fascinating personalities, and that does interest me!’