The Eye of the Cosmos: Viewing Soil Life through Chromatography – Biodynamic Workshop

What is Chromatography?

Chromatography is a way of taking a “photograph” of the invisible dynamics at work in soil samples. Rather than relying purely on quantifiable data, chromatography is situated squarely in the realm of aesthetic perception.

Soil chromatography is simple enough to do in your own kitchen, and affordable enough for almost anyone to do it. Soil chromatography relies on the human being and our personal relationship to these pictures.

The pictures produced from soil or compost (called “chromas”) can be analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM), enzyme diversity, and overall integration. Some practitioners read these images on a subtler level, looking for signs of etheric vitality and astral dynamism.

Like learning a musical instrument or developing a feeling for art, “reading” these pictures requires practice. It is about developing an inner aesthetic eye. The first step is doing it yourself, so we invite you to join us at the JPI farm from March 21-23, 2025.