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Rocks Think: Exploring Metaphysics and Science in Organic Horticulture
Rocks Think: Exploring Metaphysics and Science in Organic Horticulture
By Joan Carra Nov/Dec 2006
Amidst the most beautiful beach community of the world, where famous jet setters congregate for
summer fun and the super rick build mansion after mansion with spectacular views of the Atlantic
Ocean, there is a school devoted to teaching organic horticulture, in, of all paces West Hampton,
New Your. Before this luxurious transformation, this section of Long Island was known for potato
farms. The Nature Lyceum has also traveled to Houston, Phoenix, and Philadelphia and classes can
be held in other locations as well. The Nature Lyceum is a nonprofit organization that is 13 years
old. It is the only school of its kind. Founder, Jeff Frank, is a profound and passionate teacher, with
an extensive background in both horticulture and education.
I took the intro and graduate seminar. The teachers were from all over the country, Colorado,
Pennsylvania, Illinois, and even Hawaii. Some examples of the topics covered were: soils, microbes,
compost and teas, weeds, and insect problems, marketing, natural habitat landscaping, quantum
physics, and dowsing. An organic lunch was delivered and we had plenty of samples of natural
fertilizers, liquid composts, a pesticide made of garlic, dowsing rods, and a Green Guerrilla
gardening graduation cap. The instructors all shared a passion and commitment to organics, not
only as a lifestyle, but as an answer to living with nature in harmony; which will yield a healthier
ecosystem. Ironically, the pioneers of organic horticulture are revolutionary by resurrecting
thousands of years of traditional farming techniques and by adhering to a philosophy to honor,
respect and communicate with the Great Mother Earth
After learning about the poisons we have been putting in our soil, I realized how important it is to
know the dangerous effects of pesticides and to make an effort to find alternative. Our land is now
drenched with chemicals. These toxins seep into our precious water tables and are causing
irreparable damage to our health. How much do we know about the chemicals we so blindly spray
on our farm lands, gardens, and front lawns?
When and why were pesticides introduced to agriculture?
After a war in the 1850's in Germany, a chemical factory owner named van Liebig, had an excess of
N, P, and K...nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, which are what explosives are made of. He
realized N, P, and K are also elements in the soil, so me marketed these chemicals to be used as
fertilizer. van Liebig later repudiated his research and stated that soil is composed of many more
elements, but it was too late, chemical companies were making huge profit selling to farms. After
each major war, more and more chemicals that were once used to kill people were manufactured
for agriculture.
How did it come to America?
Chemical companies influenced congress to legalize N, P, and K as the bench mark for soil
nutrition. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are not the way to handle nutrition because it's only
dealing with three elements and there are at least 80, as in human nutrition. Eventually, land grant
colleges started to teach this.
How serious is the threat of pesticides to our environment?
The only tests done on pesticides are done by chemical companies. The companies figure out what
a lethal dose is. They on test on rats, which is equivalent to a 150 pound man. We spray fungicides,
pesticides, herbicides on the lawn, then the pets get ti on them, they lick their paws, they get sick,
and they die. Kids run and play on it, they get it on their shoes, laces, pants and hands. We take in
chemicals through our eyes, skin, nose and ears. If you go into a garden center, you can smell
chemicals. The soil is the basis to good human health, but our soil is not healthy, thus now we have
more and more cancers.
Who can study at the Nature Lyceum?
The school is open to backyard gardeners and professionals in the green industry. Professionals
need to get their credits updated each year. The International Society of Arboriculturists (ISA) helps
certify arborists to keep up with new techniques. The Department of Environmental Conservation is
for people who have a license to spray chemicals.
Are you seeing more people who spray chemicals switching over to organics?
Yes, a large majority of our graduates are immediately going into a less toxic, more gentle approach
to the environment and themselves and are moving their companies in that direction right away.
Is it more expensive to switch from chemical to organic methods of growing?
Initially, it is. But the wonderful thing about organics is that they are cost effective, result oriented
and cumulative, meaning that every time you use an organic fertilizer it builds up more organics in
the soil. So in a period of time you will use less and fewer organics with better and better results.
With chemicals, it has just the opposite effect. When you put chemicals down, they use up all the
nutrients and burn up all the carbon in the soil. You have to keep repeating the applications more
and more and fewer results from greater applications. By going to an organic program, you will also
save half your water costs, since you are going to use half the normal water quantity per year. In an
organic application, there will be fewer products to use over th years with greater results.
You cite the Findhorn experiments, The Secret Life of Plants, Rudolf Steiner's Biodynamics
techniques and Dr. Emoto's research, Messages in Water. The knowledge from these sources
explains that nature can inform us how to work with it, if we make an effort to be receptive to and
respect its intelligence.
Is that why you teach metaphysics and quantum physics as an intrinsic part of growing
plants?
We know that the Earth is a living, breathing organism. Plato knew that in 375 BC. We're just
starting to understand that now. Metaphysics have a great deal to do with horticulture. The ancients
used to call it: earth, wind, fire, water, and space (ether)> Scientist today have taken those five
elements and have turned them into four scientific terms: the weak interaction of the atom, the
strong interaction of the atom, electromagnetism and gravity, Scientists know that these four
energies explain everything that is happening in the world. It accounts for everything you see on the
planet. Modern physics is just starting to comprehend that atoms thinks. It has consciousness.
According to quantum physics--everything thinks. We may not understand it, but everything
communicates with each other, from birds to flies to snow to water. Dr. Emoto concluded that water
has consciousness and is trying to teach us something about the planet. The large problem we are
having with water, the tsunami and New Orleans flood, is nature trying to say we have to take better
care of the earth. Metaphysically speaking understanding horticulture depends on quantum
physicals and quantum physic depends on us understanding that everything in the world has
consciousness.
I think that the dowsing demonstrations were effective in capturing the subtle energies
of the earth. Its as though Gaia can communicate with us and we can learn to tune in with
very simple techniques. Can you explain dowsing? Also how old is it?
Dowsing is an ancient art, as old as the population of the Earth. All indigenous societies use some
form of it. You can use sticks for rods or make them out of metal hangers. It's intuitive and you
actually communicate with tree, plants, and soil by asking yes/no questions. The rods will move to
indicate the response. You also ask permission to ask the questions.
Do rocks think?
According to quantum physics, atoms think. If atoms respond to our thinking then rocks think and
what they think is: they're all on their way to the beach trying to get to the ocean.
Do you think there's hope for the cesspool we are living in?
There is always hope. The more we get people to be aware that Planet Earth is a living, breathing
organism, then the more we can shift the paradigm. Last year I gave the first talk on organics at an
annual chemical show and 800 people attended. Every year they do a product poll and consumers
always voted: price, esthetics, safety. This year the results ere: safety, esthetics and price. Major
chemical fertilizer companies are listening and offering safer and organic versions of their own
fertilizers.
We live in a new world order, we have a plethora of obese children hooked on plastic foods,
sky-high cancer rates and an earth that has taken revenge on us with global warming. Perhaps
looking at the longevity of past techniques in agriculture can create a balance of healing. The earth
is very much alive; soil contains millions of microbes, insects, and animals that play an important
role increasing plant life which has plenty of nutrients for humans to live on. If only we can reverse
that live force instead of murdering it so indiscriminately. Pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, homicide
and suicide all share the same Latin root: cide which means to kill. And the toxins we spray are
killing us. This doesn't have to be our world anymore. Jeff's trademark salutation is yua-tah-hey,
Navajo for walk in beauty, so may we create beauty without earth and as Jeff says, "Let's move to a
gently, low tech, common sense approach to our neighborhoods and our World".
You can contact Jeff Frank online at www.thenaturelyceum.org
Joan Carra is a Green Guerilla graduate of the Nature Lyceum and a professional psychic listed in
the books The 100 Top Psychics in America and Psychic NY. www.geocities.com/psychicjoan
By Joan Carra Nov/Dec 2006
Amidst the most beautiful beach community of the world, where famous jet setters congregate for
summer fun and the super rick build mansion after mansion with spectacular views of the Atlantic
Ocean, there is a school devoted to teaching organic horticulture, in, of all paces West Hampton,
New Your. Before this luxurious transformation, this section of Long Island was known for potato
farms. The Nature Lyceum has also traveled to Houston, Phoenix, and Philadelphia and classes can
be held in other locations as well. The Nature Lyceum is a nonprofit organization that is 13 years
old. It is the only school of its kind. Founder, Jeff Frank, is a profound and passionate teacher, with
an extensive background in both horticulture and education.
I took the intro and graduate seminar. The teachers were from all over the country, Colorado,
Pennsylvania, Illinois, and even Hawaii. Some examples of the topics covered were: soils, microbes,
compost and teas, weeds, and insect problems, marketing, natural habitat landscaping, quantum
physics, and dowsing. An organic lunch was delivered and we had plenty of samples of natural
fertilizers, liquid composts, a pesticide made of garlic, dowsing rods, and a Green Guerrilla
gardening graduation cap. The instructors all shared a passion and commitment to organics, not
only as a lifestyle, but as an answer to living with nature in harmony; which will yield a healthier
ecosystem. Ironically, the pioneers of organic horticulture are revolutionary by resurrecting
thousands of years of traditional farming techniques and by adhering to a philosophy to honor,
respect and communicate with the Great Mother Earth
After learning about the poisons we have been putting in our soil, I realized how important it is to
know the dangerous effects of pesticides and to make an effort to find alternative. Our land is now
drenched with chemicals. These toxins seep into our precious water tables and are causing
irreparable damage to our health. How much do we know about the chemicals we so blindly spray
on our farm lands, gardens, and front lawns?
When and why were pesticides introduced to agriculture?
After a war in the 1850's in Germany, a chemical factory owner named van Liebig, had an excess of
N, P, and K...nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, which are what explosives are made of. He
realized N, P, and K are also elements in the soil, so me marketed these chemicals to be used as
fertilizer. van Liebig later repudiated his research and stated that soil is composed of many more
elements, but it was too late, chemical companies were making huge profit selling to farms. After
each major war, more and more chemicals that were once used to kill people were manufactured
for agriculture.
How did it come to America?
Chemical companies influenced congress to legalize N, P, and K as the bench mark for soil
nutrition. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are not the way to handle nutrition because it's only
dealing with three elements and there are at least 80, as in human nutrition. Eventually, land grant
colleges started to teach this.
How serious is the threat of pesticides to our environment?
The only tests done on pesticides are done by chemical companies. The companies figure out what
a lethal dose is. They on test on rats, which is equivalent to a 150 pound man. We spray fungicides,
pesticides, herbicides on the lawn, then the pets get ti on them, they lick their paws, they get sick,
and they die. Kids run and play on it, they get it on their shoes, laces, pants and hands. We take in
chemicals through our eyes, skin, nose and ears. If you go into a garden center, you can smell
chemicals. The soil is the basis to good human health, but our soil is not healthy, thus now we have
more and more cancers.
Who can study at the Nature Lyceum?
The school is open to backyard gardeners and professionals in the green industry. Professionals
need to get their credits updated each year. The International Society of Arboriculturists (ISA) helps
certify arborists to keep up with new techniques. The Department of Environmental Conservation is
for people who have a license to spray chemicals.
Are you seeing more people who spray chemicals switching over to organics?
Yes, a large majority of our graduates are immediately going into a less toxic, more gentle approach
to the environment and themselves and are moving their companies in that direction right away.
Is it more expensive to switch from chemical to organic methods of growing?
Initially, it is. But the wonderful thing about organics is that they are cost effective, result oriented
and cumulative, meaning that every time you use an organic fertilizer it builds up more organics in
the soil. So in a period of time you will use less and fewer organics with better and better results.
With chemicals, it has just the opposite effect. When you put chemicals down, they use up all the
nutrients and burn up all the carbon in the soil. You have to keep repeating the applications more
and more and fewer results from greater applications. By going to an organic program, you will also
save half your water costs, since you are going to use half the normal water quantity per year. In an
organic application, there will be fewer products to use over th years with greater results.
You cite the Findhorn experiments, The Secret Life of Plants, Rudolf Steiner's Biodynamics
techniques and Dr. Emoto's research, Messages in Water. The knowledge from these sources
explains that nature can inform us how to work with it, if we make an effort to be receptive to and
respect its intelligence.
Is that why you teach metaphysics and quantum physics as an intrinsic part of growing
plants?
We know that the Earth is a living, breathing organism. Plato knew that in 375 BC. We're just
starting to understand that now. Metaphysics have a great deal to do with horticulture. The ancients
used to call it: earth, wind, fire, water, and space (ether)> Scientist today have taken those five
elements and have turned them into four scientific terms: the weak interaction of the atom, the
strong interaction of the atom, electromagnetism and gravity, Scientists know that these four
energies explain everything that is happening in the world. It accounts for everything you see on the
planet. Modern physics is just starting to comprehend that atoms thinks. It has consciousness.
According to quantum physics--everything thinks. We may not understand it, but everything
communicates with each other, from birds to flies to snow to water. Dr. Emoto concluded that water
has consciousness and is trying to teach us something about the planet. The large problem we are
having with water, the tsunami and New Orleans flood, is nature trying to say we have to take better
care of the earth. Metaphysically speaking understanding horticulture depends on quantum
physicals and quantum physic depends on us understanding that everything in the world has
consciousness.
I think that the dowsing demonstrations were effective in capturing the subtle energies
of the earth. Its as though Gaia can communicate with us and we can learn to tune in with
very simple techniques. Can you explain dowsing? Also how old is it?
Dowsing is an ancient art, as old as the population of the Earth. All indigenous societies use some
form of it. You can use sticks for rods or make them out of metal hangers. It's intuitive and you
actually communicate with tree, plants, and soil by asking yes/no questions. The rods will move to
indicate the response. You also ask permission to ask the questions.
Do rocks think?
According to quantum physics, atoms think. If atoms respond to our thinking then rocks think and
what they think is: they're all on their way to the beach trying to get to the ocean.
Do you think there's hope for the cesspool we are living in?
There is always hope. The more we get people to be aware that Planet Earth is a living, breathing
organism, then the more we can shift the paradigm. Last year I gave the first talk on organics at an
annual chemical show and 800 people attended. Every year they do a product poll and consumers
always voted: price, esthetics, safety. This year the results ere: safety, esthetics and price. Major
chemical fertilizer companies are listening and offering safer and organic versions of their own
fertilizers.
We live in a new world order, we have a plethora of obese children hooked on plastic foods,
sky-high cancer rates and an earth that has taken revenge on us with global warming. Perhaps
looking at the longevity of past techniques in agriculture can create a balance of healing. The earth
is very much alive; soil contains millions of microbes, insects, and animals that play an important
role increasing plant life which has plenty of nutrients for humans to live on. If only we can reverse
that live force instead of murdering it so indiscriminately. Pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, homicide
and suicide all share the same Latin root: cide which means to kill. And the toxins we spray are
killing us. This doesn't have to be our world anymore. Jeff's trademark salutation is yua-tah-hey,
Navajo for walk in beauty, so may we create beauty without earth and as Jeff says, "Let's move to a
gently, low tech, common sense approach to our neighborhoods and our World".
You can contact Jeff Frank online at www.thenaturelyceum.org
Joan Carra is a Green Guerilla graduate of the Nature Lyceum and a professional psychic listed in
the books The 100 Top Psychics in America and Psychic NY. www.geocities.com/psychicjoan