"This plant is the only one that is in a position to store light ether;
this will be indispensable for people in future." -- Rudolf Steiner
Koberwitz, Whitsun 1924: Rudolf Steiner had just completed his momentous
lecture course on biodynamic agriculture and was waiting for a car to
take him to the station. Suddenly he was approached by two of his pupils
with an urgent question: Would his new indications for treating soil and
vegetables be sufficient to provide "nutrition appropriate to our times
and in accordance with the spirit"? Steiner's frank response was
somewhat surprising: "It will not be sufficient, even in the most
favorable circumstances. What should be done is to cultivate the
Dioscorea batatas in Europe so that it can take over from the potato
as the staple diet."
In the many decades since that conversation, various attempts have been
made to cultivate Dioscorea batatas ("light root") in Europe,
initially by Steiner's close colleague Guenther Wachsmuth. More
recently, biodynamic farmer Ralf Roessner began to research the plant
and its background, but soon discovered problems with the specimens
available in Europe. Unsatisfied with the standard of the plants, in
2002, he traveled to China and the original growing areas of Dioscorea
batatas. There, he was able to form a comprehensive picture of the best
planting methods and conditions. "The nodules I found and brought back
with me," he writes, "showed similar light ether characteristics to the
original plants of Wachsmuth."
Having successfully cultivated and marketed this light root, Roessner
presents some carefully assembled introductory materials based on his
experiences and those of a colleague. This small book, illustrated with
color images, is intended for people who wish to discover more about the
plant's being and spiritual mission as an aid to progress. Roessner
explains how the light root stores "light ether" in a unique way, making
it not only a valuable food but also a "carrier of the spirit." The
light root could even "decisively influence the development of humanity
and the Earth." Aside from studying esoteric aspects, he gives answers
to frequently asked, practical questions about the plant and its
cultivation.
