Ecology Food & Plants

Earth Spirited Permaculture

Many people these days are adopting an ethic of Earth-care in order to help halt environmental destruction. They realise that it is their own consumption patterns that are part of the problem. There¹s a growing respect for the preciousness of life on Earth, her diversity and magic. Permaculture offers solutions to many environmental problems and can provide hope, inspiration and empowerment. This design concept was created by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren over 20 years ago.

Why Permaculture?
Permaculture is a way of saving the planet by starting in your own backyard. It's a design system which aims to create productive human environments that provide food, shelter, energy and other needs. When you eat your own organically produced food you raise the energy resonance levels of your local environment and yourself, as well as save on greenhouse gases and the expense of food transportation. By not supporting unsustainable agriculture your consumer power sends strong messages to the economic system that subsidises it, for the benefit of multinational corporate profits alone.

Origins of permaculture
Modelled on nature, permaculture systems (permanent cultures) aim for sustainability, by having the biodiversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems. From agriculture to human lifestyle and culture - permaculture has practical answers to local and global problems.

The ethics of permaculture are to care for the Earth and people, and to contribute surplus time, money and energy to achieve these ends. Underlying this lies the basic life ethic which recognises the intrinsic worth of every living thing. Working in harmony and cooperation with nature is the permaculture way.

There is an emphasis on connections and co-operative lifestyles in permaculture which challenges the competitive individualistic paradigm of mainstream society. Saving the Earth properly requires massive change on all society's levels. It requires a paradigm shift back to old ways of knowing, feeling and sensing, and to holistic values irrelevant to the economic system.

Food for the Soul
Permaculture combines the wisdom contained in traditional farming systems with modern scientific and appropriate technological advances. The inherent qualities of plants and animals are integrated with the natural characteristics of landscapes and structures to create healthy, sustainable production systems for both city and country. Principles of geomancy and feng shui complement permaculture principles beautifully.

With permaculture people can reduce their negative impact on the Earth and change it to a positive one, by creating a world of harmony, beauty and productivity. It starts with our attitude and it nourishes not only our bodies and minds but our hearts and spirits too.

Building & holding ch'i / energy
Stable ecologies thrive on biological diversity, on networks of plant and animal cultures (called Oguilds¹ in permaculture) in energetic relationship. Such healthy, diverse environments produce surpluses for us to eat with ease and sustainability.

Energy storage is a primary aim of permaculture design. All forms of natural energies are collected, stored and used on-site (or sold back to the electricity grid!). For example: we can plant horseshoe shaped sun-trap orchards with ponds in the middle to help retain warmth; collect rain run-off and store it in tanks, dams and swales; and, on a larger scale, we can aim to keep employment and money circulating in one¹s bioregion.

Permaculture methods of harnessing natural energies parallels the development of ch¹i (atmospheric energy) in the feng shui (pronounced 'foong shway' or 'foong soy') geomantic traditions of the Chinese. Where ch¹i collects in the landscape there will be enhanced fertility and prosperity, says feng shui.

Patterns of natural energy flow are used extensively in permaculture design. Circular, spiralling, curving forms are preferred to linear patterns. Edge effect¹ of planting areas is increased and enhanced by wavy or crenulated borders. Increased edge makes for greater availability of light and nutrients, and allows more access. Ponds with wavy edges, for example, will provide a great deal more edge, plus different niches (eco-tones) for water life, than standard circular ones.

With earthworks, such as road building and ploughing, natural (curving) contour lines are followed, in order to prevent soil erosion and maximise rain penetration. Fence lines are also best run along the contour of the land (otherwise livestock will cause erosion).

Landscape elements are appreciated for their natural functions. For example rocks are useful in their ability to store heat and keep plants warm, as well as provide homes to bugs. Mounds enjoy superior drainage and make ideal garden beds, especially when made from hot compost in cold weather. Geomancers who have studied ancient artificial mounds (dolmen) in Europe believe that they are capable of storing subtle energies and affecting weather, enhancing rainfall and groundwater.

Importance of wilderness
Richard Webb of Permaculture Asia Ltd in Hong Kong has been studying the tradition and environmental significance of Chinese feng shui groves. These sacred remnant forests are usually found in locations where they help prevent erosion in the water catchment. They also provide a refuge for wildlife and displaced nature spirits.

Since ancient times the sacred tree grove has stood protected from development by spiritual laws in many other parts of the world, and was the province of the Druids in Europe. Groves enhance climate, slow down the movement of wind and water, and thus increase the comfort and protection of people, livestock and crops.

Wilderness zones, important components in permaculture designed properties, can protect important remnant vegetation and provide undisturbed water catchment areas. They are essential for maintaining biodiversity in all the kingdoms of life, and biodynamic farmer Barbara Hedley refers to them as 'deva stations'.

Conclusion
It is possible to embrace a healthy physical and spiritual relationship with the land by practising Earth-spirited permaculture. With sensitive landscape design one may easily incorporate geomantic considerations, by initial map or field dowsing plus historical research of a site to locate its subtle energy characteristics and possibly Aboriginal cultural connections. Ideally this geomantic sensitivity is used from the beginning of the design process and throughout it.

Geopathic (harmful Earth energy) zones can then be avoided, or harnessed - by placing bee hives and compost heaps over them, where they will thrive. When building design is considered, both feng shui and building biology principles can be used to create healthy, harmonious and unpolluted homes that have a minimal impact on Mother Earth.

Geomancy and permaculture are life enhancing tools with which we can reconnect to the Earth and her Earthspirit in many practical ways, satisfying the emptiness of spirit so prevalent today. With them we can awaken to the dangers of the dominant death culture and be empowered to make changes necessary for planetary survival.

References:

Introduction to Permaculture, Bill Mollison 1991.

Newsleaf, journal of the BDFGAA in Australia, issue 45, summer 2000.

Divining Earth Spirit, Alanna Moore, 1994.