Reflections on the 2025 Fellowship of Preparation Makers Gathering in Viroqua, Wisconsin
By Daniela María Escudero
Note: As recently suggested by Robin Wall Kimerer in this article, I have used ki and kin as pronouns for non-human beings in nature: ki for the singular and kin for the plural.
There is true magic in creating a space—physical and spiritual—that fosters fertile soil for all kinds of learning, growing, and evolving. Recently I was invited to reflect on how creating a community is much like creating a being that has needs and demands and, much like the farm, must be cultivated and tended. At the Fellowship of Preparations Makers Gathering, held January 30 through February 2, we came together and we created a being, and, for a few days, we fed ki and experienced ki’s growth and evolution.
There was a confluence of knowledge and experience that flowed down many rivers, gathering in Viroqua, Wisconsin. And this being, ki, our gathering, soaked it all up as we stirred waters with deep open-hearted conversations, curious questions, and authentic expression. This diverse group of individuals, teachers, students, farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs each brought their own perspectives and stories to share and gather from each other. Our elders were many at the gathering and so were the fresh eyes of a beginner, both young and old. People who grew up living, breathing, and eating biodynamics, and others who came from more conventional practices. We all met each other—willing to listen, witness, and learn.
We shared our first meal, and then Hazel Archer Ginsberg set the tone for our gathering with a powerful opening ceremony on the theme of water. Lloyd Nelson’s vast library of experience and experimentation with the preparations was artfully shared through stories and lessons from his journey. I am always inspired by his curiosity, intentionality, and playful art expressions when making preparations. His intentional placing of each horn in the pit spirals in contrast to Dewane Morgan’s methodical spacious arrangement of each horn, making sure kin do not touch. Each method is an expression of deep relationship with the preparations and the beings that collaborate with us in this alchemical work.
It is indeed a rich experience simply to be in the presence of those who have walked this path for many decades, to hear their stories and learn from their many welcome mistakes. It was a privilege to experience Dewane’s storytelling, to learn how others have come to this practice, and what fifty years of cultivating life has taught him. Stories like his give us newer practitioners the courage and encouragement to ask the questions, push the boundaries, and make mistakes of our own. Our discussions around stirring the preparations and community stirring, stirred in us new inspirations and inquiries. And other opportunities for connecting and learning happened in the Little Bird Plants greenhouse down the street while stirring tea, laughing, and telling stories.
This communion, this being we created together, became a powerful prayer. Just over 100 years ago this practice came into being in a gathering as a prayer for life on Earth and humanity. At the Fellowship of Preparation Makers Gathering, many questions were asked, new ideas were seeded, and others were nourished. Together we potentized our prayers for Earth and humanity and sent them up into the heavens. And before dispersing, we anointed ourselves and we gathered a piece of this prayer, to spread it like seeds on the wind and water with hope and love.
A prayer of gratitude for all that surrounds us and the food upon our plates. A prayer that we all find the courage to love unconditionally, to move through the world with grace and compassion, to cultivate community and heal our own wounds and aid others in their own path. A prayer that we might slow down and look around, that we may all find awe and wonder in the world. A prayer that we might feed our will and be the light we are called to be in this world.
So let’s shine our light, let’s shine upon this world with our collective prayers in our hearts. Be like the sun, shining upon this earth unconditionally.
Even
After
All this time
The Sun never says to the Earth,
"You owe me."
Look
What happens
With a love like that,
It lights the whole sky.
—Hafiz
Daniela María, originally from Quito, Ecuador, now lives on the front range of Colorado. In her search for healing of mind, body, and soul, she found her calling and life’s purpose in permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and biodynamic practices. With hands-on experience in farming and animal husbandry, Daniela is a passionate educator and has been teaching permaculture and biodynamics since 2019. Her commitment to the land and community is evident in her work introducing biodynamic practices on farms and homes in Colorado and Illinois. Reverent Roots has been a passion project for Daniela, borne from her dedication to inspiring others to reconnect with the land. With a love for writing, hiking, and herbalism, Daniela's holistic approach to life reflects her core message: "It's our responsibility to learn and empower ourselves to reconnect with the land and reclaim our sovereignty in growing food and living good lives."