By the Light of the Moon
It’s that time of year again! The trees are budding, the grass is greening and we are longing to get outdoors and experience the phenomenon of Mother Earth, bugs and all!
Gardening is a form of magic that allows us to experience the powers of Mother Earth close up. As in all works of magic, the phases of the Moon and placement of the planets play an extremely important role. Early farmers and agriculturists knew the vital role Moon cycles played in all of nature, so they planted and harvested accordingly.
Many today still follow those primitive practices with remarkable results. Herbs harvested while the Moon is waxing (from New to Full) yield a crop with stronger oil concentration. One important rule: plant underground plants during the waning Moon and above ground plants while the Moon is waxing.
Moon Cycles:
First Quarter Moon (waxing) — Plant annuals that are leafy or produce seeds outside of the fruit. Examples: asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, celery, lettuce, spinach.
Second Quarter Moon — Plants that produce their seeds inside the fruit or are of the viney type. Examples: beans, eggplants, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes.
Third Quarter Moon — Plant biennials, perennials, bulb and root plants. Best time to plant trees, shrubs, berries, beets, carrots, and grapes.
Fourth Quarter Moon — Cultivate and turn the soil, pull weeds and destroy pests.
The Moon in the Houses:
Moon in Aries — Barren dry sign, good for destroying weeds.
Moon in Taurus — Productive, moist and earthy; great for leafy crops like lettuce and cabbage.
Moon in Gemini — Barren and dry; use to weed and cultivate soil.
Moon in Cancer — Fruitful, moist; use for planting and irrigation.
Moon in Leo — Barren, dry; used only for killing weeds and pests.
Moon in Virgo — Moist and earthy; use for cultivating soil and ridding pests.
Moon in Libra — Semi-fruitful, moist and airy; great for flowers and viney plants.
Moon in Scorpio — Very fruitful, watery and moist; good for sturdy vine growth.
Moon in Sagittarius — Barren and dry; good for onions, best for cultivation.
Moon in Capricorn — Productive and earthy; great for potatoes and tubers.
Moon in Aquarius — Barren and dry; use for destroying weeds and ridding pests.
Moon in Pisces — Very fruitful, watery sign; good for all growth especially root growth.
Other Points of Lunar Interest:
The term ‘Honeymoon’ originated in Teutonic custom, for the month a bride and groom celebrated with the community drinking honey mead.
Spiders and the Moon: Spiders are believed to be symbols of the moon hanging from the sky. Like the Fates, spiders spin the cycles as does the Moon — they weave (Waxing Moon), Build (Full Moon), and tear down (Waning Moon).
Blue Moon: A Blue Moon is when there are two Full Moons in one month — hence the phrase “once in a blue moon.”
Moon Diet: The best time to begin a diet is three days after the Full Moon, during its Waning phase. And a tip: don’t call it a diet — call it a live-it. After all, eating better will help us live a healthy life!
Moonday: Monday is ruled by the Moon — it is the best day to work intuitive and psychic matters.