Planting by the Moon
Flyer for the Orleans Farmers Market, May 23, 2009
The Moon moves around the Earth which moves around the Sun and the effects of this cosmic dance are felt by all of us. Here in Cape Cod, surrounded by the sea, we are all aware of the gravitational effect of the Moon on tides and on fishing. Less obvious, but equally strong is the effect of the Moon on the growth of plants.
Our ancestors used the path of the Moon in the sky as a first calendar, for time keeping purposes but also to indicate the best times to plant. We have all heard sayings about planting by the light or the dark side of the Moon. The tradition of planting by Moon is centuries old and has been practiced by different civilizations. Basically it consists in aligning ourselves with the energy of growth and decay symbolized by the lunar cycle.
The Moon goes through a 29 day cycle. In the Waxing phase, from new to full, the light increases and so does the energy of growth. In the Waning phase, from full to new, the light decreases and so does the energy of visible growth. Here are some principles:
During the waxing phase start your seeds for above the group crops, plant annuals, repot and transplant, and mow your lawn if you want fast growth. The energy is stronger during the 1st quarter but the 12 hours immediately following the New Moon should be avoided as there is no light.
During the 3rd quarter, in the waning phase, the energy of growth is oriented towards the roots so this is a good time to plant perennials, bulbs, root crops and fruit trees. It is also a good time to prune. Pick medicinal herbs - they are at their most potent right after the Full Moon.
Use the 4th quarter to harvest especially crops that you want to store, to weed since those pesky weeds will be less inclined to grow again and to cut your lawn if you want to retard growth. Firewood will be better if cut in the 4th quarter under a fire or air sign.
It is also important to consider the Moon sign. Every 2 ½ days the Moon goes through a different sign of the Zodiac. The Water signs – Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces – are the most fertile. Capricorn and Taurus are Earth signs that provide strong, hardy plants. Apply organic fertilizer under the other Earth sign, Virgo. Planting fragrant, colorful flowers is best done under a Libra Moon is ruled by Venus, the Goddess of beauty.
Look up the phases of the Moon in the almanac, buy a calendar with the astrological sign of the Moon and conduct your own experiment. Start a crop under the appropriate Moon cycle and the same crop on the opposite side of cycle. See which one fares better and let me know. More questions … contact me!
Luiza Azancot, Astrologer, Cape resident, Gardener by the Moon
www.astrocape.com
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(508) 348 1049
