Full Moon in Scorpio
Lunar Gardening: the Power of the Full Moon in Scorpio
As the full moon approaches on July 21st, 2024, moon gardening enthusiasts are gearing up for the energies of Scorpio. Known for its intensity and transformative power, the Scorpio full moon offers a unique opportunity to enhance plant growth and vitality.
Moon Phases and Gardening Associations
Before diving into gardening practices, let's briefly review the moon phases and their associations:
New Moon: A time for new beginnings, setting intentions, and planting seeds for growth and transformation in the garden.
First Quarter: Energy increases, making it ideal for planting above-ground crops, fertilizing, and nurturing young plants.
Full Moon: Represents culmination and abundance. It's a time for harvesting, pruning, and celebrating the fruits of your labor.
Last Quarter: A period for reflection, releasing, and preparing the garden for the next cycle. It's a time to weed, clear debris, and focus on soil health.
In addition to these phases, there are transitional periods:
Waxing: Building momentum, ideal for planting and encouraging growth.
Waning: A time for reflection, rest, and letting go of what no longer serves.
Understanding Scorpio's Influence
Scorpio, a water sign, governs deep emotions, hidden depths, and profound transformations. During the full moon in Scorpio, these qualities are amplified, making it an ideal time for planting and nurturing plants that thrive under its influence, particularly for Evening Primrose (Oenothera) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Plant Spotlight: Evening Primrose (Oenothera)
Characteristics:
Evening Primrose is known for its delicate, pale yellow blooms that open in the evening, releasing a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators like moths. It symbolizes grace, beauty, and resilience.
Planting Tips:
Plant Evening Primrose in well-drained soil in a sunny spot where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Scorpio's influence can enhance the plant's resilience and encourage strong root development, supporting its ability to thrive and spread gracefully.
Moon Gardening Tip:
Sow Evening Primrose seeds just before the full moon to take advantage of Scorpio's fertile energies, which promote deep root growth and robust flowering.
Plant Spotlight: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Characteristics:
Yarrow is a hardy perennial with clusters of tiny, aromatic flowers in shades of white, pink, or yellow. It's valued for its medicinal properties and ability to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.
Planting Tips:
Yarrow thrives in well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Plant it in a sunny location where it can spread freely, making it ideal for naturalistic garden settings. Scorpio's influence can enhance yarrow's medicinal properties of deep wound healing and its ability to attract pollinators.
Moon Gardening Tip:
Once the plant flowers and becomes dormant, divide and transplant Yarrow during any waning moon phase after the full moon to promote healthy growth and enhance its resilience in the garden.
The Buck Moon in July
The full moon in July is often referred to as the Buck Moon because it coincides with the time when male deer, begin to grow their new antlers. This lunar name connects us to the natural cycles of wildlife, highlighting the interconnectedness of celestial events and earthly phenomena.
Moon Gardening Practices for July
Prepare the Soil:
Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or organic fertilizer to provide nutrients that support vigorous growth.
Planting Schedule:
Plant Evening Primrose seeds a few days before the full moon to harness Scorpio's fertile energy. Yarrow can be planted during the waxing moon phase leading up to the full moon for optimal growth.
Watering Practices:
Scorpio's influence encourages deep watering, ensuring plants receive adequate moisture to support their root systems. Monitor soil moisture levels and water deeply as needed.
Harvesting and Pruning:
For herbs like Yarrow, harvest leaves and flowers during the waxing moon phase to preserve their medicinal properties. Prune back spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Leave a few for winter interest and forage at the end of the season.
The Lunar Cycle
By aligning gardening activities with the lunar cycle and Scorpio's transformative energy, gardeners in Washington can cultivate thriving landscapes that reflect nature's rhythms. Whether planting Evening Primrose for its beauty and resilience or Yarrow for its medicinal benefits and pollinator attraction, each plant contributes to a garden ecosystem enhanced by the cosmic influences of the full moon in Scorpio.
