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Moon Gardening
Since time immemorial our ancestors have lived, told time, fell in love, passed down stories and tended the gardens by the light of the moon. I would like to offer the opportunity for you all to learn more and engage with our only true and beloved satellite while digging in the soil and while walking other paths of your lives.
While you are learning more about the moon’s seasons, energy, power and spirit I ask that each of you also consider how you can help protect her - right now (and for some time really) there has been an assault on the moon. To regard this beautiful being in our solar system only as a resource, a thing to exploit for our benefit is beyond unfortunate and will only do us harm in the long run.
Please join me in honoring the moon by accepting and celebrating what she has to offer. I look forward to learning more with all of you.
How does it work - different phases of the moon provide different energies for working in the garden (and all aspects of our lives) to support a specific task or goal.
This is related to but not exactly the same as planting by Astrological days. There is some overlap and you can do both concurrently or choose only one. In these posts I will focus on Moon gardening, yet I will add tid-bits about which astrological sign we may be in at the time.
The Moon, as you all know, directly affects our gravity and the tides. Did you realize it affects gravity on everything, down to the single cells in plants and animals, and all water on Earth; in our bodies and the water in every cell of every living being.
Moon Phases and their associations.
There are four primary phases, in some resources you may see as many as 9. Here I am introducing the most commonly seen. Please note this list of associations or attributes is not exhaustive, only a foundation to get us started on this journey together. Remember these apply to all aspects of life not just in the landscape.
New - Set New Intentions, Start Projects, Renew and Regenerate
First Quarter - Take Action, Increase Energy, Let things In
Full - Culmination, Complete and Fulfill
Last Quarter - Banishing, Let things Go
In addition to the phases there are the periods of transition.
Waxing is the time between new & full; the first quarter
Waning is the time between full & new; the last quarter
Where are we now?
February 23 is the Last Quarter and is nearly the mid-point of the Dark Half of the year, between Samhain and Beltane on the Celtic Wheel of the Year.
The last quarter of the moon is a good time to look at any cross-roads, work on ‘behind the scenes’ tasks, organization and research.
Commonly, you may see this as a time of Banishing, Letting Go, or Stopping Bad Habits.
How can this apply to the garden?
As we take time to reflect and plan what to grow or work on next. Particularly you may be thinking about seeds and getting ready to put them in the ground or starting seeds indoors.
You may even ‘let go’ of garden ideas you have had in the past and re-adjust for what works for you and your space, realistically.
Plants for the Moon Garden:
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Sources and Resources:
Coloring Book of Shadows (my favorite day planner)
The Moon Book by Sarah Gottesdiener
Farmers Almanac
Online links for reference - Shop local, Shop small business!
I do not receive compensation for any affiliate links in email or on website.
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