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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.
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 - all water on Earth; in our bodies and down to the water in single cells of plants and animals.
Where are we now?
May 5th is the celebration of Beltane and May 8th is the First Quarter Moon.
For those that set intentions on the New Moon, First Quarter is time to check in to see that you are taking action to move those intentions forward. If you missed setting an intention don't be hard on yourself, now is the second best time to do so.
First Quarter - Take Action, Increase Energy, Let things In
In May we tend to think of springtime flowers, renewal, warm gatherings in the parks, getting into nature more and dusting off our winter shells. Celebrate Beltane or May Day with friends and loved ones, or solo in your garden sanctuary, by dressing a Maypole. This can be a large or small event, but have fun no matter what. As spring comes into full bloom and full life, use ribbons or strips of fabric to share a wish or prayer and let them fly in the gentle breeze.
The Moon is in the zodiac sign of Taurus now; bringing energy to home and comforts. A time for long-term projects.
How can this apply to the garden?
In the garden we may be starting to gain speed and a sense of urgency to go shopping, to buy seeds, to get things done, get things in the ground in hopes for an abundant season to come. Remember to take time to appreciate what the garden has already provided you and all that you have done up to this point in the year. This may be stored goods from winter harvests, spent flowers for seed collecting, new feathered friends visiting a tree and introducing themselves!
Plants for the Moon Garden:
Honesty or Money Plant (Lunaria annua) While we enjoy the delicate purple or white flowers of springtime, the unique seed pods will later bring joy under the light of the moon. Having these in the garden can bring abundance and luck.
Quacking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Leaves are just beginning to open right now. Later in the summer and fall you can feel their energy as you listen to the trembling sound of wind in their branches.
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!
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.
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 periods of transition.
Waxing is the time between new & full; the first quarter
Waning is the time between full & new; the last quarter
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