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Harvesting Herbs and the Moon
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Waxing Moon:
New Moon to Full Moon ~plants energy is rising up and into top of
the plant.
Draw energy from plants into the alcoholic base
of a tincture or oil
Put the plants in alcohol on the New Moon, and strain them out 2
weeks later on the Full Moon.
When harvesting for medicine, this is the best time
for herbs that supplement, unite, or strengthen the system.
When harvesting for magick this is the time to collect
herbs for positive spellwork. ( Gaining something)
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Waning Moon:
Full Moon to New Moon ~plants energy is drawing
in, down into the roots
Feed and water roots at this time as it will be
especially beneficial.
When gathering for medicine, this is the time to
gather herbs used negatively against a malady. Ex. To kill a germ,
to dispell an infection, to be rid of disease, etc.
When gathering for the purpose of magick, this is
the best time to gather herbs used in negative spellwork. (Getting
rid of something)
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New Moon/First Quarter:
The first few days of the New Moon are considered
the best for harvesting roots, as well as any other ripe product;
fruits, vegetables, or seeds.
Do not harvest leaves right after the New Moon,
as these are best harvested a few days after, and can be harvested
thereafter, all the way to the Full Moon.
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Second Quarter Moon:
Seven days after the New Moon
Considered by some to be the best time for harvesting
twigs and stems.
You can harvest leaves at this time, but they have not yet reached
full potential potency.
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Full Moon/Third Quarter:
The term Full Moon is subject to a day and a half
on either side of the actual Full Moon , as at this time, the Sun
and the moon are opposing one another.
Leaves are most potent when gathered at this time.
Magic and Medicine are both best prepared at this
time of great energy.
Harvest flowers right after the Full Moon itself.
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Fourth Quarter Moon:
This seven day span begins about halfway between
the Full Moon and the New Moon.
This is the best time to eliminate weeds, as this
is an easier time for things to let go, and your success is likened
by this.
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Herbs under the dominion of the moon are best harvested
under a Full Moon.
The ebbing and flowing of the moons energy effects the earths waters,
lands, plants, insects and animals. The herbs that have a close connection
with the moons energies can be used to establish a greater connection
with these rhythm's.
- Adder's Tongue
- Anise Seed
- Cabbage
- Camphor
- Chickweed
- Clary
- Cleavers
- Coriander
- Cucumbers
- Dog Rose
- Dog Tooth Violet
- Duckweed
- Flag
- Ginger
- Holly
- Iris
- Ivy
- Jasmine
- Lettuce
- Lilly, Water
- Lilly, Madonna
- Moonflower
- Moonwort
- Myrrh
- Orris Root
- Poppy Rose (white)
- Pumpkin
- Purslane
- Rose (white)
- Rose (wild)
- Rowan
- Sandalwood
- Sea Holly
- Sesame Seed
- Sleepwort
- Star Anise
- Stonecrop
- Watercress
- Wintergreen
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Gardening By Moon Sign
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In earlier times, farmers used a solar, lunar and
astrological calendar to ensure the proper planting period for their
gardens and fields. Here in the U.S. Benjamin Franklin published
the first horoscopes in his Philadelphia daily, which included a
monthly entry concerning gardening.
Planting
The water signs are the best for planting. When the moon is in Cancer,
Scorpio, or Pisces are the best times. But Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
can be follow-up alternatives.
Weeding and Plowing
When the moon moves into Aries, Gemini, Leo Sagittarius and Aquarius,
remove weeds and inspect your plants for pests.
Transplanting and Grafting
Transplanting and Grafting are best done when the moon enters Cancer,
Scorpio and Pisces.
Pruning
Pruning is best done during Aries, Leo or Sagittarius. Try to schedule
your pruning during a waxing moon to encourage growth.
Keep it clean and mended
Clean out your shed during a Virgo moon to help the work move along
smoothly. Mend fences, gardening stakes and beds during a Capricorn
moon.
Avoid making decisions when the moon is in Libra.
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