In ancient times, our ancestors regarded solar and lunar rhythms as divine, using cosmic activities as careful references in every day life. Our intuition, inner balance and the growth and development of every living thing on earth are directly related to these rhythms. For centuries, observation of the relationship between the sun, moon, and earth dictated when to sow seeds, when to harvest, when to bring out cattle. Since humans have drifted farther from natural living and fallen out of tune with the earth's rhythms, much of the knowledge of our ancestors has been lost. However, a deal of it has been preserved and is a major part of life of many farmers around the world, including those in Belarus.
Lunar phases affect not only growth and development of a plant but the quality of both the root systems and foliage as well. During it’s monthly cycle, the moon moves through four phases in which it realizes the sun’s tendencies and infuses every hour with life energy and force. Lunar rhythms affect atmosphere pressure, temperature, and the strength and direction of the wind. Agro-astrologists make note of the moon’s movements and proximity to the sun at different parts of the cycle and use this information in order to determine which days are best for planting, watering, cutting back, pruning, combating pests, or amending soil.
Waxing: When the moon is waxing, pressure rises in aboveground part of plant and contains more energy; root systems react minimally to disturbance and can handle stress without being especially weakened. Because of this, it is best to do any transplanting at this time. Cutting back at this time will invigorate sleeping fruit and encourage new rapid new growth; however, cutting must be done very carefully and masterfully, or the plant will lose too much liquid and may die. Generally, plants absorb more water and micro-elements and may need more water at this time. However, one must be cautious about watering transplants when the moon travels through air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) – the root system is weakened at this time and above ground nodes can be closed – too much watering can harm or kill plants. When the moon is waxing, it is recommended to: sow, plant and transplant leafy greens, fruit trees, berries, amend soil, prepare cuttings and for inoculation, establish seedlings and runners, add hops to wine, ferment and salt vegetables and fruit.
Waning: When the moon is waning (11-12 days), pressure increases in the parts of the below ground part of the plant. Roots become more delicate than their aboveground counterparts, so disturbance of the root systems can cause significant damage now. Above ground parts react minimally to stress at this time, so it can be a good time to tend to runners or cut back plants to slow growth. When the moon is waning, it is also recommended to: attend to weeding and pest management, thinning, dig up bulbs for storage, cut flowers (for long shelf-life), water crops, add organic amendments to roots (if needed), plant root crops, members of the Amaryllidaceae (onion) and Solanaceae (potato) families, plant legumes, make jam and dehydrate fruits and vegetables.
New Moon: The new moon lasts three days: the day before, the day of, and the day after the New Moon. During this time, plants are infused with Earth energy. During the 24 hours of the new moon, gardener's shouldn't touch or disturb plants in any way. It isn't recommended to plant, sow, inoculate, stake, prune, till or disturb soil around plant, or damage and disturb roots. The day before and the day after the new moon (not the day of) can be good times to eliminate dead or sick branches, sick plants, and weeds.
First Quarter: During the first quarter, plants are infused with water energy. This can be a poor time to prune or cut plants because of their high water content - wounds will be more likely to heal poorly and may take a long time to heal completely.
Full Moon: The full moon, like the new moon, lasts three days:the day before, the day after, and the day after the full moon. At this time, plants are infused with air energy and activity in the root system is lowered. During this time transplants of trees and seedlings, inoculation, and pruning of trees and bushes is not recommended. This can be a good time to till, weed, eliminate pests, disturb or aerate soil around plants (bringing them to the stem), mulch, gather seed, and ferment or salt foods.
Fourth Quarter: The fourth quarter brings with it fire energy: seeds and fruit bear the most energy. This is the best time to gather seeds to ensure proper development and the production of high yields when planted.
All seeds and plants have an initial cosmic energy which transforms into the growth and development of the organism – it is maximally realized in good conditions, but in poor conditions, part of it is wasted as the plant needs to expend extra energy to overcome negative outside factors. In order to provide the best environment possible for our plant friends, it is important to value and understand the relationship of the moon's energy and plant life.
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