The Moon Through The Signs
There are a few differences between following the Moon through her transit of the signs Astrologically, and Astronomically. The Astronomical placement is more precise, and includes five other constellations on the periphery of the Zodiac: Auriga - between Perseus and Gemini Cetus - south of Pisces and Aries Ophiculus - a corner between Scorpio and Sagittarius Orion - northern edge between Taurus and Gemini Sextans - a corner that touches Leo The transit through these constellations is so brief (measured in hours) that it isn't necessary to remember these five; however, it is important to keep in mind that there are times when the Moon is Void of Course, or leaving one sign and entering another. The length of a void of course can vary depending on the transit through Auriga et al, and normally Astrological moon tables will assign the placement to the Astrological sign where the moon is spending most of that day's hours. It is a good idea to note when the Moon is changing quarters as well as when it is void of course, as neither of these are good times for work in the garden. Further to gardening according to the Phase of the Moon, each month, the Moon spends two to three days in each of the signs of the Zodiac, and as each of the signs is attributed an element, Earth, Fire, Water or Air, these characteristics influence the planetary conditions for gardening. Arranged in a wheel, it can be seen that the order of transit through the signs, and therefore the elements, doesn't change: The Lunar month or the calendar month could begin anywhere in the cycle, but it will always progress around the Wheel, and move through Earth-Air-Water-Fire, so that it transits: ...CAPRICORN -AQUARIUS- PISCES -ARIES -TAURUS -GEMINI -CANCER -LEO -VIRGO -LIBRA -SCORPIO -SAGITTARIUS... continuously. So, the astute gardener will take into consideration whether the Moon is in New, First, Full or Last Quarter, and within that quarter, whether it is transiting an Earth, Fire, Air, or Water sign. This example shows the transit of the Moon for July, 2001. The quarters vary in length, and do not always pass through all of the elements in a shortened phase. The dates for July are: Full Moon - 5th (Capricorn) Last Qtr. - 13th (Aries) New Moon - 20th (Cancer) First Qtr. - 27th (Scorpio) Because of the difference between the Lunar month and the calendar month, some months will see a second Full Moon (as will happen on November 1st and 30th this year), the second being called a Blue Moon; however, when two other of the phases take place in the same calendar month, (as with the two First Quarters occurring in April) no particular name is given to such events. The assignment of Element (and temperament) to each of the signs according to the planets that rule them is as ancient as the assignment of temperaments to the planets themselves. Renaissance romanticism notwithstanding, current almanacs base conditions for gardening by the signs on centuries of farming practice, and consider the qualities this way: RULED BY ELEMENT QUALITIES BEST QTR. Capricorn Saturn Earth Feminine earthy, semi-productive Best for perennials, grafting, seed crops & root vegetables Full Aquarius Uranus Air Masculine airy, dry, barren Opposite to it's symbol, time for divesting, pesticides or cutting Last Pisces Neptune Water Feminine watery,fruitful V. good for above-gound crops, annuals New First Aries Mars Fire Masculine fiery,dry,barren Time for divesting, ploughing under, pesticides or cutting Last Taurus Venus Earth Feminine earthy,moist,productive V. good for perennials, seed crops & root vegetables Full Gemini Mercury Air Masculine airy,dry,barren Time for divesting, pesticides or cutting, collecting fruit for cold storage Last Cancer Moon Water Feminine watery, very fruitful Best sign for fruit-bearing and flowering annuals New Leo Sun Fire Masculine fiery, dry,barren Time for weeding, storing for winter, cutting away (not to regrow) Last Virgo Mercury Earth Masculine earthy, barren Harvest fruit and vegetables to ripen New First Libra Venus Air Masculine airy,moist,semi-fruitful The best sign for fragrant & flowering vines & annuals New First Scorpio Pluto&Mars Water Feminine watery,fruitful Excellent sign for all above-ground flowers & crops First Sagittarius Jupiter Fire Masculine fiery,dry,barren Time for divesting, ploughing under, pesticides or cutting Last So, taking into consideration which signs promote growth or destruction together with the phase of the Moon, it becomes apparent that certain times are quite ideal for certain tasks, while others should be avoided. For example, using the phases and transit illustrated in the picture of July above, it would be indicated that remarkably good times to plant occur at the New Moon as well as at the Full Moon in Capricorn. Referring to the signs, the flowering annuals, tomatoes, etc, should be planted at the Cancer New Moon, while the potatoes and peonies should be planted in the Capricorn Full Moon quarter. In both cases, there is the combined advantage of the most favourable sign and the most favourable lunar phase. Of course, one wouldn't undertake planting anything other than a small late crop in July, but it makes for a good illustration. The best resource on the Internet for more information is the Old Farmer's Almanac which provides detailed information on converting planet tables for other time zones, in addition to a treasure pot of very useful information and the most flagrant of old wives' tales.