Mar 16 2009
Planting a Magickal Garden
Part of walking the pagan path is being environmentally conscious. Having a respect for the mother earth and doing what you can to protect and honor her is part of the worship. Recycling, conservation and awareness are practices that are taken very seriously in our household. The mother provides us with most of what we need to survive, we need to remember to give back what we take.
Starting your own magickal garden is one way to keep the balance of giving and receiving! My garden consists of vegetables, fruits and herbs all with a magickal purpose as well as a self-sustaining goal. Practicing the art of gardening in conjunction with the moon phases and the astrological sign that the moon is in, is a great way to start.
Each astrological sign has a designated element (earth, air, fire and water) that comes with it; Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are considered to be earth signs and fertile signs. When the moon is in one of these signs, it makes for the perfect time for root plants, since the roots are the closest part of the plant to the earth. During the time when the moon moves into an earth sign, conditions for transplanting are also prime!
Air signs, such as Libra, Aquarius and Gemini provide a time for cultivating and harvesting! However, just like any rule, there are exceptions, and Libra is the exception to this rule. With the moon in Libra planting flowers and herbs creates the best production of the plant.
Aries, Sagittarius and Leo are the fire signs on the zodiac wheel! Fire signs are a time for lawn maintenance, pest control and harvesting. Harvest your fruits and root vegetables during this time.
Water is the last element to be discussed. The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, they provide the perfect time for planting above ground crops and leafy greens such as different forms of lettuces.
The gravitational pull of the moon changes during each moon phase. Just as the tides are affected by the moon phases, the water within the earth is affected as well! Makes sense, huh?
The new moon creates a strong gravitational pull, this pulls the moisture closer to the surface of the earth. Logically, this is the perfect time for germinating seeds. The new moon, from a Wiccan perspective, is also the time to start new projects, which also makes sense! This is a great time to plant vegetables that produces seeds outside of the fruit of plant, such as strawberries!
During the second quarter of the moon phase, plant veggies/fruits that produce seeds inside of the fruit, as the gravitational pull of the moon lessens and is not as strong.
Ah…the full moon, the time when the gravitational pull of the moon is strong again and increasing the moisture in the soil. Focus on root growth during this time; plant root vegetables, such as radishes, onions and carrots.
During the fourth quarter, the gravitational pull decreases again, this is a time to give the gardening a rest and focus on lawn maintenance.
Following the cycles of the mother is the way of the universe, planting our fruits, vegetables and herbs in accordance with these cycles, produces a healthy and magickal garden. It only makes logical sense to work with the earth to receive the best results!
