Henry County Web

Through the ages Man has looked to the sky and found much to interest him there. In the stars, he "connected-the-dots" and found shapes (Constellations), relavent to his life. He watched the moon change size and position and found a constant that he could measure time with...even the Indians measured the days of their lives in "moons." He saw in the "North Star" a guide post for navigating his world. Shooting Stars were wished on and comets were dreaded. Man passed down what he learned because he found benefit in it...the ability to time plantings and harvests...and if it worked so well for that, it must certainly be able to help him in all endeavors of life if he could just decode the meaning and understand. Herewith, find some of Man's "wisdom" through the centuries....

MOON PHASES:
FIRST QUARTER:	Plant corn. Plant flowers between the first quarter and full Moon. Dig sweet potatoes between the first quarter and full Moon.
FULL MOON:	Dig root crops; they'll keep longer. Plant below ground root crops (beets, carrots, turnips, etc.) between the full and new Moon. Cut hay between the full and new Moon; it will dry quicker. Harvest crops between the full and new Moon, for longer keeping and better condition.
LAST QUARTER:	Cut timber during the last quarter; it will dry better. Can fruit and vegetables after the full Moon. Fertilize during the third and fourth quarter. Weed the garden in the last quarter.
NEW MOON:	Plant above ground crops.

MOON SIGNS

Planting By The Moon & Planting By The Zodiac

"Moon theory" is interesting reading and has a history older then Benjamin Franklin, but it is not "advice." So, is this superstition, quasi/pseudo-science, or the way Grandpa said to do it? You'll be the judge. What ever way you make use of this, we hope it is a fun stop on your "cyber journeys."

The idea of planting by the Moon has been around for a long time. And it's not just planting that is supposedly effected by the Moon phase. People have timed harvesting, haircuts, building, investments…you name it. Not long ago I read an article advocating weeding your garden, at night, by the "dark of the moon." It seems that sunlight contributes to new root growth, hence, weeding in the dark might make sense. Of course there are other practical and "earthly" considerations to farming and gardening: the date of last frost, rain fall, etc.

Supposedly, the zodiac sign that the moon passes through (a transit of a little over 2 days) is also an indicator of appropriate chores. The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. If you consider that "fire" signs are hot and "air" signs are dry, it might be logical that few activities dealing with the garden are suggested for these transits. The earth and water signs are most favorable for gardening. --Then again, maybe not.

MOON IN CAPRICORN:
(EARTH)

Second best choice for planting.

MOON IN PISCES:
(WATER)

One of the best signs for planting, including flowers. Also fertilize during this transit.

MOON IN TAURUS:
(EARTH):

Second best choice for planting. Good for planting root crops such as peanuts and potatoes.

MOON IN CANCER:
(WATER):

One of the best signs for planting. Good for abundant flowers. Plant cover and leaf crops. Prune grape vines and fertilize.

MOON IN LIBRA:
(AIR)

Plant pumpkins or flowers for beauty and fragrance.

MOON IN SCORPIO:
(WATER):

One of the best signs for planting and fertilizing. Good for fruit trees, shrubs and vines. Also prune grapevines before a full moon in this sign.

For Example.... When one pickles in brine (kraut, beans, etc.) the moon must be above the waist on the chart of the body published in the almanac, best when it is in the head or the heart. If it is done when the moon is below the waist, the product tastes and smells exactly how you can imagine! For anyone who doesn't believe it, let them try it! --Shirley Ray
Brow/Head--Aries Throat/neck/shoulders--Taurus Arms/hands--Gemini Chest/lungs/sternum--Cancer Heart/back--Leo Abdominal/digestive organs--Virgo	Ovaries/kidneys/lower back--Libra Bladder/reproductive organs--Scorpio Thighs/hips/buttocks--Sagittarius Knees--Capricorn Shins/calves/ankles--Aquarius Feet--Pisces
(If you know other "old ways" of using the zodiac and moon phases, please send us an email.)