Lunar Planting

Many gardeners believe that planting during specific phases of the moon brings good results. Many calendars and almanacs carry moon phase planting guides.
Plants gain energy for growth from the sun, but they are also affected by the moon's changing phases. The moon controls tides, influences the groundwater tables beneath the earth and affects the movement of fluids within plants.

New moon - farmers and gardeners should prepare to sow seeds now. During the first quarter of the waxing moon phase the moisture level in the soil is at it's highest, so this is when you should plant seeds, repot plants, sow lawns. This brings rapid germination and growth.

Full moon - farmers should transplant now, when the lunar flowering force is strong. The moisture content becomes low during the waning moon phase and less sap is rising in the trees and shrubs, so it's a good time to do your pruning and attack weeds.
According to lunar planting folklore root plants should go into the ground during a waning moon. It is also the best time to turn over soil.

Moon Myths

The best time to marry to achieve happiness and prosperity ,according to folklore tradition, is during a waxing moon.

A full moon in June is the luckiest marriage time.

Superstition tells that if you stand in a fairy ring under a full moon and make a wish, it will come true.

Sleeping outside in the moonlight, especially during a full moon, was believed likely to drive you mad or blind.

On seeing a new moon it was lucky to curtsy and blow a kiss to it, turn over any money in one's pocket and to make a wish.

Looking at a new moon through glass, or through the branches of a tree was considered unlucky.

If a young girl sat on a gate or stile to welcome the new moon, she would see her future husband in her dreams that night.

Moon Tides

The moon controls the tides of the oceans.

So, if two thirds of the human body weight is water, then it is likely that the moon affects our emotions and energy levels.

Remember the word 'lunatic' is derived from the Latin word for
moon - luna!

Moonflower

Moon Goddess

A popular moon goddess was Selene ( or Luna), sister to Helios - the sun god.

Greek mythology called Artemis a virgin goddess of the moon. She rides her silver chariot across the sky and shoots her arrows of silver moonlight to the earth below.

In ancient Egypt the sickle-shaped new moon signified the goddess Isis, the Egyptian goddess of rebirth, and crescent shaped jewellery was believed to protect infants.

The triple moon is a Goddess symbol representing the Maiden, Mother, and Crone aspects as the waxing, full, and waning moon. The triple moon symbol is associated with feminine mystery, energy and psychic skill, and often adorned jewellery worn by High Priestesses.

Wicca
The Goddess is believed to show three faces, or aspects during the waxing, full and waning moon cycles: the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. These symbolize renewal, creation and wisdom. Rituals are timed in relation to the lunar cycle, as the phases of the Moon are believed to affect magick.

'Drawing down the Moon', where the Moon Goddess is invoked, is a well known Wiccan ceremony.

Howling at the moon

According to ancient myth the Wolf Spirit sang the moon up into the sky, which is why wolves howl at the moon.

There has long been a connection between wolves and the moon, in literature and art.

Yoga - moon poses

The Moon Salutation (chandra namaskar) gives reverence to the strength and importance of the moon, and includes the poses :
Crescent moon and Half moon.

The Crescent moon is often used as the symbol of yoga.

Pranayama is the yogic practise of regulating your breathing to gain energy control and is used during the postures and in preparation for meditation.

New moon energy brings calmness and is likened to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest.

Full moon energy brings energy and heightened emotions, and is likened to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest.