Alternatively known as ‘Tondo Matsuri’, ‘Sai No Kami’, ‘Sagicho’’ and Dondo Yaki’, Dōsojin Matsuri are special New Year Fire Festivals. They are held in shrines and public spaces to bless and then burn the previous year’s New Year’s decorations on a huge bonfire constructed of a wigwam of bamboo.
Shimekazari (sacred New Year decoration made from braided rice straw and good luck charms) and other New Year ornaments are taken down from homes and ceremoniously burned on the fire to secure good health and a fruitful harvest the following year. The calligraphic wishes or prayers of young children (called kakizome) are also placed onto the bonfire. As the children’s’ prayers are burnt, they are lifted up into the air towards the gods, bringing success to the children in the new year.
The loud crackling and popping sounds made by the burning bamboo is believed to tell listeners whether or not they will receive good fortune in the year to come.
Dōsojin is also the name for the Shinto guardian deities, which are closely associated with fertility in crops and people. At Dōsojin Matsuri, prayers are made to Dōsojin statues for successful births and bountiful harvests. One of the largest celebrations of Dōsojin Matsuri takes place at Nozowa Onsen in Nagana Prefecture.
Fire and snow always go well and the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Matsuri exemplifies this as one of the three great fire festivals in Japan.
Taking place on January 15th every year, the festival is staged to celebrate the birth of a family’s first child, to dispel evil spirits and also to pray for happy marriage.
Each year crowds gather for the famous Dōsojin Matsuri, a kind of cleansing ritual for men aged 25 and 42 years, the so-called ‘unlucky ages’ in Japan. The 42-year-olds’ task is to defend a purpose-built two-story shrine, which they sit upon as it is besieged by fire at the hands of the 25-year-olds and onlookers.
It takes roughly one hundred villagers to build the shrine for the Nozawa Fire Festival. The trees are cut down in October and brought down from the mountain and through the village on January 13th prior to being made into a huge wooden structure or shaden. After the shaden has been constructed, the priest from Kosuge shrine performs a ceremony endowing it with a dosojin.
The highlight on January 15th is a “fire-setting battle” which ends up with the setting fire of the shaden with blazing torches by the offensive team and the offering of torches to the deity, making the festival truly spectacular and exciting.
The main spectacle involves a small group of 25 year old villagers guarding the base of the three story structure, and another group of very inebriated 25 year old men sitting atop the structure drinking and cheering on their teammates. Directly across from the structure, a massive bonfire is lit, which is flanked on both sides by excited visitors.
The villagers light their bamboo bundles on fire and walk in groups as large as 10 to the structure to do battle with the guards. The men at the base form human shields and use tree branches to extinguish the flames. The entire battle can last for over 2 hours and became very intense and violent at times with men shoving, jumping, slapping, and hitting each other with lit bundles of bamboo.
The entire festival is quite lengthy and can take up to four hours from the beginning to the end. Some observers gather just for the main attraction which is the battle between the guards and the torch bearing villagers. Add liberal servings of saké to all of the above and you’re sure to go home buzzing after seeing quite a spectacle – and maybe a bit scorched from the flames (don’t wear your new down jacket).
This famous Japanese festival is nationally designated as an important intangible folk cultural property. It originally began as an invocation for a good harvest, health and good fortune in the coming year, but has been expanded to include a good ski season as well.
Sources:
It is important to remember that the Moon cycles through the signs of the zodiac every couple of days, and it’s important to check the time of day that it enters and leaves the sign, because that will vary depending on your geographical location. If in doubt, you can use this moon sign calculator.
Taurus rules anything to do with money, sensuality, long-lasting love, devotion and steadfastness, dance, silence, Earth Mother, planting food crops, Earth matters, planting and farming in general, fertile and flat land, wealth, greed, careful and conservative things, soothing, solid, an immovable object, cuddling, discovering/explaining what you need in sex, unshockable, reliable, hard work, slow and steady progress, jewelry as wealth and possessions.
This is the sign when the Moon is strongest and most effective. Projects begun when the moon is in Taurus are usually permanent or long lasting, especially when performed in when the moon is in the first ten degrees of the sign. Money, finances, possessions, material things, sensuality, earth, greed, permanence, wealth, things that increase in value, loans, bankers, slow but lasting results, time delays.
Magick ruled by the Earth and Venus are more successful at this time. It is an optimum time for spells focused on:
- Prosperity
- Security
- Love
- Music and the arts
- Business
- Possessions
- Self-esteem
- Values and ethics
- Bindings
- Endurance
- Patience
- Fertility
- Gaia
- Consecration of an HPS
- Consecrating a pentacle, altar or staff
- Contacting the Goddess
Taurus is the earth sign, an adherent of stability and comfort. The moon in Taurus helps to resolve financial issues, increase wealth, search for resources, and capital formation. During this period, it is good to be engaged in home improvement, preparing delicious food, visiting exhibitions and concerts.
Taurus is considered to be a sign of average fertility, so you can plant various plants in your garden during the days of his lunar power. In addition, astrologers claim that the moon in Taurus helps couples to conceive a girl.
Note:
Do NOT have surgical procedures performed on the neck or throat at this time.
Moon Phase Info
- New Moon in Taurus – the right time to conceive the desired child, buying real estate, car.
- Waxing Moon in Taurus – ideal days for household chores.
- Full moon in Taurus – a time for reconciliation and forgiveness.
- Waning Moon in Taurus – a good period for guests, holding parties, weddings.
Taurus Moon Mantra
Throughout this day I am mindful that I hold within me the sacred, powerful energies of illumination. My eye is opened and I choose to see the light , beauty, and harmony in everything around me. I breathe it into myself and breathe it out into the world.
A Ritual Bath for the Taurus Moon
This bath is used to sweeten your energy and magnetize your aura to your desires. You will need:
- Fresh flower petals
- A splash of rose water
- A teaspoon of cinnamon
- A teaspoon of honey
- Your favorite perfume or oil
Burn some Palo Santo, or Sage to make the space sacred. Light candles, put on music, create an ambiance. Fill the tub and add the honey, rose water, cinnamon, perfume or oil, and lastly the flower petals. Hold your hands above the water and state your intention. Speak from your heart. Soak in this mixture for 25 minutes or longer. Absorb all of it’s beautiful energy. Relax and visualize your desires. See yourself with them now. Do not rinse off after. Air dry if possible.
Crystal Magick For the Taurus Moon
Rose Quartz is a powerful yet gentle stone. Working with it can assist you in attracting love, romance, emotional healing, and to activate your channels of receiving. It’s excellent at soothing the emotions, healing the heart after break ups, healing abandonment issues, and dealing with loneliness. Once we clear and heal our issues we can make space for the blessings to live within us and manifest in our outer reality. Keep rose quartz next to your bed to attract a lover or meditate with it on your chest for spiritual and emotional healing.
Sources:
According to astrological and lunar lore, there are best days for doing a variety of tasks. The best days listed here are based on both the phase of the moon and its position in the zodiac. Many people believe that if you do the tasks on the dates listed, you will get the best results possible.
January 1:
- Can Fruits and Vegetables
- Make Jams and Jellies
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Plant Root Crops
- Plant Seed Beds
- Prune Trees
- Transplant (seedlings and plants)
January 2:
- Advertise Something for Sale
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Hair (to slow growth)
- Demolition
- Harvest
- Kill Plant Pests
- Pick Apples and Pears
- Potty Train a Child
- Quit Smoking
- Start Diet (to lose weight)
- Wash Windows
- Wash Wooden Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 3:
- Advertise Something for Sale
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Hair (to slow growth)
- Demolition
- Harvest
- Kill Plant Pests
- Pick Apples and Pears
- Potty Train a Child
- Quit Smoking
- Start Diet (to lose weight)
- Wash Windows
- Wash Wooden Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 4:
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Plant Root Crops
- Potty Train a Child
- Prune Trees
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 5:
- Bake
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Potty Train a Child
- Wax Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 6:
- Bake
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Potty Train a Child
- Wax Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 7:
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Firewood
- Dig Holes
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Paint
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 8:
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Firewood
- Dig Holes
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Paint
- Potty Train a Child
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 9:
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes
- Get Married
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Potty Train a Child
- Start Diet ((to gain weight))
- Wax Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 10:
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes
- Get Married
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Potty Train a Child
- Start Diet (to gain weight)
- Wax Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 11:
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes
- Get Married
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Potty Train a Child
- Start Diet (to gain weight)
- Wax Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 12:
- Bake
- Cut Firewood
- Dig Holes
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
January 13:
- Bake
- Cut Firewood
- Dig Holes
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
January 14:
- Advertise Something for Sale
- Get Married
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Paint
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Wax Floors,
January 15:
- Advertise Something for Sale
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes,
- Get Married
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Paint
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Wax Floors
January 16:
- Cut Firewood
- Dig Holes
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Set Eggs
- Travel (for pleasure)
January 17:
- Cut Firewood
- Dig Holes
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Set Eggs
- Travel (for pleasure)
January 18:
- Bake
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes,
- Get Married
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Plant Flowers
- Plant Seed Beds
- Set Eggs
- Start Diet (to gain weight)
- Wax Floors,
January 19:
- Bake
- Cut Firewood
- Cut Hair (to increase growth)
- Dig Holes
- Get Married
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Plant Above Ground Crops
- Plant Flowers
- Plant Seed Beds
- Start Diet (to gain weight)
- Wax Floors
January 20:
- Cut Firewood
- Dig Holes
- Get Married
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to increase growth)
- Paint
- Travel (for pleasure)
January 21:
- Ask For a Loan
- Cut Hair (to slow growth)
- Demolition
- Dig Holes
- Dig Post Holes
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Paint
- Pick Apples and Pears
- Quit Smoking
- Start Diet (to lose weight)
- Wash Wooden Floors
January 22:
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Quit Smoking
- Slaughter
- Start Diet (to lose weight)
January 23:
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Quit Smoking
- Slaughter
- Start Diet (to lose weight)
January 24:
- Cut Hair (to slow growth)
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Plant Flowers
- Plant Root Crops
January 25:
- Cut Hair (to slow growth)
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Plant Flowers
- Plant Root Crops
January 26:
- Cut Hair (to slow growth)
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Plant Flowers
- Plant Root Crops
- Set Eggs
January 27:
- Can Fruits and Vegetables
- Jams and Jellies
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Prune Trees
- Plant Root Crops
- Plant Seed Beds
- Set Eggs
- Transplant (seedlings and plants)
January 28:
- Can Fruits and Vegetables
- Jams and Jellies
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Plant Root Crops
- Plant Seed Beds
- Prune Trees
- Transplant (seedlings and plants)
January 29:
- Advertise Something for Sale
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Hair (to slow growth)
- Demolition,
- Harvest
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Pick Apples and Pears
- Potty Train a Child
- Quit Smoking
- Start Diet (to lose weight)
- Wash Windows
- Wash Wooden Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 30:
- Advertise Something for Sale
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Cut Hair (to slow growth)
- Demolition
- Harvest
- Kill Plant Pests
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Pick Apples and Pears
- Potty Train a Child
- Quit Smoking
- Start Diet (to lose weight)
- Wash Windows
- Wash Wooden Floors
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
January 31:
- Castrate Farm Animals
- Mow Grass (to slow growth)
- Plant Root Crops
- Potty Train a Child
- Prune Trees
- Wean a Baby or an Animal
Source: The Farmer’s Almanac
The best days listed here are based on both the phase of the moon and its position in the zodiac. Many people believe that if you do the tasks on the dates listed, you will get the best results possible.
January
- Cut Firewood: 5 – 20
- Dig Holes: 5 – 20
- Dig Post Holes: 21
- Mow To Increase Growth: 5 – 20
- Mow To Slow Growth: 1, 4, 21 – 31
February
- Cut Firewood: 4 – 18
- Dig Holes: 4 – 18
- Dig Post Holes: 3
- Mow To Increase Growth: 4 – 18
- Mow To Slow Growth: 1 – 3, 19 – 28
March
- Cut Firewood: 6 – 19
- Dig Holes: 6 – 19
- Dig Post Holes: 2 – 4, 29
- Mow To Increase Growth: 6 – 19
- Mow To Slow Growth: 1 – 5, 20 – 31
April
- Cut Firewood: 5 – 18
- Dig Holes: 5 – 18
- Dig Post Holes: 26, 27
- Mow To Increase Growth: 5 – 18
- Mow To Slow Growth: 1 – 4, 19 – 30
May
- Cut Firewood: 4 – 17
- Dig Holes: 4 – 17
- Dig Post Holes: 3, 23 – 25, 31
- Mow To Increase Growth: 4 – 17
- Mow To Slow Growth: 1 – 3, 18 – 31
June
- Cut Firewood: 3 – 16
- Dig Holes: 3 – 16
- Dig Post Holes: 1, 19 – 21, 27, 28
- Mow To Increase Growth: 3 – 16
- Mow To Slow Growth: 1, 2, 17 – 30
July
- Cut Firewood: 2 – 15, 31
- Dig Holes: 2 – 15, 31
- Dig Post Holes: 17, 18, 24 – 26
- Mow To Increase Growth: 2 – 15, 3
- Mow To Slow Growth: 1, 16 – 30
August
- Cut Firewood: 1– 14, 30, 31
- Dig Holes: 1– 14, 30, 31
- Dig Post Holes: 21, 22, 27, 28
- Mow To Increase Growth: 1– 14, 30, 31
- Mow To Slow Growth: 15– 29
September
- Cut Firewood: 1– 13, 28 – 30
- Dig Holes: 1– 13, 28 – 30
- Dig Post Holes: 14, 15, 21, 22
- Mow To Increase Growth: 1– 13, 28 – 30
- Mow To Slow Growth: 14 – 27
October
- Cut Firewood: 1 – 12, 27 – 31
- Dig Holes: 1 – 12, 27 – 31
- Dig Post Holes: 14, 15, 21, 22
- Mow To Increase Growth: 1 – 12, 27 – 31
- Mow To Slow Growth: 13 – 26
November
- Cut Firewood: 1 – 11, 26 – 30
- Dig Holes: 1 – 11, 26 – 30
- Dig Post Holes: 12, 17, 18
- Mow To Increase Growth: 1 – 11, 26 – 30
- Mow To Slow Growth: 12 – 25
December
- Cut Firewood: 1 – 11, 26 – 31
- Dig Holes: 1 – 11, 26 – 31
- Dig Post Holes: 14 – 16
- Mow To Increase Growth: 1 – 11, 26 – 31
- Mow To Slow Growth: 12 – 25
Source: The Farmer’s Almanac
The best days listed here are based on both the phase of the moon and its position in the zodiac. Many people believe that if you do the tasks on the dates listed, you will get the best results possible.
January
- Demolition: 2, 3, 21, 29, 30
- Paint: 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21
- Wash Windows:2, 3, 29, 30
- Wash Wooden Floors: 2, 3, 21, 29, 30
- Wax Floors: 5, 6, 9 – 11, 14, 15, 18, 19
February
- Demolition: 25 – 27
- Paint: 3, 4, 10 – 12, 17, 18
- Wash Windows: 25 – 27
- Wash Wooden Floors: 3, 25 – 27
- Wax Floors: 5 – 7, 10 – 12, 15, 16
March
- Demolition: 25, 26
- Paint: 2– 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 29 – 31
- Wash Windows: 25, 26
- Wash Wooden Floors: 2 – 4, 25, 26, 29 – 31
- Wax Floors: 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19
April
- Demolition: 3, 4, 21, 22
- Paint: 6, 7, 13, 14, 26, 27
- Wash Windows: 21, 22
- Wash Wooden Floors: 3, 4, 21, 22, 26, 27
- Wax Floors: 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19
May
- Demolition: 1, 2, 18 – 20, 28 – 30
- Paint: 3, 4, 10, 11, 23 – 25, 31
- Wash Windows: 18 – 20
- Wash Wooden Floors: 1, 2, 18 – 20, 23 – 25, 28 – 30
- Wax Floors: 4, 8, 9, 12 – 17
June
- Demolition: 24 – 26
- Paint: 1, 6, 7, 19 – 21, 27, 28
- Wash Windows: 15, 16
- Wash Wooden Floors: 2, 19 – 21, 24 – 26, 29, 30
- Wax Floors: 4, 5, 8 – 14
July
- Demolition: 22, 23
- Paint: 3 – 5, 17, 18, 24 – 26, 31
- Wash Windows: 12, 13
- Wash Wooden Floors: 17, 18, 22, 23, 27, 28
- Wax Floors: 2, 6 – 11, 14, 15
August
- Demolition: 18 – 20, 27, 28
- Paint: 1, 13, 14, 21, 22, 27, 28
- Wash Windows: 8 – 10
- Wash Wooden Floors: 18 – 20, 23, 24, 27, 28
- Wax Floors: 2 – 7, 11, 12, 30, 31
September
- Demolition: 14 – 16, 24, 25
- Paint: 9 – 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
- Wash Windows: 4 – 6
- Wash Wooden Floors: 14 – 16, 19 – 21, 24, 25
- Wax Floors: 1 – 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 28 – 30
October
- Demolition: 13, 21, 22
- Paint: 6 – 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
- Wash Windows: 2, 3, 29, 30
- Wash Wooden Floors: 13, 16 – 18, 21, 22
- Wax Floors: 1, 4, 5, 9 – 11, 27, 28, 31
November
- Demolition: 17, 18
- Paint: 3, 4, 10 – 12, 17, 18, 30
- Wash Windows: 26, 27
- Wash Wooden Floors: 13, 14, 17, 18
- Wax Floors: 1, 2, 5 – 7, 10, 11, 28, 29
December
- Demolition: 14 – 16, 23, 24
- Paint: 1, 2, 8, 9, 14 – 16, 28, 29
- Wash Windows: 23, 24
- Wash Wooden Floors: 14 – 16, 23, 24
- Wax Floors: 3, 4, 8, 9, 26, 27, 30, 31
Source: The Farmer’s Almanac
The best days listed here are based on both the phase of the moon and its position in the zodiac. Many people believe that if you do the tasks on the dates listed, you will get the best results possible.
January
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 5, 6, 9 – 11, 14, 15, 18, 19
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 2, 3, 21, 24 – 26, 29, 30
- Quit Smoking: 2, 3, 21 – 23, 29, 30
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 9 – 11, 18, 19
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 2, 3, 21 – 23, 29, 30
February
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 5 – 7, 10 – 12, 15, 16
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 3, 21, 22, 25 – 27
- Quit Smoking: 3, 19, 20, 25 – 27
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 5 – 7, 15, 16
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 3, 19, 20, 25 – 27
March
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 6, 10, 11, 14, 15
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 2 – 4, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29 – 31
- Quit Smoking: 2 – 4, 25, 26, 29 – 31
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 6, 14, 15
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 2 – 4, 25, 26, 29 – 31
April
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 6, 7, 10 – 12
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 3, 4, 21, 22, 26, 27
- Quit Smoking: 3, 4, 21, 22, 26, 27
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 10 – 12
- Start Diet to Lose Weight:3, 4, 21, 22, 26, 27
May
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 4, 8, 9, 16, 17
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 1, 2, 18 – 20, 23 – 25, 28 – 30
- Quit Smoking: 1, 2, 18 – 20, 23 – 25, 28 – 30
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 8, 9
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 1, 2, 18 – 20, 23 – 25, 28 – 30
June
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 4, 5, 13, 14
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 2, 19 – 21, 24 – 26, 29, 30
- Quit Smoking: 2, 19 – 21, 24 – 26, 29, 30
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 4, 5
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 19 – 21, 24 – 26
July
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 2, 10, 11, 14, 15
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 17, 18, 22, 23, 27, 28
- Quit Smoking: 17, 18, 22, 23, 27, 28
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 2
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 17, 18, 22, 23
August
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 6, 7, 11, 12
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 18 – 20, 23, 24, 27, 28
- Quit Smoking: 18 – 20, 23, 24, 27 – 29
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: No good days
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 18 – 20, 27 – 29
September
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 30
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 14 – 16, 19 – 21, 24, 25
- Quit Smoking: 14 – 16, 19 – 21, 24 – 27
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 12, 13
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 14 – 16, 24 – 27
October
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 1, 4, 5, 9 – 11, 27, 28, 31
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 13, 16 – 18, 21, 22, 25, 26
- Quit Smoking: 13, 16 – 18, 21 – 24
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 9 – 11
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 13, 21 – 24
November
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 1, 2, 5 – 7, 10, 11, 28, 29
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 13, 14, 17, 18, 21 – 23
- Quit Smoking: 13, 14, 17 – 20
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 5 – 7
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 17 – 20
December
- Cut Hair to Increase Growth: 3, 4, 8, 9, 26, 27, 30, 31
- Cut Hair to Slow Growth: 14 – 16, 19, 20, 23, 24
- Quit Smoking: 14 – 18, 23, 24
- Start Diet to Gain Weight: 3, 4, 30, 31
- Start Diet to Lose Weight: 14 – 18, 23, 24
Source: The Farmer’s Almanac
The best days listed here are based on both the phase of the moon and its position in the zodiac. Many people believe that if you do the tasks on the dates listed, you will get the best results possible.
January
- Bake: 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19
- Brew: No good days
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 1, 27, 28
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 21
- Jams and Jellies: 1, 27, 28
February
- Bake: 8, 9, 15, 16
- Brew: No good days
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 23, 24
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 25
- Jams and Jellies: 3, 23, 24
March
- Bake: 7 – 9, 14, 15
- Brew: 5
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 5, 22 – 24
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 25, 26
- Jams and Jellies: 2 – 4, 22 – 24, 29 – 31
April
- Bake: 5, 10 – 12, 17, 18
- Brew: 1, 2, 28 – 30
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 1, 2, 19, 20, 28 – 30
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 21, 22
- Jams and Jellies: 19, 20, 26, 27
May
- Bake: 8, 9, 14, 15
- Brew: 26, 27
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 26, 27
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 18 – 20
- Jams and Jellies: 3, 23 – 25, 31
June
- Bake: 4, 5, 10 – 12
- Brew: 22, 23
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 22, 23
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 24
- Jams and Jellies: 1, 19 – 21, 27, 28
July
- Bake: 2, 8, 9, 14, 15
- Brew: 1, 19 – 21, 29, 30
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 1, 19 – 21, 29, 30
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 22, 23
- Jams and Jellies: 17, 18, 24 – 26
August
- Bake: 4, 5, 11, 12, 31
- Brew: 15 – 17, 25, 26
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 15 – 17, 25, 26
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 18 – 20
- Jams and Jellies: 21, 22
September
- Bake: 1, 7, 8, 28, 29
- Brew: 22, 23
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 22, 23
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 14 – 16
- Jams and Jellies: 17, 18
October
- Bake: 4, 5, 12, 31
- Brew: 19, 20
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 19, 20
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 13
- Jams and Jellies: 14, 15
November
- Bake: 1, 2, 8, 9, 28, 29
- Brew: 15, 16
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 15, 16, 24, 25
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 17, 18
- Jams and Jellies: 12, 24, 25
December
- Bake: 5 – 7, 26, 27
- Brew: 12, 13
- Can Fruits and Vegetables: 12, 13, 21, 22
- Dry Fruits and Vegetables: 14 – 16
- Jams and Jellies: 21, 22
Source: The Farmer’s Almanac
Moon phase gardening is an idea as old as agriculture, popular in folklore and superstition. Planting by the phases of the moon maintains a rhythm with the alternating gravitational pull of the moon. (Read more at Gardening By The Moon). The best days for gardening by the moon in 2019 are as follows:
January
- Plant above ground crops: 5, 6, 9 – 11, 14, 15, 18, 19
- Plant root crops: 1, 4, 24 – 28, 31
- Transplant: 1, 27, 28
- Plant seed beds: 1, 18, 19, 27, 28
- Plant flowers: 18, 19, 24 – 26
- Kill plant pests: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20 – 23, 29, 30
- Harvest: 2, 3, 29, 30
- Pick Apples and Pears: 2, 3, 21, 29, 30
- Prune Trees: 1, 4, 27, 28, 31
February
- Plant above ground crops: 5 – 7, 10 – 12, 15, 16
- Plant root crops: 1, 2, 21 – 24, 28
- Transplant: 23, 24
- Plant seed beds: 15, 16, 23, 24
- Plant flowers: 15, 16, 21, 22
- Kill plant pests: 3, 4, 8, 9, 13, 14, 17 – 20, 25 – 27
- Harvest: 3, 26, 27
- Pick Apples and Pears: 25 – 27
- Prune Trees: 1, 2, 23, 24, 28
March
- Plant above ground crops: 6, 10, 11, 14, 15
- Plant root crops: 1, 5, 20 – 24, 27, 28
- Transplant: 5, 22 – 24
- Plant seed beds: 14, 15, 22 – 24
- Plant flowers: 14, 15, 20, 21
- Kill plant pests: 2 – 4, 7 – 9, 12, 13, 16 – 19, 25, 26, 29 – 31
- Harvest: 2 – 4, 29 – 31
- Pick Apples and Pears: 25 – 26
- Prune Trees: 1, 22 – 24, 27, 28
April
- Plant above ground crops: 6, 7, 10 – 12, 17, 18
- Plant root crops: 1, 2, 19, 20, 23 – 25, 28 – 30
- Transplant: 1, 2, 19, 20, 28 – 30
- Plant seed beds: 10 – 12, 19, 20
- Plant flowers: 10 – 12, 17, 18
- Kill plant pests: 3 – 5, 8, 9, 13 – 16, 21, 22, 26, 27
- Harvest: 3, 4, 26, 27
- Pick Apples and Pears: 3, 4, 21, 22
- Prune Trees: 19, 20, 23 – 25
May
- Plant above ground crops: 4, 8, 9, 14 – 17
- Plant root crops: 3, 21, 22, 26, 27, 31
- Transplant: 3, 26, 27, 31
- Plant seed beds: 8, 9, 16, 17
- Plant flowers: 8, 9, 14, 15
- Kill plant pests: 1, 2, 5 – 7, 10 – 13, 18 – 20, 23 – 25, 28 – 30
- Harvest: 1, 2, 28 – 30
- Pick Apples and Pears: 1, 2, 18 – 20, 28 – 30
- Prune Trees: 21, 22
June
- Plant above ground crops: 4, 5, 10 – 14
- Plant root crops: 1, 17, 18, 22, 23, 27, 28
- Transplant: 1, 22, 23, 27, 28
- Plant seed beds: 4, 5, 13, 14
- Plant flowers: 4, 5, 10 – 12
- Kill plant pests: 2, 3, 6 – 9, 15, 16, 19 – 21, 24 – 26, 29, 30
- Harvest: 2, 25, 26, 29, 30
- Pick Apples and Pears: 24 – 26
- Prune Trees: 17, 18
July
- Plant above ground crops: 2, 8 – 11, 14, 15
- Plant root crops: 1, 16, 19 – 21, 24 – 26, 29
- Transplant: 1, 19 – 21, 24 – 26, 29, 30
- Plant seed beds: 1, 2, 10, 11, 29, 30
- Plant flowers: 1, 2, 10, 11, 29, 30
- Kill plant pests: 3 – 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 23, 27, 28, 31
- Harvest: 27, 28
- Pick Apples and Pears: 22, 23
- Prune Trees: 16
August
- Plant above ground crops: 4 – 7, 11, 12, 31
- Plant root crops: 30
- Transplant: 15 – 17, 21, 22, 25, 26
- Plant seed beds: 6, 7, 25, 26
- Plant flowers: 4, 5, 25, 26, 31
- Kill plant pests: 1 – 3, 8 – 10, 13, 14, 18 – 20, 23, 24, 27 – 30
- Harvest: 23, 24, 27 – 29
- Pick Apples and Pears: 18 – 20, 27, 28
- Prune Trees: No good days
September
- Plant above ground crops: 1 – 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 28 – 30
- Plant root crops: 15 – 17, 21, 22, 25, 26
- Transplant: 17, 18, 22, 23
- Plant seed beds: 2, 3, 22, 23, 30
- Plant flowers: 1, 22, 23, 28, 29
- Kill plant pests: 4 – 6, 9 – 11, 14 – 16, 19 – 21, 24 – 27
- Harvest: 21, 24 – 27
- Pick Apples and Pears: 14 – 16, 24, 25
- Prune Trees: No good days
October
- Plant above ground crops: 1, 4, 5, 9 – 11, 27, 28, 31
- Plant root crops: 17, 18, 22, 23
- Transplant: 14, 15, 19, 20
- Plant seed beds: 1, 19, 20, 27, 28
- Plant flowers: 19, 20, 25, 26
- Kill plant pests: 2, 3, 6 – 8, 12, 13, 16 – 18, 21 – 24, 29, 30
- Harvest: 21 – 24
- Pick Apples and Pears: 13, 21, 22
- Prune Trees: No good days
November
- Plant above ground crops: 1, 2, 5 – 7, 10, 11, 28, 29
- Plant root crops: 14, 15, 19, 20, 25, 26
- Transplant: 12, 15, 16, 24, 25
- Plant seed beds: 15, 16, 24, 25
- Plant flowers: 15, 16, 21 – 23
- Kill plant pests: 3, 4, 8, 9, 13, 14, 17 – 20, 26, 27, 30
- Harvest: 19, 20
- Pick Apples and Pears: 17, 18
- Prune Trees: 24, 25
December
- Plant above ground crops: 3, 4, 8, 9, 26, 27, 30, 31
- Plant root crops: 12, 15, 16, 21 – 25
- Transplant: 12,13, 21, 22
- Plant seed beds: 12,13, 21, 22
- Plant flowers: 12,13, 19, 22
- Kill plant pests: 1, 2, 5 – 7, 10, 11, 14 – 18, 23, 24, 28, 29
- Harvest: 18, 23, 24
- Pick Apples and Pears: 14 – 16, 23, 24
- Prune Trees: 21, 22, 25
Source: Farmer’s Almanac
Moon phase gardening is an idea as old as agriculture, popular in folklore and superstition, but there are scientific ideas to back it up.
The Earth is in a large gravitational field, influenced by both the sun and moon. The tides are highest at the time of the new and the full moon, when sun and moon are lined up with earth. Just as the moon pulls the tides in the oceans, it also pulls upon the subtle bodies of water, causing moisture to rise in the earth, which encourages growth.
The highest amount of moisture is in the soil at this time, and tests have proven that seeds will absorb the most water at the time of the full moon. Planting by the phases of the moon will keep in rhythm with the alternating gravitational pull.
Moon phase gardening considers four phases or quarters lasting about seven days each. The first two quarters are during the waxing or increasing light, from the new moon and growing up to the full moon.
New Moon
At the new moon, the lunar gravity pulls water up, and causes the seeds to swell and burst. This factor, coupled with the increasing moonlight creates balanced root and leaf growth.
The first quarter is the best time for planting above ground bearing annual crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit. Examples are lettuce, spinach, celery, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and grain crops.
2nd Quarter Moon
In the second quarter the gravitational pull is less, but the moonlight is strong, creating healthy leaf growth. It is generally a good time for planting, especially two days before the full moon.
The types of crops that prefer the second quarter are annuals that produce above ground, but their seeds form inside the fruit, such as beans, melons, peas, peppers, squash, and tomatoes.
Plant just before the full moon to get the benefits of peak moisture.
Full Moon
The third and fourth quarters are after the full moon when the light is waning or decreasing, and the energy is drawing down.
The gravitation pull is high, creating more moisture in the soil, but the moonlight is decreasing, putting energy into the roots. This is a favorable time for planting root time for crops, such as beets and carrots.
It is also good for perennials, bulbs and transplanting because of the active root growth. Prune in Scorpio.
4th Quarter Moon
In the fourth quarter there is decreased gravitational pull and moonlight, and this is considered a resting period.
This is also the best time to cultivate, harvest, transplant, fertilize and prune. Mow lawns in the third or fourth quarter to retard growth. Use the water signs for deep watering of shrubs and trees.
Source: Gardening By The Moon
According to moon lore, for best results you should set eggs (place eggs under a hen or in an incubator) during specific phases of the moon. It occured to me that if these are good days to set eggs, they might also be good days for fertility magick.
Here are the optimum dates for 2019:
- January: 16 – 18, 26, 27
- February: 13, 14, 22, 23
- March: 21 – 23
- April: 18, 19, 26
- May: 15, 16, 24, 25
- June: 11, 12, 20, 21
- July: 10, 17, 18
- August: 13, 14, 23
- September: 10, 11, 19 – 21
- October: 7, 8, 16 – 18
- November: 5, 13, 14
- December: 10, 11
Source: The Farmers’ Almanac
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