SPRING COSMIC RHYTHMS - Dan Ditzler
We find the Sun in the Watery constellation of Pisces for the first two weeks of April; carrots, potatoes, lettuce, leeks, beets, peas, onions, spinach and mustard greens all do well during this time and are frost tolerant.
When the Sun moves into Aries on Sunday April 19th, hoe and cultivate planted seedlings at ten-day intervals. Now is a good time to sow beans, with Saturday and Sunday the 25th and 26th as well as Tuesday May 5th thru 7th being ideal times.
With the Moon moving from Gemini to Sagittarius, we are in a descending moon period from April 21 until May 5, starting again for two weeks on the 18th. On the 14th of May we will be less prone to frosts, and the quickening Earth fertility of the Taurus Sun means it is time for heat-loving fruit and seed crops to be planted out. Corn, squash, tomato, pepper, eggplant, cucumbers and melons will thrive if planted out in this Sun sign.
On MAY 16th & 17th - this period of Taurus Moon and Sun is powerful in several ways. If you have insect pests, you want to make your insect peppers AND optionally grind the ashes for an hour during this time (burning the bodies of the insects in a fire, see Lecture 6 of the Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture.) Taurus is the zodiac sign with an affinity for Nitrogen, so stirring and spraying out Horn Manure on three consecutive days here will really amplify the Nitrogen in your farm or garden for the year.
Moon Saturn Oppositions - April 01 / April 28 / May 26 / June 22
In biodynamic agriculture, Moon opposition Saturn is seen as a favorable time for plant growth and soil building. This celestial alignment is believed to enhance calcium processes in plants, aiding growth, structure, and plant resilience. Biodynamic practitioners use this time for planting, spraying out preparations, and engaging in other soil building activities.
The Moon is associated with calcium processes, which are vital for plant growth, especially in building and regenerating the physical organism, including the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits. Saturn, on the other hand, is linked to silica processes, which contribute to the structure and form of plants.
The opposition of Moon and Saturn creates a synergy where the Moon's influence enhances plant growth and Saturn’s influence provides structure and form. The combined influence of the Moon and Saturn is considered optimal for seed germination and establishment.
Spraying biodynamic preparations like Horn Manure (500) and Horn Silica (501) is particularly beneficial during this time. Activities like digging in compost and planting bulbs are also recommended. Spraying 508 (Equisetum) can enhance the plant's resilience to extreme weather. While the opposition date itself is significant, the 48 hours leading up to it is also considered particularly powerful for planting.
