Author: ladyoftheabyss

5 Herbs That Are Best Purchased As Plants

5 Herbs That Are Best Purchased As Plants

What Herbs Should I Buy Instead Of Starting From Seed?

By , about.com

Why, you might wonder, would someone want to avoid starting herbs from seed? This is such a great way to start your herb garden for pennies. Starting an herb garden from plants, is also a good way to start. In my garden, all the herbs that are purchased instead of started as seeds, fall under these areas:

  • They are fussy to start from seed (I am a busy, impatient gardener)
  • They don’t have a snowball’s chance of growing to any useful size in my zone (which is why a good nursery is always so important)
  • They are perennial, and I am only going to grow a single plant
  • I need to replace an established perennial

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is one of those herbs that demands attention. Unless living in a Mediterranean zone, Rosemary needs to be able to come and go in the outdoor environment according to the temperature. This is not as difficult as it seems. In my garden, my rosemary gets planted pot-in-pot, so I can move it inside when we get our endless rains, and back to the garden until the fall temperatures start to loom.Rosemary plants just make sense. They can be matched for size and shape, and if you (like me) kill one, it is simple enough to pop out and replace with a fresh, new plant.

2. Lemongrass

Lemongrass, and herbs like it, should be purchased as plants. They are fussy and sensitive to temperature fluctuation, so for many of us growing lemongrass would be nearly impossible.

Buy these as small plants, and enjoy them throughout the season. They tolerate sun to partial shade and make wonderful focal points. We buy trays of lemongrass, and keep them in the greenhouse. That way, they can be harvested all season without worry that our crazy Nebraska weather will harm a leaf.

Lemongrass is great when used right from the freezer, so grow some if you can find the plants. Once fall hits, bring them in and freeze whole.

3. Lavender

Lavender is such a beloved herb, it is frustrating for many gardeners to struggle growing it from seed. Although not impossible, why bother when there are so many plants available?

Buying lavender as plants, also allows you to select the varieties that are proven to grow well in your location. I also recommend buying a LOT of plants. Lavender always looks better in groupings, and buying them at the same time will ensure your plants are the same size.

4. Beebalm

Bee balm and other ornamental herbs, are best purchased as plants. Why take a chance on growing the wrong variety, or something that won’t thrive in your location? Ornamental herbs are the quintessential reason for shopping at nurseries to begin with. Choose plants that your nursery owner recommends. They will guide you to the colors, and types of plants that will have the best chance of survival.

5. Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbs, which for this article refer to actual herbs that are grown for their healing property, should be grown from plant unless the gardener is familiar with herbal medicine. There are many wonderful places to buy medicinal herb plants. Start with a small garden of purchased plants, and as your skill grow (see how I did that?), you can then start identifying herbs that might be grown from seed or found in the wild.

I like to buy medicinal herbs that are possibly expensive for me to kill. This means I will take much better care of a purchased plant, than I would a few seeds in the soil.

Transplant Shock and How to avoid It

Transplant Shock and How to avoid It

Transplant Herbs Successfully

By , About.com

Throughout the growing season, transplanting herbs is a great way to keep the garden looking fresh and full. Transplanting can also save you money, if you propagate new plants and then add them to your garden landscape for free.

There are some guidelines that need to be followed, in order to avoid transplant shock, allow your herbs to thrive in the garden. There is more to it than just pushing a seedling into the dirt.

What Can Go Wrong?

All plants, from herb to flower, hate to be shocked. They need time to become acclimated to their new surroundings, no matter if they are coming into or out of the garden. A shocked plant will wilt, become sun burnt and die, no matter how rich the soil or optimal the growing conditions.

How To Avoid Transplant Shock

To avoid transplant shock, give your herbs the time they need to become used to the move. About a week before you are moving them from indoors to the garden, place them outside, but in a sheltered location. Take them back inside during the nighttime.

By the end of the week, you can safely leave them outside all night long, but be sure to water them at least once a day – more than likely you will be watering even more often if they are in small cell pots.

Now Can I Plant Them?

Finally, your plants are truly ready to be planted outside. Try to choose a day that is neither too hot or cold, avoid a scorching hot day, and never plant in the rain. The best sort of day is one that is calm and warm, later in the day so the soil is warm but the sun is not directly overhead.

Water the hole before you place the herb into it. Also, be sure your potted herb is moist and not rootbound. Make a hole the size of the root and insert the plant. Fill the rest of the hole with soil and press around the base to be sure the herb has made contact completely with the ground. Water again and then mulch.

 

 

Transplanting Potted Herbs To The Garden

Transplanting Potted Herbs To The Garden

How To Transplant Herbs From Nursery Pots To The Garden

By , About.com

Spring is the time to get out and visit garden shops and nurseries. Take along your garden wish list (you have one, don’t you?), and start selecting the best looking plants you can.

Once you do get your plants home, it will be time to transplant them into the garden. Here are some tips for transplanting potted herbs, in order to keep your plants looking fresh and growing well. Potted herbs come in many sizes, from tiny 3 inch pots to 1 gallon and even 2 gallon sizes. No matter what size you buy, look for plants that are not too dry in the pot. Their leaves should be lush and no shriveled or have dead areas on them. Looking at the bottom of the pot, there may be fine roots sticking out in numerous places, but avoid larger or extremely heavy number of thick roots coming out the sides and bottom of the pot. This is an indication that your plants have grown too large for that pot, yet have remained in the pot for too long (often called Pot or Root bound). Once you trim off the excess roots, it may be too much of a shock for the overgrown plant, resulting in its death or stunted growth.

When you are ready to actually transplant, soak your potted herb in water. This helps the plant to come out of the container more easily, helps keep the soil intact-protecting the roots, and ensures that when you do the final watering with the plant in the ground, it is thoroughly wet through the entire root ball as well as the surrounding soil.

Take a look at the root ball before placing in the ground. If the roots are packed together, gently loosen them and spread them apart (I call this teasing the roots), allowing them to grow in a outward, instead of circular pattern. For more aggressive teasing of the roots, it is often suggested that you cut into the root ball with a sharp knife in several spots. For herbs, this hasn’t been my experience, but it is a valid recommendation in the gardening industry.

Be certain to work on one herb plant at a time. Avoid removing a number of herbs from their pots at the same time, thinking it will speed up your transplanting. The herb roots and soil need to be protected from sunlight and air as much as possible. You may end up with stunted plants that were damaged from the 30 minutes their roots lay exposed as you worked on another plant.

Your hole should be twice the diameter as your potted plant, and deep enough that the herb will be planted in its new spot at the same level. Avoid planting too deeply, since this can cause fungal damage resulting in the plant’s demise. I like to moisten the hole before transplanting, to ensure that the top water will be absorbed more readily. Spread out the roots that you have loosened, and place the herb in the dampened hole. Refill the hole with soil and then firmly press the herb plant into place. Your plant will shift once watered, and it may end up lifting out of the ground, if it is not firmly in place.

Water the new transplanted herb well, trying to avoid soaking the leaves if possible. This will help reduce the chance of mildew and disease, as well as sun damage if transplanting during a hot, sunny day.

Place at least 2 inches of mulch around the base of the transplanted herb, leaving a little space right next to the stem. This helps protect the stem from mildew as well, and any critters that like to hide in the mulch to nibble your herbs, will not have an inviting location to move in. Moisten the mulch once it is in place, and you are done!

 

Spring is Here, When To Start Herbs From Seeds

When To Start Herbs From Seed

Planting Date For Herb Seeds

By , About.com

Starting herbs from seed is probably the most frugal way to begin gardening. It is also a great way to try out many herbs that would be too costly to buy as plants. For the same price as one herb seedling, you can often purchase multiple seed packets.

The important thing to remember when starting herbs from seed is when you should actually germinate them. Here is a list of common herbs, and how many weeks before or after the last frost date you should be planting them.

Starting Herb Seeds Indoors

How Many Weeks Before Last Frost To Start Seeds
Basil 6 to 8 wks before last frost
Borage Direct seed after last frost
Chives 8 wks before last frost
Cilantro Direct seed after last frost
Dill Direct seed after last frost
Fennel 4 to 6 wks before last frost
Lemon Balm 6 to 10 wks before last frost
Oregano 6 to 10 wks before last frost
Rosemary 8 to 10 wks before last frost
Sage 6 to 10 wks before last frost
Thyme 6 to 10 wks before last frost

 

Daily Feng Shui News for April 10th – ‘National Sibling Day’

I’m thinking of my two wonderful brothers and my sweet sister on this ‘National Sibling Day.’ According to Feng Shui, there is a place inside your living space that can be activated to awaken great energies to and for your siblings. Simply locate the center or middle of the left-hand wall of your living space, known in this tradition as the ‘Family/Friends/Ancestors’ area, and place three green, healthy plants there. Nurture those plants like you would your own loved ones and then watch as your relationship with your siblings grows to new and more loving heights.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for Thursday, April 10th is Conch Shell

Your Charm for Today

Conch Shell

 

 

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is affected by good financial fortune. Your good fortune will come from an investment, an unexpected windfall, or a change of vocation.

General Description:
In India and Tibet, and other countries were Buddhism is practiced, the Conch Shell is prized as a charm for oratory, learning, protection, good fortune and riches. As Conch Shells were used as the current coin among all the primitive peoples of the East, no doubt this has suggested their use as charms for bringing wealth. The Conch Shell is also one of the eight emblems of Buddha, all of which are used as talismans. They consist of the Wheel of the Law, Conch Shell, Lucky Diagram, Golden Fish, Umbrella, Vase, Lotus, and the Trumpet of Victory.

Your Animal Guide for Thursday, April 10th is The Magpie

Your Animal Guide for Today

Magpie

Ancient culture associate Magpies with excellent fortune—so it looks like you’ve got something really terrific coming into your life today. However, you may need to search a little to understand the true gift that’s being presented. Pay attention to omens, messages, the clouds, feathers, bird song—your fortune is hidden in those subtle messages. Opportunity is knocking at your door—will you answer?

Your Ancient Symbol Card for April 10th is The Medicine Bowl

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Medicine Bowl

The Medicine Bowl is an essential shaman’s vessel for preparing and dispensing sacred blends of herbs and other items used to keep both clan and individuals physically and spiritually healthy. Often The Medicine Bowl and the hallowed potions made with it are cornerstones to tribal ceremonies and member’s rites of passage. The Medicine Bowl represents both the practical and spiritual aspects of healing the body and cleansing the soul through the use of natural remedies and the affirmation of your spiritual self. In a broader sense, The Medicine Bowl symbolizes the health of a clan and strengthening of ties within the clan.

As a daily card, The Medicine Bowl suggests that now may be a good time for you to take a holistic approach to ensuring both your physical and spiritual self are in top form. If there has been strife within your core social circle lately, the appearance of The Medicine Bowl suggest the time is right for your group to reaffirm their basic connection to both the group as a whole and the individuals within it.

Today’s Tarot Card for April 10th is The World

The World

Thursday, Apr 10th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the World card points to the presiding intelligence, called “Sophia,” or Wisdom, which upholds life on this and all worlds. A more precise title for this card might be “the Soul of the World,” also applicable as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. In most Tarot decks it is a female figure that has become our standard World image. She originates in Hebrew, Gnostic and Alchemical lore, and stands between heaven and earth as the Cosmic Mother of Souls, the Wife of God and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.

Where the Empress energy secures and fertilizes our terrestrial lives, the goddess of The World invites us into cosmic citizenship — once we come to realize our soul’s potential for it. Just as the Chariot stands for success in achieving a separate Self, and Temperance represents achievement of mental and moral health, the World card announces the awakening of the soul’s Immortal Being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.

This card, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is “Know Thyself”, this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of Self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.

 

 

What Does Tomorrow Bring, Your Horoscopes for Friday, April 10th

We can feel the tension today between our attraction to the magic of fantasy and our need to be practical. The efficient Virgo Moon reminds us to filter out perceptions and thoughts that aren’t useful. The Sun and Mercury align with pragmatic Saturn, further stifling our emotions. However, a conjunction between romantic Venus and dreamy Neptune fuels our imagination and assures us that we need not lose touch with beauty as we strive to get ahead.
Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

If you feel tired today with more on your plate than you can handle, this is an obvious sign that you need to take some time to reevaluate your current direction. First, think about what your heart truly wants and pretend that nothing could keep you from your goals. Secondly, consider the very real obstacles you must overcome to reach your destination. Then methodically make the necessary changes to put your life back on track.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

There may be something quite reassuring about being with your friends now, but social activities distract you from making progress at work. You can tell that something is happening, but your progress seems to be hidden from sight. Trust your own counsel, even if your inner voice sounds uncertain. The fundamental changes you make today bring positive results if you are patient.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You might want to go along with everyone’s plans for the day, but you don’t like the idea of being so closely tied to their schedules. You’re probably not as attached to tradition as some other people are, but there’s something to be gained now by going along with the crowd. Even if you want to take a more radical approach, a bit of self-compromise can actually bring you closer to the elusive happiness you seek. Find joy in whatever you’re doing; you’ll have your chance for more variety soon enough

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You’re ready to jump into a project and do whatever needs to be done. There’s no reason to waste time on frivolous activities these days. Still, you’re quite aware that maintaining a professional appearance ultimately brings you closer to the security that you seek. Remember, you don’t have to give up your real goals; instead, just wait a while longer to make your big move.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You have more than your fair share of common sense now, and even if this isn’t normally your greatest strength, others are relying on you to hold things together. However, you might be motivated by something more personal than just helping everyone else. You are changing your life bit by bit in order to make your daily routines more efficient and productive. The more open you are to a variety of possibilities, the healthier this transition can be for you. This is your chance to bring your most colorful visions down to earth.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The potential for change is all around you. You may feel rather lighthearted today, unless you haven’t already completed your work chores. However, once you are done you are ready to play, but you must know exactly what you are getting into before you can enjoy yourself. Don’t scatter your energy before you meet your obligations or you might miss your chance to have fun later in the day. The more time you have away from your regular routine, the more time you have to explore all the possibilities on the horizon.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may feel that someone is on your case now; no matter what you do, you should have done something else. Today’s analytical Virgo Moon can bring emotional stress with home activities and family members. You might need to justify your actions even if you try to avoid the conflict. Do whatever you must to get through the awkwardness of the current situation without attaching too much meaning to anything that happens. Thankfully, keeping the peace buys you time until you gain additional perspective.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Even if you feel resistance emanating from others, you must take some of the responsibility for the tension. Your destiny is in your own hands; whatever situation you created you can unmake. But it will take a real commitment, along with enough courage to engage in a difficult conversation. Bringing someone into your confidence might be just the catalyst you need to transform the current dynamics.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You must be as practical as possible now in order to counterbalance everyone else’s fuzzy thinking. But you could just as well be the ringleader of a pie-in-the-sky scheme, yourself. Either way, you have much to lose if you let your unbridled imagination run away with the facts. Making a list of the pros and cons enables you to sustain your newly found stability. Scaling your big ideas down to a manageable size greatly improves your chances of success.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

It’s crucial to honor your feelings today, even if they aren’t consistent with your previous plans. But don’t think that the solution is to just drop whatever you are doing in favor of something new. You must find a workable balance between the opposite forces pushing and pulling on your life now. However, you might grow more confused as you try to resolve the dilemma. Thankfully, talking it over with friends can help, especially if you’re willing to listen to their sound advice.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your imagination plays a significant role in your life today, but it’s up to you to utilize the unrealized potential of the moment. Nevertheless, don’t get so lost in your dreams that you can’t keep up with your responsibilities. Go ahead and let your thoughts take you where they will without deviating from your regular schedule. Trusting your intuition is smart now, but keep your feet securely planted on the ground when reaching for the stars.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You are of two minds now. You would like to forget about your chores and join in the fun, but something prevents you from jumping overboard. There may be too much going on to escape from your previous commitments and you won’t be able to enjoy yourself even if you do. Nevertheless, your friends are calling and they have an enticing plan. Take your time and make your choice only after you consider your options and decide what makes the most sense.

Your Horoscopes for Thursday, April 10th

We may run into a recurring problem in a new form now. Today’s heroic Leo Moon creates stressful aspects to four different planets, giving us the opportunity to deal with a significant issue in small doses. But we’re unlikely to notice all the hidden variables as beautiful Venus aligns with karmic Saturn and shadowy Pluto. Nevertheless, once the Moon’s shifts into analytical Virgo at 6:07 pm EDT we are motivated to formulate a plan that works.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You’re feeling so confident today that you don’t think you should have to play by the established rules of the game. Nevertheless, there is more going on than meets the eye. You could be confused about the dynamics of your current relationship or you might be in love with someone who doesn’t return your affection. Even if you’re anxious underneath your air of bravado, don’t make any sudden changes. Your answers are still on the way.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You might be worried today because you’re not as certain about some of the very same things you normally take for granted. You could act as if you know what you’re doing but you are less than secure, especially in your role within your family. Thankfully, being in the company of others helps you feel better about yourself. However, don’t go overboard by trying to be the center of attention now. Surrounding yourself with those you love reminds you of what’s most important.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You may find yourself totally immersed in an intriguing discussion about world politics, great literature or the latest pop culture trends — only to realize there was a misunderstanding earlier in the conversation. Although it might not be significant in the long run, it can ruffle some feathers in the moment. Slow down and take a more conservative approach until you know that everyone is on the same page. Listen at least as much as you speak today so you don’t unintentionally step on anyone’s toes.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Sharing your feelings with someone special could be wonderful today, but you should be on the lookout for hidden agendas, nonetheless. It is pleasant enough as long as you stay in the present moment, but as soon as you try to navigate into the future you might inadvertently set a course for conflict. Watch where you step for the next few days and let each situation guide you as you go. Paying careful attention to the clues enables you to steer clear of an unnecessary drama.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

It helps to give your feelings plenty of room for expression while the Moon is visiting your sign. This is your time to explore a variety of emotional responses to your current circumstances. But don’t be overly naive or someone will quickly pull the wool over your eyes. Take responsibility for your own feelings even if you don’t yet know where they will lead you. However, there’s no need to pretend you’re in control, especially since a few surprises could still pop up along the way.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You are naturally a hard worker and you rarely have trouble delivering on your promises. However, it may be okay to let some of your responsibilities fall to the wayside for a while and take some time off today. Visit the outer limits of your imagination by losing yourself in a movie or a book. Step outside of the box in which you normally contain yourself so efficiently and float off into your dreams.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You’re standing on a slippery slope where it’s all too easy to confuse friendship with love. Although relationships are in the spotlight today, they can actually be a source of instability, especially if you depend on the other person to make the first move. Consider what you want and act on your feelings before the winds of fate blow you into dangerous waters. There’s little room for ambiguity if you’re clear about your intentions right from the start.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are being pulled in two directions today. You feel the need to retreat from social obligations for a while so you can just chill out. But simultaneously, an inner voice reminds you of how much fun you have when you’re hanging out with the right people. However, you first must push through your own resistance. Happily, you can have the best of both worlds if you pick your playmates carefully. Spending time in the company of those who love you is good for your heart.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You should be able to enjoy the fiery Leo Moon today, for it encourages you to stretch beyond your regular limitations. Unfortunately, everything is not as upbeat as you might expect, especially if you’re reminded of a difficult time in your life. You may even begin to worry that something similar could happen again. Keep in mind that your fears only make things worse. Instead, lean on your innate wisdom to recognize the difference between then and now. Grab this opportunity to shine while it lasts.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your feet are so firmly planted on solid ground today that you can safely poke your head up into the clouds. However, you should be careful since the rug can be pulled out from under you if you lose touch with reality. This twist of fate may come as a rude surprise to you sure-footed Goats, especially if you climb too far, too fast. Enjoy your explorations into uncharted lands but don’t forget the way back home. You will need to return to your practical perspective before you know it.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

If someone comes to you with a larger-than-life idea today, remember there’s probably more to it than your realize. This isn’t to suggest that the plan won’t work; it’s simply important to be aware that everything now appears better than it is. Look at all opportunities through the most realistic lens possible. And don’t bother asking others for advice, for they’ll just tell you what they think you want to hear. Your best bet is to wait a few days until your clarity returns.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You have a long list of mundane chores to finish today. Unfortunately, your fantasies may be much more interesting than what is actually happening in your real life. Luckily, if you change your attitude and get to work, you can make your reality nearly as awesome as you wish. However, don’t let the details overwhelm you. Just fulfill your obligations as quickly as possible and then get back to whatever fills your spirit with fire.

Astronomy Picture of the Day for April 10th – Mars, Ceres, Vesta

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2014 April 10

 Mars, Ceres, Vesta
Image Credit & Copyright: Tunç Tezel (TWAN)

Explanation: That bright, ruddy star you’ve recently noticed rising just after sunset isn’t a star at all. That’s Mars, the Red Planet. Mars is now near its 2014 opposition (April 8) and closest approach (April 14), looping through the constellation Virgo opposite the Sun in planet Earth’s sky. Clearly outshining bluish Spica, alpha star of Virgo, Mars is centered in this labeled skyview from early April, that includes two other solar system worlds approaching their opposition. On the left, small and faint asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres are seen near star Tau Virginis. But you’ll just have to imagine NASA’s Dawn spacecraft cruising between the small worlds. Having left Vesta in September of 2012, Dawn’s ion engine has been steadily driving it to match orbits with Ceres, scheduled to arrive there in February 2015. Of course, you can also look near Mars for the Moon opposite the Sun in Earth’s sky on the night of April 14/15 … and see a total lunar eclipse.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Thursday, April 10th

This is a good morning to finish old business with a flourish while refraining from launching new and bold ventures. The reason is that the void lunar cycle that began under Leo Moon last night remains in effect until Virgo Moon emerges from the obscurity at 3:09PM. One of the main keynotes of a void-of-course Moon time-span is that wisdom dictates the completion of projects begun in the recent past. At the same time, there is no urgency in jumping the gun and initiating some kind of dynamic activity when little long-range momentum (Moon-wise) is present. Nonetheless, you may want to polish your problem-solving talents since the Moon makes its monthly union with Pallas (5:08AM). Once the lunar orb is officially activating Virgo terrain (3:09PM), you can readily don your research scholar or geek disguise. Tuning into the fine print, glowing literary passages or hard-to-decipher computer code is par for the course when the Moon enters the sixth sign of the zodiac. Sewing, repair work, weeding, and clean-up campaigns receive the cosmic thumbs-up sign. Being a superb organizer and efficiency master is highlighted. Be eminently respectful to elders, dear ones, and children in your care this evening as a powerful and rare Sun-Juno union occurs in Aries (exactly at 12:17AM tomorrow). Themes related to style, beauty, elegance, and fashion are emphasized in a profound way. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Calendar of the Moon for April 10th

Calendar of the Moon

Willow Tree Month

Colors: Yellow, silver, and pale willow-green
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of yellow, silver, and pale willow-green place three white candles, wreaths of willow-branches, a large clay bowl of water, flowers if they are available, and a silver moon.
Offerings: Contemplate an emotion, and how you use it, and how it uses you.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian, preferably cold food. Fruits. Only spring water to drink.

Saille Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the Willow Goddess.
Response: Now is the time of the Green Man’s courting.
Call: Now is the time when leaves are full.
Response: Now is the time when gold gives way to silver.
Call: Now is the time when Sun gives way to Moon.
Response: Now is the time when Lord gives way to Lady.
Call: Now is the time of the search and the quest.
Response: Now is the time of magic dew on the fields.
Call: Now is the time of the phallus rising.
Response: He seeks the doorway that is wet with spring rains.
Call: He seeks the moon in the river.
Response: He seeks the fishes in the winnowing basket.
Call: He seeks the fruit of Persephone.
Response: He seeks the mountain of the Muses.
Call: We crown his head with flowers….
Response: That he may reach the sky.
Call: We crown his head with ribbons….
Response: That he may touch the earth.
Call: We bring forth the pole from earth to sky.
Response: We lay the line from earth to sky.
Call: We blow like the wind from earth to sky.
Response: We fall like the rain from sky to earth.
Call: We descend like the sunlight from sky to earth.
Response: We climb like the trees from sky to earth.
Call: We are the children of earth and sky.
Response: We are beloved of sky and earth.

Chant:
We all come from the Goddess, and to Her we shall return,
Like a drop of rain, flowing to the ocean.

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun

Calendar of the Sun

Aequinoctium Vernum

Colors: Yellow and light green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of yellow and light green set a pitcher of rainwater, small dishes of seeds (as many as there are people), a vase of budding branches, and a single green candle.
Offerings: Seeds to be planted in the garden.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian

Aequinoctium Vernum Invocation

Earth, you begin your awakening
To the touch of the life-giving Sun
Whose rays stroke you like a lover.
Earth, your joy in awakening
Springs forth first golden
And then the green of life.
We awaken to your new life
And your new season,
And you help us to believe
That no matter how long the winter,
Spring will always come again.
We stand in the time of the year’s morning
And, like all living things,
We reach upwards for the sky.

Chant:
We open Earth and
Earth receives you
She gives you life and
We believe in you

(Each takes a pot of seeds and goes to the garden, and hoes or otherwise prepares a space for planting, and then plants their seeds, chanting while doing so. The pitcher of rainwater is carried out and ritually poured onto the seeds.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for April 10th – Waxing Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waxing/79% of Full)

Distractions from the outside begin pressing into your world. Analysis is favored, reevaluating all the various factors you are dealing with. It’s a time to process information and effectively integrate your aims with the people in your immediate environment. This is a good time for organizing things. This Moon phase is suited for synthesis: coming up with a practical plan for getting from point A to point B. Adjustment is required