In
the last issue we reviewed Moonlore, and many of you wanted to know when to
plant. This is especially true for
the Rendezvouer's who want to help the tenderfeet get a good start.
So here is a brief list of when to plant and according to which phase.
The least favorable time to plant is during the fourth quarter.
However this is the best time to harvest your crops.
The best time to plant is during the first quarter. According to an old family Bible, this
"brightening" phase is the best time to plant lettuce, cabbage,
broccoli, cauliflower, and celery.
The second quarter is also a "brightening" phase used for tomatoes,
cucumbers, peppers, beans, and any squash.
The third quarter is an okay time to plant any kind of root vegetation.
This would include potatoes, turnips, carrots, garlic, onion,
strawberries, and grapes.
The third quarter is a good time to harvest.
The people, Druids, Rendezvouer's, etc. each had different ways of knowing the
forecast for the winter.
This short column will review some mythos about nature and reading it.
"Rendezvouers" - Watching grouse is one of your trade marks.
Know that a large group means a big snow, and that if they drum at night
a large snowfall will arrive in early morning.
"Druids/Bards" - It will be very snowy under any of the following
conditions: Oaks are thick with acorns (and the critters are hiding them), or
the robins are friendlier than normal.
"The People" - Watch for the wasp to build their nests higher, and
know that if snow starts at noon that it will be heavy.
"Ukrainians" - a saying runs "Corn is comfortable under snow, as
are we under fur," which means that if it snows for the whole winter, crops
will grow well.
Keep in mind that in some countries, the snow is not always white.
In many Arctic regions I have seen small particles frozen in the ice
crystals giving them anything from a gray to red shade.
Enjoy the upcoming winter!
Clamming, crabbing, and shrimping are favored during full moons, while it is best to fish between the new and full moon!
The Phases of
the moon
Dark of the moon - from the full moon through the last quarter
Light of the moon - first-quarter and new
To aid in remembering the moonrise in its cycle, remember:
New moon rises at sunrise, first quarter at noon, full at sunset, and last
quarter at midnight.
The moon and moon lore.
Here is a topic which has come up at more events than I can even
imagine.... e.g.: "The moon bodes that the sailing will be well for the
vessel." ; "I know the injured will bleed more now, the moon is full
and the tide is near flood!" ; "She'll be with child if'n she sleeps
under a full moon!" and the list goes on.
All periods have their "lunacy" about them, and the lore which
is attached to it.
I came across information about this long ago, but it remained tucked away until
just recently.
Of course, since it has great historical impact on reenacting, I'm
passing it on to you.
We know what the moon is, and that in a couple thousand years it will leave
Earth and go off on its own, but what impact has it had on history... and for
that matter on reenacting.
It has inspired poets to write verse on end about it.
The moon has been shown to cause effects on the Earth, and on Earth's
inhabitants. Of
course now we look upon it and logically dissect the heavenly satellite, but to
the periods we represent at reenactments it means something more.
In this article we will explore the moon's use in predictions, more lore, and
possible healing and medicinal values of the moon in relation to reenacting (and
maybe some truths about it).
Monday is named for the moon, being known as "Moon Day."
This favorable day was noted for peace and joy.
(Although many would also claim Monday as ill ... look at a certain
orange tabby cat!)
In various periods, the moon's ability to effect nature has been studied
intensely. Starting
with more recent periods, it was the Civil War doctors who noted the
aforementioned bleeding.
Patients to this day who know of this, attempt to schedule surgery away
from the period of the full moon.
Between New moon and waxing (full) moon it was noted that bleeding
increased in the wounded, and that some of the worst was during the full moon.
Mayhap this is why during some of the "bloodiest" battles
during the Civil War it held true.
Those confusing vegetables of the moon!
Cucumbers and poppies are ruled by the moon, and carry certain romantic ties.
Oddly enough, both plants have been used as folk remedies for fertility
for generation.
Lettuce on the other hand was thought to curb those who have an over-developed
drive.
So when you are enjoying that salad after the reenactment, keep in mind
the mixed messages you might be sending it!