Matt Prater Matt Prater

Thursday 14th March 2024

Thursday 14th March 2024
Today is a favorable time to begin cultivating the soil, as long as it's not excessively wet. Cultivating under a descending moon helps in moisture evaporation. When we dig the soil, we improve aeration, which supports microbial life and allows us to incorporate compost. However, digging can harm both important microbial and mycorrhizal networks in the soil. Therefore, it's essential to choose the right times to dig and opt for light cultivation tools whenever possible. These microorganisms and fungal networks are living elements in the soil that often go unnoticed, yet they orchestrate the health of our plants.

Thursday 14th March 2024
Today is a favorable time to begin cultivating the soil, as long as it's not excessively wet. Cultivating under a descending moon helps in moisture evaporation. When we dig the soil, we improve aeration, which supports microbial life and allows us to incorporate compost. However, digging can harm both important microbial and mycorrhizal networks in the soil. Therefore, it's essential to choose the right times to dig and opt for light cultivation tools whenever possible. These microorganisms and fungal networks are living elements in the soil that often go unnoticed, yet they orchestrate the health of our plants.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Wednesday 13th March 2024

Wednesday 13th March 2024
Today, the moon rises in the constellation of Aries, bringing with it the element of fire. This is a time to be bold and advocate for yourself when needed. It's also a favorable time to take fruit tree cuttings for grafting and to sow tomatoes and peppers. The element of fire aids in the fructification of plants grown for their fruit, enhancing sweetness. Sowing on a fruit day complements the development of fruit plants from the moment the seed touches the potting soil to the moment it is harvested. Biodynamics harnesses these cosmic rhythms. 

Wednesday 13th March 2024
Today, the moon rises in the constellation of Aries, bringing with it the element of fire. This is a time to be bold and advocate for yourself when needed. It's also a favorable time to take fruit tree cuttings for grafting and to sow tomatoes and peppers. The element of fire aids in the fructification of plants grown for their fruit, enhancing sweetness. Sowing on a fruit day complements the development of fruit plants from the moment the seed touches the potting soil to the moment it is harvested. Biodynamics harnesses these cosmic rhythms. 

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Tuesday 12th March 2024

Tuesday 12th March 2024
In the garden, cultivation isn't ideal at the moment due to the moon's close orbit to Earth, known as perigee. However, it's a great time to organize our gardening tools, sheds, and potting areas, or to start landscaping projects. With Pisces dominating the cosmic realm today, intuition is heightened. By tuning into this energy, our garden can reveal itself to us, leading to a day filled with joy and inspiration.

Tuesday 12th March 2024
In the garden, cultivation isn't ideal at the moment due to the moon's close orbit to Earth, known as perigee. However, it's a great time to organize our gardening tools, sheds, and potting areas, or to start landscaping projects. With Pisces dominating the cosmic realm today, intuition is heightened. By tuning into this energy, our garden can reveal itself to us, leading to a day filled with joy and inspiration.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

March 8

Friday 8th March 2024
As Capricorn helps us stay grounded and focused, it presents a good opportunity to consider our long-term goals and be ambitious. When in a grounded state, we can carefully consider long-term strategies and career paths. Interestingly, the word ‘consider’ has cosmic origins, stemming from the Latin word meaning to consult the stars. A balanced relationship between the cosmos and the earthly realm is a good place to be; in biodynamics, plants mediate themselves between these realms, pulled up to the cosmos while rooted in the ground. In the garden, it's a good day to apply compost to the soil, dig over vegetable beds, or apply mulch.

Friday 8th March 2024

As Capricorn helps us stay grounded and focused, it presents a good opportunity to consider our long-term goals and be ambitious. When in a grounded state, we can carefully consider long-term strategies and career paths. Interestingly, the word ‘consider’ has cosmic origins, stemming from the Latin word meaning to consult the stars. A balanced relationship between the cosmos and the earthly realm is a good place to be; in biodynamics, plants mediate themselves between these realms, pulled up to the cosmos while rooted in the ground. In the garden, it's a good day to apply compost to the soil, dig over vegetable beds, or apply mulch.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

March 7

Thursday 7th March 2024
Today, we transition from the warmth-associated traits of Sagittarius to the grounded quality of Capricorn. If you have potatoes, carrots, beets, or parsnips that have been growing over the winter, it's a good time to tend to them—perhaps weeding around them or checking on their growth. This is also a conducive day for planning, both in your garden and in your life. I would recommend double-checking the seeds you have and ordering any additional ones you may need.

Thursday 7th March 2024

Today, we transition from the warmth-associated traits of Sagittarius to the grounded quality of Capricorn. If you have potatoes, carrots, beets, or parsnips that have been growing over the winter, it's a good time to tend to them—perhaps weeding around them or checking on their growth. This is also a conducive day for planning, both in your garden and in your life. I would recommend double-checking the seeds you have and ordering any additional ones you may need.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

March 6

Wednesday 6th March 2024
With the moon currently in the constellation of Sagittarius, and during a period of a descending moon, it's an auspicious time for certain gardening tasks. This period is ideal for pruning fruit trees and taking cuttings from both fruit trees and shrubs for grafting purposes. Additionally, if you live in warmer climates, you can directly sow the first batch of tomato seeds outdoors. However, if your region is still experiencing colder temperatures, consider starting to sow them indoors.

Wednesday 6th March 2024

With the moon currently in the constellation of Sagittarius, and during a period of a descending moon, it's an auspicious time for certain gardening tasks. This period is ideal for pruning fruit trees and taking cuttings from both fruit trees and shrubs for grafting purposes. Additionally, if you live in warmer climates, you can directly sow the first batch of tomato seeds outdoors. However, if your region is still experiencing colder temperatures, consider starting to sow them indoors.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

March 1

March 1
Today, the moon ascends in the constellation of Libra, heralding what is known as a flower day in biodynamic agriculture. In your garden, seize the opportunity to sow flower seeds or relocate and transplant flower bulbs, allowing them to flourish in new corners of your garden. This lunar alignment offers harmonious balance and fosters favorable conditions for nurturing our relationships with others.

Today, the moon ascends in the constellation of Libra, heralding what is known as a flower day in biodynamic agriculture. In your garden, seize the opportunity to sow flower seeds or relocate and transplant flower bulbs, allowing them to flourish in new corners of your garden. This lunar alignment offers harmonious balance and fosters favorable conditions for nurturing our relationships with others.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 29

February 29
The moon remains in the constellation of Virgo, where it has resided for the past three days. The forces from this constellation are radiated down to Earth, mediated by the moon. The characteristics of stability, a sense of duty, and service to others are motifs that we can incorporate into our day. Today, on this unique leap year day, February 29th, let us also reflect on the astronomical significance of this extra day in our calendar. Without leap years, our calendar would gradually drift out of sync with the Earth's orbit around the sun.

The moon remains in the constellation of Virgo, where it has resided for the past three days. The forces from this constellation are radiated down to Earth, mediated by the moon. The characteristics of stability, a sense of duty, and service to others are motifs that we can incorporate into our day. Today, on this unique leap year day, February 29th, let us also reflect on the astronomical significance of this extra day in our calendar. Without leap years, our calendar would gradually drift out of sync with the Earth's orbit around the sun.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 28

February 28
Today, the Moon descends below the elliptical plane of the Sun's path around the Earth. This phenomenon is known as a lunar node and occurs twice a month. In Biodynamics, such days are considered unfavorable for working in the garden due to this cosmic alignment. With the Moon in the sign of Virgo, it's a good time to get organized at work and home; beekeepers can take advantage of this period to check equipment and prepare spare hives for catching swarms in early spring.

Today, the Moon descends below the elliptical plane of the Sun's path around the Earth. This phenomenon is known as a lunar node and occurs twice a month. In Biodynamics, such days are considered unfavorable for working in the garden due to this cosmic alignment. With the Moon in the sign of Virgo, it's a good time to get organized at work and home; beekeepers can take advantage of this period to check equipment and prepare spare hives for catching swarms in early spring.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 27

February 27
Today offers a favorable opportunity to work in the garden, as tomorrow's lunar node may bring an unfavorable influence. It's an ideal time to turn or build compost piles, benefitting from the Earth's forces to break down materials efficiently. Engaging in this activity not only grounds us but also metaphorically composts our thoughts. Whether tending to a compost pile or not, perhaps today warrants deeper consideration of our thoughts than usual.

Today offers a favorable opportunity to work in the garden, as tomorrow's lunar node may bring an unfavorable influence. It's an ideal time to turn or build compost piles, benefitting from the Earth's forces to break down materials efficiently. Engaging in this activity not only grounds us but also metaphorically composts our thoughts. Whether tending to a compost pile or not, perhaps today warrants deeper consideration of our thoughts than usual.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 24

February 24
The Snow Moon, marking the moon's full phase today, is known for its association with stillness and reflection. Today, it also accentuates the qualities of Leo, where it resides. This intriguing convergence of cosmic phenomena fosters an environment conducive to introspective, creative contemplation as we transition towards spring. It presents an opportunity for our aspirations and endeavors to flourish. Let's take some time today to envision how we want our garden to look this year and consider the steps needed to bring our vision to life.

The Snow Moon, marking the moon's full phase today, is known for its association with stillness and reflection. Today, it also accentuates the qualities of Leo, where it resides. This intriguing convergence of cosmic phenomena fosters an environment conducive to introspective, creative contemplation as we transition towards spring. It presents an opportunity for our aspirations and endeavors to flourish. Let's take some time today to envision how we want our garden to look this year and consider the steps needed to bring our vision to life.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 23

February 23
There is a quickening in the garden as dormant nature continues to awaken to the increasing light. Life, once inwardly alive within the soil, now begins to manifest itself above ground in a burst of self-expression. With the moon now entering the constellation of Leo, conditions are ideal for expressing creativity and individuality to the world. In the garden, it's the perfect time for sowing the first peas and beans, which thrive in the warmth of Leo's influence.

There is a quickening in the garden as dormant nature continues to awaken to the increasing light. Life, once inwardly alive within the soil, now begins to manifest itself above ground in a burst of self-expression. With the moon now entering the constellation of Leo, conditions are ideal for expressing creativity and individuality to the world. In the garden, it's the perfect time for sowing the first peas and beans, which thrive in the warmth of Leo's influence.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 22

February 22
The moon continues to wax, brightening the night and bringing with it a watery element. In the garden, you're likely to see an increase in snail activity, which may damage newly planted salads. To mitigate this, spread a thin layer of crushed eggshells or coarse material around your leafy crops to deter snails from crossing. It's worth noting that Cancer, where the moon resides today, is associated with protection in Greek mythology.

The moon continues to wax, brightening the night and bringing with it a watery element. In the garden, you're likely to see an increase in snail activity, which may damage newly planted salads. To mitigate this, spread a thin layer of crushed eggshells or coarse material around your leafy crops to deter snails from crossing. It's worth noting that Cancer, where the moon resides today, is associated with protection in Greek mythology.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 21

February 21
Today, Mercury finally joins Saturn in the constellation of Aquarius, potentially bringing more light to the end of winter. Additionally, we transition into the water sign of Cancer. This alignment, coupled with a descending moon and the time of year, makes it advantageous to sow leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and kale. As we sow seeds that require careful nurturing for healthy growth, let's also take the opportunity to extend kindness and support to those we encounter during our day.

Today, Mercury finally joins Saturn in the constellation of Aquarius, potentially bringing more light to the end of winter. Additionally, we transition into the water sign of Cancer. This alignment, coupled with a descending moon and the time of year, makes it advantageous to sow leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and kale. As we sow seeds that require careful nurturing for healthy growth, let's also take the opportunity to extend kindness and support to those we encounter during our day.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 20

February 20
Today, there is a lightness in the atmosphere as the moon resides in Gemini and the sun in Aquarius, both signs associated with flowering. It's a favorable day to pick flowers, perhaps the first blooms of the year. Cut flowers will retain vitality longer if harvested today. Alongside this lightness, there is a profound sense of connection to the people, animals, plants, and landscapes around us. Let's consciously perceive these connections throughout our day.

Today, there is a lightness in the atmosphere as the moon resides in Gemini and the sun in Aquarius, both signs associated with flowering. It's a favorable day to pick flowers, perhaps the first blooms of the year. Cut flowers will retain vitality longer if harvested today. Alongside this lightness, there is a profound sense of connection to the people, animals, plants, and landscapes around us. Let's consciously perceive these connections throughout our day.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 19

February 19
Today, the moon begins its descent after reaching its zenith on the horizon, this rhythmic downward cycle will persist for the next two weeks. In biodynamic agriculture, this phase, akin to a "breathing out" process, is deemed optimal for tasks like planting and pruning. The moon's gravitational pull during this period fosters root growth and enhances sap flow. Furthermore, today, the moon transitions into the constellation of Gemini. This astrological shift is linked with flowering processes and is conducive to intellectual endeavors and social interactions.

Today, the moon begins its descent after reaching its zenith on the horizon, this rhythmic downward cycle will persist for the next two weeks. In biodynamic agriculture, this phase, akin to a "breathing out" process, is deemed optimal for tasks like planting and pruning. The moon's gravitational pull during this period fosters root growth and enhances sap flow. Furthermore, today, the moon transitions into the constellation of Gemini. This astrological shift is linked with flowering processes and is conducive to intellectual endeavors and social interactions.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 17

February 17
Let's find a moment in the day to go for a walk and observe the trees around us. As we gaze at trees, let's visualize their roots penetrating through the ground, anchoring the tree firmly. Imagine the roots navigating around rocks, searching for nourishment to send up through the branches. It is this idea of being grounded and centered that we should carry forth with us today, as the attributes of Taurus hold the moon's attention.

Let's find a moment in the day to go for a walk and observe the trees around us. As we gaze at trees, let's visualize their roots penetrating through the ground, anchoring the tree firmly. Imagine the roots navigating around rocks, searching for nourishment to send up through the branches. It is this idea of being grounded and centered that we should carry forth with us today, as the attributes of Taurus hold the moon's attention.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 16

February 16
Today, the moon moves from the constellation of Aries into Taurus, transitioning from a fiery sign to a more earthly one. The sun, theatrically, moves through the cosmic stage, transitioning from Capricorn into Aquarius. As the moon ascends higher on the horizon, it symbolizes a deep breath for the earth. Today is a favorable time to cultivate our soil or to take any last rose cuttings for propagation.

Today, the moon moves from the constellation of Aries into Taurus, transitioning from a fiery sign to a more earthly one. The sun, theatrically, moves through the cosmic stage, transitioning from Capricorn into Aquarius. As the moon ascends higher on the horizon, it symbolizes a deep breath for the earth. Today is a favorable time to cultivate our soil or to take any last rose cuttings for propagation.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

February 15

February 15
As the days lengthen between winter's end and spring's arrival, let's immerse ourselves in the energy of renewal. We can observe new plants breaking through the surface of the soil to greet the sun. Today, with the moon in the constellation of Aries, opportunities abound. Let's determine what we'll cultivate this spring and gather our seeds. Today heralds a fresh beginning for those willing to embrace a new path.

As the days lengthen between winter's end and spring's arrival, let's immerse ourselves in the energy of renewal. We can observe new plants breaking through the surface of the soil to greet the sun. Today, with the moon in the constellation of Aries, opportunities abound. Let's determine what we'll cultivate this spring and gather our seeds. Today heralds a fresh beginning for those willing to embrace a new path.

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