Matt Prater Matt Prater

Saturday 20th April 2024

Saturday 20th April 2024
Today, the moon reaches apogee, meaning that its orbit has taken it as far from Earth as it travels. At apogee, the moon is further away, and its brightness intensifies, making it a favorable time to tend to flowers. However, this is overruled by the planet Mercury as it crosses the elliptical plane of the Earth and the Sun; today is a descending node, but it also has an ascending node during each orbit it makes around the Sun due to its elliptical path. We can make the most of the warm quality of Leo, as we will soon return to the early qualities of Libra. 

Saturday 20th April 2024
Today, the moon reaches apogee, meaning that its orbit has taken it as far from Earth as it travels. At apogee, the moon is further away, and its brightness intensifies, making it a favorable time to tend to flowers. However, this is overruled by the planet Mercury as it crosses the elliptical plane of the Earth and the Sun; today is a descending node, but it also has an ascending node during each orbit it makes around the Sun due to its elliptical path. We can make the most of the warm quality of Leo, as we will soon return to the early qualities of Libra. 

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Friday 19th April 2024

Friday 19th April 2024
Today, the sun transitions from the constellation of Pisces to Gemini. From Earth's perspective, the sun traverses through a zodiac sign approximately every 30 days. As the Sun exits Pisces, Mars enters it. Mars in Pisces is associated with unconventional approaches, and its entrance, simultaneous with the sun's departure, makes a statement. Meanwhile, the moon continues its journey through the constellation of Leo; however, unfavorable conditions for gardening work prevail as Mercury crosses the ecliptic plane, known as a descending node, creating a disruption in the cosmic rhythm.  Embrace Leo's energy and unleash your creativity; why not dare to be bold and try something new?

Friday 19th April 2024
Today, the sun transitions from the constellation of Pisces to Gemini. From Earth's perspective, the sun traverses through a zodiac sign approximately every 30 days. As the Sun exits Pisces, Mars enters it. Mars in Pisces is associated with unconventional approaches, and its entrance, simultaneous with the sun's departure, makes a statement. Meanwhile, the moon continues its journey through the constellation of Leo; however, unfavorable  conditions for gardening work prevail as Mercury crosses the ecliptic plane, known as a descending node, creating a disruption in the cosmic rhythm.  Embrace Leo's energy and unleash your creativity; why not dare to be bold and try something new?

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Tetragrammaton Tetragrammaton

Thursday 18th April 2024

Thursday 18th April 2024
As we journey deeper into the constellation of Leo, we enter a phase ripe for creativity and self-expression. Biodynamics employs the concept of fourfoldness to offer us a new perspective on the world and how life develops. In plants, these aspects are roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Similarly, plant development mirrors cosmic and human processes. Initially, plants grow roots, followed by leaves, then flowers, and finally fruits. This progression symbolizes a transition from the earthly realm to water, then air, culminating in fire. This fiery element, associated with Leo, represents the pinnacle where, much like a plant's development, human self-expression can fully blossom and be realized.

Thursday 18th April 2024
As we journey deeper into the constellation of Leo, we enter a phase ripe for creativity and self-expression. Biodynamics employs the concept of  fourfoldness to offer us a new perspective on the world and how life develops. In plants, these aspects are roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Similarly, plant development mirrors cosmic and human processes. Initially, plants grow roots, followed by leaves, then flowers, and finally fruits. This progression symbolizes a transition from the earthly realm to water, then air, culminating in fire. This fiery element, associated with Leo, represents the pinnacle where, much like a plant's development, human self-expression can  fully blossom and be realized.

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Tetragrammaton Tetragrammaton

Wednesday 17th April 2024

Wednesday 17th April 2024
Today, the moon moves beyond the threshold of Cancer, entering the warmth of Leo. This is an excellent time to transplant some of those vegetables that have been patiently waiting in the greenhouse and are now  ready to thrive in outdoor conditions. You can sow beans, tomatoes, and  peas, which benefit from enhanced development due to the moon's current  position. When sowing seeds, hold them in your hand and visualize how a seed is like a tiny plant nestled within, poised to unfurl its roots downward and send its first stem and leaves reaching out to the cosmos. Each seed contains a multitude, and within each seed lies boundless potential.

Wednesday 17th April 2024
Today, the moon moves beyond the threshold of Cancer, entering the warmth of Leo. This is an excellent time to transplant some of those vegetables that have been patiently waiting in the greenhouse and are now  ready to thrive in outdoor conditions. You can sow beans, tomatoes, and  peas, which benefit from enhanced development due to the moon's current  position. When sowing seeds, hold them in your hand and visualize how a seed is like a tiny plant nestled within, poised to unfurl its roots downward and send its first stem and leaves reaching out to the cosmos. Each seed contains a multitude, and within each seed lies boundless potential.

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Tetragrammaton Tetragrammaton

Tuesday 16th April 2024

Tuesday 16th April 2024
Today, the moon moves into the zodiac sign of Cancer, bringing an ethereal waterlike quality to the day. This makes it an ideal time for sowing leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables from the cabbage family. There is a strong indication that today will be an emotional day—these traits are characteristic of Cancer and are reinforced by the moon's opposition to Pluto, known to stir emotions. Engaging in gardening and spending time in nature can be a therapeutic practice; as you nurture your plants, they nurture you.

Tuesday 16th April 2024
Today, the moon moves into the zodiac sign of Cancer, bringing an ethereal waterlike quality to the day. This makes it an ideal time for sowing leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables from the cabbage family. There is a strong indication that today will be an emotional day—these traits are characteristic of Cancer and are reinforced by the moon's opposition to Pluto, known to stir emotions. Engaging in gardening and spending time in nature can be a therapeutic practice; as you nurture your plants, they nurture you.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Monday 15th April 2024

Monday 15th April 2024
The moon waxes to its first quarter, marking an important time for decision making. During the waxing phase, the moon appears to grow larger on the  right side, and when it wanes, it seems to shrink from the right side. When observed from the southern hemisphere, the directions of growth and  shrinkage are reversed. We only ever see the same side of the moon because it spins on its axis at the same rate as it moves around the Earth;  this phenomenon is known as tidal locking. Given the moon's current  position in Gemini and the time of year, it's an ideal time to plant some flowers. They will benefit from the moon's energies and the resonating  influence of light emanating from the fixed stars of Gemini.

Monday 15th April 2024 
The moon waxes to its first quarter, marking an important time for decision making. During the waxing phase, the moon appears to grow larger on the  right side, and when it wanes, it seems to shrink from the right side. When observed from the southern hemisphere, the directions of growth and  shrinkage are reversed. We only ever see the same side of the moon because it spins on its axis at the same rate as it moves around the Earth;  this phenomenon is known as tidal locking. Given the moon's current  position in Gemini and the time of year, it's an ideal time to plant some flowers. They will benefit from the moon's energies and the resonating  influence of light emanating from the fixed stars of Gemini.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Sunday 14th April 2024

Sunday 14th April 2024
The moon is moving deeper into the constellation of Gemini, infusing a sense of positivity and a leaning toward intellectual pursuits. It's an auspicious time to care for flowers and gather their harvest. In the mornings, consider collecting Dandelion flower heads that haven't fully opened. These can be dried and later enclosed and buried to develop into one of the six biodynamic compost preparations. Dandelion, alongside five other transformed medicinal plants, is then meticulously added to a compost heap to rejuvenate it. Each plant possesses unique properties, yet when combined, they contribute to balance and synergize harmoniously on the compost pile, akin to a cosmic symphony echoing through decomposing matter, brimming with life and potential.

Sunday 14th April 2024
The moon is moving deeper into the constellation of Gemini, infusing a sense of positivity and a leaning toward intellectual pursuits. It's an auspicious time to care for flowers and gather their harvest. In the mornings, consider collecting Dandelion flower heads that haven't fully opened. These can be  dried and later enclosed and buried to develop into one of the six biodynamic compost preparations. Dandelion, alongside five other transformed medicinal plants, is then meticulously added to a compost heap to rejuvenate it. Each plant possesses unique properties, yet when  combined, they contribute to balance and synergize harmoniously on the compost pile, akin to a cosmic symphony echoing through decomposing  matter, brimming with life and potential.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Saturday 13th April 2024

Saturday 13th April 2024
Today, the moon reaches its zenith and begins its descent in its sidereal  rhythm, passing through the zodiac. This rhythm differs from the synodic  rhythm of the moon, which gives us the different phases of the moon. Both  rhythms are incorporated into biodynamics. It is the sidereal rhythm that  indicates the best time for planting, as the moon is either ascending or  descending. Today, it begins its descent having reached its highest point.  This means that sap will flow slower, and roots will develop quicker, making it  an ideal time for transplanting. As the moon is in the constellation of Gemini,  it is a perfect time for transplanting flowers into the garden.

Saturday 13th April 2024
Today, the moon reaches its zenith and begins its descent in its sidereal rhythm, passing through the zodiac. This rhythm differs from the synodic rhythm of the moon, which gives us the different phases of the moon. Both rhythms are incorporated into biodynamics. It is the sidereal rhythm that indicates the best time for planting, as the moon is either ascending or descending. Today, it begins its descent having reached its highest point. This means that sap will flow slower, and roots will develop quicker, making it  an ideal time for transplanting. As the moon is in the constellation of Gemini, it is a perfect time for transplanting flowers into the garden.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Friday 12th April 2024

Friday 12th April 2024
Today we delve deeper into the constellation of Taurus. In biodynamics, nine  preparations are considered holistic medicines for the land and plants. These  practices are rooted in Rudolf Steiner's idea that we should return to the  earth the forces we extract through cultivation. One such preparation is the  Cow Horn Manure, which serves as an inoculator for fostering healthy soils.  It involves burying cow manure in a cow horn over the winter and sealing it  with clay. After transformation, this substance is stirred in water and sprayed  on the land to enhance soil vitality. Ideally, this preparation is applied on a  day like today when the moon is descending, particularly in an earth sign  such as Taurus.

Friday 12th April 2024
Today we delve deeper into the constellation of Taurus. In biodynamics, nine  preparations are considered holistic medicines for the land and plants. These practices are rooted in Rudolf Steiner's idea that we should return to the earth the forces we extract through cultivation. One such preparation is the Cow Horn Manure, which serves as an inoculator for fostering healthy soils. It involves burying cow manure in a cow horn over the winter and sealing it with clay. After transformation, this substance is stirred in water and sprayed on the land to enhance soil vitality. Ideally, this preparation is applied on a  day like today when the moon is descending, particularly in an earth sign  such as Taurus.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Thursday 11th April 2024

Thursday 11th April 2024
The moon moves from assertive Aries to the grounded constellation of Taurus, symbolically transitioning from the Ram to the Bull. It's an ideal time to tend to your root crops in the garden, diligently monitoring for pests, and considering thinning out your seedlings if necessary. Today offers an opportunity for practical undertakings and strategic planning, leveraging the stability associated with Taurus.

Thursday 11th April 2024
The moon moves from assertive Aries to the grounded constellation of Taurus, symbolically transitioning from the Ram to the Bull. It's an ideal time to tend to your root crops in the garden, diligently monitoring for pests, and considering thinning out your seedlings if necessary. Today offers an opportunity for practical undertakings and strategic planning, leveraging the stability associated with Taurus.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Wednesday 10th April 2024

Wednesday 10th April 2024
Today, the moon rises in Aries, marking a fruit day according to biodynamic  research. It's an ideal time to tend to your fruit plants, including fruit trees, as  well as tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables that produce fruits. The  moon conjuncts with Jupiter, bringing a sense of joy. You'll easily spot  Jupiter just below the moon with the naked eye. Jupiter, fascinatingly,  completes a journey through the zodiac every 361 days, closely aligned with  Earth's orbit around the sun. Many ancient calendars followed a golden year  of 360 days, mirroring Jupiter's orbit even more closely. Every 12 years,  Jupiter completes a full orbit around the sun, passing through all 12  constellations of the zodiac.

Wednesday 10th April 2024
Today, the moon rises in Aries, marking a fruit day according to biodynamic research. It's an ideal time to tend to your fruit plants, including fruit trees, as well as tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables that produce fruits. The moon conjuncts with Jupiter, bringing a sense of joy. You'll easily spot Jupiter just below the moon with the naked eye. Jupiter, fascinatingly, completes a journey through the zodiac every 361 days, closely aligned with Earth's orbit around the sun. Many ancient calendars followed a golden year of 360 days, mirroring Jupiter's orbit even more closely. Every 12 years,  Jupiter completes a full orbit around the sun, passing through all 12 constellations of the zodiac.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Tuesday 9th April 2024

Tuesday 9th April 2024
The moon transitions to the constellation of Aries, a bold fire sign, bringing a  new sense of energy. This is fitting following yesterday's solar eclipse. Now,  the new moon begins to wax, bringing the slightest illumination. This is a  new beginning in the lunar rhythm, and a time for development and  expansion. It's an ideal time to graft fruiting shrubs, as the sap moves  upwards during the ascending moon rhythm, which helps promote bonding  when grafting.

Tuesday 9th April 2024
The moon transitions to the constellation of Aries, a bold fire sign, bringing a  new sense of energy. This is fitting following yesterday's solar eclipse. Now, the new moon begins to wax, bringing the slightest illumination. This is a  new beginning in the lunar rhythm, and a time for development and expansion. It's an ideal time to graft fruiting shrubs, as the sap moves upwards during the ascending moon rhythm, which helps promote bonding  when grafting.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Monday 8th April 2024

Monday 8th April 2024
Today, we witness the phenomenon of a solar eclipse as the moon moves  between the Earth and the sun. For many of us, it will appear as if the moon  takes a bite out of the sun, while others may experience a total solar eclipse,  shrouding the day in darkness. A solar eclipse creates an unfavorable time  for sowing seeds and cultivating the soil, as the intricate rhythm of the  cosmos today brings a beautiful interruption—a spectacle to be marveled at,  reinforcing our connection to the cosmic in our deeply earthly lives.

Monday 8th April 2024
Today, we witness the phenomenon of a solar eclipse as the moon moves between the Earth and the sun. For many of us, it will appear as if the moon  takes a bite out of the sun, while others may experience a total solar eclipse, shrouding the day in darkness. A solar eclipse creates an unfavorable time for sowing seeds and cultivating the soil, as the intricate rhythm of the cosmos today brings a beautiful interruption—a spectacle to be marveled at, reinforcing our connection to the cosmic in our deeply earthly lives.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Sunday 7th April 2024

Sunday 7th April 2024
Today, as the moon ascends in Pisces, it infuses your day with a sense of  fluidity, making it ideal for exploring your creativity and immersing yourself in  artistic pursuits. The moon continues its waning journey towards the  approaching new moon. At this juncture, it reaches perigee, its closest orbit  to the Earth, which creates an unfavorable time for garden work, leaving  ample space for your creative pursuits. Despite only a mere sliver being  visible, its proximity at perigee will render it larger than usual.

Sunday 7th April 2024
Today, as the moon ascends in Pisces, it infuses your day with a sense of  fluidity, making it ideal for exploring your creativity and immersing yourself in  artistic pursuits. The moon continues its waning journey towards the  approaching new moon. At this juncture, it reaches perigee, its closest orbit  to the Earth, which creates an unfavorable time for garden work, leaving  ample space for your creative pursuits. Despite only a mere sliver being  visible, its proximity at perigee will render it larger than usual.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Saturday 6th April 2024

Saturday 6th April 2024
Today, the moon continues its descent into the constellation of Aquarius.  Although known as the water bearer, Aquarius is an air sign. In Biodynamics,  earth signs correspond to the roots, water signs to the leaves, air signs to  the flowers, and fire signs to the fruit and the seed. It's an ideal day to tend  to the flowers in our garden and appreciate the diversity and intensity of  colors. By observing and painting flowers, we can develop our observational  skills and notice the subtleties and range of colors within a single petal,  which our brains often perceive as a single hue.

Saturday 6th April 2024
Today, the moon continues its descent into the constellation of Aquarius.  Although known as the water bearer, Aquarius is an air sign. In Biodynamics,  earth signs correspond to the roots, water signs to the leaves, air signs to  the flowers, and fire signs to the fruit and the seed. It's an ideal day to tend  to the flowers in our garden and appreciate the diversity and intensity of  colors. By observing and painting flowers, we can develop our observational  skills and notice the subtleties and range of colors within a single petal,  which our brains often perceive as a single hue.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Friday 5th April 2024

Friday 5th April 2024
The moon enters the constellation of Aquarius today, presenting a wonderful  opportunity to nurture our relationships with others and strengthen our  communities. Flowers picked today will maintain their qualities for a longer  period. Perhaps, during our day, we may encounter some flowers that we  can pick and give to someone as a gesture of appreciation for their presence in our lives.

Friday 5th April 2024
The moon enters the constellation of Aquarius today, presenting a wonderful  opportunity to nurture our relationships with others and strengthen our  communities. Flowers picked today will maintain their qualities for a longer  period. Perhaps, during our day, we may encounter some flowers that we  can pick and give to someone as a gesture of appreciation for their presence in our lives.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Thursday 4th April 2024

Thursday 4th April 2024
Today, Mercury departs from the night sky, leaving Jupiter still visible to the naked eye. Meanwhile, the moon ascends further into Capricorn, instilling a sense of ambition rooted in our grounded foundation. This invites us to set realistic goals that can benefit both our careers and our lives. The soil beckons us to dig; we can shape our vegetable beds, allowing them to aerate and increase microbial life. By consciously building a relationship with our unique soil type, we can gain insights into the appropriate cultivation methods—whether to dig deeply or simply lightly hoe the surface.

Thursday 4th April 2024
Today, Mercury departs from the night sky, leaving Jupiter still visible to the  naked eye. Meanwhile, the moon ascends further into Capricorn, instilling a  sense of ambition rooted in our grounded foundation. This invites us to set realistic goals that can benefit both our careers and our lives. The soil  beckons us to dig; we can shape our vegetable beds, allowing them to  aerate and increase microbial life. By consciously building a relationship with  our unique soil type, we can gain insights into the appropriate cultivation  methods—whether to dig deeply or simply lightly hoe the surface. 

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Wednesday 3rd April 2024

Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Gravity meets us as we move from Sagittarius to the earthly realm of  Capricorn. Today calls for strategic reflection, focusing on our long-term  aspirations while tending to earthy vegetables like carrots or potatoes. It's an  ideal time to nurture our soil, promoting moisture release and preparing it for  future transplanting. In Biodynamics, soil holds profound significance as the  diaphragm of the earth, acting as a membrane with the capacity to breathe.  The distant planets—Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—play a role in shaping the  life forces and qualities beneath the soil, their influence mediated by the  presence of silica.

Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Gravity meets us as we move from Sagittarius to the earthly realm of  Capricorn. Today calls for strategic reflection, focusing on our long-term  aspirations while tending to earthy vegetables like carrots or potatoes. It's an  ideal time to nurture our soil, promoting moisture release and preparing it for  future transplanting. In Biodynamics, soil holds profound significance as the  diaphragm of the earth, acting as a membrane with the capacity to breathe.  The distant planets—Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—play a role in shaping the  life forces and qualities beneath the soil, their influence mediated by the  presence of silica.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Tuesday 2nd April 2024

Tuesday 2nd April 2024
The waxing half-moon invites exploration and expansion of horizons today,  as it aligns with the fixed stars of the archer. Additionally, in the evening sky,  Mercury and Jupiter are visible to the naked eye. It's worth noting that  Mercury is currently in retrograde, an illusion created by its faster orbit  alongside Earth's, which gives the impression of backward motion. This  phenomenon puzzled ancient Greek geocentric astronomer Ptolemy, who  devised elaborate planetary orbits with countless loops to explain  retrograde. However, the heliocentric model later provided a clearer  explanation, revealing retrograde as simply an optical illusion from the  perspective of Earth.

Tuesday 2nd April 2024 
The waxing half-moon invites exploration and expansion of horizons today,  as it aligns with the fixed stars of the archer. Additionally, in the evening sky,  Mercury and Jupiter are visible to the naked eye. It's worth noting that  Mercury is currently in retrograde, an illusion created by its faster orbit  alongside Earth's, which gives the impression of backward motion. This  phenomenon puzzled ancient Greek geocentric astronomer Ptolemy, who  devised elaborate planetary orbits with countless loops to explain  retrograde. However, the heliocentric model later provided a clearer  explanation, revealing retrograde as simply an optical illusion from the  perspective of Earth.

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Matt Prater Matt Prater

Monday 1st April 2024

Monday 1st April 2024
Today is a fruit day; allow your optimism to rise. The moon, residing in the  constellation of Sagittarius, has reached its lowest point on the horizon and  is poised to ascend along its sidereal rhythm. As the moon transitions from a  phase of inhalation to exhalation, the next two weeks in biodynamics are  deemed less favorable for sowing or transplanting. Amidst this cosmic shift,  today presents an ideal opportunity to take fruit tree cuttings and begin the  process of propagation, harnessing the ancient wisdom of the lunar cycle.

Monday 1st April 2024 
Today is a fruit day; allow your optimism to rise. The moon, residing in the  constellation of Sagittarius, has reached its lowest point on the horizon and  is poised to ascend along its sidereal rhythm. As the moon transitions from a  phase of inhalation to exhalation, the next two weeks in biodynamics are  deemed less favorable for sowing or transplanting. Amidst this cosmic shift,  today presents an ideal opportunity to take fruit tree cuttings and begin the  process of propagation, harnessing the ancient wisdom of the lunar cycle.

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