Wednesday 18th December

Wednesday 18th December
The Moon rises in the constellation of Cancer, having departed from Gemini, thus transitioning from the element of Air to the element of Water. Cancer is known for its nurturing qualities, which are mediated by the Moon and brought down to Earth. This makes it a wonderful day to connect with friends and family as we approach Christmas. In the evening sky, we observe the Moon passing over the planet Mars from Earth's perspective, creating an occultation. This celestial event blends the caring forces of Cancer with the energy and action embodied by Mars.

Tuesday 17th December

Tuesday 17th December
The Moon continues its passage through the constellation of Gemini, sparking our intellectual curiosity. Today, we are presented with many thoughts—some fleeting, others lingering. Let us take this opportunity to discern our thoughts, pursue our ideas with research, and deepen our understanding of the concepts that intrigue us. In the garden, now in its winter slumber, nature awaits the winter solstice. Beneath the guise of outward decay, it manifests inwardly, preparing for renewal.

Monday 16th December

Monday 16th December
The Moon rises in the constellation of Gemini, radiating light and a sense of curiosity. Following the glorious Full Moon, it now begins its journey toward the New Moon, starting to wane slightly—a process that can be likened to a gentle exhalation. By observing these rhythms in the Earth and cosmos, we may find them mirrored within ourselves. In the field of biodynamics, there remains much to explore and experience. Practically, biodynamics yields the most nutritious food while fostering care for the Earth and its people. When studied deeply, it offers profound insights into the three great questions: Where did I come from? Why am I here? And where am I going?

Sunday 15th December

Sunday 15th December
The joy sparked by yesterday's conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter continues to resonate as we celebrate the third Advent Sunday before Christmas, a day imbued with the spirit of joy. Adding to this celestial harmony, the Full Moon in Taurus graces us with its grounding energy, inviting self-acceptance and inner peace. This cosmic moment is further marked by a shift in the Moon's sidereal rhythm, perfectly timed with its synodic phase change. Having reached its zenith, the Moon now begins its gentle descent, a cycle that will unfold over the next two weeks. This descending rhythm offers an ideal window for connecting with the soil—perfect for transplanting and nurturing the earth as we align with these celestial movements.

Saturday 14th December

Saturday 14th December
The Moon conjuncts with Jupiter in the constellation of Taurus, radiating joy down to the Earth and amplifying the cheerfulness of the season. We are just one week away from the winter solstice, yet even in these depths of darkness, we find encouragement to bring joy and light into ourselves and the world around us. This is a testament to the character of the human being and our innate capacity to move towards the light. Like the plant, we exist in a space between the earthly and the cosmic. Yet, unlike the plant rooted in soil, we are not bound to the Earth. One day, we shall rise fully toward the light, free from the temptations of the earthly realm.

Friday 13th December

Friday 13th December
Today, we transition from the fructifying forces of Aries to the grounding forces of the Moon in Taurus. In a biodynamic garden, great care is taken to generate as much fertility as possible within the boundaries of the garden itself. Composting serves as the garden's digestive system and is often placed proudly at its heart—a place of miracles where seemingly lifeless materials are transformed and reborn. This compost is then spread across the land to nourish it. With the Moon in Taurus, today is an ideal time to spread compost on your beds. The grounding forces of Taurus, combined with the activity of worms, will help carry the rich nutrients deep into the soil.

Thursday 12th December

Thursday 12th December
The Moon rises in the constellation of Aries, heralding a rebirth of energy and assertiveness. From another lunar perspective, we also arrive at Perigee, the Moon's closest position to the Earth, which adversely amplifies plant growth. Ideally, garden work should be avoided today. Instead, consider pursuing creative activities inspired by the fiery energy of Aries. For thousands of years, humanity has connected with the three kingdoms of nature through ancient crafts such as feltmaking, weaving, leatherwork, basket making, stone carving, pottery, forging, and glasswork. These crafts allow us to create items of service, transforming natural materials and, in turn, the maker.

Wednesday 11th December

Wednesday 11th December
Biodynamics is a method of agriculture that predates the organic movement. It aims to produce the most nutritionally vital food through a sensitive understanding of the intricate relationship between the Earth and the cosmos. Rooted in sound agricultural and horticultural practices that nurture the soil without the use of chemicals or synthetic fertilisers, biodynamics builds on this foundation to enhance the living forces within our food. By working with cosmic rhythms, using biodynamic preparations, and treating the farm or garden as a self-contained entity, it seeks to generate as much fertility as possible within its own boundaries. This holistic approach fosters a deeper relationship with the land, bringing it into greater harmony and beauty.

Tuesday 10th December

Tuesday 10th December
The Moon rises in the constellation of Pisces, the last of the twelve signs of the zodiac. It is a nostalgic moment, worthy of reflection. We can recount the light of Aquarius from only a few days ago and look forward to the warmth to come in the days ahead as the Moon moves into Aries. Today, in Pisces, we may feel at our most sensitive as we engage with the world, looking beyond to other dimensions and finding deeper spiritual connections. In our reflections, let us remember that there is a time for everything and that life unfolds in its own rhythm.

Monday 9th December

Monday 9th December
Twice a month, the Moon and the Sun cross paths as part of the Moon's rhythmic polarity, shifting between ascending and descending. Today, the ascending Moon creates an ascending node. In biodynamic agriculture, it is understood that nodes can adversely affect many aspects of gardening work and even our mood. During this time, it is beneficial to turn our energies towards creative endeavours. While the Moon is in Pisces, we are less affected by the node compared to animals and plants. However, by embracing our creativity, we can shine with joy and counter the negative effects the node may bring.

Saturday 7th December

Saturday 7th December
The Moon rises in the constellation of Capricorn before quickly transitioning into Aquarius. As we prepare for Christmas, today is an ideal time to cut Christmas trees. Similar to flowers harvested under the Moon in Aquarius, they are likely to retain their fragrance better when cut during this phase. With friends and family, we can decorate our Christmas tree together, crafting a symbol of light in our homes and hearts.

Friday 6th December

Friday 6th December
In the cosmic theatre, we witness the complementary planets Mars and Venus both shifting their rhythms today. Venus transitions from the goal-oriented Sagittarius to join the Moon in the ambitious sign of Capricorn. Meanwhile, Mars moves into retrograde, appearing to change direction when viewed from Earth. Mars in retrograde can lead to internalised frustrations, making it important to find healthy ways to express ourselves and prevent the build-up of resentment. The balancing forces of Venus can help temper Mars's shift, encouraging harmony and grounding during this cosmic realignment.

Thursday 5th December

Thursday 5th December
As the moon transitions into the constellation of Capricorn, it brings ambition grounded in discipline—perfect for practical tasks. This is an ideal time in the garden for pruning trees, creating woodchips, and repurposing them. Use the woodchips to form natural paths, as mulch to enrich the soil, or as compost material, working in harmony with nature’s rhythms to nurture your garden.

Sunday 1st December

Sunday 1st December
Today marks the beginning of Advent, as Christians observe the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit: the first represents hope, the second peace, the third joy, and the fourth love.Many traditions celebrate this time with a n Advent spiral, where people gather to walk to the centre of a spiral and light a candle. The candle is then placed within the spiral, symbolising how a single light can illuminate the entire world. Walking the spiral in darkness and then standing together in a room aglow with candlelight fosters a sense of unity and wonder.

Saturday 30th November

Saturday 30th November
Today, the moon navigates into Scorpio after a brief stay in Libra. This shift brings a flowing intensity, like a fast-moving river. We have the choice to either be carried by the current or swim upstream. In the garden, this is a good time to propagate herbs for the next season or transplant outdoor herbs into pots to bring them indoors, extending their life through the winter. Consider introducing new hedges or bushes to your garden. These provide beautiful bird habitats and help create segmented spaces, adding structure and charm to your outdoor areas.

Friday 29th November

Friday 29th November
The moon, on its journey around the Earth within our beautiful solar system, appears to move from the constellation of Virgo to Libra from our Earth-centric perspective. This transition brings a renewal of light to our days. As the darker months unfold, it’s important to keep the presence of light with us. Lighting a candle can imbue our evenings with a sense of warmth and soulfulness. Meanwhile, Christmas and festive lights begin to adorn our neighbourhoods, expressing our inner light outwardly to the world as we journey toward the Christmas miracle.

Thursday 28th November

Thursday 28th November
The moon deepens in the constellation of Virgo, bringing a grounding influence into the day. Embrace the garden; it’s an excellent time to dig over vegetable beds in preparation for winter. Most weeds can be composted, especially nutrient-rich ones like comfrey and stinging nettles, which invigorate the compost pile when added fresh to its centre. However, more persistent weeds should be kept out of the compost. Ideally, these are burned, and the ashes are then spread over the soil to help suppress their presence in the future.

Wednesday 27th November

Wednesday 27th November
Today, the Moon rises in Virgo, making it a day well-suited for practical pursuits. We can harness this energy to prepare the garden for winter. This might include cutting back hedges, clearing decaying growth, and storing tools that won’t be needed during the colder months. Interestingly, the Sun forms a trine with Mars, as they align 120 degrees apart in the zodiac, both in water signs. This celestial harmony translates to the garden, creating an ideal time to work with plants. Consider propagating herbs or harvesting Brussels sprouts, spinach, and any remaining salads.

Tuesday 26th November

Tuesday 26th November
As the Moon reaches apogee, its furthest point from Earth, it creates an intensification of light. Although appearing smaller, the Moon still reflects the Sun's light down to Earth. In biodynamics, this makes the day particularly suited to working with flowers. However, the Moon’s current position in Virgo, which typically favours work with roots, adds another layer of influence.
Let us embrace the light and grounding energy of this unique day, finding harmony between these two forces to guide our activities in the garden.

Monday 25th November

Monday 25th November
As the new week begins, we return to an earthly state of being with the Moon transitioning into Virgo. This phase is ideal for tending to root vegetables in the garden, such as carrots and potatoes. It’s also an excellent time to work the soil by turning it or preparing it for a winter crop or cover crop. During this period, the Moon’s forces can penetrate the soil, enhancing its living activity. Virgo invites us to focus on the details in our gardens. Take a moment to walk around and observe with fresh eyes. What tasks and activities seem most important to address in your garden today?