Dark moon shifting into New, time for planting seeds n making tinctures....

As we move towards dark moon, the shadow aspects this phase of the moon can bring forth are being felt in the collective, and for many of us on an individual basis. However, this is also the time for introspection and reassessment, dreaming up in the void. I've heard it said 'the Earth has had enough, and is sending us to our rooms to think it all over'.

This drawing epitomises where my focus has returned to over the last couple of weeks, and I'm not alone in this. I was inspired to draw it spending time with a lovely earth friend woman. With people's awareness turning to how food is sourced and transported, nursery's are having trouble keeping up, online seed companies have had to close their doors, and baby chickens are rare as hens teeth (pun intended, if somewhat bad taste). So, after an obsessive plant echo / ecodye phase, my garden called me back for some quality time spent together. This is one of the potential areas of awakening I see through the chaos, listening to, reconnecting with and hearing green folks, as sentient beings, also as both food and medicine...

In the dark of the womb we begin, as do these wee Capsicums, within the cauldron of the soil. Dark moon on into the first 2 weeks of the waxing moon, the Earth is exhaling, releasing moisture and nutrients to be absorbed. Time for planting annual seeds and seedlings, especially of which the foliage is the desired part of the plant. Creation births in darkness, followed by light, or as in seedlings case reaching for the light!

This is also when I begin tinctures of above ground parts, to be later decanted, all the funkier if on the full moon. I was keen to jar up Yarrow tincture and Elderberry Elixir, being the way things are, stocks were low. Juliette de Bairacli Levy speaks of Yarrow used in treating pneumonia, pleurisy, inflamed throat and it's my instinct that Ive always worked with Achillea millefolium to keep such greeblies at bay. Technical term of course. You can see my wordology comes from my own experience and thus take it at your discretion please....

Having said these things about timings, I use my inner guidance n compass, and if there's a patch of Dandelions I am hoping to make Medicine from whilst making space for seedlings going in, I'll do so. Ones garden (indeedy life) is a microcosm of the macrocosm, the more time spent tending and simply being with her spaces in intentional respect, the more likely we are to freakily find ourselves aligned with timings, such as lunar cycles. As within, so without. As above, so below.

Seasonal differences are a whole nother layer. Here in the Subtropics Summer's heat is as to furthur Souths frosts n cold snaps. This is primo gardeningk time in our region, n ain't that sweet! We are out of drought, and the Dandelions show it. Wild greens are an excellent indicator of soil quality, so bless em weeds, eat n medicine make wiv em'. I remember the first wee Dandelion that self seeded here, I was stoked! Look to native trees as indicators. Although climate change, oh sorry am I a fool not in denial, has messed with the seasons and rainfall. I watched the drought take native Scribbly gums whose leaves with whom I had dyed skirts n shirts with a few months earlier,  but I digress. Now said same are resiliently sending out shoots, new growth and gum nuts appearing!

As the moon cycles round her ways, the Scribbly gums sprout new leaves, let us hope that when this passes, some of the awakenings of this time remain with us. The enjoyment of simple pleasures, small freedoms and gratitudes.....

Blessings and good vibes....