Appalachian Folkore: Granny Magick Written by Ginger Strivelli For hundreds of years, the Appalachian Granny Witches have taught that one should "go by the signs" for timing planting and harvesting, as well as for other activities. The 12 zodiac signs are divided into elements: fire, earth, air, and water; and body parts: head, neck, breast, bowels, loins, knees, feet, legs, thighs, kidneys, heart, and arms. These signs can be found in a copy of 'The Old Farmer's Almanac.' Aries is is a good time for breaking the earth, preparing the soil, and hunting. Beets and onions may be planted but refrain from planting or transplanting otherwise. When in Taurus, you may plant all above grounders(plants that have the crop growing above ground,) and below grounders (plants like potatoes, carrots, and such that have a below ground crop.) It is also a good time for fishing and hunting. When the sign is Gemini it is time for planting anything, and for canning or putting away food. Cancer is the best time for planting above grounders and below. Still good for canning, preserving, fishing, and hunting. When in Leo, thoughts should turn to folly. Courting, games and such, avoid any garden work, even weeding should be left undone. When the sign is Virgo it is "horse-trading" time. Now, that doesn't really mean the trading of horses. It means, any and all trading, bartering, and swapping of objects, services, and favors. (I have relatives who do this professionally.) When it turns to Libra, then you may plant above grounders and any plant that flowers, such as fruit trees and berry bushes. When in Scorpio, it is the best time to work on flower gardens, all other gardening is acceptable, as well as fishing and hunting. When in Sagittarius it is a good time for finding a new job. Horse-trading, canning, baking, preserving, and such. Do not transplant anything! (So it is a bad time to move!) During Capricorn it is ideal to work on your below grounders, but flowers and above ground crops can be tended as well. When in Aquarius, the signs are right for above grounders only! And the signs are best now for social gatherings, like APA meetings, ya'll! During Pisces you should transplant, and plant plants, trees, and shrubs. It is also the time to start babies on solid foods, (both human and animal babies,) and the right time to wean a baby from the breast. Moon Lore The most widely followed rule is the basic rule to plant above grounders during the waxing moon cycle, and to plnat below grounders during the waning moon. Alos it is perscribed to do all canning, harvesting, weeding, tree cutting, and soil preparing during the waning moon. All gardening should be avoided upon the day of the full moon, the day of the quarters, and of course, on the new moon. In fact, to be on the safe side, skip both the day before and the day after new moon. Forward to: Mountain Medicine | Back to Folklore | APA's Home Page |