MAKING WAVES WITH FENG SHUI
Right Place, Right Time
by Dennis Fairchild

Ah yes, summer’s here and the time is right for dancin’ in the streets. And for planting, weeding and mowing.

As this season marks my first flower garden in years, I dug through my library shelves and have been digging (literally) researching and applying much of the magic from the ancient Asian philosophy of Feng Shui (pronounced “fung schway” which says that everything around us impacts us) concerning Ma Nature’s green and red and blue and more.

A favorite title by UK FS expert Gill Hale is The Feng Shui Garden. Armed with hers and the trusty ole Llewellyn Moon Sign Book provides much you need to know. When your greens are planted has a deep effect on their well-being, as well as us, are influenced by cosmic influences. Moisture, temperature and sunlight are obvious, but the unseen vibes from the heavenly bodies also influence life on earth.

Ancient gardeners knew the benefits of planting at times which correspond to the natural rhythms of the universe. The Ch’i Min Yao Shu (Essential Techniques For The Pleasantry), dated BC 535, was based on the Moon’s cycle giving recommendations for the timing of crop planting. According to Ms Hale, Roman writers Cato and Varro wrote prolifically on the subject Pliny obtained his Moon planting info from the Druids and native American peoples and African tribes still use the lunar cycle for planting, as can you!

It’s an accepted scientific fact that the Moon exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth, which in turn affects the tides, right? Similarly, the same influence is exerted on all living things on the planet: humans, animals and plants (as all are largely composed of water). After the Full Moon (like July 10, August 9), the Moon wanes and pulls the H20 down into the earth and the sap downward in plants. It is therefore preferable to sow and plant those veggies and plants which are grown for their leaves-- cabbage, hostas and such -- and those which make the most of their growth above the ground like annual bedding plants during a waxing (growing) Moon.

Plants which are grown for their roots – like Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, beets and those which need to establish a secure, firm root system – like trees and shrubs-- should be planted after the Full Moon during a waning Moon. Check out your calendar or newspaper.

The Moon cycle is divided into four phases, each of which can directly influence the type of planting or gardening activity which takes place at that time of the lunar month. It is smart to avoid planting a day or two on either side of the Full and the New Moon since the former can introduce too much moisture and cause plants to rot and the latter, being a much drier time, tends to cause plants to become woody.

During the New Moon and seven days after, sow and plant annuals and leafy plants which produce seed outside the plant. During the waxing Moon for 7-15 days, it’s terrific for sowing and establishing leafy plants and annuals which produce seed inside the plant, including vines. During the Full Moon and the week after, sow and plant biannuals, root crops, bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees. This is also a great time to take cuttings. As the closing quarter of the Moon arrives, weed, mow and prune.

Sorry that this Feng Shui column is so short. Time to get back to the garden!

Dennis Fairchild is an author of many books on divination and contributing editor of the upcoming “Feng Shui Life” magazine. For information about a personal astrological, tarot of Feng Shui consult phone (248) 546-6912.