Wildcrafting and Preparing Herbs by the Lunar Phases

The moon has always mystified mankind and, just like the sun, she sustains the balance of life. Embodied as the divine feminine, she nurtures the oceans and tends to the earth as we sleep in our beds. In honor of last night's full moon, I would like to share the importance of the moon and it's relation to wildcrafting herbs and medicinal plants. Herbs and plants can be harvested at any time; however, their potency and medicinal properties are furthur enhanced according to the lunar phases.

Although humanity claims to understand the moon through the accomplishments of modern science, I believe she is still quite a mystery that ought not be scrutinized so intently. It seems that everything in this day and age must be based upon factual evidence, disregarding all spiritual and transcendent importance. It is a flaw that continues to taint our intuitive knowledge of the natural world. As a child, I can remember regarding the moon as sacred; no one had endowed this awareness unto me, I just knew. Walking under the moonlight made me feel comforted and protected. Even now, as an adult, she possesses a magnificence that continues to confound me.

Similar to the tides of the ocean, the lunar phases also control the ebb and flow of energy within plants. This is very important for determining when to harvest a plant because it influences where the energy of the plant is focused: inwards (the roots) or outwards (the stems, leaves, and flowers). Since potency is usually desired when wildcrafting, understanding the energy distribution throughout the plant is invaluable.

When the moon is waxing (the stage between the new moon and the full moon), the gravitational force she exerts pulls away from the earth. This is usually when high tides occur and the oceans are pulled towards the moon. This is the perfect time for harvesting plant materials above the soil (leaves, stems, flowers). The energy of the plant is focused upward and therefore the potency of healing qualities within these specific aerial parts intensifies. This can also be applied to crystals and even tinctures! I usually leave my tinctures underneath the full moon just to encourage some added energy.

As oppose to the waxing moon, the waning moon (the stage between the full moon and the new moon) pushes energy down and inward. This means that the energy of the plant is pushed downwards and focused on the roots. It is ideal to wildcraft plant materials beneath the soil at this time as well as take down any dried/bundled herbs in preparation for storage, else their energy be lessened.

So, the basic idea is that the waxing moon encourages growth, whereas the waning moon spurs dormancy. The lunar phases should also be considered when preparing the herbs: for instance, if you were to prepare a tincture which detoxifies the body, you would want to do so during the waning moon to lessen or remove any detrimental toxins. In contrast, if you were to prepare an herbal tea that promotes clear skin, it would be best to concoct it during the waxing moon.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, wildcrafting herbs by lunar phase is not necessary, by any means. No matter the harvest, your herbs will serve you well, so long as you use them correctly. :) If anything, wildcrafting and preparing your herbal remedies by lunar phase will increase your appreciation for the natural world around you and its abundant wealth of medicine
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Blackberry Pickin's

Although the season is nearing its end for the wild blackberry, I managed to harvest some last minute sweetness. Nothing is more tempting than that of a ripened blackberry.

I may or may not have eaten half of what I picked (heh), but I do intend to bake some muffins from what I did gather.

Some rules of thumb when exploring the thorny depths of a blackberry bush:

1. Wear gloves. Unless you have a fondness for thorny fingers, I don't suggest you pick bear bare handed. Even if you are quite the berry thief, you shant get away without a few purple stained fingers. I would know. :)
2. Wear boots. Much of the same goes for your feet. Those bushes are quite affectionate and would love to tangle you in their vines, least you be willing enough. 
3. Don't wear knit clothing. As I attempted to gather berries in my knit sweater last season, it apparently had an affinity to catching the thorns, thus dragging me down to the pokey depths as I struggled to unlatch myself. It was quite the scene.
4. Don't harvest in one spot for too long. There are always more bushes and you wouldn't want to exhaust the lovely plant of its gifts.
5. Do have a few berries for yourself. But try to stick to the task at hand. It's quite tough, I must admit.
6. Lastly, gather with dignity and express your gratitude. I always bring a music box when gathering and sing a sweet song of thanks. 

Alas, that is all the advice I can give for now. Good-morrow!