“Signs” are associated with an Element: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. It is thought that the Sun and Moon take on the quality of the sign it is in at the time. The sign is either fertile or barren. This helps us plan planting, pruning, eliminating pests and so forth.

The Earth signs are good for planting root crops or perennials. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are Earth signs and are cool and dry.

The Air signs are barren. Gemini, Libra, Aquarius. Hot and moist describe the air signs. Although barren, Libra is good for planting flowers. Herbs will do well planted in Gemini. Hybrids do well planted in Aquarius.

The Water signs are the most fertile. Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio are the three water signs and are cool and moist. These are best for planting leafy crops.

The Fire signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are barren. Leo is the most barren of all. The time of these signs are good for weeding and destroying pests. You may also plant crops grown FOR seeds.

Cycles

Solar Cycle: Annuals are like the Sun that passes the Zodiac in one year. These herbs show a character towards the Sun. They are  usually large, yellow or orange and are orbicular shaped, radiating with an aromatic odor. They always turn towards the Sun. Sunflower, marigold and saffron are examples of annuals.

Lunar Cycle: Herbs that show a monthly periodicity and Moon shapes. Large juicy leaves and some are found growing in water such as watercress. The flowers are white or pale yellow. Fruits are large and watery. Examples are watermelons, pumpkin and gourds.

Mercury Cycle: Mercury has a three month cycle through the Zodiac. Its herbs have fine or highly divided leaves or stems. They have an airy nature like grasses, a subtle odor and are high in mineral and vitamin content. Anise and parsley are examples.

Venus Cycle: Venus moves through the Zodiac in 9 months and its herbs have beautiful pink or white flowers. They have a pleasant odor, smooth green leaves and may have fruits. Gardenia is an example of a Venus Plant.

Mars Cycle: Mars passes through the Zodiac every 2 years and this sign was formally used for biennials. Mars plants have thorns, prickles and spines. They grow in harsh dry areas and have a pungent or stimulating odor and usually have a cornical root. Raspberry, red pepper and beets are examples.

Jupiter Cycle: It takes Jupiter 12 years to pass through the Zodiac and this is how long perennials live. These plants are large, edible and nutritous. They have a pleasant odor. Examples are grapes, acorns, figs and olives.

Saturn Cycle: It takes 30 years for Saturn to make its way through the Zodiac. Woody perennials often live 30 years or longer. These plants show and annual ring, are grey or dill colored in foliage or bark and have an unpleasant odor or taste. Some may be poisonous.

Uranus Cycle: Hybrids, plants that can be transplanted.

Neptune Cycle: Plants that grow underwater. Seaweed, water mosses and fungi.

Pluto Cycle: Evergreen Trees, weeds, drug yielding plants and poisonous plants. Mosses, Cedar Trees, Palm Trees and marsh plants are examples.

A planet rules each sign of the Zodiac and they are:

Aries: Mars

Taurus: Venus

Gemini: Mercury

Cancer: Moon

Leo: Sun

Virgo: Mercury

Libra: Venus

Scorpio: Pluto

Sagittarius: Jupiter

Capricorn: Saturn

Aquarius: Uranus

Pisces: Neptune

Each of the 12 signs are represented in the human anatomy:

Aries: Head and Face

Taurus: Neck, Larynx and Throat

Gemini: Arms, Lungs, Shoulders and Nervous System

Cancer: Stomach and Chest

Leo: Spine, Back and Heart

Virgo: Bowels and Fingers

Libra: Loins, Kidneys, Lumbar  and Skin

Scorpio: Genitals, Lower Bowels and Urinary Organs

Sagittarius: Thighs, Buttocks and Hips

Capricorn: Knees and Bones

Aquarius: Legs and Ankles

Pisces: Feet, Lymphatic and Fluids