New Moon. This is the time of darkness, peace, and rest. It is a good time for quiet or solitary activities - reflection, dreaming, and inner creativity. It is the optimum moment for initiating new ventures, but not yet putting your energies into their outward manifestation. Spiritually, the new moon can bring any kind of new beginning. Planting should be avoided at this time.

Waxing Moon. This is the time of increasing moonlight. It is good for becoming more extrovert and having more outward vitality. Clarify your intentions, expectations, and goals, and make use of the energy now available to put your plans into action. Sow or plant species whose useful parts, such as the leaves, stems, or flowers, are above ground.

Full Moon. This is the culimination of the moon's energies, when lunar influences are strongest. It is the time when people are at their most sociable and extrovert, and is the ideal moment for taking part in social activities and hosting parties. You will need less sleep during a full moon, and you will have a great deal of energy to invest in your goals in the outer world.

Waning Moon. This is when the outward energy of the moon is beginning to decline; it ushers in a time of introspection. Any unfinished business can move more easily toward completion at this time. Likewise, you can begin to relax and savor whatever there is to appreciate in your situation. Sow root crops, or plants with bulbs, at the time of the waning moon.