Signs and phases for Jan. 8-14

Each week I write about what’s coming up for the week ahead according to the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac.

I won’t say this all every week but since we’re just getting “acquainted” again or for the first time, I’ll remind you I’m writing from central Kentucky and all times are Eastern Standard. Just adjust for wherever you are. Also, it’s winter here (currently not much of one, however) so we’re not planting in the unprotected outdoor garden, but if you’re in warmer a clime that’s not the case.

Use common sense and good gardening practices when planting in a pot, window box, greenhouse or garden. In other words, plant things in the season they should be planted in!

And the sign in force on a particular day applies to wherever you are. For instance, if the fertile sign Cancer is in force on Jan. 8-9 – as it is – it’s in force on Jan. 8-9 wherever you are.

Now, the week ahead.

The moon
The moon moves to the dark phase Jan. 9 with the full moon coming into force at 2:30 a.m. EST. Then until the next new moon at 2:39 a.m. on Jan. 23, proceed with only dark moon activities. And if you are planting vegetables then that’s below-ground producers.

Jan. 8 is the last day with the light moon in control. As I said above, it returns on Jan. 23.

The signs
A look at the signs of the zodiac reveals Jan. 8-9 are ruled by Cancer (the breast), one of the four fertile signs.

That, however, ends Jan. 10-11 when the sign moves to Leo (the heart), one of the killing signs. Either of these days would be great for plowing your garden plot but not any sort of planting.

A series of flowering signs begins Jan. 12 and continues through Monday, Jan. 16, all with the moon in the dark phase. Specifically, Thursday and Friday, Jan. 12-13, are ruled by Virgo (the bowels), followed Saturday, next Sunday and Monday, Jan. 14-16, under the influence of Libra (the reins).

These are bloom days so if you’re doing anything with your indoor plants then these are perfect for that.