What is moon wood?
“Moon wood” or “moon phase wood” refers to wood that is harvested or felled during a moon phase that is considered “favourable” and is said to have a number of exceptional wood properties.
Studies have shown that wood from the right time has a higher density and is therefore more resistant. Moon wood production is still being researched, but it is already known that the right selection of trees, drying and processing leads to a quality product.
How do you cut wood under a full moon? Moon wood: Timing is everything!
Winter is generally the best time for woodwork, as the wood works less after felling. However, there are special dates that strongly influence the properties of the wood. The following set of rules from 1912 provides precise instructions for optimum results when felling and processing wood.
- Turning days for felling are 3 April, 30 July and Achazi day, preferably when the moon is waning or on women’s days.
- The wood should be felled within the first eight days after the new moon in December, preferably in the sign of Aquarius or Pisces, in order to remain firm and glued.
- To prevent rotting, the wood should be felled on the last day of March, during waning Pisces.
- The 1st of March, preferably after sunset, is recommended to prevent the wood from burning.
- Shrinkage is best prevented on the third day of autumn, when the moon is three days old and falls on a woman’s day.
- October is ideal for good firewood, during the waxing moon in the first quarter.
- Saw timber should be cut in the waxing Pisces to avoid worm infestation.
- Bridge and boat wood is best felled in waning Pisces or Cancer.
- To obtain light timber, Scorpio and August are recommended, while heavy timber is cut in Taurus when the Moon is waning.
- Cracked or rising wood is best prevented before the new moon in November.
- Cracked wood is felled on 24 June between 11 and 12 o’clock.
- The 26th of February in the waning moon is the best time for cross-cut timber or Machlholz.
- Turning days, clearing and thinning should preferably take place on 3 April, 30 July and Achazi day, preferably on waning moon or women’s days. Alternative days are the last three days in February, provided they fall on a waning moon.
Gleim means firm and stable, important for floor and table boards. Creakwood and machlwood are no longer in use today. Wood felled by the new moon in Scorpio has the desired properties, but should be debarked immediately to avoid bark beetle infestation.
Non-rotten, hard wood is best felled on the last day of March with the waning moon in Pisces. Alternative days are New Year and the last days of January and February. For non-flammable wood, 1 March is best, especially after sunset. Non-shrinking wood is best felled on 21 December between 11 am and 12 noon.
Firewood is best felled in October in the first quarter of the waxing moon. Plank and saw wood should be felled in the waxing moon in Pisces, while bridge and boat wood are ideal in the waning moon in Pisces or Cancer.
Broomsticks and tool wood are best felled in August, while tear-resistant wood is best felled before the November new moon. Christmas trees should be felled three days before the eleventh full moon of the year. Sick trees are best saved during the waning moon by removing the top.
The significance of the full moon in history and culture
The full moon has always had a special significance for various cultures and religions around the world. In many ancient mythologies, it is revered as a symbol of fertility, renewal or spiritual power. Even today, there are still numerous customs and rituals surrounding the full moon, such as the celebration of full moon festivals or the performance of moon rituals.
Woodcutting as a traditional craft
The craft of logging has a long tradition in many rural communities around the world. It is not only an important part of local culture, but also a sustainable form of resource utilisation. Logging involves felling trees and then processing them into various products, such as wood art, construction timber or sometimes as firewood.
The connection between the full moon and felling wood in ancient customs and rituals
The connection between the full moon and woodcutting is evident in many ancient customs and rituals. For example, there are also special traditions in which logging is only carried out during the full moon, as the wood is of better quality at this time. These customs and rituals often have a deep symbolic meaning and generally serve to honour the forces of nature.
The challenges and opportunities for the future of logging
Like every tradition, traditional logging also faces challenges and opportunities for the future. One of the biggest challenges is to ensure sustainable utilisation in order to preserve the forest stock in the long term. At the same time, however, innovative technologies and new markets for sustainable wood products also offer opportunities.
How to support logging under the full moon in your own community
There are various ways in which you can support full moon customs or the craft of logging in your own community. For example, you could take part in local events or buy regional products from sustainable forestry. Raising awareness of the importance of full moon traditions and the ecological aspects of logging can also help to raise awareness of these issues.
Conclusion
Logging under the full moon is an ancient tradition with a modern meaning. It plays an important role in history, culture and sustainability. The connection between the full moon and felling wood in ancient customs and rituals shows the deep connection between man and nature. At the same time, logging offers ecological benefits as a sustainable use of resources. It is significant to preserve this tradition and at the same time find innovative solutions for the future to ensure the sustainable use of wood as a resource.
FAQs
What is woodcutting at full moon?
Logging at full moon is an old tradition in which wood (moon wood) is felled on the night of the full moon. This is done because the wood is particularly dry and easy to work with at this time.
Where is logging practised at full moon?
Logging under the full moon is practised in various regions of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, especially in rural areas.
What is the significance of the full moon for logging?
In addition to the quality of the wood, the full moon and logging also have a symbolic meaning that can be traced back to nature and the cycle of life. For example, it is believed that cutting wood during the full moon brings good luck and prosperity.
How is wood cutting at full moon and the resulting moon wood celebrated?
Full moon logging is often celebrated as a communal activity where friends and family come together to cut wood and celebrate. There is often food, drink and music.
What are the modern meanings of moon wood?
Moon wood has a modern meaning today as a way to protect nature and the environment.
