Full Moon Blooms - Follow Nature's Rhythm: Introduction to Biodynamic Herbalism

July 2026

Flowers don't bloom because it's Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. They bloom when they're ready.

If you've been following me for any length of time, you already know...

This Full Moon post is fashionably late.

My friends jokingly call it "Elaine Time."

For years I felt guilty about that. Like I was somehow failing because I couldn't squeeze every idea into a perfectly timed schedule.

But lately I've been asking myself...

Who decided we had to rush through life?

Nature certainly didn't.

The moon doesn't hurry.

The flowers don't panic.

The seasons don't compare themselves to each other.

Maybe we've been measuring success by the wrong clock.

As an herbalist, farmer, and forever student of nature, I'm learning that some of the deepest lessons don't come from doing more - they come from paying closer attention.

A Full Moon Walk with Dad

On the evening of the Full Moon, Dad and I wandered around the land gathering clover blossoms.

I excitedly announced that I'd found a beautiful patch of Red Clover.

Dad smiled.

"That's the Swedish one."

Sure enough, he was right.

It was Alsike (Swedish) Clover (Trifolium hybridum), not Red Clover (Trifolium pratense).

As an herbalist, I immediately thought about the medicinal differences.

Red Clover has a long tradition of supporting the lymphatic system, skin, and women's wellness. Alsike Clover is edible and shares many of the same plant medicine characteristics.

Dad looked at it differently.

He remembered growing both species on the farm because they fixed nitrogen back into the soil, naturally feeding future crops without synthetic fertilizers.

That's what I love about spending time with him.

I'm learning herbal medicine.

He's teaching me the language of the land.

Sometimes the best classroom is simply walking through a pasture together.

So... What is Biodynamic Gardening?

If you've never heard of biodynamics, don't worry - I haven't been practicing it for years either. I'm learning right alongside you.

Think of biodynamics as paying attention to the rhythms that have always existed.

The changing moon.

The changing seasons.

Healthy soil.

Compost.

Biodiversity.

The relationship between plants, animals, insects, microorganisms, and people.

It's less about controlling nature and more about participating in it.

Meet Rudolf Steiner

In 1924, Austrian philosopher and educator Rudolf Steiner introduced what became known as Biodynamic Agriculture.

Steiner believed a farm should be viewed as a living organism, where healthy soil, plants, animals, people, and the surrounding landscape all work together.

His ideas also inspired Waldorf education, where children are encouraged to learn through imagination, creativity, nature, and age-appropriate stages of development rather than rushing academic milestones.

His influence also extended into natural medicine, inspiring approaches that later contributed to organizations such as WALA, known for producing anthroposophic and homeopathic remedies.

Whether you embrace every spiritual aspect of his philosophy or simply appreciate slowing down and observing nature more closely, there's something beautiful about remembering that agriculture isn't only about growing food.

It's about nurturing relationships—with the land, with each other, and with ourselves.

July's Moon Rhythm

Instead of trying to do everything at once, I'm learning to work with the moon.

Here's what I'm focusing on this month.

🌗 Waning Moon

(After the Full Moon until the New Moon)

This is a time of slowing down.

A wonderful opportunity to:

• Weed the garden

• Mulch and build soil

• Turn compost

• Harvest roots

• Prune herbs and shrubs

• Reflect on what's thriving—and what needs to be let go

The energy seems to settle downward into the earth.

It's a beautiful reminder that rest is productive too.

🌑 New Moon

Fresh beginnings.

Perfect for:

• Planning the next month's garden

• Sowing leafy herbs

• Starting succession plantings

• Watering deeply

• Feeding your soil with compost or compost tea

Think of this as planting intentions as much as planting seeds.

🌓 Waxing Moon

As the moon grows brighter, plants naturally put energy into growth.

This is a lovely time to:

• Transplant herbs

• Feed plants

• Encourage leafy growth

• Water consistently

• Watch the garden closely

This is the season of expansion.

🌕 Looking Ahead to the Next Full Moon

By the next Full Moon, many of our summer herbs will be bursting with blossoms and blooms.

That's when I'll be gathering:

• Calendula

• Chamomile

• Lemon Balm

• Mint

• Yarrow

• Lavender

• Bee Balm

• Red Clover (if I can find the right one this time!)

We'll dry herbs, make tinctures, infuse oils, and celebrate another month of growing together.

This Month's Gentle Invitation

I'm not asking you to become a biodynamic farmer overnight.

I'm simply inviting you to notice.

Watch where the moon rises.

Learn one new plant.

Harvest a handful of flowers.

Sit outside for ten quiet minutes.

Thank the soil.

Teach a child something you've learned.

Nature has never been in a hurry.

Maybe we don't need to be either.

I'm looking forward to sharing this journey with you, one moon at a time.

Until next month...

Happy harvesting.

With gratitude,

Elaine, The Herbal Mama

Nature is always on time.