Writing by the Signs: A Guest Post by Deborah Adams

By: Deborah Adams

Every old-timer gardener knows that you must plant by the signs if you want a bumper crop.  For example, you have to plant beans when the sign is in the arms so that you’ll have multiple limbs on your plants. Plant above-ground crops when the moon is rising to help pull them up; plant below-ground crops when the moon is waning, obviously.

This method of gardening means keeping a close eye on the heavens, the moon phases, and the Farmer’s Almanac. In addition to that, I strongly recommend that you find a source for those immensely helpful calendars that show not only the zodiac signs but also tell you flat-out which dates are best for setting eggs, castrating sheep, and making kraut.

Here’s what I’m thinking: if planting by the signs has worked for generations of farmers, maybe it will work for writers. The same astronomical magic that brings us an abundance of zucchini from a single seed is surely strong enough to inspire, motivate, and generally shed blessings upon the hard-working writers of the world. Right?

I sacrificed hours of writing time to research this, and I’m convinced I’m onto something. I hope you’ll conduct your own experiments based on my preliminary findings, which I’m happy to share (below). Here, then, is my interpretation of How to Write by the Signs.

Moon phases

Begin your novel during the waxing period of the first and second quarters of the moon (from new to full moon.) This is a time of light and expansion when your brain should be more creative and open to clever ideas that float around the universe.

The waning moon of the third and fourth quarters, however, is a time of diminishing energy, contraction, and compaction. During this time, it’s best to weed, till, or revise your work. Uproot the scenes that aren’t working and prune the extraneous words.

Using the Signs

Writing, like planting, is best done during the fruitful signs, but each sign has its own special characteristics, so pay attention.

Cancer

It’s the most fruitful of all the signs and guarantees production and abundance. Use every minute of this sign’s prominence to write. Your word count should grow like mad. Cancer is also a time for grafting, so if plagiarism is your plan, this is the best time for it.

Scorpio

encourages vine growth, so develop your sub-plots now. Also, as it happens, Scorpio rules the genitals and would therefore be the ideal time to write your erotic novel.

Pisces

rules the feet and encourages root growth. This would seem to be the best time for writing deep, profound, James Joycian-literature. If you’re working on something a bit lighter, however, consider using the power of Pisces to strengthen the foundation of your story.

Taurus

encourages quick growth and creation and rules the throat. Seems to me it would be wise to write short stories and develop your storytelling skills during this time. This is also an opportune period for public speaking at libraries and conferences.

Capricorn

which rules the knees, is a time of constraint, barren ground, blocks and barriers. Obviously, you’re going to spend these days staring at a blank page and kneeling to beg your favorite deity for an idea, any idea. But it is still a fruitful sign – it just happens to bless the growth of pulp and possibly pulp fiction.

Libra

rules the kidneys and encourages seeds to sprout. It’s also a sign of beauty, so plant your flower seeds and write your flowery prose under this sign.  Let those words pour right out of you.

Virgo

though feminine, is a barren sign. If you plant now, you’ll get lots of showy foliage but no real production. You can tell Virgo is at work when you sit at the keyboard but spend all day checking Facebook and Twitter instead of actually writing. Perhaps you’d like to organize your office during this sign’s prominence; at least then you’ll have something to show for your effort.

Aquarius

which rules the legs, is also a barren sign. It’s a time of abnormalities, alienation, and rejection, so don’t send out queries when Aquarius is control. This time can be better spent in seclusion, reading the best authors you can find in the genre you wish to write.

Sagittarius

rules the thighs and produces flabbiness and gluttony. Take advantage of these special days to hit the bookstore and load up on new reads. It’ll satisfy your gluttonous spirit, and of you walk there, help work off those thighs.

Aries

which rules the head, is acting for Mars and will be filled with arguments, discord, and butchers. Could there be any clearer indication that this is when your editor will slash your work and bicker with you about it?

Leo

rules the heart, but it is a seriously barren time. Don’t plant anything or write anything when the moon is in Leo. Take advantage of the heart energy to do some public appearances (you’ll love your audience and they’ll adore you!) or to reconnect with your spouse and family. Let the heart do its work where it counts, instead of trying to convince yourself that you love plot tangles.

Gemini

the sign of the twins, rules the arms. It’s a barren sign but old-timers swear it’s best for planting corn and beans. For writers, it would likely be a good time to write corny humor or mysteries involving the Evil Twin.

One final tip

Fishing is best during the water signs of Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio, so send your queries when the moon is in these signs.

And there you have it – the antsy gardener’s guide to writing success. Is it just superstition? Maybe. But writers, like gardeners, have always lived on hope and faith.

About the author

Deborah-Zenha Adams is an award-winning author, a naturalist, and a yoga educator. She is available for interviews, speaking, and author events. Her signature workshops include Write Your Memoir (even if you aren’t a writer) and Write Your Yoga Memoir. You are invited to visit her website for more information.

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