As we journey through the African calendar, starting on September 23, we align ourselves with nature’s rhythms, which is an ancestral practice that enhances not only the growth of cannabis but also its quality and medicinal power. Bra Peter is all about responsible, mindful, and powerful growth that reconnects us to our roots and the land. Here’s a breakdown of how each cycle influences key tasks in cannabis cultivation and medicine production, from planting to harvesting and beyond.
1. Spring (23 September – Start of the Year)
Key Tasks: Seed Planting and Establishing Growth
In Spring, when Ramasedi (the Sun) returns in full strength, nature awakens, making this the best time to start new plants from seed. The warmer weather and increasing daylight are ideal for initiating germination and early growth. This season is symbolic of fresh starts and new life, so in the first month, plant your seeds either indoors or directly into the soil, depending on your climate. As the seeds take root, they will be fully in sync with the energetic renewal that Spring brings.
2. Early Summer (November – December)
Key Tasks: Transplanting and Cloning
As the plants grow stronger, the waxing and full moons provide an ideal period to transplant your young cannabis plants. Transplanting or placing clones into soil during this time harnesses the power of the moon’s energy for root development. The long, warm days of early summer support rapid vegetative growth, helping plants establish themselves and prepare for full potential. It’s the time to nurture and ensure the plants have the water, nutrients, and sunlight they need.
3. High Summer (January)
Key Tasks: Pruning and Maintaining
When summer reaches its peak, pruning can enhance the cannabis plant’s structure, encouraging stronger and healthier branches for bigger buds. Perform this task during the waning moon phase when the plant’s energy is focused inward, which helps it recover more effectively. Pruning in this season keeps plants focused on developing productive, healthy branches and controls unwanted growth. This balance helps improve air circulation, reducing pests and making room for fruitful flowering later.
4. Autumn (March – Harvest Season)
Key Tasks: Harvesting and Beginning Medicine Production
During the full moon of autumn, it’s time to harvest cannabis, as this is when the plant’s potency peaks. Autumn marks the shift from growth to completion, as cooler temperatures and shorter days trigger flowering. Harvest during this period ensures you get the most from your plants in terms of both quantity and potency. Once harvested, this season is also ideal for preparing tinctures, oils, and other infusions, as it aligns with the final cycle of transformation before the plant’s next growth.
5. Winter (June – July)
Key Tasks: Reflection, Preparation, and Preservation
Winter is a quiet season, ideal for rest, reflection, and planning for the next growth cycle. In this dormancy, preserved harvests, like dried cannabis flowers, can be turned into tinctures, oils, or balms. This is also a powerful time for learning, studying, and connecting with ancestral knowledge to carry forward into the next year.
Harnessing Ramasedi and Ngwedi: Working with the Sun and Moon
The power of nature lies in timing. Aligning our actions with Ramasedi (the Sun) and Ngwedi (the Moon) allows us to draw from the same wisdom that guided our ancestors. Each season and moon phase carries unique qualities that influence growth. By synchronizing with these cycles, we respect both the plant and the journey, honoring every step in cultivation as a way to reconnect with our land and heritage.
Closing Thoughts
Cultivating cannabis isn’t just about growing a plant; it’s a spiritual journey that connects us back to nature and our African roots. As Bra Peter always says, “When we move with nature, we build with Ramasedi.” So, this year, try aligning your tasks with these cycles, and watch how cannabis, and perhaps even yourself, flourishes in harmony with the world around.