by Kelly Reeves
The influence of astrology and zodiac signs on various aspects of farm and ranch life has been a topic of discussion and debate for many generations. While astrology is commonly associated with human personalities and horoscopes, many agricultural communities have extended these beliefs to livestock management practices, including cattle dehorning, castrating, branding, and weaning calves; as well as planting crops.
Some people associate astrology with witchcraft and evil while dismissing any true scientific theory. Others hold astrology and the zodiac signs as factual information and use this knowledge to make well-informed decisions on essential farming and ranching activities. While some aspects are disputed or dismissed as folklore or superstition, other aspects are indisputable. Modern day time restraints have caused many farmers and ranchers to dismiss the Zodiak signs in favor of doing things when they have available time, regardless of the signs. Arkansas rancher Dave Elder said, “I like to follow the signs when performing procedures when time and the weather allows. I try not to geld a stud horse unless the signs are below the testicles. When the signs are in the feet is a good time. If I dehorn a cow when the signs are in the head, I always have trouble with excess bleeding, so I try to dehorn when the signs are low on the body, or in the chest going down.”
The science of Astrology interprets the influence that the sun and moon have while they are in a certain zodiac sign. There are twelve “signs” of the zodiac along the astrological circle that Astrologers associate with specific parts of the body and believe that these signs have an effect on those parts at a particular time each month. In agriculture, particularly in rural and traditional communities, lunar cycles and zodiac signs have been considered when planning various farming activities. This belief system, often passed down through generations, suggests that timing procedures like planting, harvesting, and animal husbandry, along with fishing and hunting according to specific lunar phases or zodiac signs can yield better results.
Ram- Aries- Head and Face
Twins- Gemini- Arms
Lion- Leo- Heart
Balance- Libra- Reins
Archer- Sagittarius- Thighs
Water Bearer- Aquarius- Legs
Bull- Taurus- Neck
Crab- Cancer- Breast
Virgin- Virgo- Bowels
Scorpion- Scorpio- Secrets / Reproductive Organs
Goat- Capricorn- Knees
Fish- Pisces- Feet
In practice, the Farmer’s Almanac or a zodiac calendar are the places to find where the signs are on a specific day. It’s even easier than that nowadays as you can go to farmersalmanac.com/calendar/zodiac/ on the internet or download the Old Farmer’s Almanac (Almanac Extra) app on your cell phone to quickly see where the signs are on a particular day.
Dehorning and Zodiac Signs
Dehorning is the process of removing or stopping the growth of horns in cattle, which is crucial for safety and management. Many ranchers believe that performing dehorning during the right zodiac signs can reduce bleeding and stress in the animals, and ensure a quick recovery.
• Best Signs for Dehorning: According to tradition, dehorning is best done when the moon is waning, particularly under zodiac signs associated with lower pain sensitivity and quicker healing, such as Capricorn (knees) or Pisces (feet). These signs are believed to minimize bleeding and stress, resulting in an easier recovery for the cattle.
• Avoiding Certain Signs: Conversely, it’s advised to avoid dehorning under signs like Aries (head) and Leo (heart), which are associated with the head and heart. The belief is that these signs can increase bleeding and complications due to their strong association with these vital areas.
• Skeptics Say: The best time to dehorn cattle is the first sunny, cool day when you have plenty of help.
Castrating and Zodiac Signs
Castration is another critical procedure in cattle management, primarily done to improve meat quality and control breeding. The timing of castration is also influenced by astrological beliefs.
• Best Signs for Castration: Similar to dehorning, castration is traditionally done during a waning moon, especially under signs associated with the lower body and less bleeding, like Capricorn (knees) and Pisces (feet). These signs are thought to contribute to reduced bleeding and quicker healing.
• Avoiding Certain Signs: It’s often recommended to avoid castration under signs like Leo (heart) and Scorpio (reproductive organs), as these are believed to exacerbate pain, bleeding, and complications.
• Skeptics Say: The best time to castrate calves is when the knife is sharp and you have time to fry the Mountain Oysters.
Weaning and Zodiac Signs
Weaning calves is another crucial aspect of cattle management. The timing for weaning, according to astrological beliefs, can influence the ease of the transition and the health of the calves.
• Best Signs for Weaning: Weaning is preferably done when the moon is new or waxing, under signs associated with growth and nourishment, like Cancer (breast) and Virgo (bowels). These signs are believed to support a smoother transition and better acceptance of solid food by the calves.
• Avoiding Certain Signs: Signs like Aries (head) and Leo (heart) are typically avoided for weaning. Aries is associated with upheaval and unpredictability, while Leo’s association with the heart could make the weaning process more stressful for the calves.
• Skeptics Say: Weaning is best during a dark (new) moon only because the cattle can’t see to walk the fence row and bawl. Instead, they lay down all night.
Branding and Zodiac Signs
Though less traumatic than dehorning and castration, branding calves is another area where using the signs can be helpful.
Best sign for branding: Branding is best done when signs are in Sagittarius (hip/thigh) or below. Some ranchers say if you brand the calves during Sagittarius, the brand will heal quickly and grow with the calf.
Long-time cattle rancher Zane Crawley believes in referencing the zodiac signs before working his cattle. He said, “I can’t always wait until the signs are right, but when I can, I work within the signs. Years of experience tell me there is something to it. It’s not as complicated as some people make it. I try to have the signs in a body part below the area we are working on, and going down from there. This is the way my daddy taught me, and it has always worked for me.” Likewise, B.J. Arnold and his son Carter try to follow the signs in their multi-county cattle ranching operation when possible. BJ said, “Yes sir. I believe in going by the signs. I don’t have a full understanding of why it works, but it works.” Although many ranchers are believers, there are also those that don’t. I visited with Mr. Bailey Garland who said, “Yea. I know about the signs. It’s a bunch of hogwash.” The belief in the influence of zodiac signs on cattle dehorning, castrating, branding, and weaning reflects the intersection of tradition and science in agriculture. While these practices are still observed in many communities, it’s essential to consider them within the context of modern veterinary science. Combining traditional farming wisdom and real-life experience with scientific knowledge can help ensure the best outcomes for cattle health and management. I certainly don’t claim to have a full understanding of the zodiac chart and signs, but I believe that there is some relation between the changes in barometric pressure due to the gravitational pull of the moon in its different phases, and the end result when working livestock. Similar to witching a water well, I can’t explain it but I know for a fact it works. Just this week, I put ear tags in three calves under three days old. This simple tagging method is relatively painless and rarely bleeds any. All three bled abnormally. I checked the almanac afterward and found that the signs were in Aries, the head and face!
Whether or not you believe in astrological influences and the zodiac signs, the integration of careful planning, humane techniques, and proper aftercare remains important in all cattle management practices. For the skeptics, take a look at the Farmers Almanac when planning to work your livestock and try to work when the signs are right, just to see if it makes a difference for you. I think you’ll be surprised.
