Garden Shapes

Another planning stage consideration is the shape your planting area should take. Will a
standard rectangular version suit your purposes, or would another shape mirror your
needs better? I like to use symbolic shapes for magical gardens because they illustrate
the garden's purpose to the Universe and reinforce that intent within the unconscious
and subconscious minds. For example, I once grew a heart-shaped bed of radishes as a
healing spell for a friend with a broken heart. Another time, I planted pots of pansies,
forget-me-nots, spikenard, and lavender, arranged them in a circle, and used their magic
for a relative experiencing memory loss. The results were phenomenal. If these ideas
appeal to you, jot down any appropriate shapes and pick one tht best conveys your
magical message. For your convenience, a few easily managed garden shape or symbol
ideas are listed below.

Circle

The circle is a feminine shape that represents continuity and continual growth for the
good of all. It also provides good symbolism for the birth/death/rebirth cycle.

Crescent

Use this shape to call upon the growth energy of the waxing moon. It also works well
for general magic or efforts involving psychic power or divination.

Diamond

Because of its perfect symmetry, the diamond vibrates toward harmony. This makes it
an excellent shape for meditation gardens or those used for culinary purposes. As this
shape also vibrates toward the solidity of Earth, it's a good bet for magical gardens
involving prosperity and abundance, and issues of the family, home, and hearth.

Element Wheel

This garden is divided into four equal portions by an X in the center. Do some research
and use plants that correspond to each Element in the appropriate sections. Plant the
center with those plants ruled by Akasha (spirit) if you like.

Moon Phases

This garden consists of a central circle with a crescent pointing outward on either side.
Use it to honor the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, or to invoke the powers of the Moon.

Pentagram

Called the Witches' Garden for obvious reasons, this layout is a five pointed star
encompassed by a circle. Because this is an all-protecting, omnimagical symbol, ideas
for specific magical efforts are endless. For instance, you might dedicate it to the
Elements by planting blooming plants in the colors and sections appropriate to Akasha,
Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, and placing God or Goddess symbols or plants in the center.
Want a multipurpose magical garden? Use each section for different magical intent.
With this shape, your only limitation is the size of your imagination.

Rectangle

Most gardens are planted in this shape for several reasons. For one thing, it's easy to
work with and accommodates a wide assortment of plants. But magically speaking,
there's another reason. The rectangle has tremendous holding power and acts as a
magical binder. It works well for any magical garden, but especially for efforts
involving protection, health and healing, or warding off harm. To safeguard your house
of family members, plant your herb garden in rectangular beds all around your home. It
will act as a Cosmic security guard.

Square

Since the square contains sides of equal length, a garden of this shape vibrates toward
balance. As it provides the perfect symbol for solid, dependable, organized efforts, it can
be used to increase the focus and concentration of any magical theme. This shape can
also be divided equally into four parts and planted with appropriate herbs to symbolize
the Elements. If you like, plant a tree or bush in the center to represent Akasha.

Triangle

Because this figure represents the creative force within, it works well for gardens
planted to invoke the properties of imagination, inspiration, good fortune, and magical
mastery. Plant it in three sections to invoke the powers of the Triple Goddess or Triple
God.

Wheel

The wheel is a circle divided into eight equal sections or spokes. Use it to represent the
Wheel of the Year, planting different herbs in each section. Place symbols of the God
and Goddess-stones, seashells, a bird bath filled with water, and so on-in the center to
represent the balance of male and female and the perfect harmony of the seasons.

Bud, Blossom, & Leaf The Magical Herb Gardener's Handbook

Dorothy Morrison