Apogee and perigee - the apsidal cycle

Because its orbit around the Earth is elliptical, the Moon is alternately closer to and further away from the Earth in its journey. This cycle takes around 27.2 days, and has a closest point known as the 'perigee' and a most distant point called 'apogee'. As seen from the Earth and due the Moon's stage in this cycle, the Moon is infront of different constellations for shorter and longer periods, with a variance of 30%. At perigee the Moon appears to be larger and move faster gainst the zodiac, and exerts a a greater pull on the tides.

The equivalent phenomena in the Earth's eliptical orbit of the Sun is known as 'perihelion' (in January) and 'ahelion' or 'aphelion' in July.

Bishop's highest yield in his 1976 experiment was sown at apogee. (Bishop, C., 'Moon Influences in Lettuce Growth' Astrological Journal. 10. No. 1, Winter 77/78. ) Thun says apogee sowing shoot too quickly and perigee sowings inhibit growth.

Thun - If one repeatedly sows at this time [Apogee] plants become like climbing plants. ... it becomes a catastrophe if sowing takes place at perigee ... Plants then appear as if pushed into the Earth and cannot properly unfold their upper parts. .. When the moon recedes from the earth it is like a lunar summer - plants go to seed. Apogee can assist seed crops, but definitely not for leaf crops. Carrots become woody. Potato does well at apogee. Perigee is like mid winter - poor germination, fungus and inhibited growth.