Or, the Opposite is also True
The seasons of the zodiac originate in the northern hemisphere. But the patterns of the seasons are inverted in the southern hemisphere. Our school years begin in February and wrap up around November. Perhaps because I’m a Libra rising, this inverted seasonal pattern makes perfect sense to me. In fact, some zodiac signs arguably better suit the inverted seasonal scenario. Below I riff on this idea, applying the theory that, maybe, the opposite is also true.
– A quick digression
Back when I studied performance, there was a movement practice that I especially enjoyed learning called Laban’s efforts. Very simply, these were a variety of physical movement styles which we would learn. We would spend a long time with each one and pay attention to which felt best in our bodies, or alternatively harder for us to grasp. A fascinating quirk of this practice was that often, the movement physically opposite to the one we felt the most affinity for also felt really good. It subverted our instinctive movement, but in a way that was oddly clarifying. This is where this seed of a theory began for me, that sometimes, counter-intuitively, the opposite can also be true.
Aries (March 21st – April 19th)
In the northern hemisphere this is the beginning of spring.
In the southern hemisphere this is the beginning of autumn.
The autumn equinox! Aries is the doer, the action taker. Whether that is the movement out of winter or the movement out of summer, Aries feels appropriate. In Aotearoa, it’s around March that the year really feels like it’s starting. We’re wrapping up summer, and we’re getting ready to do things. The cooler weather makes us less sweaty, and more energised. The sea is getting colder, so we’re less tempted to while away our days at the beach. We want to get started.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
In the northern hemisphere this is the middle of spring.
In the southern hemisphere this is the middle of autumn.
I don’t know why, but mid autumn feels very Taurian to me. The cosyness, the reddened trees, the aesthetics feel Venusian in that delicious ‘let’s stay inside and drink hot chocolates’ kind of way that I associate with Taurus. This is a time to nourish ourselves. Daylight saving happens in early April, so the nights are getting longer. With the moon exalted in Taurus, it feels right that encroaching night time in this season feels quite beautiful and romantic.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
In the northern hemisphere this is the transition from spring to summer.
In the southern hemisphere this is the transition from autumn to winter.
For Aotearoa, Gemini at this time of year feels like a motivator. We’re about to enter winter, so let’s make sure we’ve got some fun activities lined up. Lets not forget to be social, because we know that connection creates its own kind of buzz. Gemini keeps us light on our toes.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
In the northern hemisphere this is the beginning of summer.
In the southern hemisphere this is the beginning of winter.
The winter solstice. This makes WAY more sense at this time of year. It’s darker, so there’s less sunlight/daylight in general. The moon wraps around us, and we rely on her more now. It’s now that we cook soups and broths, cultivate practices that will keep us healthy, and care for each other. Winter holidays happen now and families connect and bond.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
In the northern hemisphere this is the middle of summer.
In the southern hemisphere this is the middle of winter.
Leo season this way around, at first glance, makes less sense. But also, by this point we’ve had our shortest day, so in some ways Leo season is our reminder that the sunlight’s warmth is on its way back to us. We treasure the sunlight more at this time of year because it’s in shorter supply. But we know we’ve hit the darkest point, and that the light will return. Seasonally in the northern hemisphere this occurs around Christmas time, and when I was little my parents threw midwinter ‘Christmas’ parties during this period, as the types of food and the festivity I think best suits a time when we need a little cheering up, a little entertainment and some time getting cosy around a fireplace.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
In the northern hemisphere this is the transition from summer to autumn.
In the southern hemisphere this is the transition from winter to spring.
This is the time that we emerge – and start making some plans. The summer’s coming and we want to get things in order, do our spring cleaning and get moving. We’ve hibernated, and now we’re ready to sort things out, clean up the cobwebs and clear out the cupboards.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
In the northern hemisphere this is the beginning of autumn.
In the southern hemisphere this is the beginning of spring.
The spring equinox! The beginning of spring is a blossoming of beauty after the bare trees of winter. Daylight saving ends and the nights get shorter. Winter has its own kind of beauty of course, but now flowers are budding, and we feel a lightness. It’s another Venusian time of year, and a time to reconnect with our neighbours and start venturing outdoors again. This is usually spring holidays for kids, so they can have a break and indulge in some of the burgeoning spring weather.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
In the northern hemisphere this is the middle of autumn.
In the southern hemisphere this is the middle of spring.
Spring is also chaotic. It’s when baby animals are born, and this can be a bloody process. It can feel like a warm day, but then a sharp wind can blow through and you remember that we’re not on firm footing yet. In many ways, Scorpio is better suited to the middle of autumn, but I think springtime can be a time of horror too, and a time of painful reality. Birth can also involve death and pain. Scorpio at this time of year reminds us not to get comfy yet. There’s still discomfort that needs to be experienced. The lightening days show us patches of mould that went unnoticed in the winter. There’s still cobwebs that need to be shaken off. Kids at school may have tests and exams at this time.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
In the northern hemisphere this is the transition from autumn to winter.
In the southern hemisphere this is the transition from spring to summer.
Where Virgo helped us plan for summer, Sagittarius shoots its arrow towards warmer weather. This is when we get lit up by the sun, we get generous, and we get adventurous. In NZ, it’s this time of year when we might go for swims, or hikes. We want to get out there and enjoy the warmth, we feel charged up. Hopeful, grateful and full of renewed energy. We might plan a summer road trip now. This is usually the end of the school year, which as we know is a time full of excitement and optimism, as we anticipate the coming summer break and Christmas.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
In the northern hemisphere this is the beginning of winter.
In the southern hemisphere this is the beginning of summer.
The summer solstice! This is a time of initiation into our practical realities. Packing bags, checking lists, visiting family out of a sense of responsibility, and beginning to plan for the year ahead. Buying the gifts and remembering who they’re for. It’s also when we might want to climb that mountain, and the weathers good for it. We want to examine our next moves, and review where we’ve been. Taking stock of the past year feels very Capricornian to me.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
In the northern hemisphere this is the middle of winter.
In the southern hemisphere this is the middle of summer.
In New Zealand, I’m always aware of the collective during summer. We’re all off on holidays, or not, but I feel more connected to us as a group. We’re gathered on beaches, or in campgrounds. We surrender to our togetherness. This is also the period when Waitangi day happens, and there’s a kind of uneasy (but vital) awareness of our past. The summer has given us space to process and imagine, and sometimes the space from our work and responsibilities prompts us to become more aware of the bigger picture. We think about what we want to do with the coming year. It’s around now, and heading into the next season – that we’re headed ‘back to work/school.’
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
In the northern hemisphere this is the transition from winter to spring.
In the southern hemisphere this is the transition from summer to autumn.
Moving from summer into autumn feels like letting go, and so for me this is perfectly Piscean. We’ve basked in the sun, we’ve listened to the birds, we’ve swum in the sea. Now, as we let go of that bright summer dream, we’re softened, supple. We’re looking towards autumn with a calmness. We’ve filled our cups, we’ve had time to recharge, and we look forwards into the autumn ready to enter a new cycle.
