The Wheel of the Year, put simply, is a celebration of nature’s annual cycle of change.

​​This change is defined by the seasonal presence, retreat and return of light. The passing of time is seen as cyclical and is represented by a circle or wheel. The Wheel most commonly used today is a circle divided by eight spokes spaced at approximately even intervals (6.5 weeks) throughout the solar year with each representing a different festival. Their historical origins are a melding of early Gaelic and Germanic pre-Christian feasts and celebrations that were based around pastoral activities and agricultural cycles of planting and harvesting.

There are as many different interpretations of the Wheel of the Year as there are communities around the world. As the Wheel of the Year mythology originated in the northern hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere Wheel of the Year Calendar has been modified for the seasons in Australia and shows multi layered cycles to create an interconnected unity. The progression of human life from birth, growth, decline to death, is mirrored in the ebb and flow of all life around us. 

My interpretation of the Wheel is based on ongoing research and continual personal observation. I wanted to represent images of the southern hemisphere that made sense to me. Anyone attuned to the Wheel will know that information based on the northern hemisphere is abundant and quite likely confusing to those south of the equator.

This calendar, although created for the southern hemisphere, is primarily focused on Australia. The dates for 2022 are correct for Australian Eastern Standard Time and incorporate Daylight Saving Time where applicable. Time zone adjustments for other areas of Australia are listed on the product information page.

What has satisfied me the most and how I learnt the most, was going out and observing nature directly. I couldn’t deny what was right in front of me as I watched the Sun set further north each evening as we approached winter or how the Pleiades moved over our northern sky from east to west in the warmer months. I also wanted to meld in some way astronomy with astrology, make it informative and educational, esoteric but straightforward, and show seasonal traditions in a contemporary way.

The design, artwork and sonnets are my own and have evolved and come to fruition over the last thirty years. Being in the autumn of my life, I felt drawn to express my experience and understanding in a way that may empower others on their journey. It is also with thanks to Sharon Hale and our Sacred Sisters, a circle of women friends, who have encouraged and enhanced this calendar by observing and celebrating the Wheel together. Gratitude also goes to my long-time friend, Tracey Roberts, who embraced my vision and digitally created the calendar, being just one of her many abundant talents. And finally, my sincere gratefulness to Sue-Ellen, who tirelessly and skilfully proof read the Companion Guide, truly earning her the title of wise-woman. 

Earth or nature-based religions and practices are becoming more mainstream as people search for meaning and connection in a world that has become more frenetic and chaotic than ever. My focus has been on encapsulating the essence of cycles rather than the many varied specifics of modern Paganism. It is also with great respect that my eyes are opening to the history and traditions of the First Nations people and their intrinsic connection to country.

Above all, this calendar is pictorial and symbolic. It is not intended to be an astronomically correct representation as the tropical zodiac no longer corresponds to the constellations of stars that now appear in the sky. It has been designed as a national representation, understanding that localised seasonal shifts vary considerably across our continent. Likewise, this information is not exhaustive, but an invitation to explore the natural world around you.

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