Journey of the Zodiac

I feel very grateful to have been part of this project. We began brainstorming the idea a for long time and planned to work together in Athens for ten days to make it happen. It was fun, inspiring and very fulfilling to create these images and texts. 

The prints from Journey of the Zodiac are a collaboration between artist Eloise Fornieles, curator Alix Janta-Polczynski and myself combining text and imagery to tell the narrative of the Zodiac in an artistic and innovative way.

I wrote the text next to each image which narrates the story of each sign but mainly the reason why one sign follows another. The story of the Zodiac is for me immensely inspiring as it expresses our history as humans. Knowing why Taurus comes after Aries and then transforms into Gemini is key to understanding the essential quality of a sign. Otherwise we can stay in stereotypes and end up limiting or pinning down each sign rather than allowing freedom to the energetic quality to exist in infinite ways. This is why in every image we made reference to the preceding sign and the following one as well as the element, ruling planet, the part of the body, mythology, colour, any instrument or concept and evolutionary process. 

LEO 

Keyword: I WILL 

Symbol: The Lion

Ruler: The Sun

Element: Fire 

Polarity: Yang 

Modality: Fixed

Body: The Heart, Spine and Upper Back

Colour: Gold or Royal Blue

Leo represents the drive towards individuality. 

The subjective emotionality of Cancer has now been left behind in favour of the warmth and excitement of a more dramatic life. With Leo there comes the need to stand out, and to be distinctive. Like the Lion they need to be at the centre and on the stage. 

Ruled by the Sun, the journey of Leo is self-discovery; to discover in which ways the self is unique and important. They are warm, creative, playful, loyal, confident. They can also be very self-centred and attention-seeking. Drama is key, as well as romanticism. With Leo there is a certain buoyancy and, as with all fire signs, enthusiasm.

They go through life with an open heart. Leo is loyal to those who have earned it, and expects loyalty in return. If hurt or let down, this sign will have difficulty in trusting a second time. Leo usually puts their willpower to work in a wide range of creative pursuits; their confidence, bravery, distinction and their natural bright light will not leave anyone without noticing them. 

Integrating their opposite, Aquarius, will make them realise that everyone has their unique bright light within themselves. The air of Aquarius gives them the possibility of seeing the other, and recognise themselves as part of everything. The ‘I’ that can integrate a social consciousness and become part of the group. 

Leo is from the 21st of July till the 20th of August.