A Celestial Convergence

The Sacred Return of the Seven Sisters

As winter's veil begins to lift in the Southern Hemisphere, a celestial gift emerges in the pre-dawn sky. Matariki—the cluster of stars known globally as the Pleiades—rises to herald the Māori New Year, marking one of the most spiritually significant times in the natural calendar. This ancient constellation, visible to the naked eye as seven shimmering points of light, has guided indigenous peoples across cultures for millennia, serving as both cosmic timekeeper and spiritual compass.

The Pleiades constellation sits approximately 444 light-years from Earth, yet its influence resonates deeply within our collective consciousness. In Māori tradition, each star within Matariki carries its own mana (spiritual power) and purpose—from Matariki herself, who watches over our wellbeing, to Pōhutukawa, who connects us to those who have passed, to Waitī and Waitā, who govern the waters that sustain all life.

A Time of…