South Lands Almanac - March 2025
Australian Capital Region
Wheel & Cross is proud to publish this monthly Almanac at the start of each month. It was created to observe and understand the cycle of seasons in the Australian Capital Region, through the lens of European agricultural knowledge and publicly available and openly shared knowledge of the traditional custodians of ‘Capital Country’, the Ngunnawal.
I acknowledge that the Ngambri people also claim custodianship of these lands. Unfortunately, I do not have any Ngambri cultural information regarding language, connection to Country or seasonal customs. This means I am unable to share anything relating to Ngambri culture but I am always keen to learn.
I pay my respects to all First Nations Elders, past and present and to all First Nations peoples from around Australia and the Torres Strait Islands who are the proud custodians of this Country we all love.
Contents
Important Dates - 1st Day of Autumn, Ramadan and Eid al Fitr (Islam), Holi (Hindu) and Nowruz (Zoroastrian/Persian)
Ngunnawal Season - Winyuwangga (Late Summer)
Weather and Climate
February weather summary
March and Autumn Long-range forecast
Star Gazing and Star Lore
Moon phases - Harvest Moon
Visible planets, meteors and solar movements
Western and First Nations ‘star lore’ - Taurus
Nature and Environment
Useful weeds - Crabapples
Native flora - Mountain Pepper
Native fauna - Robins and Bees
In Season - seasonal crops, flowers and food
Important Dates
1 March - 1st Day of Autumn
1 March - Start of Ramadan (Islam)
14 March - Holi (Hindu)
20 March - Autumn Equinox (Harvest Home)
21 March - Nowruz (Zoroastrian, Sufi and some Islamic cultures)
31 March - Eid Al Fitr (Islam)
Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr
Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims around the world fast from dawn until sunset. This practice, called sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is intended to encourage self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and empathy for those less fortunate. A pre-dawn meal, suhoor, is eaten to sustain those fasting through the day. Fasting is broken in the evening at sunset with iftar, a communal meal that often begins with eating dates and drinking water.
Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically and mentally capable. There are exceptions for children who have not yet reached puberty, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the sick. Travellers and menstruating women are allowed to break their fast but must make up the missed days later.
Acts of charity, both zakat (obligatory) and sadaqah (voluntary) are encouraged during Ramadan and special taraweeh prayers are held at night in mosques. The Quran (Muslim holy book) is read every day, with an emphasis on recitation and reflection.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," marks the end of Ramadan. It is a joyous celebration that begins with a special prayer service at the mosque, followed by festive meals, giving of gifts, and acts of charity. Eid al-Fitr is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends to express gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the month-long fast and to share the joy of this significant occasion.
Holi
Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colours,” is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The festival commemorates the victory of the young devotee Prahlad over the demoness Holika. According to legend, Prahlad was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, much to the dismay of his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Holika, Prahlad's evil aunt, tried to kill him by taking him into a blazing fire, but she was burned to ashes while Prahlad emerged unscathed due to his unwavering devotion. On the eve of Holi, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning of the demoness Holika, signifying the victory of good over evil. This ritual is called Holika Dahan.
Holi is also linked to the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. According to mythology, young Krishna playfully applied color to Radha's face and the faces of other gopis (milkmaids). This playful act is reenacted during Holi celebrations, with people throwing coloured powder and water at each other. People celebrate with music, singing, and dancing to traditional songs and drumming. Special sweets and dishes are prepared for the occasion, such as gujiya (a sweet dumpling filled with khoya and nuts), malpua (a type of pancake), and thandai (a spiced, cold milk beverage). People also visit each other's homes, exchange sweets, and extend warm greetings and blessings.
Autumn Equinox and Harvest Home
The tradition of Harvest Home has its roots in ancient rural customs and pagan rituals, particularly in England. The festival marks the end of the harvest season, typically in late September, and involves various customs such as singing, shouting, and decorating villages, churches and homes with boughs.
One of the key elements of Harvest Home is the Cailleac, or the last sheaf of corn (grain), which represents the spirit of the field. This sheaf is often made into a harvest doll and drenched with water as a rain charm. It is then saved until the spring planting. The festival also included symbolic rituals, such as the symbolic murder of the grain spirit and rites for expelling the devil. Harvest festivals are important across many cultures around the world.
Ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated the harvest season with offerings of their harvest to various harvest goddesses such as Ceres (Roman) or Demeter (Greek), or goddesses of good fortune and abundance such as Fortuna and Abundantia. These offerings were often presented in cornucopia, also called, the horn of plenty. Many ‘end of harvest’ traditions, including the cornucopia were incorporated into the American Thanksgiving celebration.
In Scandinavian and Germanic cultures, Haustblót or Winter Finding celebrations occured at the autumn equinox to celebrate the harvest, prepare for winter and offer sacrifices. Eastern European Slavic cultures also celebrated the autumn equinox and harvest customs of Rodogoshch or Tausen. The modern neopagan movement call this time of year Mabon.
Nowruz
Nowruz is the Zoroastrian celebration of the new year at the Spring Equinox (20/21 March in the northern hemisphere), which is still celebrated by Persian (Iranian) communities and diaspora. During Nowruz celebrations, special items are placed on a ceremonial table called the Haft Sin/Seen (Haft means seven and Sin/Seen is the Persian word for ‘s’), to attract and represent positive attributes for the new year, including:
Sabzeh (grass or sprouts) symbolising rebirth
Seer (garlic) symbolising health, medicine, and protection against evil
Seeb (apple or pomegranate) symbolising health, family and safety
Serkeh (vinegar) symbolising patience and wisdom - it replaced sharab (wine) which was forbidden under Islamic law after the Islamic conquest of Persia
Senjed (dried oleaster - wild olive) symbolising love and affection
Sumac (the spice) symbolising the sun, sunrise, life and prosperity
Samanoo (boiled, ground wheat berries) symbolising happiness and the sweetness of life
In addition to the seven Sin/Seen items, a mirror, a holy book (either the Islamic Quran, the Christian Bible, Zoroastrian Avesta, or another holy book depending on the family’s religion) and candles are often placed on the table, as well as colourfully dyed and decorated eggs.
Ngunnawal Season - Winyuwangga (Late Summer)
Sources: Tyronne Bell, Ngunnawal Elder, Thunderstone Cultural Aboriginal Services
The Australian Capital Region is part of the Southern Tablelands. It has a cool temperate climate featuring warm to hot and dry summers and cold winters with heavy frosts and radiation fog. March marks the fourth and final month Ngunnawal season of Winyuwangga. During this month native edible grass, rush and wattle seeds are abundant. Bushfires are easily sparked by dry lightning, sparks from cooking fires or spontaneous combustion (usually hot composting material).
See January’s article for more information about the region’s pre and post-colonial ecosystem and Firestick cultural practices.
Weather and Climate
Sources: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, WeatherZone.com.au, Timeanddate.com, Weather Spark, Weather Atlas
Under the Köppen climate classification system, Canberra’s climate is classified as Cfb, denoting a temperate ocianic climate characterised by warm summers, moderate winters and minimal rainfall differences between seasons.
Weather Summary - February
Daytime temperatures were hotter than average across the region for this time of year though a sudden temperature drop between February 15-17 caused significally colder than average temperatures. Rainfall was above average for the Australian Capital Region with soil moisture above average in the north and east of the region. The region experienced several large storm events throughout February with damaging winds and hail in scattered locations.
Max Temp - The average maximum temperature for February this year was a 29.2°C, significantly higher than the long-term average of 25.5°C. However, although most days were warmer than average the sudden temperature drop from 15-17 February shifted the overall average downwards. The highest maximum temperature was 35.7°C recorded on 4 February.
Min Temp - The average minimum temperature for February this year was 13.1°C, close to the long-term average of 13.3°C. However, although most nights were warmer than average the sudden temperature drop from 15-17 February shifted the overall average downwards. The lowest minimum temperature for the month was 3.2°C recorded on 16 February.
Rainfall - It rained on 8 days in February with a total of 47.4mm, compared with the February average of 10.6 days and 37mm of rain. The highest amount fell on 10 February with 16.8mm of rain.
Higher Sea Surface Temperatures and hot spots around Australia’s coast are impacting on weather across Australia, causing atmospheric instability, storms and higher temperatures.
March Weather
Generally speaking, March's weather shifts to an Autumnal pattern with the highest average temperature dropping to 22.8°C and down to 11.2°C overnight. The average relative humidity increases to 72%. Rain falls for an average of 10.6 days with 32mm of accumulated precipitation. The autumn equinox occurs during this month. The average sunshine length is 8.6h with an average UV index of 4, considered a moderate health hazard for unsafe UV radiation exposure.
Current weather forecasts predict higher than avereage day and especially nighttime temperatures for March. There is an increased chance of unusually warm autumn days and a high chance of unusually warm nights, increasing the risk of early March heatwaves. Rainfall is expected to remain within its average range for most of the region, with slightly above average rainfall to the east. Streamflows are expected to remain near median.
Long-range Forecast
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has released its long-range forecast for March to May 2025.
Star Gazing and Star Lore
Sources: Time and Date, SciTech, Australian Indigenous Astronomy, The Conversation
Lunar Phases
Friday, 7th - First Quarter Moon (waxing) - Rise 3:02pm NE, Set 12:21am NW (8th)
Friday, 14th - FULL MOON (Harvest Moon)* - Rise 7:22pm E, Zenith 1:25am N (15th), Set 7:36am W (15th)
Saturday, 22nd - Last Quarter Moon (waning) - Rise 11:44pm (21st) SE, Set 2:24pm SW
Friday, 28th - (Super)** New Moon - Rise 6:35am E, Set 7:48pm W
*The names of the full moons provided here generally correspond with names used in old English agricultural calendars and similar American Almanacs, although they have been re-arranged according to their appropriate season in the southern hemisphere. See Full Moon Names for the Southern Hemisphere for more information.
** Super Moon means that the Moon appears slightly bigger in the sky than normal as is at or near its closest approach to Earth.
A partial Lunar Eclipse will occur on Friday 14 March. In the Australian Capital Region (and other eastern states) will be able to catch the very end of the lunar eclipse, facing east in the early evening sky.
Stars, Planets and Meteors
Not all stars in the night sky are scientifically stars. True stars comprise the vast number of what we call ‘stars’. They appear to twinkle as their light comes from active suns in distant solar systems. The other celestial bodies we call ‘stars’ are planets in our solar system visible from Earth. They shine steadily in the night sky rather than twinkle as they steadily reflect the sun’s light, rather than producing their own light.
Seven planets were aligned in the skies at the end of February. In March, Saturn, Venus and Mercury disappear from the night sky until the end of the month. Mars and Jupiter are still visible and are moving westwards.
MERCURY - lost in the glare of the Sun and gone from the evening sky for most of the month but will reappear at the end of the month just before sunrise in the eastern sky.
VENUS - becomes the ‘Morning Star’ after several months as the ‘Evening Star’. It will be lost in the glare of the Sun and gone from the evening sky at the start of the month but will reappear at the end of the month just before sunrise in the eastern sky. On 2 March, a very thin crescent moon is directly above Venus.
MARS - in the Gemini constellation this month, above and between the twin stars Castor and Pollux. On 8 and 9 March, the gibbous Moon appears close to Mars.
JUPITER - the largest planet in our solar system continues to move slowly through Taurus in the northern sky. On 6 March, Jupiter is directly above the crescent moon
SATURN - lost in the glare of the Sun and gone from the evening sky for most of the month but will reappear at the end of the month just before sunrise in the eastern sky, above and to the right of Venus. On 28 March Saturn is above a thin crescent Moon.
METEORS - No known meteor showers occur this month,
Constellation Feature - Taurus (Great Bull)
This month, Taurus is sinking towards the western horizon before disappearing from the night skies at the end of April. It lies beside the most well known constellation, Orion, and contains the small constellation of Pleiades, positioned on its shoulder. It is also the focal point for the Taurids meteor shower that occurs in early November.
The Bull constellation is one of the oldest named constellation in western star lore. Almost 6,000 years ago, early Mesopotamian and ancient Egyptian civilisations recognised the star-patterns as a bull. Its annual conjunction with the Sun occured during spring, indicating agricultural rebirth and the begining of the cattle breeding season.
Ancient Egyptian myths told of a sacred bull being sacrificed before the new life of spring. Babylonian stories told of the goddess Ishtar, who sent the bull to kill Gilgamesh for rejecting her advances. By the time of the ancient Greeks, around 500 BC, the bull was called Taurus and connected to a myth involving Zeus disguising himself as the bull in order to abduct the princess, Europa.
But the idea that the stars of Taurus represent a bull could possibly be even older — maybe much older. One of the famous Lascaux cave paintings in France features a large, bull-like figure oriented in the same direction as Taurus, with a series of dots above its shoulder in roughly the same location and configuration that the Pleiades would be if this is indeed a star map. If this idea is correct, it would push the date back to well over 10,000 years ago.
Taurus is often connected to the nearby and well-recognised Orion constellation. Both constellations are upside down in the southern hemisphere. In ancient Greek mythology, Orion is a boastful hunter who is constantly pursuing the seven sisters of the Pleiades star cluster:
In the sky, Orion is defending himself from the charging bull Taurus, represented by the V-shaped Hyades star cluster. The Hyades are daughters of Atlas and sisters of the Pleiades.
In Wiradjuri Aboriginal traditions of central New South Wales, Baiame is the creation ancestor, seen in the sky as Orion - nearly identical in shape to his Greek counterpart. Baiame trips and falls over the horizon as the constellation sets, which is why he appears upside down. The Pleiades are called Mulayndynang in Wiradjuri, representing seven sisters being pursued by the stars of Orion.
In Aboriginal traditions of the Great Victoria Desert, Orion is also a hunter, Nyeeruna. He is pursuing the Yugarilya sisters of the Pleiades but is prevented from reaching them by their eldest sister, Kambugudha (the Hyades).
Duane Hamacher (2017), Kindred skies: ancient Greeks and Aboriginal Australians saw constellations in common, The Conversation.
Other Constellations
Southern Cross (Crux) - rising in the sky and moving towards its upright position from its southeast side. More information in the January issue.
Sky Emu (Milky Way) - rising diagonally with the head, neck and body visible near the end of the month. More information in the September 2024 issue.
Twins (Gemini) - rising from the northeast in at around 10pm and setting in the northwest around 4pm. More information in the December 2024 issue.
Dog Star (Sirius) and Great Dog (Manis Major) - sinking lower in the western sky. More information in the February 2024 issue.
Warrior (Orion) - sinking lower towards the west.
Bull (Taurus) - sinking lower towards the west.
Seven Sisters (Pleiades) - disappearing from the night sky before appearing again in the early mornings in late June.
Centaurus - becomes visible this month.
Southern Fish (Piscis Austrinus) - disappears from the night sky at the end of the month until its reappearance in July.
Nature and the Environment
Most of the information provided about native seasonal flora and fauna is relevant to the cool climate region in Australia’s south, particularly the Australian Capital Region, and can be found in the book, ‘Ngunnawal Plant Use: A Traditional Aboriginal Plant Use Guide for the ACT region,’ and the ‘Ngunnawal Seasonal Calendar’ by Ngunawal Elder and traditional custodian, Tyronne Bell from Thunderstone Aboriginal Cultural Services.
Useful Weeds (Food/Medicine)
Crab Apples (Malus spp.)
Whether growing wild on roadside edges or deliberately planted as street trees on verges, crab apple trees across the region are bearing golden to crimson fruit, called Pomme. Crab apple trees (Malus spp, particularly Malus Sylvestris) are the wild ancestors of the domestic apple and are found across Eurasia along with regional folklore. The small, tart crab apple fruits are often associated with magic, healing and traditional herbal medicine. It is also the only ancient apple tree indigenous to Britain - the domestic apple was introduced to the British Isles by the Romans. Crab apples.
According to legend throughout Europe, crab apples were considered a symbol of love, fertility and marriage. To the Anglo-Saxons, crab apples had magical properties and were believed to banish evil and heal all ills. They were part of the "nine great herbs" charm, which is mentioned in the ancient Lacnunga manuscript. In Ireland, crab apples are considered sacred, used by the faerie folk as a gateway to travel between this world and the supernatural Otherworld. During Samhain, the origins for Halloween, crab apples were used in love divinations. In the Irish folktale of Cormac Mac Airt, a legendary High King of Ireland, a silver branch with golden apples from the Otherworld brings peace and healing to those who hear its music.
In Slavic regions crab apples were also associated with protection and fertility. It was common to plant a crab apple tree in celebration of a new birth, symbolizing a wish for a fruitful life and protection from evil spirits. Crab apples were used in love spells and charms. Young women would place crab apples under their pillows to dream of their future husbands or use them in various rituals to attract love and ensure a happy marriage.
Crab apples also hold a significant place in the history of brewing ale and cider. They are tart and tannic, making them less desirable for eating out of hand but excellent for fermentation. The high acidity and astringency of crab apples were used to add complexity and depth to both ale and cider, and its high level of tannins was used to preserve the beverage. Apple cider vinegar is also made with a mix of domestic and crab apples.
Crab apples are used medicinally as they are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity, improves skin health, and promotes wound healing. The presence of malic and tartaric acids in crab apples can also support liver health and improve overall metabolism. Additionally, they are a good source of pectin, a type of fiber that aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. This makes them ideal for use as a base for jams and jellies, which preserved the fruit and concentrated its medicinal properties.
Native Flora
Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata) - The Mountain Pepper is a native shrub found in the cool temperate forests of Tasmania and southeastern Australia. It has aromatic leaves and spicy berries, and was used by the Ngunnawal people all year round either fresh or dried, particularly as a seasoning for meat. The leaves have a peppery, slightly eucalyptus-like flavor, while the small, dark berries are known for their intense heat and spiciness. While the leaves can be picked at any time of the year, the berries are seasonal and they begin ripening this month.
Native Fauna
Robins (Petroica spp.) - Australia has 49 species of robins, although they are from the family of Petroica, and are not related to the European Erithacus. Many have spectacularly colourful breasts ranging from black and white, to bright pink, rose and yellow.
Throughout Autumn, robins begin their journey to overwinter in the relatively warmer, lower altitudes in the Australian Capital Region from their summer breeding grounds in the mountains. This includes the Scarlet Robin (Petroica boorang), Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea), Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii), Rose Robin (Petroica rosea), and the Pink Robin (Petroica rodinogaster), Jacky Winter (Microeca fascinans), Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis), and the Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata).
Robins are small, insectivorous birds, known for their agile flight and acrobatic hunting skills, often catching prey in mid-air. They build cup-shaped nests in tree forks, using grass, bark, and spider webs and are known for their melodious songs, which males use to attract mates and defend their territories. They generally keep close to the protective shelter of shrubs and bushes, to avoid predation and hunt for insects. They and other native animals, are in danger of extinction due to overclearing and habitat fragmentation. The NSW Local Land Services is implementing a long term project to protect existing habitat and establish new patches of vegetation across the region. Watch the video (7:35 mins) below or visit Save Our Scarlet Robin for more information.
Stingless or Sugarbag Bee (Tetragonula carbonaria) - The latest Wheel & Cross episode, Summersend: the Last Honey Harvests explores the relationship between humans and European honeybees. Australia is home to a remarkable diversity of native bees, with over 2,000 species identified across the continent. Most of these bee species do not produce honey except for the the small, black Stingless Bees (Tetragonula and Austroplebia spp.). They are also one of only a few species that live socially in hives, building intricate nests in cavities such as hollow tree trunks using resin and wax.
Tetragonula cabonaria are the most widespread species, found in open woodlands and forests along the eastern seaboard from Queensland as far south as Bega. They produce the most honey out of all the stingless bees and and build spiral nests, producing a thin, uniquely-scented honey called Sugarbag.
Many of Australia’s First Peoples harvested the honey as a sweet treat and for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The honey has a high trehalulose content, a rare sugar with a low glycaemic index, meaning that it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It has a distinctive tangy and slightly sour taste with antimicrobial properties that helps with wound healing and fighting infections.
The beeswax and resin was also used or various purposes, including making tools, waterproofing containers, and creating ceremonial items. Stingless beekeeping was first trialled in 1984. Since then its practice, known as Meliponiculture, has increased at a fast pace through interested backyard beekeepers and conservation groups, as well as commercial interests.
Other native bees in our region include the Green Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa aerata) that have a metallic green sheen and nest in dead wood, the Blue-Banded Bee (Amigella spp.), and Teddy Bear Bee (Amegilla bombiformis) known for their buzz pollination, Reed Bees (Exoneura robusta), which are small bees that nest in the hollow stems of reeds, the Masked Bee (Hylaeus spp.) carry pollen internally, rather than on their bodies and have markings that can appear similar to wasps, and Leafcutter Bees (Megachile spp.) that cut circular pieces from leaves to construct their nests.
In Season
Cut Flowers
Sources: Meadow and Widler Farm, What Cut Flower is That
Flowers finishing this month: Cornflower (Centaurea spp.), Smokebush (Cotinus spp.), Roses (Rosa spp.), Zinnia (Zinnia spp.), Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Flowers starting this month: Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Erica (Erica spp.), Guernsey Lily (Nerine spp.), Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Flowers continuing this month: Ageratum (Ageratum spp.), Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), Aster (Aster spp.), Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata), Belladonna Lily (Amarylis belladonna), Bells of Ireland (Molucella laevis), Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.), Cock’s Comb (Celosia spp.), Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus spp.), Dahlias (Dahlia hybrids), Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), Hollyhocks (Alcea and Alcathaea spp.), Lavender - French (Lavendar dentata), Lisianthus (Eustoma spp.), Marigold (Tegetes erecta), Peruvian Lily (Alstromeria aurantiaca), Pincusion (Scabiosa caucasica), Statice (Limonium spp.), Sunflower (Helianthus annus),
Kitchen Garden
Source: Food Tree, Sustainable Table
Herbs - Basil, chervil, chilli, chives, coriander, dill, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme
Vegetables - Artichokes, Asian greens (bok choy, choy sum, gai laan, wombok) avocado, beans (borlotti, butter, green), beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, fennel, leek, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onion, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, shallot, silverbeet, spinach, spring onion, squash, swede, sweet, potato, tomato, turnip, watercress, witlof, zucchini
Fruit - Autumn-bearing raspberries and blackberries are tapering off. Stone fruit are winding down. The apple harvests are beginning in earnest (aba, bonza, braeburn, cox’s orange pippins, fuji, gala, golden delicious, granny smith, jonagold, jonathan, mutso, pink lady, red delicious, snow, sundowner). The pear harvest is also starting (beurre bosc, howell, josephine, packham, red sensation, williams). Persimmon, pomegranate and fig are at their peak. Table grapes (white, red and black) continue their harvest season. Navel and Valencia oranges, imperial mandarins and limes are in season. Feijoa, kiwi fruit and rhubarb are in season.
Mushrooms - mushroom season starts. Be careful while foraging.
I am constantly in awe of the information you gather for this almanac. So interesting to read through!