June May 21 - June 20: Gemini

Supreme god Zeus fathered many children, but when the ancient Greeks mentioned “Zeus’ boys” (or “Dioskouroi”), they only referred to Castor and Pollux, princes of Sparta. A bit odd, because only one of the twins, Pollux, was in fact Zeus’ son, while Castor was fathered by the king. Pollux, being immortal, dragged his brother into all kinds of reckless adventures, like kidnapping the wives of their nephews. It had to go wrong and it did, when Castor got shot. Pollux then offered to share his immortality, at the cost of spending half of the year in the underworld. Zeus agreed, and depicted them both at the night sky, as the constellation Gemini. Like the two brothers, a Gemini has energy to spare. They are witty, playful and curious, juggling a variety of hobbies and careers. They adapt to every situation, and are always ready – and very willing - to try something new. Their versatility could sometimes come across as nonchalance. But their spontaneity and optimism make them great traveling partners – and/or life companions.

Dioskouroi, Coin, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Castor and Pollux, Roman sculputre, Prado, Madrid, Spain

Did you know...

• Castor/Kastor and Pollux/Polydeukes switched from upperworld to underworld every 24 hours.