why orion?

Orion is one of the most recognisable constellations in the night sky. The Hunter stands proud in the Winter sky, immediately visible and reassuringly reliable. A friend in the sky who’s watching my back. As tangible as any deity.

A constellation that has everything. A recognisable humanoid shape. Everyone’s favourite; the 3 star asterism - Orion’s belt, which is actually about 7 stars with 3 supergiant blue stars in a region of stellar birth. Rigel - a huge bright blue star and Orion’s left foot. Betelgeuse - an equally massive and enigmatic red star and Orion’s right shoulder, which has perhaps already gone supernova! And of course the Orion Nebula (my favourite), visible just below the belt in proper dark skies.

You could stare at him for hours thinking of all those connected worlds, in reality parsecs from each other, but lining up as the Handsome Hunter Orion here on Planet Earth.

I adopt Orion as my namesake anywhere I can. My car is called Orion (number plate too!). Any online presence I have I use Orion as my handle…

But why?

Orion has it all. Simply put, it embodies everything. In a world where I can be anything and anyone. Why not be the beautiful giant Orion? Whose unique constituent parts can, metaphorically, make up all the facets of my personality and different interests. Whether it be writing, music, photography or even just thinking out loud… This will be the place to bare (or bear) it all!

So I wield the sword of my existence in this world under the protective and watchful shield of Orion.

“five-card stud, nothing wild. And the sky’s the limit…”