If we were to map what makes September peculiar, it would be its somewhat equalising position across various spectrums. An equinox on both hemispheres, bringing them closer than summer and winter ever would. The most common birth month for humans is also a month full of significant days to rejoice around the world.

While the ninth month of the Gregorian calendar actually means seven, in some sense it is a time that manifests an attempt at commonality, if not equality. It is also a charged time for the creative community with design weeks and festivals spanning Sydney, London, Dundee, New York and elsewhere. On the one hand, this issue offers a glimpse into what's to come from the global

creative cauldron, accessed through STIR's on-ground activations, media partnerships and content collaborations. On the other, we travel to Jeddah, immersing ourselves in TeamLab's new museum. We also pass through the vineyards of Château La Coste in France to witness Chinese artist Ding Yi's exhibition and consider Russia's depleted cultural influence in present-day Bulgaria through art.

Virgo's deep-rooted connection to Earth, while the gods fled to Olympus, could serve as a reminder to ground ourselves in our shared present as we navigate the eclectic energies of this September.