~ Meet the Aquarius ~ Hill Kourkoutis

Hill Kourkoutis is a JUNO Award-winning producer, songwriter, composer, mixer, recording engineer, multi-instrumentalist, artist and director.

What are your sun/moon/rising astrological placements?

Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Aries, Ascendant in Capricorn.

How do you feel your signs have an influence over your work?

When I discovered natal astrology in my teens, I saw it as an opportunity to understand the different facets of my character.  As I started to understand astrology in the context of a world that seems intent on trying to change or work against your nature, I stopped looking at certain traits of my character as something to change or work against.  Instead I look at these traits as something I can learn to work with. All signs contain supposed favourable and unfavourable traits and if I look at these in context of my nature within my work, I definitely find myself navigating through my core tendencies and their pros and cons!  To me this is the beauty of astrology.  It can bring certain things to your awareness so you better understand your Self.

I am a freelance producer, songwriter, musician, etc. Aquarius Sun is where my DIY mentality and desire for community building comes into play. I can be rational to an extreme and overly critical (mainly of myself!). The rationalism and being critical however does help me when I am weighing through potentials. Aries Moon-wise I can be an idealist, enthusiastic about the things I’m passionate about and impulsive (in a fast acting sort of way).  I feel this aspect influences my tendency to want to deal with things head on. I have a hard time waiting to deal with or do something if I am inspired or if it’s burdening me (which can be a good and bad thing).  The Capricorn Ascendant can make me very serious and intense at times, resourceful, extremely ambitious (Type A alert), overly organised and overly prepared.  It brings me great patience (until that Aries Moon gets triggered!!). I am mindful of not becoming too rigid in my approach or thinking.  I guess this is where that Aquarian personality comes in to balance it all out.

Tell us about a favorite scent memory.

The smells of cedar wood and camp fires remind me of Muskoka. I always feel like I’m being enveloped in a nurturing hug when I smell them either separately or together. They spark memories of the innocence of childhood, the changing seasons, the Canadian Shield, exploring nature, moments of respite and solitude by freshwater and time shared with my loved ones.

What color are you really vibing with lately?

I always vibe with black but these days I’ve been into byzantium after a summer stretch of favouring seafoam green.

What’s something interesting that you’ve read, watched, or listened to recently?

Film/TV: I’m subscribed to the Criterion Channel and have been enjoying making my way through their monthly curated collections. This month they have collections of films starring Ava Gardner and directed by Ken Russell that I’ve been enjoying.

Books: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the poems of Emily Dickinson, One Native Life by Richard Wagamese, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Music: Timber Timbre, Khruangbin, Chilly Gonzales and so many more it’s hard to share them all.

Do you have any magical rituals or special ways you like to unwind in your space?

I try to associate spaces with certain tasks or rituals. I have a space that I create in, a space to convene with friends, a space to relax or practice mindfulness in and a space to sleep in. I think we make imprints of energy in specific spaces that help us shift into different head spaces more easily so I am definitely a fan of purposeful rituals within my surroundings.

I used to have a space for “spiritual” practice but I find myself practicing or finding spirituality in the little sacred moments throughout the day. It’s become less “magic” to me or something that is tapped into outside of myself.  It’s more tangible to me now.  It is a knowingness or connectivity that I find in my observations and stillness throughout the day. I find it by taking a moment to observe all the living creatures, plants, rocks, water, clouds and everything in between.  The present moment is a marvel and when I can find myself within it, I feel at my best.

What’s something exciting you’re looking forward to this year? 

Being alive!

For more on what Hill’s up to, follow along on Instagram: @hillkourkoutis Website: www.hillkourkoutis.com