Autumn in Cleveland - pastel and placid early on, before the city's Cancer sign takes hold
By Greg Evans
Watching the autumn leaves fall about the city of Cleveland, blanketing it in cinnamon and pumpkin spice, one tends to reflect on life, the future, and the city where so many diaphanous memories swirl about in the nostalgic winds off the lake. Cleveland was founded by Moses Cleaveland (and yes, the OB-GYN nurse in the cabin where he was born flunked spelling) on July 22, 1796. This is of great importance to me as I, too, was born on July 22, 182 years later.
The first thing that occurred to me was that Cleveland’s zodiac sign is Cancer. You might be thinking that Cancer (June, July talk) is out of place while we’re waist-deep in autumn, but for Cancers, autumn is a very special time. Cancer is a water sign (Cleveland is situated on the water), and Cancers tend to be highly emotional and in touch with their feelings. According to Psychology Today, “Fall is a very emotional time of year.”
You might find us out strolling the Emerald Necklace, listening to Mozart, or feverishly writing lamenting poetry in the Metropolitan over a rich Viennese espresso. My twin sister and I argue that there is something charming about Cancers, outside of the occasional mood swings or snowstorms, and that it is the best of all the zodiac signs.
A small percentage of the population surmises astrology to be hogwash, but they are all Libras (the polar opposite sign of Cancer). Because Cleveland is a Cancer, the city’s characteristics of being nurturing, creative, and attractive make visiting in the autumn months as memorable as your first mouthwatering bite of Pączki.
Here are the pros and cons of the characteristics of Cleveland that make it so attractive to visit in autumn.
Pros:
* Great at creating safe spaces – Not only is Cleveland the home to public housing (circa the 1930s), providing affordable shelter for low-income families, this lakeside paradise is dotted with magnificent hotels. These hotels are soaked in lore, from the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel (circa 1918) to the Gothic masterpiece, The Tudor Arms (circa 1933), with its dazzling ballrooms and idyllic relief of Moses himself, as if Peter Pan is stepping out of the window and flying off to Hunting Valley to stay forever young in affluent splendor.
* Creativity – In 1933, at a high school in Cleveland, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel created the character Superman. The city is bathed in creativity in all its wonderful forms. Cleveland’s University Circle has been called “the most culturally dense square mile in the U.S.,” an area rich with museums. You can also attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as Cleveland was the first city to host a Rock n’ Roll concert.
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* Attractive to the opposite sex – Cancers are well-known for being uniquely attractive. Take Actress Monica Potter (born in Cleveland) from such films as “Along Came a Spider” and “Con Air.” The rumor was she had to regularly wear sunglasses and a wig to keep male motorists around North Collinwood, where she grew up, from crashing, distracted by her beauty and allure. The same goes for boat captains on Lake Erie observing the beguiling skyline.
* Naturally nurturing – Pat and Dan Conway, founders of Great Lakes Brewing in 1988 (These legends of the famous “Christmas Ale” might be late June or July babies, but who cares! They get honorary Cancer designations.)
And many more. And there you have it. Proof that the city of Cleveland is a true Cancer sign making the beautiful city warm and welcoming to visit in autumn.
Cons:
* None
You do not have to be interested in astrology to get the most out of Cleveland during autumn. There may not be a city in the country that exceeds Cleveland in terms of pastel-colored beauty infused with an atmosphere of nostalgic yearning and unwavering hope.
Originally published on Nov. 16, 2022
The Plain Dealer / www.cleveland.com