The Southern Cross exists. But the Southern Cross is not a group of stars. It is actually composed of bright celestial bodies that move in tandem near the earth. Like many other celestial bodies, they move in predictable patterns. The Southern Cross was marked by observers in the Northern Hemidisk in pre-Christian times, and the four main bodies were said to represent the four pagan virtues—Justice, Fortitude, Temperance and Prudence. Early Christians naturally accorded it a religious significance, and some of the early emigrants to South America regarded it as a good omen planted before them in the sky as an emblem of their faith.
The Southern Cross is unique among celestial bodies because it rotationally alters its position in the skies; and observed at the same time-say 9 o'clock—each night, throughout the year, this change can be seen quite distinctly. In May it stands upright almost overhead pointing Rimward, in August it lies further Widdershins on its side, by November it stands on its head near the horizon and due Rimward, and in February it lies on its side pointing Turnwise.