QO · moonQuarter time Opposite direction
The hands circle in opposite directions, a quarter-cycle apart. Either hand can lead.
In this upright view, the paths mirror each other across a diagonal. Swapping the lead changes which diagonal.
Try timing and directionIn practice
Quarter-time poi butterflies use this relationship. They are named in the 2002 discussion below.
Timing and placement
Quarter time describes when things arrive, not where the hands are placed. Alpha, beta, and gamma describe placement separately.
In TKA
M is a Quarter-Opposite dual-shift. Moon identifies the M–R family in TKA.
Explore this in TKALearn from other spinners
- AlienJon: Phase and symmetry A detailed forum explanation of quarter timing and diagonal mirror symmetry. Look for AlienJon's November 20, 2009 post.
- Noel Yee: Vulcan Tech Gospel The four-mode VTG framework, flower patterns, and links to fan and hoop teaching. This overview covers together and split timing.
History & sources
A 2002 poi discussion names quarter-time butterflies. A 2005 thread uses them to explain why timing and direction need separate names. In 2009, spinners describe their diagonal mirror symmetry.
These are dated examples of public use, not claims of invention.
- Concept moves and why make lists? 2002 public use of quarter-time butterflies.
- Can you do this move? 2005: timing and direction defined separately, with examples of all four combinations.
- degrees 2005 distinction between quarter timing and the spatial angle of a move.
- In Depth Move Families 2009 description of opposite-direction quarter timing and its diagonal mirror line.
- TKA public repository record 2025: TKA data with separate quarter-time and opposite-direction fields.