How can I rotate around a spiral?

These suggestions really helped. Thank you so much!

I'm trying a couple different approaches to the project using these tips, but I'm still an illustrator newb and might need to ask a few more questions.

I think we can use Live Effect "Distort and Transform" Then you can dinamacily change  the size angle transformation etc...

You can create the two spirals by 'click' the spiral tool for options and changing the radius.  Align the two spirals at the centre.

Create a Transform Effect on a line, create brush from it, and tweak as necessary...

For the varying heights I'd probably just manually tweak or create two overlapping 'brushed' paths, with different no. of copies and starting width of stroke... but manual probably easier!

Adding rotating to the Transform will also give you this

Hi Joanna:

Sometimes it is difficult to place or move objects in Illustrator following a certain order.

The snapping options are limited.

Please check this plug-in from astutegraphicswhich allows you to align objects in a better way. ColliderScribe v2 - Astute Graphics

Best Regards

Maybe someone else will come up with something better, but the only thing I can think of is:

draw a perfect spiral (this is not)

create a blend between two lines

put the blend on the spiral path

resize the two lines using the Transform panel if necessary

set the blend options

release a copy of the blend

resize the tic marks for the hours and give them a thicker stroke — create and use a graphic style if you think you'll change your mind.