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Postcolonial Astrology: Reading the Planets through Capital, Power, and Labor by Alice Sparkly Kat
hbriggs's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.75
alipp's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
At the start I felt this was a bit wordy and hard to read. I was worried I didn’t know enough about astrology to finish (and I’ve been studying casually for a few years, listen to podcasts & read books, had a couple readings and study my chart). But after the first chapter or intro I got much more into the flow of Alice Sparkly Kat’s writing and train of thought. This was a really important read, a bit dense at times with lots of information. But so glad that I finished, there were parts that were healing and I loved her advice at the conclusion of the book too.
So much context for Western astrology, mythology, history and culture here. Also felt so relevant as Alice Sparkly Kat references quite a number of other authors & books I’ve just read or am reading - Octavia Butler (parable of the sower), Audre Lorde (are prisons obsolete), Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (an Indigenous People’s History of the United States)
So much context for Western astrology, mythology, history and culture here. Also felt so relevant as Alice Sparkly Kat references quite a number of other authors & books I’ve just read or am reading - Octavia Butler (parable of the sower), Audre Lorde (are prisons obsolete), Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (an Indigenous People’s History of the United States)
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Colonisation, and Violence
iamjuliay's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this book, but after a few months of trudging through it, I had to give up halfway through.
My issue with the book is the author’s correlations of ideas through logical fallacies, often in the form: “A is related to B. B is related to C. Therefore A is the same thing as C.” Here is an example copied directly from the book, page 63-
“Plotemy describes the Moon as a sinister planet. The word sinister means left-handed. On a natal chart, which is the way most early civilizations oriented themselves, left is east. Another word for "eastern" is Oriental. If the Moon is sinister, then it is also Oriental. Silver, as the Moon's metal, became associated with the global market but also with the Orient. If Orientalism is not only an institutional orientation but also an economic one, then the Orient stands for the global market for the European imagination, and silver becomes its mediator.”
So moon= sinister = left handed= eastern = Oriental, so moon= Oriental, specifically Oriental as the global market for Europeans?
If this was an occasional jump between symbolic ideas I could get past it, but it’s how the majority of the book is constructed. It reads more like a freeform word association than a discourse, and it makes all of the points harder to accept as valid. And unless they’re tucked away at the end of the book, there are no actionable steps to actually decolonizing these ideas as indicated by the description.
Astrology is a symbolic language, and doesn’t necessarily have to be logically sound. If this sort of connection of ideas supports your understanding, you might enjoy the book. But if you aren’t prepared for ~300 pages similar to the excerpt above, this is probably not the book for you.
Don’t believe me yet? Here is another excerpt from the book just a few pages before the last example. It is preceded by some disturbing descriptions of human cannibalism of black slaves.
Pages 60-61
“In many modern astrology books, the Moon is linked to hunger, needs, and consumption. However, consumption that is associated with the Moon is not an apolitical eating but the consumption of the social other. It is ethnic consumption—what Maria Thereza Alves and other postmodern scholars call the anthropological feast.”
So the moon = white cannibalism of black slaves? Seriously? I can’t get past this.
It’s really unfortunate. Some of the ideas within the book are brilliant and gave me new insights on astrological concepts. With some more editing and restructuring it could have been one of those rare paradigm-shifting books. But I can’t wade through the muck of messy arguments and falsehoods for the few gems of insight.
My issue with the book is the author’s correlations of ideas through logical fallacies, often in the form: “A is related to B. B is related to C. Therefore A is the same thing as C.” Here is an example copied directly from the book, page 63-
“Plotemy describes the Moon as a sinister planet. The word sinister means left-handed. On a natal chart, which is the way most early civilizations oriented themselves, left is east. Another word for "eastern" is Oriental. If the Moon is sinister, then it is also Oriental. Silver, as the Moon's metal, became associated with the global market but also with the Orient. If Orientalism is not only an institutional orientation but also an economic one, then the Orient stands for the global market for the European imagination, and silver becomes its mediator.”
So moon= sinister = left handed= eastern = Oriental, so moon= Oriental, specifically Oriental as the global market for Europeans?
If this was an occasional jump between symbolic ideas I could get past it, but it’s how the majority of the book is constructed. It reads more like a freeform word association than a discourse, and it makes all of the points harder to accept as valid. And unless they’re tucked away at the end of the book, there are no actionable steps to actually decolonizing these ideas as indicated by the description.
Astrology is a symbolic language, and doesn’t necessarily have to be logically sound. If this sort of connection of ideas supports your understanding, you might enjoy the book. But if you aren’t prepared for ~300 pages similar to the excerpt above, this is probably not the book for you.
Don’t believe me yet? Here is another excerpt from the book just a few pages before the last example. It is preceded by some disturbing descriptions of human cannibalism of black slaves.
Pages 60-61
“In many modern astrology books, the Moon is linked to hunger, needs, and consumption. However, consumption that is associated with the Moon is not an apolitical eating but the consumption of the social other. It is ethnic consumption—what Maria Thereza Alves and other postmodern scholars call the anthropological feast.”
So the moon = white cannibalism of black slaves? Seriously? I can’t get past this.
It’s really unfortunate. Some of the ideas within the book are brilliant and gave me new insights on astrological concepts. With some more editing and restructuring it could have been one of those rare paradigm-shifting books. But I can’t wade through the muck of messy arguments and falsehoods for the few gems of insight.
monstrouscosmos's review against another edition
it's just not for me right now. I'm not doing a regular astrology practice, and don't intend to start anytime soon.
bisexualbookshelf's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
In "Postcolonial Astrology: Reading the Planets through Capital, Power, and Labor," Alice Sparkly Kat embarks on an illuminating journey through the celestial realm, intertwining the cosmic with the political, the mystical with the tangible. Grounded in the acknowledgment of subjectivity and the fallacy of objective truths, Kat's work challenges conventional notions of astrology, urging readers to recognize the inherent biases embedded within systems of classification and categorization.
Kat's prose resonates with a deep-seated understanding of the complexities of identity and power dynamics. They skillfully weave together personal anecdotes, reflective language, and insightful analysis to craft a narrative that is both introspective and emotive. As a reader, I found myself drawn into Kat's world, captivated by their ability to navigate the intricate intersections of astrology, politics, and social justice.
At the heart of "Postcolonial Astrology" lies a powerful critique of the ways in which colonialism and capitalism have shaped our understanding of the cosmos. Kat deftly exposes the ways in which astrology, often dismissed as frivolous or superficial, is intertwined with systems of oppression and control. They challenge readers to interrogate the socio-political implications of astrological practices, urging us to consider the ways in which our beliefs and interpretations are influenced by broader power structures.
One of the book's most compelling aspects is Kat's exploration of the relationship between astrology and liberation. Drawing on themes of solidarity, responsibility, and collective action, they illuminate the transformative potential of astrological practices in challenging dominant narratives and fostering community resilience. Through their incisive analysis, Kat invites readers to reimagine astrology as a tool for political resistance and social change.
Throughout the book, Kat's commitment to inclusivity and representation shines through. They foreground the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, highlighting the ways in which astrology can serve as a vehicle for amplifying underrepresented narratives. By centering the perspectives of those often sidelined in mainstream discourse, Kat challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions, fostering a more inclusive and equitable astrological practice.
Kat's writing remains consistently engaging and thought-provoking throughout their debut book. From their reflections on the commodification of spirituality to their critique of liberal individualism, each chapter offers valuable insights into the complexities of contemporary society. By examining the ways in which capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy intersect with astrological symbolism, Kat encourages readers to critically engage with the world around them, challenging us to imagine new possibilities for collective liberation.
In conclusion, "Postcolonial Astrology" is a timely and essential read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of astrology and social justice. Through their lyrical prose and incisive analysis, Alice Sparkly Kat offers a compelling vision of astrology as a tool for political resistance and collective empowerment. Whether you're a seasoned astrologer or a newcomer to the practice, this book will inspire you to reimagine the cosmos through a lens of liberation and solidarity.
Kat's prose resonates with a deep-seated understanding of the complexities of identity and power dynamics. They skillfully weave together personal anecdotes, reflective language, and insightful analysis to craft a narrative that is both introspective and emotive. As a reader, I found myself drawn into Kat's world, captivated by their ability to navigate the intricate intersections of astrology, politics, and social justice.
At the heart of "Postcolonial Astrology" lies a powerful critique of the ways in which colonialism and capitalism have shaped our understanding of the cosmos. Kat deftly exposes the ways in which astrology, often dismissed as frivolous or superficial, is intertwined with systems of oppression and control. They challenge readers to interrogate the socio-political implications of astrological practices, urging us to consider the ways in which our beliefs and interpretations are influenced by broader power structures.
One of the book's most compelling aspects is Kat's exploration of the relationship between astrology and liberation. Drawing on themes of solidarity, responsibility, and collective action, they illuminate the transformative potential of astrological practices in challenging dominant narratives and fostering community resilience. Through their incisive analysis, Kat invites readers to reimagine astrology as a tool for political resistance and social change.
Throughout the book, Kat's commitment to inclusivity and representation shines through. They foreground the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, highlighting the ways in which astrology can serve as a vehicle for amplifying underrepresented narratives. By centering the perspectives of those often sidelined in mainstream discourse, Kat challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions, fostering a more inclusive and equitable astrological practice.
Kat's writing remains consistently engaging and thought-provoking throughout their debut book. From their reflections on the commodification of spirituality to their critique of liberal individualism, each chapter offers valuable insights into the complexities of contemporary society. By examining the ways in which capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy intersect with astrological symbolism, Kat encourages readers to critically engage with the world around them, challenging us to imagine new possibilities for collective liberation.
In conclusion, "Postcolonial Astrology" is a timely and essential read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of astrology and social justice. Through their lyrical prose and incisive analysis, Alice Sparkly Kat offers a compelling vision of astrology as a tool for political resistance and collective empowerment. Whether you're a seasoned astrologer or a newcomer to the practice, this book will inspire you to reimagine the cosmos through a lens of liberation and solidarity.
leafhead's review against another edition
The language used is dense and technical. It is interesting, but I don’t have the energy to focus on this very intellectual book.
beetdirt's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
everyone who practices astrology should read this book imo. it is dense. there are parts that feel a little circular. but i’m giving it five stars simply bc i have not found a work that even near compares to the wisdom and perspective alice sparkly kat has to offer. thank you thank you thank you
samiavasa's review
3.75
The project of laying bare the ideas and material history that accumulates within astrological terms is ambitious and beautifully executed. We get a super universalist, multi historical look into the trails of capital and whiteness through planetary significations.
My problem with this book is that it reduces astrology to relations of power. No mention of uncanniness, direct contact with the soul, synchronicities, the ever-strange accuracy of divinatory techniques. It is true we don’t talk about violence enough. But this book overcorrects this tendency and ends up with an astrology that is entirely human, entirely cultural.
My problem with this book is that it reduces astrology to relations of power. No mention of uncanniness, direct contact with the soul, synchronicities, the ever-strange accuracy of divinatory techniques. It is true we don’t talk about violence enough. But this book overcorrects this tendency and ends up with an astrology that is entirely human, entirely cultural.