Post Colonial Astrology: Alice Sparkly Kat's Revolutionary Approach
In recent years, astrology has experienced a remarkable resurgence, finding its way into mainstream conversations, social media feeds, and everyday decision-making processes. Yet, amidst this renewed interest, few astrologers have challenged the fundamental structures and colonial histories embedded within astrological practice quite like Alice Sparkly Kat. Their groundbreaking work, 'Postcolonial Astrology', offers a refreshing perspective that examines the ancient practice through the lens of power, politics, and decolonisation.
Reimagining an Ancient Practice
Astrology has existed for millennia, traversing cultures and evolving through countless historical contexts. However, the astrology most widely practised in Western societies today carries the distinct imprint of colonial power structures. Alice Sparkly Kat, an astrologer, writer, and educator, challenges practitioners and enthusiasts alike to recognise these influences and reconsider how we approach this ancient divination system.
"Astrology isn't just about predicting the future or understanding personality traits," notes a recent analysis by Wilfred Hazelwood, a consultancy specialising in cultural and philosophical studies. "It's a language through which we make meaning of our lives, and like any language, it carries the history and power dynamics of those who shaped it."
Colonial Foundations in Western Astrology
When we examine Western astrological traditions closely, the colonial fingerprints become apparent. Many contemporary astrological interpretations rely on binaries and hierarchies that mirror colonial thinking: masculine/feminine, active/passive, superior/inferior. These dichotomies often reinforce existing power structures rather than challenging them.
Alice Sparkly Kat's work meticulously unpacks these assumptions. For instance, their analysis of planetary meanings reveals how traditional interpretations often reflect colonial-era values:
- Mars, associated with aggression and conquest, is typically valorised in ways that echo imperial mindsets
- Venus, linked to beauty and passivity, frequently reinforces gendered expectations rooted in patriarchal ideals
- Saturn's connection to discipline and restriction often carries undertones of control and domination
By highlighting these patterns, Sparkly Kat invites us to question not just specific interpretations, but the very framework through which we understand celestial influences.
Astrology as Political Practice
Perhaps most radical in Sparkly Kat's approach is their insistence that astrology is inherently political. Far from being a neutral tool for self-discovery, they argue that astrological practice always exists within political contexts and power relationships.
"Astrology has always been political," they write. "The question isn't whether astrology is political but rather how conscious we are of the politics embedded in our practice."
This perspective fundamentally shifts how we might engage with birth charts, transits, and planetary movements. Instead of seeing these as objective truths or cosmic determinants, Sparkly Kat encourages us to view them as languages through which we negotiate meaning, identity, and power.
Queering Astrological Practice
Another transformative element in Sparkly Kat's work is their application of queer theory to astrological practice. By 'queering' astrology, they challenge binary thinking and fixed identities that have dominated traditional interpretations.
This approach offers liberation not just for queer practitioners but for anyone seeking more nuanced understandings of planetary energies. Rather than being locked into rigid meanings, planets and signs become more fluid, contextual, and open to reinterpretation.
For example, instead of understanding Venus simply as the planet of femininity and beauty, a queered perspective might explore how Venus represents values, relationships, and aesthetics in ways that transcend gender binaries and cultural expectations.
Practical Applications of Postcolonial Astrology
Beyond theoretical frameworks, Sparkly Kat offers practical approaches for implementing postcolonial perspectives in everyday astrological practice:
Historical Context: Understanding the historical conditions under which certain astrological interpretations emerged helps practitioners recognise and potentially reject colonial influences.
Critical Reading: Approaching astrological texts with an awareness of the author's positionality and historical context allows for more nuanced engagement with traditional knowledge.
Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging the diverse cultural origins of astrological practices helps prevent appropriation and encourages respectful engagement with traditions beyond Western frameworks.
Power Awareness: Considering how astrological interpretations might reinforce or challenge existing power structures brings a socially conscious dimension to readings.
The Reception and Impact
Alice Sparkly Kat's work has received both enthusiastic support and thoughtful criticism within astrological communities. Some traditionalists question whether political perspectives belong in astrological practice, while others embrace the fresh perspectives and inclusive approach.
Regardless of where one stands on their specific interpretations, Sparkly Kat has undeniably sparked crucial conversations about power, colonialism, and responsibility within astrological communities. Their work encourages astrologers to consider not just what they practice, but how and why they practice it.
Beyond the Birth Chart
One of the most valuable aspects of postcolonial astrology is its expansion beyond individual birth charts to consider broader social and political contexts. While personal horoscopes remain valuable, Sparkly Kat demonstrates how astrological thinking can illuminate collective experiences and historical patterns.
This approach connects individual experiences to larger social movements and historical moments. For instance, examining generational planets like Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus through a postcolonial lens reveals patterns of collective trauma, resistance, and transformation that transcend personal narratives.
The Future of Astrological Practice
As astrology continues its mainstream resurgence, the questions raised by Alice Sparkly Kat become increasingly relevant. How might astrological practice evolve to become more inclusive, critical, and liberated from colonial thinking?
The answers will likely emerge through continued dialogue, experimentation, and community building. Astrologers inspired by postcolonial perspectives are already developing new approaches to traditional techniques, creating more inclusive language for celestial phenomena, and building communities that centre marginalised voices.
What remains clear is that the future of astrology need not be bound by its past. By engaging critically with tradition while remaining open to new perspectives, practitioners can honour ancient wisdom while creating more liberatory approaches for contemporary contexts.
The work of Alice Sparkly Kat reminds us that astrology, at its best, offers not just insight into who we are, but imagination about who we might become—both individually and collectively. In questioning the colonial foundations of astrological practice, they invite us to reimagine our relationship to the stars in ways that might help create more just and liberated futures here on Earth.
