Decolonial Realness @decolonial-realness - Tumblr Blog

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handsometruth5

radicalgraff

25 January 2018 - Anti-Australia Day graffiti seen around Castlemaine, Victoria

postcard-from-the-past

Mankaigne man from West Africa

French vintage postcard

osangue

"What we see in the history of astrology is an ongoing cycle of transmission, of cross-cultural exchange, of not transmission of one culture to another, but an ongoing conversation in which Babylon is in conversation with India and in conversation with Egypt and they are all in conversation with one and another. This constant rate of exchange, this constant back and forth, this constant conversation is what produces astrology. Astrology is not produced by transmission, it's instead by cross-cultural exchange." -Dr. Ali A. Olomi, A Decolonial History of Astrology, Part 1

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May Reading Wrap Up

All the spirituality, tarot, and witchcraft books I read in May, + thoughts.

Tl;dr: books I recommend: Red Tarot, Tarot: Question Everything

Postcolonial Astrology: Reading the Planets through Capital, Power, and Labor by Alice Sparkly Kat

Admittedly I did not know much about astrology going into this book, and I feel that I probably should have. This book assumes, I think, that you already have a great deal of familiarity with both astrology and postcolonial thought, and is essentially a very long research paper overlapping the two. As Robert Farrah put it in his review of A History of the Occult Tarot, it's the sort of book where you have to search for the main verb in each sentence. The dense and academic writing style isn't necessarily a flaw, but it does make the book less accessible.

I have heard that a few of Kat's sources are contested, debunked, or misinterpreted. I do not have the depth of knowledge to confirm this personally for all of them, but I can say this was the case for at least one source I was already familiar with. Additionally, there are small factual errors and logical fallacies I was able to pick up on. Still, I think Kat and I have a very aligned praxis when it comes to occult and spiritual disciplines, and I was able to extract some value out of the book's bibliography and the few subjective portions.

The audience for this is probably very narrow: people who can tolerate very long stretches of dense, academic writing, are already very familiar with the two subjects the book blends, and who have the discernment and knowledge base to separate the useful from the dubious.

Red Tarot: A Decolonial Guide to Divinatory Literacy by Christopher Marmolejo

This was the second book I finished in May, and it was a delight! I think this is what I thought I would be getting with Postcolonial Astrology. Marmolejo offers a queer, Indigenous, decolonial perspective on all 78 cards, fantastic quotes for each from a variety of queer and BIPOC authors, activists, and thinkers, and a numerological structure that makes understanding the interconnectedness of the cards very intuitive. I really feel this should be on everyone's shelf. As far as the writing goes, it's more accessible than Postcolonial Astrology was, but still a blend of academic and poetic styles. Some people have said this book lends itself to bibliomancy, and I have to agree! Another interesting use for it when I pick up a physical copy in the future.

Discovering Christian Witchcraft: A Beginner's Guide for Everyday Practice by Emyle D. Prata and Sara Raztresen

As a Christian practitioner, I really wanted to like this one. Unfortunately, it's usefulness was limited to me. My practice is more of an adaptation of Catholic religion and Appalachian and Italian folk Christian traditions, updated and syncretized for modern life. This book is more reliant on the sort of magical practice that is inspired by the Golden Dawn and Wicca and on unverified personal gnosis. There audiences this appeals to, just not me.

I also feel that the book just barely skirts the line with cultural appropriation, particularly with regard to Kabbalah. Despite very clear disclaimers that the practice of Kabbalah is closed to goyim, a significant portion of the book relies on it conceptually, with seemingly no Jewish sensitivity reader in sight. At least, not clearly credited. I’d be curious to know if any Jewish practitioners have opinions on this. It didn’t sit well with me.

And the book also had some inconsistent messaging. For example, it says that demonic possession is not possible and we should look to science, which suggests that cases of demonic possession are mental health related. However, the book also alleges that nature spirits can physically kill you. What is the book’s actual stance on the corporeality of spirits, then? You might say there is a difference between demons and nature spirits, but a book aimed at beginners should explain this, in depth, with sources. There are probably a dozen or more examples where I felt that more explanation was needed to justify contradictions.

Tarot: Question Everything: 300+ Tarot Questions For the Modern Seeker by Lexi Hideko

The final tarot/spiritual book I read in May. Lexi does excellent work and is a major influence on my practice, so it’s no surprise that her book is just as good as she is. It’s a simple, supplemental text, but it’s often these books with a narrow focus that have the most to say. She provides you with 300+ questions, as promised, across many areas of life. The questions are fantastic on their own for personal reflection without even incorporating tarot, as she really hones in on specific angles beyond just “is my ex coming back?”

She also walks you through the process of asking your own questions and creating spreads that break down those questions (and she provides several general spreads, too).

This is the sort of book you start buying multiple copies of to give away, imo. Lexi is on TikTok @lightwands if you want to get a feel for her style before buying.

bookclub4m

Occult/Mysticism/New Age books by BIPOC Authors

Every month Book Club for Masochists: A Readers’ Advisory Podcasts chooses a genre at random and we read and discuss books from that genre. We also put together book lists for each episode/genre that feature works by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour) authors. All of the lists can be found here.

The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castaneda

The Living Tarot: Connecting the Cards to Everyday Life for Better Readings by T. Susan Chang

The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens: The Divine Feminine in the African Religious Traditions by Lilith Dorsey

You Are the Medicine: 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance by Asha Frost

Inner Witch: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Craft by Gabriela Herstik

Postcolonial Astrology: Reading the Planets through Capital, Power, and Labor by Alice Sparkly Kat

The Power Wish: Japan's Leading Astrologer Reveals the Moon's Secrets for Finding Success, Happiness, and the Favor of the Universe by Keiko

Spell Bound: a New Witch's Guide to Crafting the Future by Chaweon Koo

Spirit Talker: Indigenous Stories and Teachings from a Mikmaq Psychic Medium by Shawn Leonard

Blood Sex Magic: Everyday Magic for the Modern Mystic by Bri Luna

Red Tarot: A Decolonial Guide to Divinatory Literacy by Chris Marmolejo

Brujas: The Magic and Power of Witches of Color by Lorraine Monteagut

Next World Tarot: Pocket Edition by Cristy C. Road

The Mexican Witch Lifestyle: Brujeria Spells, Tarot, and Crystal Magic by Valeria Ruelas

The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz

Crystal Clear: Reflections on Extraordinary Talismans For Everyday Life by Jaya Saxena

Enchantments: A Modern Witch's Guide to Self-Possession by Mya Spalter

Signs & Skymates: the Ultimate Guide to Astrological Compatibility by Dossé-Via Trenou

White Magic by Elissa Washuta

Tarot of the Divine Handbook: A Guide to Understanding Tarot Symbolism by Yoshi Yoshitani

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La Femme Au Couteau (The Woman With a Knife). Director: Timité Bassori (Ivory Coast, 1969).

transjudas

one of my favorite things about sinners is how we see elijah using the gun to kill the grand dragon of the kkk while still maintaining a connection to heaven where he sees and hears annie and their baby girl. the rejection of the idea that killing someone like that white supremacist character would lock the doors of heaven for someone like smoke. no. he still belongs there. absolutely he does.

trascapades

💡#ArtIsAWeapon

Afrofurist writer #OctaviaButler was born on this day, June 22, in 1947. She was bold, brilliant and prophetic. Her 1990's books "Parable of the Sower," and "Parable of the Talents" forshadowed serious issues we are currently facing in the U.S. and globally including man-made climate change-fueled disasters, the dangerous rise of fascism, and white-supremacist-rooted attacks on public education. She was also a native of Pasedena and was buried in Altadena, California.

#OctaviaToldUs #BelieveBlackWomen

Video and caption reposted from @democracynow As parts of California burn up in climate-fueled wildfires, many are revisiting science fiction author Octavia Butler's "Parable" series. Released in the '90s, the story begins in 2024 in a world of climate chaos, rampant inequality and fascism, including a politician campaigning to "make America great again." Butler explained her inspiration for the novels in a 2005 interview with Democracy Now! — one of the final interviews before her death just months later.

Visit democracynow.org to watch the full interview.

#OctaviaEButler #ParableOfTheSower #ParableOfTheTalents

blxckhorrorblogswabby

Blog Post #2: My Earthseed Community

Week 4: Parable of the Sower

Explain TWO (2) real-life issues that make it necessary to create your Earthseed community. What are you seeking shelter from?

My Earthseed community will address misogynoir and income inequality. We are seeking shelter from capitalist systems that prioritize profit over human life and fulfillment, at any cost. We plan to provide a haven where people will work to support themselves and their families without a need for excessive profit. Additionally, we are seeking shelter from sexist and anti-Black institutions that exploit and murder Black women.

We will do through a thorough curriculum of education on community conditions paired with tools needed to practice an anti-racist lifestyle. For example, we will do activities where we report on ‘community conditions’, where people from varying backgrounds can share how they lived and we can use their methods to conserve our resources.

Quote two (2) Earthseed verses from Parable of the Sower and show how you will apply them to your community. You may be creative in your interpretation.

My Earthseed community will apply this verse to our community, found in Chapter 16: “Earthseed cast on new ground must first perceive that it knows nothing”. This verse embodies humbleness, and understanding that in an unfamiliar environment, we must put aside our ego and pride to receive new information or connect with new individuals. This way of thinking will help my Earthseed community understand that we are all in unfamiliar times with people and living conditions that are unfamiliar to us. In order to connect with new individuals and survive a new environment, we must understand that there may be gaps in our knowledge, and be open to others who are experienced in this area helping us fill these gaps.

Additionally, my Earthseed community will also follow a verse found in Chapter 18, “once or twice each week a gathering of Earthseed is a good and necessary thing. It vents emotion, then quiets the mind, It focuses attention, strengthens purpose, and unifies people”. I chose this verse to guide my Earthseed community because I believe in the importance of fellowship to strengthen communities. In living conditions that will no doubt be tumultuous, it is no question that people in the community will stand with each other for our survival as a group. However, without connections and experiences with other community members that are not constantly under duress, the bonds will not be as strong as they could be.

Explain WHERE you will create your Earthseed community to be safe. (95 words)

My Earthseed community is going to be located in California near Yosemite National Park. This region is largely remote, and would provide the community with a water source though the Merced River. Additionally, the area is vast with thick foliage which would provide us with visual coverage from onlooking travelers. The biggest drawback to this area would be the bear population and the winter climate. Therefore, the community is going to be located closer to sea level to avoid harsh winter weather but not quite at the ground floor to avoid foot traffic from travelers.

Who can join your community and why? Who can’t join? Why not?

Our community is going to be open for anyone to join as long as they align with our general value system. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or bigotry of any kind. We are not expecting people to be perfect because everyone comes from different levels of understanding, but we are expecting people to be actively unlearning harmful belief systems.

What will your leadership model be for your community?

The leadership model of the Earthseed community will be modeled similarly to the Campus Retention Committee (CRC) at UCLA. The CRC has a representative from each student-run retention project who advocates for their respective community by reporting on their community condition. The representatives all work together to distribute funds and put on initiatives that support each community uniquely and the conditions faced by the communities more broadly. This model will be useful for my Earthseed community because I imagine that people from all walks of life will be involved. I think it is going to be important to understand how different life experiences inform the suitability of our group decisions.

Create a FUTURE TECHNOLOGY (one on the horizon, not something like teleportation or time travel) to help improve life at your Earthseed community. (113 words)

The future technology in my Earthseed community will be male birth control pills. Because male hormones do not operate on a 28+ day cycle, the pills will operate on a 24 hour cycle and will be effective on the day they are taken. The technology will operate similar to vasectomies without needing surgical interventions, preventing sperm from being released into semen, and thus preventing pregnancy. This will improve my Earthseed community by removing the onus placed on individuals able to become pregnant and limit the amount of people that can become pregnant at a time. This will be prescribed to all people with penises until they turn 18 to prevent premature pregnancy.

Explain/show how your Earthseed community will SURVIVE.

We are going to survive by adopting a conservationist lifestyle and modeling methods used by Indigenous nations in the area. Our divisions of labor will not be based on gender. Everyone will learn skills, such as sewing, hunting, and cooking to ensure all people have the tools needed to survive.

Explain/show what TWO steps your Earthseed community will make to build a better future, i.e. education, housing, conservation, farming, etc.

Sex education will be a main component of building a better future in our Earthseed community. We will believe in providing information to all people and allowing them to make their own decisions based on the facts presented, rather than expecting individuals to make sound decisions without prior knowledge. We are going to provide sexual education tailored to all ages, starting when children are young. Being able to identify their own body parts, safe vs unsafe touch, and warning signs for harmful behavior will keep children safe by allowing them to communicate danger to their adult caretakers.

Additionally, we are going to create generations that are skilled in all skills necessary to survive, similar to the Boy Scouts. Everyone in the community should know how to cook, hunt, make shelter, make clothes, apply first aid, and care for children. These skills will be taught regardless of gender to ensure that all people will be able to survive if our community is separated. These skills will be taught to all, but individuals would still be able to have personal preferences for their contribution to the community.

blxckhorrorblogswabby

Blog Post #3 (Week 6): The Role of Gender in Parable of the Sower (1993)

Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower (1993) depicts a post-apocalyptic United States, ravaged by the effects of extreme climate change. In addition to enduring violence, diminished natural resources, and high risk of arson, the book's female characters also navigate another force that guides their travels north: gender roles. In Butler’s post-apocalyptic society, identifying as a woman brings additional threats of non-existent reproductive protections, leading to limited pathways for the future.

In her book, Butler explores the role of gender in a post-apocalyptic society. Protagonist Lauren Olamina is motivated to escape her walled community of Robeldo due to her limited future pathways. In her community, young women over the age of 18 were expected to marry, have several children, and remain in their community, a future that Lauren detested. Despite the drastic societal changes that occured in the book, the expectation for young women to assume the role of mother and wife continued into this futuristic setting. Given the limited opportunities to earn a wage, it is reasonable to assume that households would want to have multiple incomes to support their lifestyles, and thus having children would be discouraged as to not further stress families’ limited financial resources. However, the lack of affordable contraceptive methods limits the effectiveness of that strategy. For example, in her relationship with Curtis, a neighborhood boy, Lauren describes the scarcity of contraceptives methods as the couple uses expired condoms to prevent pregnancy. In Lauren’s society, the price of basic goods increased dramatically, turning common goods, such as birth control or condoms, into luxury items for low-income individuals. This dynamic limits pathways for young women to the traditional wife and mother role because their ability to family plan is a luxury that few can afford due to their limited financial means. While many women may want to work outside of the home, their inability to prevent pregnancy cements them into the traditional gender role for women. Through this dynamic, Butler suggests that even as environments change, traditional gender roles remain constant.

Additionally, Lauren faced additional pressure to assume this lifestyle due to her family’s Christian religion. Traditional Christian teachings align with patriarchal gender roles, placing women as mothers being subservient to their husbands as the head of the household. Lauren’s father’s profession as a minister makes it increasingly difficult for her to reject this lifestyle, as it is an expected path from both her family and larger community. As Lauren develops Earthseed and prepares to leave her community, she is rejecting the traditional gender roles prescribed to her and aiming to develop a community where she is not limited by her gender.