We appreciate and embrace the unique differences between various astrological practices and techniques. We recognize the different cultural, historical, and/or spiritual views of the skies, as well as astronomical systems upon which they are built. This can include differing zodiac systems, house systems and approaches originating from diverse world cultures.

Identity is a complex and nuanced construct that has been used with negative connotation historically to disempower people based on circumstance. We are committed to centering the narratives of individuals rather than imposing our own ideas of their lived experience.

Please consult best practices regarding the current preferred terms to use when referring to those of a different background than your own.

“A schizophrenic person” is better referred to as “a person living with schizophrenia.”

“A drug addict” is better referred to as “a drug user.”

We recognize the violent and ongoing impact of colonialism both in Canada and around the world. History has been presented from the viewpoint of those in power, thus, controlling the narratives of the oppressed. Please consider the impact of the ways in which you frame current and historical events and figures on individuals and groups directly affected by institutions and systems of injustice.

Please consider:

-using “ developed or developing nations” vs. “rich or poor countries”

-referring to a country’s government vs. the people of that country and/or culture

-the impact of local and international wars and other historic events such as ethnic cleansing or genocides

It has become commonplace in astrology to assign gender to planets and signs which can be limiting to individuals of all genders and serves to reinforce gender-based cultural stereotypes.

Likewise, associating planets or houses with the mother or father is common practice, and does not reflect the experiences of individuals who may have come from single parent families, multi-generational households, those with a history of adoption or foster care, those raised by relative(s), and those with same sex or trans parents and caregivers.

Please consider the unintended exclusion these types of practices may create for others.

Appreciation or celebration of a culture may be done respectfully, with permission, providing credit with compensation, which elevates and empowers the people of the cultural group, and has an authentic educational purpose and lens.

There can often also be a fine line between celebrating or appreciating a culture and cultural appropriation. When using stories that are not of your own heritage, please use appropriate and accepted terminology of the culture you are referencing and consider the potential impacts of cultural appropriation.

Cultural appropriation becomes problematic when a dominant group stands to benefit from the ideas or practices of a non-dominant culture including profiting from, failing to give credit or taking ideas and practices outside of their original context in ways that no longer honour their origin. This can be done through practices (protocols/ceremony), story-telling, art, artifacts, aesthetics, dance, food, language and intellectual property.

Please refrain from assuming that terminology acceptable in one ethnocultural group is transferable to another one. In Western and in Chinese culture, stories used to illustrate archetypes are referred to as myths or legends.

By contrast, FNMI Creation Stories should not be referred to as myths or legends as they hold equivalent sanctimony to that of other religions like the Bible, Torah or Koran. Each Nation has its own sacred Creation Stories. For example, refrain from referring to an Anishnaabe Creation Story, or a Cree Creation Story as “myth” or “legend.”

More on cultural appropriation.

It is important to recognize that some audience members may arrive with a history of trauma and thus may be more sensitive to presentations containing graphic images, videos or stories depicting violence or abuse. Please use your discretion and omit overly graphic imagery or descriptions. If you do intend to use a case study describing physical or sexual violence, genocide or other potentially disturbing material please provide a content warning at the beginning of your presentation and before sharing the specific portion of your talk. This allows individuals to exercise their own discretion and consent to the types of content they wish to engage with or provide the option for participants to take a break if needed.

As astrologers, we already tend to contextualize our practice in terms of the type of astrology and house systems we use in our practice. Consider extending this by sharing details about your own cultural background, socioeconomic status, sexuality and gender identity in order to increase transparency for audience members and to help shed light on who you are in relation to the topic you are presenting.