Confronting the Gender Binary in Astrology

It is no secret (and certainly not news) to queer and feminist spaces that the gender binary is pervasive in every aspect of our lives, but it would seem that attempts to alter that within spiritual circles is something of a Pandora’s box: the depth of reverie and blind adherence to centering gender and gendered language within mystic spaces is astounding... and often far more insidious than one would think could exist within a sacred space.

I will not pretend to speak for all trans people (and in truth, I can only speak to my experience as a trans masc, non-binary person), but when I exist in a spiritual framework that has a tendency to place gender on Universal energies (see: “Divine Masculine/Feminine,” sublimating the use of ‘yin’ to ‘feminine’ and ‘yang’ to ‘masculine,’ or assigning celestial bodies and luminaries as either ‘male’ or ‘female’), I am sharply reminded that for the majority of people, spirituality does not operate outside of the gender binary and in fact reinforces oft outdated and sexist ideals through their use. By equating ‘receptive’ or ‘passive’ energy to femininity and ‘reactive’ or ‘protective’ energy to masculinity, we are not only limiting our understanding of these concepts but actually attempting to assert a feeble human conviction onto the Universe in all of its boundless glory. And while there is no Universal truth to this, we find ourselves desperately holding onto such language - perhaps because we have not been challenged to alter our vocabulary and the words we use to express all of these encompassing energies.

The celestial bodies that govern us do not need to be ‘male’ or ‘female’ for us to understand all that they represent and control - and truth be told, I cannot think of anything more ridiculous than assigning one of two genders to an entire planet as though they were no more than human. I would not attempt to shrink them to fit our silly little box.

I implore those of spiritual communities to search within and confront where those ideas came from and why they continue to center the gender binary in (supposedly) inclusive spaces. And, if you do decide to work on changing your vocabulary, I would ask that you address the idea that certain actions exist purely on one side of said binary, and how to reconcile this idea of balance within oneself without using ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ as opposing ends to a spectrum that does not truly exist.

Rylen Moore is a queer freelance writer, LGBTQ+ advocate, and Child & Youth Care graduate. An Albertan-turned-Vancouverite, they use their astrological studies as a framework to better understand and work with at-risk youth as well as run their own chart-reading business. You can find them on Facebook for Moon horoscopes, weekly astrological content, and personal services @ It's Just A Phase (facebook.com/readingsbyrylen) .

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