Alice Sparkly Kat — aka Ace — is an astrologer and author who moved to the US from China as a young child. We talk about the power and roots of names and how our respective Chinese and Korean cultures look to create harmony through the process of naming. We talk about language systems, finding community, and of course — astrology. What I find particularly interesting about Ace’s perspective of astrology is the recognition that astrology was developed within colonialism and therefore there are many aspects and meanings to be reckoned with, even within such a mythical, magical practice. They call for a relevant use of the stars in how we show up in the world for each other, rather than the misguided self-centered indulgence that often seems to result from the American or New Age concept of spirituality or “wellness.”

This conversation was recorded in early October, and we make no mention of world events. Since then, I have loved the way Ace has used their social media platform to speak up and to write about justice and liberation and I invited them back on the podcast for an updated conversation. As I try to do my part to fight for humanity, I continue to value these connections within the Asian community and with all marginalized voices that have historically been oppressed and silenced in this country.

So stay tuned for a follow up episode and in the meantime, please enjoy a little mysticism with the very sparkly — Ace.

You can follow Ace on Instagram⁠ @alicesparklykat and visit their website alicesparklykat.com, you can also find Leah on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leahsoojinkim⁠

This podcast was produced by Just Breathe, find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠justbreatheproject.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our intro and outro music is from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠purple-planet.com