What’s Your Sign?: Eleanor Kirk, Women’s Suffrage, and the Origins of Relationship Astrology

Beginning in the late nineteenth century, astrology transitioned from an occult science used primarily for event prediction to one emphasizing reflection on inner character and the development of that character. I argue that Eleanor Kirk (1831-1908) was a major developer and popularizer of such ideas. Kirk especially innovated the use of astrology to determine relationship compatibility.

Kirk’s activism in women’s suffrage and divorce rights movements in the 1860s shaped the relationship astrology she pioneered in the 1890s. My research contextualizes and analyzes Kirk’s astrological innovations, demonstrating the important influence of women’s rights movements on popular occult religions.

Ordförande: Martin Westerholm. The seminar will be held in English / Seminariet kommer att hållas på engelska.