Sometimes I think ppl don’t want to cite where their ideas come from bc they believe that under capitalism the solo brilliance of their idea owned fully and only traceable to them is what helps them survive, gain attention, build a brand

But what if as a culture, community, friend group, we all cited with joy! A citational practice spreads knowledge, allows you and other ppl to understand that actually all knowledge comes from our relationship with others

whether it is through the land, the sky, our experiences dealing with others, others stories or writings, even a spirit that brings you messages in the shower

A citational practice helps knowledge or an idea spread further vs the facade of trying to tie it down and claim ownership (idea must get bogged down, hidden away)

I could definitely do better too. When writing horoscopes, how many of you might sometimes take real life examples or cues from people around you?

It’s all good when you reuse your clients language in the consultation but what happens when that becomes a language you then mimic in your own practice, in your writing, in your other readings, in your Instagram posts!

I think it’s important to have a deep relationship of CONSENT, communication, giving and taking, playing and affirming and uplifting and supporting type of relationship with those who may not be “Teachers” but teach you

And it can be overwhelming bc if you’re paying attention that’s normally a lot of sources

What I’m suggesting is not going to be a simple behavioral change that fixes capitalism or the way this online influencer network operates but can at least on a personal level help not add to the extractive way content creation often operates

Also note: it’s important bc dominant culture in the us and on social media is very noncitational (bc it was built on theft duh) White creators with more following can easily plagiarize nonwhite and esp Black people’s work

@cielosueloastro has been doing such important work, reinvigorating star stories from Dr. Bernadette Brady with their own artistic research and background, and undergirded by voluminous citational practice

If you have the time or resources, give them a follow and support their work