Tendings: Feminist Esoterisms and the Abolition of Man

In Tendings, Nathan Snaza explores how esoteric practices like tarot and witchcraft connect to Black feminist and new materialist thought, offering a concept of tending that links ontology, attunement, care, and anticipatory action to explore how worlds persist through everyday acts of participation. He demonstrates how these practices constitute an endarkenment that challenges universal presumptions and rejects the racializing and colonialist mission of enlightenment modernity, affirming a pluriversal worldview that reimagines what it means to live in a more-than-human world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2024
Publisher: Duke University Press

In his book "Tendings," Nathan Snaza explores the resurgence of interest in esoteric practices like tarot and witchcraft within contemporary feminist and queer popular cultures. He brings these practices into conversation with Black feminist and new materialist thought, offering a unique perspective on the relationship between these traditions and social justice movements. Through his analysis of writing and performances by various artists, including Maryse Condé, Barbara Ehrenreich, Deirdre English, Starhawk, Christina Sharpe, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, and others, Snaza introduces the concept of tending as a framework that connects ontology, attunement, care, and anticipatory action.

Tending, according to Snaza, is a concept that seeks to understand how worlds persist through everyday acts of participation. It challenges the universalizing presuppositions of the enlightenment and proposes an endarkenment that embraces decolonial spiritual knowledge. By highlighting how endarkenment practices challenge universal presumptions and reject the racializing and colonialist mission of enlightenment modernity, Snaza demonstrates how esoterism affirms a pluriversal worldview that reimagines what it means to live in a more-than-human world.

One of the key themes of "Tendings" is the relationship between feminism, occultism, and esotericism. Snaza argues that these practices can be seen as a response to the marginalization and oppression experienced by marginalized communities, particularly women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color. Through the exploration of these practices, Snaza offers a way for these communities to reclaim their spiritual and cultural heritage and to create new forms of knowledge and power.

Another important aspect of "Tendings" is the role of imagination and creativity in shaping our understanding of the world. Snaza emphasizes the importance of esoterism as a tool for reimagining our relationships with each other and with the natural world. He suggests that by engaging with esoteric practices, we can develop a deeper sense of connection and empathy and create new ways of being in the world that are more sustainable and just.

Overall, "Tendings" is a thought-provoking and engaging book that offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of feminism, occultism, and esotericism. By exploring the ways in which these practices can be used to promote social justice and create a more inclusive and sustainable world, Snaza provides a valuable contribution to the field of cultural studies and social activism.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478025849