Astrololighting

A form of Digitallighting that uses the “astrology” analogy to gaslight targets into believing their work is inherently flaky, unscientific, or narcissistic. The perpetrator repeatedly compares the target’s research to horoscope reading, often with mockery about “woo” or “crystals.” Even when the target is working within rigorous academic traditions, the constant association erodes their public credibility and makes them question whether their approach is valid. Astrololighting exploits the gendered dismissal of practices coded as “feminine” or “spiritual.”

Example: “Her peer‑reviewed research on community storytelling was met with ‘this is just astrology for academics.’ Astrololighting: using a stigmatized label to dismiss serious work without reading it.”

by Abzugal April 1, 2026