New Books in Intellectual History Spike Bucklow, "The Year: An Ecology of the Zodiac" (Reaktion Books, 2025)
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Sep 15, 2025 Spike Bucklow, author of "The Year: An Ecology of the Zodiac," merges his background in chemistry and heritage conservation to explore the intricate connections between nature and human experiences. The discussion traverses the cyclical nature of time, emphasizing how seasonal shifts shape emotions and perceptions. Bucklow reflects on the balance of light and darkness, the ecological awakening of spring, and the deeper meanings behind the summer solstice. Through historical insights and literary reflections, he advocates for a harmonious understanding of science, nature, and cultural beliefs.
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Hipparchus Linked Zodiac To Seasons
- Hipparchus's shift tied the zodiac to seasons and made astrology more about visible ecological cycles.
- That change reoriented Western thinking toward immediate seasonal rhythms and agricultural needs.
The Year As A Seasonal Journey
- Bucklow structures the book as a journey starting in April to mirror spring's narrative arc of renewal.
- He divides the year into four seasonal subsections, each with beginning, middle, and end.
Humans Are Still Seasonally Hardwired
- Bucklow notes human biology remains seasonally sensitive, with about a quarter of genes changing activity across the year.
- He uses this to argue humans remain deeply linked to seasonal cycles despite insulation.
