Did you know interest in the occult, tarot, and astrology is on the rise among millennials? Consider these facts:
- 22 percent of Americans don’t claim any religious affiliation.
- An estimated 1.5 million Americans are followers and practitioners of witchcraft.
- In a span of 18 years from 1990 to 2008, the number of Wiccans, a pagan religious system, grew by an astounding 42.5 times.
What’s driving this change? Should you be adding your Zodiac sign to your online dating profile? Here’s what you need to know about the rising popularity of esoteric and occult practices.
Departure from Dominant Religions
More young Americans are rejecting traditional religions and expressing interest in pagan and occult forms of spirituality. Even though 70 percent of Americans continue to identify with Christianity, Millennials are rejecting the Abrahamic religions and traditions that many grew up with.
Many Millennials want to explore spirituality in a way that transcends the rituals of traditional religion. Once considered the domain of satanic and demon worship, today the occult, pre-Christian religions, and New Age traditions provide an outlet for people to practice free religious thought, gain new insights on Earth and nature, and practice a spiritual life and connectivity through concepts once considered taboo, like astrology.
“New Age is new again,” says Colleen Joubert, a 27-year-old health and wellness writer based in San Francisco. “I personally see myself as being on a quest for knowledge through non-dogmatic practices. The occult gives me the liberty to explore and discover my own truths.
According to Joubert, who describes herself as a self-aware Virgo and tarot Hermit in her online dating profile, following traditional religious principles isn’t a necessary component of having good morals. “In fact, history has demonstrated that the Church is perfectly capable of doing wrong,” she adds.
Big Business
Today’s age 18 to 30 crowd is increasingly reaching for the horoscope section of their favorite magazine or news site. According to recent surveys, more than 50 percent of young adults believe that astrology is a legitimate science. As such, Millennials’ interest in tarot readings, mediumship services, and astrology is driving the growth of a two-billion-dollar psychic services industry.
Millennials are also attracted to alternative spiritual concepts such as herbalism, spell-casting and meditation. There’s no wondering why there is a rise in people, places, products, and services that cater to these developing spiritual wants and needs. Led by Millennial entrepreneurs, there are a growing number of smartphone apps, web-based subscription services, brick-and-mortar and online retailers, personal consultants, and local organizations assisting young seekers in their spiritual journey.
Those who look to astrology for daily guidance use it to understand how energies and attitudes apply to specific daily situations. Millennials love personalization. That’s why many of them agree that astrology provides an enticing way to navigate the uncertainties of everyday life. Rather than sit through a one size fits all sermon at a local church or congregation, many prefer the advice of a professional astrologer or subscription-based online service.
Astrology, Love, and Relationships for Millennials
Astrology-based dating is growing in popularity. Many online matchmaking services and dating apps are therefore incorporating astrology into their matching algorithms to help users make better dating choices.
Even traditional religions teach the importance of spiritual compatibility when choosing a lifetime partner. Finding the one, your soulmate, is an investment of time and energy from your heart and soul that can’t be left to chance.
“When people are spiritually connected to the universe, they are more likely to make the connection with each other,” says Joubert. One thing’s for sure: an increasing number of Millennials are looking to the stars for guidance in all their family, professional, and romantic relationships. For them, “What’s your sign?” isn’t a cheesy pick-up line.
