Why new age spirituality is more popular than ever
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![A person leans over tarot cards on the floor.](https://img.apmcdn.org/84cd847f130cf2c790a2eab55d9f1c123b6cb61c/uncropped/bcd48e-20201124-tarot.jpeg)
As we try to make sense of the damage and loss this year, you may notice more people turning to new age spirituality. Things like astrology, tarot cards, crystals, and manifestation have boomed in popularity during the last few years. A 2018 Pew Research study shows that 6 in 10 Americans hold some sort of new age belief, including things like psychics and astrology.
Likewise, manifestation, the practice of thinking positive thoughts in order to make them real, is finding a new life during these troubling times. As reported in Vox, Google searches for “manifestation” increased 669 percent from March to July of 2020. And a report by the New York Times shows that astrologers are seeing an increase in horoscope consultations this year.
Why are more people turning to spirituality? Is it harmless self-soothing or an attempt to escape a less-than-ideal reality?
Guests:
Meredith McCowan is an astrologer based in St. Paul.
J. Ryan is a tarot life coach based in St. Paul.
Rebecca Jennings is an internet and culture reporter for Vox.
Use the audio player above to listen to the program.
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