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okiegirl22 t1_itvp9wr wrote

I thought of another question, ha ha! Recently I’ve noticed an uptick in interest in occult subjects (for lack of a better explanation). I’m seeing lots of interest in tarot cards, astrology, witchcraft, etc., even amongst people that may not have been interested in it before. Is this just a thing that I’m noticing, or is it a broader trend? And why the increased interest now?

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Toil_AndTrouble OP t1_itvqlgz wrote

I think we are noticing it more now due to social media and the internet. AND because companies are realizing that there is a market for occult products (so capitalism will always follow the trends when that is concerned). But I think the current moment is also an interesting one. People are leaving organized religion (evangelical Christianity especially) in large numbers, and I think it is natural that they are seeking spiritual subjects elsewhere after they deconstruct their faith. At least that's a theory I have. There are some numbers to support that, but I imagine time will tell. -LK

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Toil_AndTrouble OP t1_itvruse wrote

MRA: I definitely think that social media is helping to fuel this trend and helping people communicate with each other about these topics. And yes, when capitalism gets involved, those trends expand into the marketplace. I think there's been a gradual opening of acceptance of the occult with the expansion, too. We are always hearing that Americans are describing themselves more and more as spiritual but not involved in organized religion. This is one of the avenues for that search.

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