Online Oracle Cards Offer Self-Care: Questioning the Efficacy of Digital Spiritual Practices
In a world grappling with crises, people are seeking solace and meaning in unexpected places. One such place is the digital realm, where the spiritual turn isn't entirely new but the delivery is, offering bite-sized, algorithmically optimised doses of meaning.
Cameron Tewson, who found immense comfort in connecting with his deceased partner through a medium during a time of ongoing grief, is not alone. Many are reaching for practices that anchor them in something real and true, according to wellness expert Rebecca Moore, author of Radical Self-Care.
The digital landscape is teeming with spiritual content. Tarot readers are appearing more frequently on Instagram, particularly after a breakup, while TikTok users often post 'card pulls,' offering advice or predictions for themselves or their audience. Oracle cards are booming on TikTok with 16.1 million posts tagged under #OracleCard.
However, the online spiritual space is largely unregulated, warns Jill, co-founder of East London spiritual studio She's Lost Control. People often come to it when they're vulnerable or seeking answers, making them easy targets for unscrupulous practitioners. Critics argue that the boom in spirituality is more about aesthetics and curated crystal grids than self-actualization.
Semra Haksever, the founder of Mama Moon Candles, shares this concern. She believes modern-day spirituality online is based on Western capitalistic individualism and misses the point that sharing a faith should be for the greater good. Leila Sadeghee, a priestess and energy worker, agrees, stating that deep spiritual work shifts how we engage with the world, allowing us to see beyond the surface of our experience and stop looking for exits.
But not everyone shares this scepticism. Jenna finds comfort in online spiritual guidance, feeling like the women she encounters are talking directly to her. Liza Al Sady, founder of We the Conscious Studio, believes the rise in online spirituality is about a collective reckoning with disembodiment and disconnection in modern life.
Zak Avery, Community & Culture Director at Shoreditch-based wellness hub &Soul, has noticed a growing appetite for experiences that foster inner connection, such as ecstatic dance, breathwork, sauna ceremonies, and dynamic meditations. Pinterest has even noticed an uptick in Libra make-up and astrology make-up in its Summer Trend Report.
However, the viral spiritual content on social media often blends ancient symbols with influencer tropes, raising questions about authenticity and the commercialisation of spiritual practices. Despite these concerns, it's clear that the spiritual shift in the digital age is here to stay, offering a new way for people to find meaning, connection, and comfort in a turbulent world.
