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With the booming popularity of “New Age” spirituality, there has been a rise of “spiritual influencers.” This can range from astrologers on TikTok , to music artists who infuse frequencies into their music.
Many of these influencers share information with their followers on trending topics such as witchcraft, religion, and astrology.
But of course, with this comes the question–is this information credible? More importantly, is it safe?
New age spirituality gained massive popularity in 2020, especially on TikTok. A multitude of influencers rose in popularity, many sharing similar beliefs of astral projection, aliens, and how the age of aquarius is going to save us all.
After quarantine lifted and people returned to their “normal” lives, the popularity of new age spirituality died down. Recently, it’s come under the spotlight again;but for all the wrong reasons.
Upon returning to online spiritual communities myself, it’s obvious why.
At first, this content seems light hearted and even silly at times. There’s a lot of positive content, like healing through reiki and crystals. Though once you delve deeper into some of these beliefs it starts to become concerning.
Multiple influencers promote “natural healing” (which can be useful, within reason) for serious illnesses, leading their followers to believe they can cure something that requires professional treatment.
Some also promote ideas such as “starseeds,” which has been proven to have racist and ableist origins.
An influencer and singer, Shanin Blake, has been heavily criticized recently for promoting these very ideas. One of the bigger things she’s been criticized for is claiming to have “healed” her own kidney infection (which is potentially fatal if left untreated by a medical professional).
Beliefs like this show how easily someone can fall into a spiritual psychosis–a phenomenon where people delve deep into spirituality and begin to lose touch with reality and rational thought.
This can be seen within cult leaders, who often believed themselves to be prophets of God. On a less severe level, it can be seen with those who believe themselves to be starseeds, as mentioned earlier.
Many self-proclaimed “starseeds” have inflated egos (despite some also believing to have experienced “ego death.”) They believe themselves to be on earth for a higher purpose or on a higher “vibration” than other humans.
Generally, spiritual psychosis is incredibly dangerous if not caught and treated in time. It’s not just having an ego or believing you’re on a higher frequency than humans. It can quickly put someone and those around them in danger.
Unfortunately, there were multiple examples of this regarding the solar eclipse earlier this April. One woman murdered her own child and partner before committing suicide. Her social media showed that she was an astrologer who often shared conspiracies regarding the eclipse.
Another woman went on a shooting spree during the eclipse, claiming God told her to.
On a mass level, It is so easy for vulnerable people to become entrapped in spiritual psychosis. As more people turn to spiritual services, the more predatory people look to take advantage.
I’ve personally seen some “spiritual coaches” who try to sell courses with information that will (supposedly) solve everything wrong with your life (and of course costs thousands of dollars). Yet none of these people can provide any credible sources behind what they’re selling.
It’s reminiscent of how religious cults prey on the vulnerable, selling the idea that they can be saved from damnation and misery.
It is important to note that new age spiritualists are not all extremists that regularly experience psychosis. It is just as easy to fall into spiritual psychosis as it is to fall into a “satanic panic.”
Though I’m not entirely sure of the validity of many of the “New Age” practices, I do think many of them are reasonable when used with caution.
If you believe yourself or someone you know is experiencing spiritual psychosis, please reach out for help.
National Alliance On Mental Illness, 800-950-NAMI (6264), info@nami.org
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