I’ve been pretty indecisive my whole life. I’ve struggled with making strong, deeply personal opinions such as religion. I was always afraid of being wrong. 

I don’t think people realize that religion and spirituality are opinions, as most of the arguments are non-quantifiable. No religion or spirituality is strictly fact, or can be definitively proven as absolute truth. Ultimately, people practice what they do because it feels right to them. 

That’s why I choose to believe that everyone is right. 

With that being said, it seems others have adopted a similar open mindset. Spiritual practices such as Paganism, Wicca and other belief systems that were once widely misunderstood or criticized have become more common in American culture, especially with our younger generations. We see this especially in the form of the “Etsy witch.” 

Etsy has become a popular platform for individuals offering spiritual services. From love spells to tarot card readings, this business has also exploded on social media platforms like TikTok, where creators regularly promote their shops and practices. I believe the growing popularity of these sellers suggests more than just a simple social media trend, and has a lot of societal implications. 

As I stated before, it seems people have increasingly become open to spiritual practices that might seem “different” or out of the “norm.” I know that in America, we are used to different cultural practices; it’s what makes up our melting pot of a country. But, religions like Christianity have historically, and still are, viewed as the dominant religious frameworks of the country. 

I have increasingly seen people talking on social media platforms about opening up their hearts and minds to the practice of spirituality. Many people are feeling comfortable stepping away from belief systems that no longer resonate with them. Social media has played a major role in this shift. It has given people a platform to explore spirituality without fear or potential shame. 

I even see those practicing strict religions now own things like tarot cards or crystals, something that older generations have viewed as demonic. Now that people have started to loosen their grip on rigid views of what is or is not a “common practice,” I can see why witchcraft is starting to become more popular. 

I’m actually very interested in witchcraft, and while I haven’t dabbled in it too much on my own, I like supporting businesses that revolve around such. At the beginning of last academic year, I wanted to purchase a spell for a satisfying school year. I ended up not going through with my purchase because I couldn’t find someone I felt was reliable enough to not just nab my cash. 

Although I do believe this New Age interest in witchcraft has increased due to cultural shifts within society, it’s impossible to ignore that it also stems from a general sense of desperation. While browsing Etsy, I found many reviews and Q&A sections filled with desperate pleas for some stranger to totally turn people’s lives around. 

With this sort of business being popular on TikTok, I frequently see deeply personal and long comments inquiring about spells that bring exes back, usually hinting at unhealthy attachments to past significant others. It almost gives the sense that some sellers may be catering to these users, despite their problems going deeper than what a love spell or tarot reading could solve. 

This is not unique to witchcraft; people facing hardship often seek hope wherever it is offered. This is somewhat concerning because of consumer culture and impulse spending. People may be in a fragile state, and constant advertisements for witchcraft solutions to their deepest problems may lead them to believe that just one small purchase can change their lives. 

However, it’s not all negative. Social media brings such topics to mainstream viewers that normally wouldn’t practice spirituality. Whether it’s out of curiosity or desperation, seeing something on TikTok definitely brings attention to things people normally wouldn’t reach out to on their own.

It’s important to note that social media also presents content to people who, like myself, just like to enjoy everything that life has to offer. Dabbling in different practices with respect is absolutely not harmful– as long as you’re doing so with respect.

Sometimes people forget that witchcraft is not simply an aesthetic or a way to up your “individuality factor.” Witchcraft has been around for centuries and has been practiced by all different types of people. My mother’s aunt practices paganism and is a witch herself. This knowledge has blessed me with a positive outlook on spiritualities that aren’t particularly common where I was raised.

I think the rise of acceptance in witchcraft and different types of spiritual practices is actually pretty positive. Despite certain aspects of the boom in popularity not necessarily being great, it’s good to know that we as people are evolving and willing to see others out in opinions that are deeply personal to them.