Astrology and Tarot and Witchcraft. Oh, My!
In a world where traditional spiritual practices often fall short of acknowledging the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, some gay men have turned to the realms of mysticism for guidance, connection, and empowerment. From the esoteric wisdom of astrology and the energetic healing of crystals to the ancient practices of tarot and witchcraft, queer mysticism offers a rich tapestry of spiritual tools that resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community. These practices not only provide a sense of belonging and self-discovery but also serve as a means of reclaiming power and agency in a society that has often marginalized queer identities.
The Spiritual Shift: Gay Men, Queer Mysticism, and the Rise of New Beliefs
The spiritual shift toward non-traditional practices like tarot, astrology, and crystals is most pronounced among millennials, a generation that is also leading the charge in embracing LGBTQ+ identities. According to a 2021 Gallup survey, 10.5% of millennials identify as LGBTQ+, a demographic that is notably more likely to engage with non-traditional spiritual practices than older generations.
A 2019 Los Angeles Times article highlights how young people, especially millennials and Gen Z, have moved away from conventional religious practices, embracing astrology, crystals, tarot, and other forms of divination as a way to explore their identity and find meaning. As the article notes, these practices offer flexibility, allowing individuals to "dabble" in what resonates with them, without committing to a singular belief system.
Additionally, this movement can be traced to several key factors:
- Alienation from Traditional Religions: Many younger people feel that the rigid doctrines of traditional religions fail to reflect their experiences and have historically been hostile or unsupportive of their identities.
- Disillusionment with Societal Systems: Millennials are increasingly disillusioned with political and economic structures that marginalize them, prompting a search for alternative sources of guidance and healing.
- Search for Community: As a result, they seek new ways to find community, connection, and meaning beyond traditional religious institutions.
- Rise of Social Media: The widespread use of social media has made spiritual practices like tarot and energy healing more accessible and socially accepted, amplifying their appeal among younger generations.
While no formal study directly links LGBTQ+ individuals with practices like astrology or crystals, the convergence of these factors—rising LGBTQ+ visibility in younger generations, disenchantment with mainstream religions, and a collective search for empowerment—suggests a natural connection.
The Allure of Astrology in Queer Culture
Astrology has become an essential part of queer culture, offering LGBTQ+ individuals a sense of self-affirmation that traditional institutions often fail to provide. As astrologer Chani Nicholas explains, astrology allows queer people to understand their direction in life by reflecting their talents and desires, offering validation that is sometimes absent from other sources. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who have left their hometowns or feel disconnected from traditional identity markers, astrology serves as a personal map to navigate life.
Nicholas also highlights astrology as a tool for being seen in a world that often marginalizes queer identities. Unlike religious institutions that have historically shunned LGBTQ+ people, astrology provides an alternative means of recognition. This individualized form of self-exploration, as noted in a 2021 Daily Californian article, allows people to find affirmation and identity outside traditional frameworks. The article emphasizes that “when society doesn’t see you, the stars still do,” offering empowerment and a sense of belonging.
Astrology’s appeal is part of a broader cultural shift towards self-exploration, echoing trends like the 1970s "Me Decade" focused on personal transformation. This resurgence is particularly significant in queer communities, where astrology offers visibility and inclusion. Astrologer Clarisse Monahan suggests that queer astrology should embrace a non-binary approach, moving beyond gendered concepts to create a more inclusive space. This shift helps both queer and non-queer individuals escape rigid gender roles, reflecting a broader cultural reclamation of identity and purpose.
Tarot and Queer Identity: A Journey of Fluidity and Self-Discovery
Tarot has long been intertwined with queer identity, offering a space for exploration and healing. According to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, tarot is a queer practice that resonates with individuals who embrace fluidity and challenge societal norms. Pedro J. Rolón notes that, like queer life, tarot exists "at the margins of everyday logic," providing an opportunity for self-reflection and communal love, while reshaping meaning and personal growth.
Both tarot and queerness invite individuals to reject normative expectations and embrace fluid, holistic self-development. Tarot's approach to gender—often represented through masculine and feminine archetypes—mirrors queer and trans narratives. While many tarot cards depict gendered figures like kings and queens, their deeper meanings emphasize a balance between masculine and feminine energies, reflecting the complexity and fluidity of gender.
For example, cards like Temperance, which blends masculine fire with feminine water, symbolize the integration of opposites and the transformative power of embracing both energies. This fluidity in tarot provides a powerful metaphor for queer and gender-diverse identities, affirming the richness and complexity of individual self-expression.
This balance within tarot is also reflected in the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith deck, painted by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909, who some scholars suggest may have been queer herself due to her frequent involvement in bohemian, queer spaces and her advocacy for feminist causes.
The Connection Between Witchcraft and the LGBTQ+ Community
The portrayal of witches in popular culture, particularly in Hollywood, has always held a special resonance for the LGBTQ+ community. As noted by author Brendan Hayley in a 2020 Pride article, witches are often depicted as fierce vixens or flamboyant divas, personas that align with the queer community’s love of theatricality and grandiosity. Michael Varrati, a gay horror actor, highlights that witches are particularly compelling because their power comes from their rejection of societal norms. This rebellious nature, according to Varrati, is key to their appeal and mirrors the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who have often been marginalized and ostracized for being different.
In addition to these cultural representations, a 2023 article in Gay Community News highlights four core links between witchcraft and the LGBTQ+ community:
- Community: Witches often practice in covens, forming close-knit, chosen families. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the experience of being rejected by biological families or traditional communities makes the search for a chosen family a vital part of their journey.
- Healing Rituals: Witchcraft includes many sacred healing practices that empower individuals to heal themselves and others. Similarly, LGBTQ+ people reclaim their sense of self and their power, often in the face of rejection, and turn towards healing and self-affirmation.
- Rebellion: Witchcraft has long challenged patriarchal structures and gender norms. For LGBTQ+ people, embracing their queer identities is also an act of rebellion—rejecting societal expectations and asserting their authenticity.
- Intuition: Witches rely on intuitive powers to access their internal strength and wisdom. LGBTQ+ individuals often develop heightened awareness through personal experiences of trauma and discrimination, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
These intersections demonstrate that both witchcraft and queer identity are built on themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and challenging societal norms.
Embracing Mysticism for Personal Growth
The appeal of queer mysticism—whether through astrology, tarot, crystals, or witchcraft—offers a space for growth and healing that many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly younger generations, are increasingly gravitating toward. In moving away from traditional religious practices, LGBTQ+ people are embracing spiritual practices that better align with their unique identities and personal experiences, which offers opportunities to heal through deeper self-exploration.
These mystical practices provide the flexibility to choose what feels right, empowering individuals to reclaim their own narrative and connect with supportive communities. Whether through intuitive insights, rejecting societal norms, or finding a chosen family, queer mysticism opens the door to both personal transformation and a broader, more expansive understanding of the world, paving the way for a more fulfilling and authentic journey.
And remember: every day is all we have, so you've got to make your own happiness.
For more information on this topic, listen to Episode 79. Queer Mysticism: Gay Men & Spirituality.
Tune into your favorite podcast player every Tuesday for new episodes of A Jaded Gay.
