Have you noticed more friends or family members chatting about their zodiac signs or pulling out tarot cards for fun? You’re not alone.
A recent study shows that about one in three Americans now turn to New Age practices like astrology, tarot readings, or fortune telling at least once a year.
But for most people, it’s more about entertainment than serious guidance.
What the Numbers Say About Astrology and Tarot in the U.S.
According to new research from Pew Research Center, 30% of Americans have tried at least one of these mystical activities annually.
Astrology tops the list with 28% of people consulting the stars, followed by tarot cards at 11%, and fortune tellers at 6%.
This shows a steady curiosity in these practices, even if many don’t take them too seriously.
Fun for Most But a Spiritual Concern for Some
While the majority say it’s “just for fun,” not everyone sees these practices in a lighthearted way.
Tom Nash, a Catholic apologist from Catholic Answers, warned that activities like tarot cards, Ouija boards, and seances carry real spiritual risks.
He describes them as forms of divination that can be “spiritually dangerous.”
The Catholic Church’s View on Divination
The Catholic Church explicitly rejects all forms of divination.
The Catechism clearly states that such practices contradict the respect and reverence we owe to God alone.
Nash points out that dabbling in divination could lead people into a deeper life of vice and other serious problems.
Who Believes in These Practices the Most?
Interestingly, belief in astrology and other New Age practices crosses religious lines.
Pew’s data shows Hispanic Catholics, Black Protestants, and those who say they don’t follow any particular religion are the most likely to believe that consulting fortune tellers, tarot cards, or astrology offers genuine insight.
On the flip side, atheists and white evangelicals tend to avoid these practices altogether.
Why Are These Practices So Appealing Today?
Whether it’s curiosity, entertainment, or a genuine search for answers, the rise in popularity of these practices points to a cultural trend.
Even if many people treat it lightly, the spiritual concerns raised by religious groups remind us that these beliefs have complex layers worth considering.