Neo-Paganism Reading List: TikTok & QAnon

Trend Radar

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Jan 24, 2025

41 visitor like this post

Share

Neo-Paganism Reading List: TikTok & QAnon – A Surprisingly Intertwined World

Hey everyone! So, I've been diving deep into the weird and wonderful world of Neo-Paganism lately, and honestly? It's wild. I started this whole thing because I was super curious about how online communities, specifically TikTok and the lingering effects of QAnon, are shaping modern pagan practices. It's a rabbit hole, let me tell you. One minute you're watching a cute witchy aesthetic video, the next you're knee-deep in conspiracy theories about ancient prophecies and secret societies. It's a trip.

My Accidental Journey Down the Rabbit Hole

It all started innocently enough. I stumbled onto a TikTok video showcasing a "DIY spell jar" – sounded harmless, right? Wrong. That video led me down a wormhole of videos showcasing everything from simple moon rituals to, um, alleged connections between pagan deities and QAnon figures. I’m not kidding! I was genuinely shocked. I mean, I knew the internet could be a bit…eccentric, but this was next level.

I'll admit, I initially scoffed. I thought, "Okay, boomer, this is just internet nonsense." But the more I dug, the more I realized there was a real phenomenon here, a blending of spiritual practices and online conspiracy theories that’s seriously impacting how some people are practicing their faith. And that's what spurred me to put together this reading list. It's not exhaustive, trust me, the subject is huge.

Navigating the Information Overload: A Neo-Pagan Reading List

This reading list focuses on understanding the intersection of Neo-Paganism, TikTok trends, and the lingering influence of QAnon. I've tried to include materials that offer a range of perspectives, from academic analyses to firsthand accounts. This is crucial for getting a well-rounded view. Remember, critical thinking is key. Don't just accept what you see online at face value, especially on TikTok!

Understanding Neo-Paganism:

• "The Pagan Book of Days" by Robert J. Wallis: This offers a broad overview of Neo-Pagan traditions and practices, providing a solid foundation for further exploration. It helps put things into perspective.
• "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham: A classic beginner's guide to Wicca, one of the most well-known Neo-Pagan traditions. Understanding Wicca helps you understand many aspects of the broader movement.

The Impact of Social Media:

• Academic articles on the "digitalization of religion": A quick Google Scholar search will unearth numerous articles exploring how online platforms shape religious beliefs and practices. This isn't always easy reading, but it's important for academic rigor. Remember to focus on peer-reviewed sources!

QAnon & its influence:

• "American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Con Man in History" by Robert Kolker: While not directly about Neo-Paganism, it gives a crucial background on how QAnon gained traction and the psychology behind belief in conspiracy theories. Understanding the psychology is vital.
• News articles and reports on QAnon's influence on various groups: Stay updated on reliable news sources. There are a plethora of articles that talk about QAnon's effect on different groups and its origins, it's a huge topic. Check the credibility of your sources, though. Don't trust everything you read!

My Biggest Takeaway? Be Critical!

My initial naivete turned into genuine concern. I realized how easily misinformation can spread, especially in echo chambers online. It's scary to see how easily people can blend legitimate spiritual practices with potentially harmful ideologies. This isn't to say that all Neo-Pagans are somehow tied to QAnon, that's ludicrous. But it's important to be aware of the potential for overlap and to be discerning about the information you consume online.

This reading list is just a starting point. There's so much more to learn. And please, please, share your thoughts and insights. Let's keep this conversation going. What are some other resources you'd recommend for understanding this fascinating—and sometimes unsettling—intersection? Let's chat!