Tarot: Acient Magick for Today’s Binge Watcher

Welcome to this blog post, where I'll be sharing my research on the intriguing confluence of digital magick, online witchcraft, and the captivating world of Social Media spellwork. Through my perspective, we'll explore how age-old practices seamlessly merge with modern technology, offering new opportunities for those seeking to blend magick, spirituality, and the occult in the digital era. Join me on this virtual journey where we examine how the mystical meets the digital, unlocking new possibilities with just a click…

This post is a blend of research findings and my personal thoughts. It's important to note that I haven't uncovered the ultimate truth in this intriguing realm. The mystical and ever-evolving world of digital magick, online witchcraft, and Social Media spellwork is a complex tapestry that continues to unfold. As we explore, please keep in mind that these insights reflect our current understanding and the ever-evolving nature of this fascinating domain.

Digital altars

Creating a digital altar or vision board, whether on platforms like Pinterest or other apps, has become a popular way to craft a sacred space directly on your phone. It's a visually appealing and convenient alternative to the physical home altar that might include fresh flowers, real incense, and lit candles. A digital altar can serve as a screensaver or an interactive space for prayers, meditation, or spellwork.

However, the question arises: can a digital altar truly replace the sensory experience and connection provided by a traditional, physical one? While digital altars can be practical and visually stunning, they lack the tactile sensations and sensory richness of a physical altar. The scent of fresh flowers, the flickering of real candles, and the wafting of genuine incense all contribute to a multi-sensory experience that can deepen one's connection to spiritual practices.

Photo from the “Enchantech: Exploring Digital Magick” event at Copenhagen Occult Club Oct. 15th 2023. A digital altar created from the participants own pictures, along with a physical ritual center piece.

For some practitioners, digital altars complement their analog practices by providing a portable and easily customizable space for intention-setting, while physical altars remain central for their rituals. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences, the importance placed on sensory experiences, and the adaptability of digital tools to personal spiritual needs.

esoteric Apps

The rise of technology has ushered in a myriad of apps catering to the spiritual, occult, and witchy realms, including moon phase tracking apps, astrology apps, tarot card pull apps, and more. The convenience and accessibility offered by these digital tools have undeniably attracted a growing audience, but the question remains: can they truly replicate the authenticity and effectiveness of traditional, analog methods?

Moon phase tracking apps have made it easier than ever for individuals to align their activities with lunar cycles. While these apps provide accurate data on moon phases, astrological transits, and planetary movements, some might argue that the connection to the celestial energies can feel less tangible compared to the traditional practice of observing the night sky or consulting physical almanacs. However, the accuracy and precision of digital apps are indisputable, making them a practical choice for those who may lack astronomical knowledge or reside in urban environments with limited stargazing opportunities.

Astrology apps, on the other hand, offer personalized horoscopes and birth charts at your fingertips. These apps can provide valuable insights into personality traits, life events, and potential paths, yet the personal touch of a face-to-face astrologer's interpretation can be hard to replicate digitally. Trust in astrology apps often hinges on the algorithm's ability to accurately calculate celestial positions and generate relevant insights.

When it comes to tarot card pull apps, some may question the authenticity of digital readings vs physical card decks. Traditionalists argue that the tactile experience of shuffling cards and drawing them by hand creates a unique bond between the reader and the cards, fostering a more personal and intuitive connection. However, digital tarot apps can offer the same cards and interpretations, but without the physical sensations. Trust in digital tarot readings relies on the quality of the app and its accuracy, as well as the user's faith in the medium.

Instagram reels featuring fast-flipping tarot cards have become a popular trend, allowing users to take screenshots of a card. These interactions can be an entertaining way to connect with tarot, but whether it's as potent or "especially for you" depends on one's beliefs. It's important to recognize that these reels are often designed for general enjoyment rather than personalized divination, and their accuracy is subjective.

In the end, the effectiveness and authenticity of digital spiritual and occult tools depend on individual perspectives and intentions. While traditional analog practices offer a deep and tangible connection, digital apps provide convenience and accessibility. Ultimately, the choice between old-school analog methods and their digital counterparts is a matter of personal preference and what resonates most with each practitioner.

#witchTok

Although the “wichy” phenomena have been steadily gaining interest and followers for the past 10+ years, it was during the COVID lockdown that they truly exploded. Suddenly, people had a lot of time at home to read books, listen to podcasts, engage in new hobbies, and reflect on themselves. For this audience, this meant that more people began to "play" with tarot and oracle cards, read books about astrology and sex magic, delve into alternative forms of self-improvement, self-care, and follow the lunar cycle. These alternative, esoteric, and mystical things suddenly made sense to people in a time filled with uncertainty regarding the world's situation, one's own work life, and the future. It might have been a way to find meaning and perhaps even security or a way to shut out the sad and frightening reality and find peace amidst chaos.

This trend was also evident on various social media platforms. For example, TikTok saw extreme growth during the COVID lockdown ("How coronavirus helped TikTok find its voice" The Guardian, April 2020), and another phenomenon boomed here as well: “Witch-tok.” Under the hashtag #witchtok, modern digital witches share knowledge about the ancient craft of witchcraft, full moon rituals, tarot lessons, and spells with a new and younger generation. The hashtag #witchtok, for example, has a whopping 41.4 billion views, #witch has 24.5 billion, and #tarot has a staggering 53.5 billion views (TikTok website) ("How modern witches are enchanting TikTok" The Conversation, January 2022).

The same trends are visible on Instagram, where, for instance, tarot readers and witches have transitioned from being niche content creators in a dusty corner of "The gram" to becoming influencers with massive followings and great popularity ("10 tarot influencers you should follow" Influencers Intelligence). The hashtag #witch on Instagram has 19.2 million posts, and #tarot has 21.1 million posts (Instagram website).

(Adapted and translated (from Danish) abstract from my final exam paper (Marketing & Communication Design) about the esotric shop La Diosa Copenhagen with focus on spiritual event curation)

Adapted abstract from my lecture at Occulture Conference in Berlin 20th of October 2023:

Today, I'll discuss how to integrate the traditional art of tarot reading with the convenience of our smartphones and digital platforms, such as Instagram and Google Docs. It's important to note that this lecture focuses on "personal tarot practice."

I was born in 1980, right between the Generation X and the Millennial generation, so you could say I'm a bit of both. This dual influence is quite apparent in my spiritual and occult practices. On one hand, I have a deep affection for analog tarot cards, the tactile experience of candle magic, connecting with nature, disappearing into books, and engaging in various hands-on crafts. Yet, at the same time, I'm drawn to the digital realm. I have a fondness for social media, even though it's a bit of a love-hate relationship. I like the fact that I can use it for my own benefit, and I appreciate the tools offered by the digital age. Today, we carry the world's knowledge in the palm of our hands, thanks to our smartphones. So, why not use these devices as portals into the unknown? Let these little droids assist us in creating some magic!

Let's begin by defining modern cartomancy, as seen through my perspective, which is of course influenced by my preferred divination tool, the Tarot. When comparing modern cartomancy to the traditional fortune-telling practices with cards, a significant shift in focus becomes evident.

Modern cartomancy is often a more personal and introspective practice. It centers on self-development, spiritual growth, goal setting, manifestation, and the exploration of one's connection to the Divine, the universe, or one's own subconscious. In contrast, in the past, cards, particularly Tarot cards, were primarily associated with fortune tellers, gypsies, or psychics. People would seek them out to inquire about their future, love life, financial situation, and more.

However, The modern era has made this practice more accessible. Now, anyone can be their own "fortune teller." The cards can serve as a valuable tool for self-development and divination, mad this can in many ways eliminate the need to rely on others for these insights. Learning to read the cards has become accessible to all, allowing individuals to embark on their personal journeys of discovery and understanding.

Basically, where cartomancy of the past focused on WHAT would happen in the future, the modern cartomancy focuses on HOW to make it happen.

When you read Tarot cards for yourself, it's essential to tap into your own intuitive impulses, engage your imagination, and connect with your feelings about the illustrations on the cards. While honoring the traditional meanings is important, I've discovered that the intuitive approach, particularly when using Tarot as a self-care practice and you're just starting out, can often hold even greater significance than sticking strictly to the traditional meanings.

This is because when you're crafting your unique personal Tarot practice, you're essentially developing a divination tool that will not only assist and support you but also guide you toward your goals and illuminate your true path. In my experience, creating a personal relationship with each card is paramount, freeing yourself from the rigid confines of traditional interpretations found in books or online sources.

As a modern individual navigating an urban society while seeking a connection to spirit and the divine or exploring your own spirituality, you have a huge abundance of captivating and unique Tarot, oracle and various other decks at your disposal. Within this rich assortment, you can discover decks that align with your aesthetics and deeply resonate with your inner self. It doesn't have to be the traditional Rider-Waite Smith cards, not even if you're a beginner. The essence of this journey lies in cultivating a personal practice tailored to your needs. Therefore, it's crucial to select decks that delight your visual senses, ignite your imagination, and resonate with your intuition. With the abundance of modern decks offering diverse artistic expressions, graphic design styles, and themes, you can undoubtedly find one that mirrors your vibe. This personal alignment is paramount when embarking on a Tarot practice—it's all about you, your soul, and your unique path, isn't it?

Moreover, the world today is vastly different from 1909 when the Rider-Waite Smith deck was introduced. We now live in a fast-paced society, driven by social media and the internet. While this can sometimes hinder our connection to intuition and our inner essence, it also presents us with an abundance of possibilities and an endless wealth of esoteric knowledge and wisdom. While it's easy to critique social media and the internet, they offer tremendous benefits, particularly in the realm of developing a personal cartomancy practice.

Learning the meanings of 78+ cards can be quite intimidating. So, why not turn to platforms like Instagram or even TikTok to seek inspiration from fellow readers? You can find tarot spreads, valuable tips, or join a community of like-minded weirdos on the same mystical journey. Here are some random examples from TikTok by readers I'm not personally acquainted with, but they offer insightful beginner tips.

However, it's crucial to be a bit critical when seeking inspiration on social media, just as you would with any online resource. There's a mix of valuable and less reliable content out there. Trust your common sense and intuition going through this information, keep what deeply resonates and makes sense, and leave the rest behind.

In conclusion, inspiration, teachings, sharing, and connecting are all available resources for your Tarot journey. Embrace these opportunities wisely, and let them enhance your exploration of the mystical and spiritual realms.

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, my teachers often emphasized the importance of handwriting notes as it was believed to aid memory retention, especially in a time when we lacked easy access to computers and other digital tools. 

However, in today's world, we carry the entire universe in our pockets at all times. So, why not incorporate our smartphones into our divination practice?

In the beginning of my journey toward becoming a dedicated Tarot reader, I swore by the practice of writing my readings in a physical notebook. I held the belief that using my smartphone might somehow disrupt my connection to the universe or the spiritual realm. I followed this approach for quite a while. But as I progressed on my path, I came to accept my preference for convenience, basically I'm a very Lazy tarot witch so I began taking my reading notes on my smartphone instead.

I soon noticed that this shift significantly enhanced the depth of the messages I received during my readings. Not only did it improve my ability to remember them, but it also allowed me to tap into my visual learning style by incorporating pictures of my Tarot cards into my notes. This practical change also meant that I could revisit my readings multiple times throughout the day, the following week, or even months or years later. Having my smartphone with me at all times allowed navigate to where I saved my readings. This accessibility enabled me to reread and reflect on the messages repeatedly.

Ultimately, this approach proved to be an effective way to fully integrate the reading's message into my subconscious and manifest it into my conscious mind. Embracing technology in this way has greatly enhanced my divination practice and deepened my connection to the Tarot.

Additionally, if you're using an app like Instagram, there's a word limit for each post. This limitation forces you to be short and precise in your readings, compelling you to get to the essence of the message from the cards. Surprisingly, this constraint can be seen as a blessing, as it forces you to get straight to the core of the message. When you keep your wording Short and precise, it becomes easier to remember and integrate the insights into your daily life.

In the past, when I used a paper notebook, I would fill pages with lengthy descriptions of my readings, numerous side notes, and often, a lot of unnecessary details and down right bullshit. To be honest, it was overwhelming, and I couldn't fully remember it all. I would only revisit my notes when I opened my notebook for the next reading, and by then, I had already forgotten the previous reading because I didn't carry my notebook everywhere. However, with my readings saved digitally on my smartphone—whether in Google Docs, on Instagram, in my notes, or elsewhere—it's always with me. I can easily refer back, review the card images, and fully integrate the message into my subconscious. This integration is so important because when the insights from the cards are deeply ingrained, they begin to transform your life, guiding you along the path revealed by your Tarot reading.

Moreover, when you start documenting your readings or spells digitally, they become intertwined with everything else you type into your smartphone—text messages, direct messages, comments, and your Google Docs—essentially all your thoughts, opinions, dreams, and written expressions. All of this information is stored somewhere in the digital realm. This means that by feeding your phone with the content of your mind, you can utilize this wealth of information to bring about tangible, magical changes in your life. And this brings us to the next point.

So here we have a list of things that Social Media Tarot Spellwork can help you with.. 

The way you keep your reading notes can profoundly reshape your perspective on yourself and the world, ultimately assisting you in achieving your desires.

I’m talking about using social media as a tool for manifestation spells, particularly when tarot cards serve as your chosen form of divination. For instance, suppose you're inquiring about a project you're doing, a wish you have, a new path you're embarking on, or any other aspiration.

In that case, you'll asking questions to the cards like, "Where do I stand in relation to my goal?", "What do I need in order to progress?", "What obstacles must I overcome?", "What guidance do my spirit guides offer?" and so forth. These questions should always provide you with answers that empower you to move forward with optimism. No matter what card you pull, make sure to end on a positive outlook. See more examples on this slide…

Here's how it works: You conduct your reading in your personal space pulling cards while setting the ambiance with lit candles and incense, you're basically engaging in a sacred ritual. 

I have listed a few good ideas for making your reading ritual more magical right here. These ideas can be used with or without the use of Social Media. And these are merely suggestions that I have used in my own practice. Sometimes I use it all, and sometimes i Use none of it. It always depends on my mood or the specific reading I'm about to do.

During this process, you actually create a tarot spell, inscribing your intentions in words and capturing card images through photos.

Okay so after your initial ritual and reading, you turn to a platform like Instagram, taking the initial step toward manifesting the reading's fulfillment. By sharing it with the world, whether you have ten or ten thousand followers or even maintain a private account, you communicate your soul's message to the universe. You can further enhance your post with memes, affirmations, illustrations, quotes, or music that align with your desired outcome.

Let's briefly touch on the subject of memes. Witchy, occult and spiritual memes. While they may appear shallow or superficial, the right ones, particularly those that cleverly convey truths, strength, and wisdom, can hold profound significance. I encourage you not to dismiss the idea of incorporating memes into your digital spell practice outright. Give them a chance; they can be surprisingly potent tools.

So, essentially, you're constructing a digital altar around your tarot reading spell. Feel free to add whatever elements you need to make this path feel more tangible and magical. This is digital divination in action. You present it to the world, and the universe takes note of your offering and intention. This act alone constitutes the initial step towards manifestation. Consider it your affirmation that the wheels of destiny are already turning. You've spoken your desires into existence, and they've started to take form.

Here is an example from my own Instagram. It may look beautiful, simple or humourous. And it is, but its also an active SoMe tarot spell. 

Okay you basically need this: your tarot cards, your words, a picture of your reading, supporting illustrations and perhaps music. That's it. 

However, it's essential to understand that this isn't a "quick fix" practice where all your dreams miraculously come true overnight. It's a gradual process—a journey that unfolds over time. Nevertheless, it's a practice filled with creativity, meaning and rewards. Mastering the art of reading these mystical cards is a lifelong pursuit, and one continues to learn and evolve indefinitely. That's why I'm passionate about it!

I tried out this spell when I was preparing for this lecture and this is what I got:

How about that? To me that's a great reminder and it sums up my goals and dreams, and it's a good and funny example of what happens when I’m feeding my phone with my own words of intentions, dreams, goals and so on. This little droid in my hand will remind me this is what the universe is asking me to do and I need to keep going. I know this is a crazy form of digital divination, but what's wrong with things being crazy, easy or funny? Does it have to be hard to actually work? I say hell no. Sometimes keeping things simple is the best way to actually be able to integrate the messages of your divination practice into your life. The more complicated it gets the harder it gets to integrate into your life. 

Thank you for your attention and for sharing this space with me!