Number of People Practicing Wicca, Paganism Growing Dramatically
The number of people who identify religiously as Wiccan has seen a meteoric rise in the United States, according to census data and a study conducted by Trinity College. Some attribute this witchy surge to an increased interest in astrology and the esoteric, while others say it’s clearly a sign of the times. Whatever the case may be, appropriation and corporate attempts to monetize the trend abound.
According to a study collected by Trinity College between 1990 and 2008, identification with Wicca in the U.S. increased from 8,000 to 340,000 members over the 18-year period.
And that trend continues today, with a 2014 Pew Research Study finding the number of people who identified as Wiccan or Pagan jumped to close to a million people. And yes, there is a difference between Wicca and Paganism, but for the sake of making a point about the demographic, let’s consider them together.
The reason the two have grown so significantly may be due to a breakdown of misconceptions about what these religions actually stand for, many of which have been falsely spread by the church in the past. Unlike the evil stereotypes that have historically been cast on witches and pagans, millennials understand these practices have a reverence for nature, are polytheistic, and averse to the strict dogmas of mainstream religions.
Wicca has no centralized, authoritative body and embraces a number of diverse sects, lineages, and traditions – of course, this generation finds it appealing.
If you haven’t heard recent claims of pop-stars practicing Wicca, or stories of hexes placed on political figures, then this sudden spike in witchcraft may come as a surprise. But for those aware, the recent occult fascination makes sense. In fact, the rise in the number of witchcraft practitioners may have outpaced certain Christian denominations, including Presbyterianism, according to some sources.
But these situations have always presented themselves as a clarion call to corporations looking to profit from a newfound lifestyle interest, leading to cultural or religious appropriation seen in tone deaf marketing and advertising.
A recent article published by Quartz, shows how the cosmetics brand Sephora, was called out for its sale of a “Starter Witch Kit,” which included essential oils and a sage stick to jumpstart the aspiring witchy neophyte. The company quickly pulled the product after true Wiccans expressed their disapproval.
And it’s not just corporations that get it wrong when it comes to esoteric spirituality. Earlier this year we interviewed a couple who run Mountain Magic Tarot in Richlands Virginia – a shop that was told it could not practice tarot readings due to a misperception that it was hostile to the town’s mostly Christian population.
It seems inevitable though, that if you’re going to practice any religion – especially one historically thought to be synonymous with evil – someone will misconstrue your philosophy. Let’s change that paradigm.
To learn more about Wicca and its philosophy check out this episode of Beyond Belief with former-rockstar-turned-witch Fiona Horne:
About the Author
Water Rituals to Spiritually Connect with the Sacred Element
Water is a life-giving element with profound importance, recognized and celebrated across cultures. It’s not only essential for survival but also revered for its spiritual significance, offering renewal, purification, and connection to the divine. When we connect deeply with the element of water, we honor its role as a giver of life and develop a greater sense of well-being and appreciation. This connection can help us foster respect for this sacred element while enhancing our personal sense of balance and vitality.
Spiritual Meaning of Water Across Traditions
Water’s symbolism—representing renewal, fertility, purification, and transformation—holds significant spiritual meaning across religions. In Christianity, for instance, baptism with water signifies purification and acceptance into the faith, echoing stories of Jesus and the cleansing power of holy water. Similarly, in Greek traditions, water is seen as a bridge to the divine, used in offerings to gods of the sea and rivers.
Religious practices worldwide incorporate water as a tool for blessing, connection, and spiritual awakening. In Islam, daily ablutions (wudu) cleanse the body in preparation for prayer, aligning one’s spirit with sacred intentions. Hinduism reveres sacred rivers like the Ganges, believed to have powerful spiritual properties that cleanse impurities and aid in liberation from the cycle of rebirth, or Moksha. These rituals underscore water’s spiritual role in supporting life and guiding transformation.
Purification through Water
Ritual cleansing practices, or ablutions, are foundational in many faiths. In Judaism, the mikveh—a bath used for full-body immersion—restores ritual purity, while netilat yadayim involves washing hands upon rising and before meals. In Christianity, baptism serves as a purification act, welcoming individuals into the church through holy water. Similarly, Hindu rituals encourage bathing in sacred waters, which cleanse spiritual impurities and connect devotees to the divine.
Across cultures, holy sites near rivers, springs, and other water sources invite pilgrims to partake in this purifying element. In Bali’s Agama Tirtha, or “religion of the holy water,” devotees seek purification and blessings at temples with flowing holy water, such as Tirta Empul. Here, worshippers immerse themselves to wash away impurities and connect with the sacred.
Infusion of Blessings
The idea that water holds “memory” has resonated in spiritual traditions. The Japanese researcher Masaru Emoto suggested that positive thoughts and blessings could alter the molecular structure of water, enhancing its vitality. This notion aligns with practices in Bali, where priests bless water through mudra (sacred gestures) and mantra (sacred sound) to imbue it with divine energy. Similarly, Christian ministers may sanctify water for sacramental and protective purposes, showing how different faiths infuse water with blessings.
