Roughly one-third of Americans are engaging in New Age spiritual practices such as astrology, tarot card readings, and visits to fortune tellers at least once every year, according to new research. Despite this notable trend, most individuals report that they turn to these practices simply for entertainment rather than for serious spiritual guidance.
A report released by Pew Research on Wednesday revealed that around 30 percent of adults in the United States participate in at least one of these practices annually. Among the various forms of New Age spiritualism examined, astrology emerged as the most commonly consulted, with 28 percent of Americans turning to horoscopes. Tarot card readings followed, with 11 percent participation, and fortune tellers were consulted by 6 percent of respondents.
Though these activities have gained traction, the majority of people who engage in them say it’s mainly for enjoyment. They do not necessarily see them as paths to spiritual insight or decision-making guidance. However, some voices, especially within the Catholic community, are raising alarms about the spiritual implications of these practices.
Tom Nash, an apologist with Catholic Answers, expressed serious concerns about the popularity of such activities. He emphasized their spiritual risks, saying, “Tarot cards, Ouija boards, seances, and other similar activities are all dangerous forms of divination.”
The Catholic Church has taken a firm stance on these matters. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “all forms of divination” are condemned because they contradict the faithfulness and reverence owed solely to God. The Catechism warns that these practices “contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (No. 2116).
Nash reinforced the Church’s teaching by cautioning that participating in any kind of divination opens the door to further moral and spiritual challenges. “We’re likely to get drawn deeper into a life of vice and related problems,” he said, explaining the dangers that can arise from beginning what may seem like a harmless exploration.
Interestingly, belief in astrology isn’t limited to those who identify as religious. According to the Pew study, both religious and nonreligious Americans report comparable rates of belief in astrology and related practices. This blurs the conventional lines between faith-based spirituality and secular engagement with mysticism.
The data shows that belief in the spiritual insights of astrology and related methods is most prevalent among Hispanic Catholics, Black Protestants, and those who identify with no particular religion. These groups are more inclined to believe that consulting a fortune teller or using tarot cards can provide valuable insights. On the other hand, atheists and white evangelical Christians are the least likely to participate in or believe in these practices.
When comparing this year’s findings to Pew’s previous survey in 2017, the study observed that interest in New Age practices has remained fairly constant. The percentage of adults who say they believe in astrology has not significantly changed, slightly dropping from 29 percent in 2017 to 27 percent in 2024. Earlier Gallup polls from the 1990s to the early 2000s showed similar levels of belief, ranging from 23 percent to 28 percent, suggesting a long-standing curiosity rather than a recent surge.
The study also revealed a generational divide in attitudes toward astrology and similar beliefs. Younger adults, particularly young women, appear more inclined to trust in horoscopes and spiritual readings. In fact, among women between the ages of 18 and 49, 43 percent reported that they believe in astrology, a considerably higher percentage compared to older generations.
Another group showing elevated interest in these practices is the LGBT community. According to the research, nearly half of LGBT Americans engage with astrology at least once a year. Furthermore, LGBT adults are three times more likely than their non-LGBT counterparts to turn to tarot card readings for insight or entertainment.
Nash suggested that this growing engagement with New Age spirituality could be linked to broader cultural shifts in the United States, particularly the rise of the so-called “nones”—individuals who identify as having no formal religious affiliation. This trend represents a departure from traditional religious institutions while still maintaining a search for spiritual fulfillment.
Despite turning away from organized religion, Nash observed that people often continue seeking deeper meaning and spiritual understanding in their lives. “And yet, human beings remain human — made in the image and likeness of God as body-soul composites,” he said, referencing the Book of Genesis (Genesis 1:26-27) to underline his theological perspective.
Nash emphasized that spiritual hunger persists, even when traditional religious structures are rejected. He argued that this yearning stems from a core part of human nature, saying, “In our very being, we realize that there’s more to life than just our temporal, material world.”
According to Nash, without a relationship with Christ to fill that internal void, people may seek spiritual alternatives that lack the depth and direction provided by traditional Christian belief. “We’ll tend to seek out other outlets,” he reflected.
He warned that such outlets, while popular and even fashionable, may ultimately lead people away from the true spiritual path. “Thus, in the absence of true religion, the fullness of which is only found in Our Lord Jesus Christ and his Catholic Church, we will tend to seek out alternatives,” Nash concluded.
The Pew study illustrates that New Age spiritual practices continue to hold a place in American life, often straddling the line between entertainment and belief. While some view them as harmless diversions, others, particularly within religious communities, warn of the spiritual pitfalls that could accompany even casual participation. Whether driven by curiosity, a sense of fun, or a deeper search for meaning, Americans’ engagement with astrology, tarot, and fortune telling reveals a persistent and complex relationship with the unknown.