The Alarming Rise of Conspirituality: Where Spirituality Meets Conspiracy
In a world grappling with uncertainty, the realms of spirituality and conspiracy theories have collided in a phenomenon known as conspirituality, a term that encapsulates the merging of New Age thought with far-right conspiracy ideologies. This union, which gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, has left many spiritual seekers disenchanted. What began as a pursuit of enlightenment and harmony has, for some, morphed into a labyrinth of distrust and division.
The Rise of Conspirituality in 2020
During the first UK lockdown in March 2020, a disturbing trend emerged: spiritual influencers and communities began sharing conspiracy theories about the pandemic. Documentaries like Plandemic and Out of Shadows were widely circulated, while figures like David Icke reemerged, blaming 5G and even lizard-like elites for the virus. By mid-2020, elements of QAnon—often referred to as pastel QAnon for its sanitized, wellness-centered spin—began appearing in spaces once dedicated to yoga and inner peace. This blending of spiritual awakening with political extremism left many in shock, prompting a deeper exploration of how these seemingly disparate worlds intertwined.
The Roots of Conspirituality
The term conspirituality was first coined by British anthropologist Charlotte Ward in 2011. She identified a movement fueled by politicized disillusionment and the pursuit of alternative worldviews. Adherents, Ward noted, believed in both a secretive elite controlling global events and an impending “paradigm shift” in human consciousness. By 2020, this concept resurfaced as a framework to explain how spirituality and conspiracy theories merged during the pandemic, inspiring podcasts, academic discussions, and widespread commentary.
Why the Overlap?
Research suggests psychological and cultural factors drive this convergence. Both spiritual seekers and conspiracy theorists often exhibit high levels of schizotypy—a tendency toward unconventional beliefs like telepathy or energy healing. While this can foster creativity, it also opens the door to far-fetched ideas. Additionally, patternicity, or the tendency to find hidden connections in random events, is common in both groups. While this skill can enhance spiritual insight, it can also lead to misinterpreting coincidences as evidence of grand conspiracies. For instance, one QAnon supporter claimed to see divine signs in cloud formations while also decoding secret symbols in storefronts.
A Path Forward
The rise of conspirituality raises crucial questions about the balance between seeking truth and succumbing to unfounded beliefs. While spirituality offers a path to inner peace and connection, it must be tempered with discernment and critical thinking. As we navigate an increasingly polarized world, perhaps the greatest challenge lies not in identifying deception, but in fostering empathy and dialogue within our fractured communities. The quest for meaning is noble, but it must not lead us down a path of division and dysfunction.
In the end, conspirituality serves as a mirror, reflecting both the beauty of our desire for transcendence and the peril of unchecked belief. Let us seek wisdom with open hearts and open minds—embracing the mystery, but never losing sight of the truth.
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