Fine, the wide usage of taking astrology and zodiac signs seriously might extend it, but can we really say that it’s on the rise since the 1990s? I don’t see much care for occultism nor neoshamanism among either the youth nor culture at large outside of anti-patriarchal witches whom are small now. It doesn’t seem to, and this is the important part, be taken as seriously nor as becoming more socially acceptable than the monopoly American Christianity has.
I'm willing to concede that my perspective is influenced by my own experiences: I grew up within a small social circle in the rural Ozarks and even I know two people who were raised Christian and now identify as witches, as well as two others who don't identify as witches, but definitely make use of some of its practices (these latter two commemorated the most recent samhain by building an altar in the woods, replete with candles, flowers, and the skull of a deer). Which isn't to mention the spiritual beliefs of all the ~ethereal bisexuals~ I've met since coming to college.
Group affiliation isn’t really appropriate when it comes to “new age” beliefs - 30% of all Americans believe in astrology after all. Besides, idols like nationalism and identity politics are just as pagan as tarot and the zodiac.
I don't think on the one hand you can have a dig at the 'otherness' of esotericism or astrology and tarot readings while mainstreaming temple offerings, praying the rosary and glossolalia.
Actually, I think a large part of Christianity's success as a living tradition is that it appeals to the reason of the senses as well as the reason of mind, and I would love to see churches make clear that Christianity is the fulfillment of what the pagan traditions merely promise. But I respect that that probably sounds eccentric to many believers.
