Queer people face a disproportionate amount of discrimination in this country, so it is no surprise that they have turned to another marginalized community for support and comfort: pagans. Many pagan groups, like the Greeks and certain Native American tribes, are known for their positive beliefs towards same-sex attraction and non-conforming genders. With trans people, including non-binary and other non-conforming genders, being prejudiced against during the United States' current political environment they have been searching for outstretched arms wherever possible.
Religion is prominent in the US and it may be surprising, but a large portion of queer people are religious too. As seen in the Religious Landscape Study, over half of the queer population is religiously affiliated in some way.
One of the first questions that Millenials and Gen Z people ask these days is "What is your sign?" While the Zodiac has origins as far back as in Mesopotamia, it has grown in modern Western society as an icebreaker and a way for people to bond. Co—Star and other apps are growing in popularity for people to show off each other's birth charts, an insider's view into personality and behaviors.
Paganism is already familiar to many people who base their lives around their zodiac. In these other religions people are all a part of the pentagram. Its five points represent the five elements: fire, water, earth, air, and spirit. Based off of when you are born, you are one of these elements, which, like the Zodiac, give good insight to who you are as a person.
Some neopagan religions, like Wicca, Druidry, Eclectic Paganism, and more are also gaining popularity due to their worshipping of nature and the environment. Global warming and pollution have brought environmentalists to the pagan side as well, with people committing to rituals and performing spells so to be closer to the Earth.
With the younger generations becoming known for their loud voices and differing opinions, it's no wonder many are turning to witchcraft. What better way to stick it to patriarchy than become a part of a people that were once burned at the stake?
