Perspective by Allison Bothley

Not too long ago, tarot, astrology, and spiritualism—collectively dismissed as “woo-woo”—were relegated to dusty psychic parlors, hippie communes, and your eccentric aunt's living room. Now? Woo-woo is big business. Like, billion-dollar, algorithmically curated, scrolling-up-your-feed business. We’ve entered an era where tarot spreads, manifestation rituals, and "crystal girlies" aren't just quirky side gigs—they’re cultural currency. And they're raking in the cash.

But let's be real: this isn't some fleeting trend. These practices have been around forever, with deep roots that span cultures and centuries. We're just the latest generation craving answers in a world where traditional ones don't always cut it—answers our therapists can't give us fast enough. (And speaking of therapy, even Carl Jung, the godfather of modern psychology, saw something deeper in tarot, believing it could help us tap into the unconscious and offer insight.)

Anyway, we’re wired to speculate, to seek clarity—whether it’s predicting the hottest fashion trends, decoding the last text from someone who ghosted us, or figuring out if our latest investment is about to tank. The instinct to predict, to grasp even a sliver of control, is universal.

In an era marked by a deep mistrust of, well, everything—media, government, and the general state of the world—it’s no wonder people are turning to other realms for guidance. Man-made uncertainty has us seeking something more primal, more esoteric, more sage…scented. So, is it really that surprising if we burn some Palo Santo and pull a card (or five) before making a big life decision? It’s not that we’ve abandoned reason; we’re just looking for a cosmic assurance that we are going to be okay. (Are we?)

This issue of BANGS takes a deep dive into the world of woo-woo. Whether you’re a horoscope junkie, a part-time moon goddess, or the skeptic rolling your eyes right now, there’s something in here that might just spark your spirit. So, light your candles, shuffle your deck, and settle in. The Universe is whispering in your ear. Do you dare…?