It was fascinating to read an article in The Economist this week about the increasing engagement of young people in China with practices such as astrology, numerology, and traditional fortune-telling. While this shift may seem surprising in a country known for its rapid modernization and scientific advancements, it also reflects a universal human need—seeking guidance, meaning, and a connection to energies beyond the tangible world.
Interestingly, this trend resonates deeply with my own journey. Growing up in Peru, esoteric practices were often seen as taboo, something to be skeptical of or even feared. I was the black sheep of my family, always drawn to the mysteries of the unseen. However, it wasn’t until my forties that I truly embraced these practices, allowing myself to explore them without guilt or hesitation. Among other things, I learned how to read tarot, a skill that has provided me with a unique lens to interpret life’s challenges and opportunities.
The Economist article attributes this rise in esoteric beliefs among young Chinese to various factors: economic uncertainty, cultural revival, and digital influence. These elements are not exclusive to China but are also shaping how people around the world, including in Latin America, seek alternative sources of insight and comfort. Economic instability often pushes individuals to look beyond conventional paths for reassurance. Similarly, in many cultures, a renewed interest in ancestral wisdom brings people back to traditions that had been dismissed or forgotten.
Social media also plays a pivotal role in this phenomenon. In China, platforms like WeChat and Weibo are flooded with astrology predictions and spiritual consultations, much like how Instagram and TikTok in the West have become hubs for tarot readers, energy healers, and astrologers. This accessibility allows younger generations to explore esoteric knowledge without stigma, a luxury I didn’t have growing up in Peru.
In my case, my journey into spirituality was driven by a deep desire for guidance and connection with energies I cannot see but know exist. I haven’t regretted this path for a single moment. Despite friends and family sometimes viewing me as a weirdo, I believe their hesitation comes from fear—fear of the unknown, of what they cannot quantify or control. But the truth is, embracing esoteric wisdom has only enriched my life, providing me with tools to navigate challenges with greater awareness and confidence.
What I find most exciting about this global trend is the validation that seeking guidance beyond traditional means is not only acceptable but increasingly common. Whether in China, Peru, or anywhere else in the world, the human need for meaning and connection remains the same. The difference now is that we have more freedom than ever to explore, learn, and integrate these ancient practices into our modern lives.
So, to those who are curious but hesitant, I say: explore. There’s nothing to fear in understanding yourself better and finding tools that help you navigate life with greater clarity and purpose. You might just discover a perspective that transforms the way you see the world.