Journalistic trendforecasting

Millennial’s Spiritual Awakening A Journalistic Article

Trend Forecasting Devon Moyer

Millennial’s Spiritual Awakening

Millennials are developing a fast-growing interest in the mind and body’s connection to mystical practices. These practices include astrology, shamans, herbalism, and energy cleansing using crystals and incense, along with widespread activities like yoga and meditation. A recent Pew Research study shows that even though the older generations are more religious, millennials are more likely to be spiritual, combining ideas from different religions and having a deep sense of wonder about the world. This new interest in all things spiritual will soon influence the fashion industry and adornments like gemstone colors and astrology symbols will be appearing in accessories and clothing.

Millennials are considering spiritual nourishment to aid them during a time when there is a lot of uncertainty in the world. Melissa Jayne, a store owner who specializes in spiritual workshops and products, seemed to notice a pattern in her frequent customers and those who are wandering in to learn more about these practices. She says most of her clients are younger and “grew up with giant industries, environment destruction, oppressive governments and toxic social structures, all of which is too big to change”, so learning about the spiritual ways to change and gain knowledge in the world is attractive. Astrology, crystal healing, even yoga, is forming a Zen community where people are supporting each other without judgment. They all have a similar goal, wanting a clean mind and body, in the hope of discovering peace in the world. Millennials believe they are more open minded than past generations and interested in the way the universe works. They are open to the possibilities that most people would scoff at like how the stars can guide you or meditation can ground you.

In recent years there has been a peak in “wellness retreats” among millennials. The industry has grown 12.7% since 2012 and now represents a $494 billion-dollar industry.

Young people are looking to find a meaning in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking. The novel “Eat, Pray, Love” was released in 2006, followed closely by the popular movie adaptation in 2010. The movie inspired millennials and advocated taking time to be with yourself and the world and not to work your life away. Young people are going on these wellness retreats and learning to meditate, do yoga, and incorporate different cultures and beliefs into their everyday life.

A new hyper-personalized astrology app called “Co-Stars” which gives you a reading every day, crashed three times the first week it was released from the overwhelming demand on its servers. A subscription box called “Mystic Lipstick” which is filled with a crystal, bath salts, and incense had a 75% increase in sales this year alone. Larger companies, like Urban Outfitters, are recognizing this upcoming trend and selling sage and crystals for their spiritual customer base. Influential celebrities are displaying their desire for these mystic rituals on social media and through their side businesses. By example, Gwyneth Paltrow introduced cultural and spiritual items like jade eggs, medicine bags and tarot cards into her company Goop’s product line. In New York and Los Angeles, Colleen McCann started her own unique business by combining her love of styling with her new-found interest in crystal reading. One of her many services is to go into her client’s wardrobe and, using her array of crystals, clean out clothing that doesn’t vibe with the client’s spirit.

In this day and age – everything seems chaotic and overwhelming. Millennials are turning to these spiritual rituals to give them a sense of control and peace. They crave a deeper understanding of the universe and how to create good energy in their lives. Being the more openminded generation, they are incorporating many ideas and foreign concepts into their lives to enhance their understanding of life. Like any lifestyle change, this new found spiritual awareness will affect how millennials will be dressing. Gem colors paired with dark mystic hues, astrology inspired detailing, crystal detailing on jewelry, and comfortable, loose clothing will soon be entering stores.

Sources: https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/crystals-horoscopes-psychics--are-millennialsmore-open-to-the-mystical-455253.html http://www.ibtimes.com/wellness-tourism-explodes-500-billion-industry-1799648 https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-millennials-are-ditching-religion-for-witchcraft-and-astrology-2017-10-20 https://psmag.com/news/why-are-young-people-so-into-healing-crystals http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/23/millennials-are-less-religious-than-older-americans-but-just-as-spiritual/ http://www.stylerituals.com/vogue https://shop.goop.com/shop/collection/the-2018-goop-detox-guides/mind-and-spirit

BY DEVON MOYER