The law of attraction– or manifestation– has been making its rounds on social media. Whether you browse on Tik Tok, Instagram, or Twitter, you cannot go long without seeing a tutorial on manifestation. A seemingly easy and simple way to get anything you want, by using only the power of your mind. When looking through an objective view, this technique has the same ideals as a religious person crossing their hands in prayer or an atheist crossing their fingers with the purpose of hoping. This similarity is found in the idea that a person is targeting their intent on a particular idea. The minor differences cause disparities between each religion, or lack of religion, but when boiled down this hope and intent all surrounds the idea of the law of attraction.

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The Theory of Manifestation

While this idea of manifesting becomes increasingly popular in America, the origins can be traced back to the traditions of Hinduism in India. Pictured to above is a traditional manifestation tradition and celebration. While manifestation techniques in America often do not look like this, it is important to appreciate the origins of the practice to avoid appropriation of the culture and religion. This occurrence is common in many practices of new age spiritualism, as the beliefs almost always overlap with some practice of the Hindu. The backbone of said theory is the law of attraction, being defined as the philosophy that positive thoughts bring positive results and therefore negative thoughts bring negative results into a person’s life. This law has not been scientifically proven, but there is a plethora of information that allow the possibility of the law to be believed.

The Technique of Manifestation                                                   Photo Credit

After understanding the theory of the law of attraction, the true action of manifestation can be better understood. Most plainly put, manifesting is speaking about and believing the change you want has already happened. If you want a raise, you will write or think I am so appreciative of my new raise rather than I will be so appreciative of the raise I need. With the sudden popularity of the idea, comes an influx of books and websites that aid in the practice of manifestation. However, it is important to note that there are countless authors who take part in the pseudoscientific ideas of the law, so as a new reader it is important to do research on what is being presented as truthful information. There are countless techniques on how to take part in this action, such as meditation, scripting, journaling or dreaming, but it all comes down to the same thought process. The cycle to the right displays this visually; as one thinks and desires a change in their life, takes action on this want, and then finds fulfillment in the results. And as desires continue, the cycle repeats.

 

Overall, some will say there is overwhelming proof behind the idea of manifestation, while others will deny the validity of the practice. As with all other spiritual and religious beliefs, it simply comes down to what one chooses to believe in.

 

As a new hot topic gains traction on social media platforms such as Instagram, Tik Tok, and Pinterest it seems as though lines get more and more blurred. This leads to the question: Is astrology the same thing as being Spiritual? The simple answer is a straightforward no. Astrology is directly related to the study and interest in planets in relation to earth and humans. Spirituality is the belief system surrounding the souls of humans and animals. However, astrology is often a factor the manner in which spiritual people practice their faith. This is where the overlap and confusion stems, but this also allows for a new form of self-expression.

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The recent, and growing, new age of spiritual awakenings and awareness has led to a boom in the interest of astrology. With the help from online guides and how-tos the concept of spirituality has become easily accessible and more widely understood. One direct link that has been made between the two subjects starts with the ideas of chakras, more specifically the seven chakras in the human body. As displayed by the designated shapes on the image to the left, the chakras are a common factor discussed in spirituality. The system of chakras originated in India, as did many components of what is now labeled as modern spirituality. However, this can also be connected back to astrology, as well. It is heavily thought that certain zodiac signs are more closely related to specific chakras, and therefore this leads to a better understanding of what is most important and influential to oneself. The general belief follows the lines of, by assessing which ideals are more applicable to oneself, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This creates a link to the idea of spiritual astrology.

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As commonly discussed throughout previous blog posts, all twelve zodiac signs carry their own qualities that are specific to themselves, and vary in situations such as rising, moon, and sun signs. This is representative of each sign carrying and having its own “energy.” One of the most important ideals behind spirituality is that everything on earth carries energy. This energy is transferable and obtainable. Therefore, by believing that zodiac signs are associated with specific energies, one can then assess themselves and become more understanding and openminded about their situations. This, in itself, is an important component to beginning a spiritual journey. The diagram pictured to the right is a visual way to understand the alignment between the idea of energy and humans, through a spiritual point of view.

All in all, the influx of spiritual astrology has led to a new method of understanding oneself. As resources, such as books and readings, expand in the knowledge of this subject, there is no surprise that people all over the world have found interest in this age-old phenomenon. While there is a distinct difference in the definition of spirituality and astrology, there are many people who believe in combining the power of these two ideas, to create a new form of consciousness and self-expression.