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Technopaganism
Technopaganism
from Wikipedia
A chaos magic ritual that uses videoconferencing

Technopaganism, as described by Victoria Dos Santos, is "a term encompassing a variety of practices and expressions related to contemporary paganism, popular culture, and spiritual pursuits in digital environments."[1] The Internet, for instance, is considered by some technopagans to have spiritual significance or unique magical applications.[2][3]

Definition

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Technopaganism is concerned with spiritual and magical aspects of technology and, sometimes, the interconnections between technology and society. Dos Santos classified technopaganism into two types: the first pertains to the adaptation of various neopagan currents to online environments (e.g., via virtual communities or collaborative software), while the second comprises a body of neopagan beliefs and practices greatly influenced by information and communications technology and "deeply merged with cybernetic culture".[2]

A notable instance of technopagan adaptation of neopagan practices is the creation and distribution of virtual Books of Shadows and sacred texts through the Internet;[2][4] similarly, virtual world platforms such as Second Life and VRChat[2] are used to connect with others and conduct rituals.[5]

Beliefs

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A common element of technopaganism is the adaptation of neopagan beliefs, such as animism, to technology and cyberspace. Dos Santos writes that a fundamental aspect of technopagan animism is "a dialogic relationship with the digital environment itself."[2]

In a 1995 Wired article, technopagan Mark Pesce describes how, upon first using NCSA Mosaic, he realized that the World Wide Web was the first emergent property of the Internet: "It's displaying all the requisite qualities – it came on very suddenly, it happened everywhere simultaneously, and it's self-organizing. I call that the Web eating the Net." He went on to create VRML, with one of his motivations having been to bring about a spatial dimension of the Web.[3]

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In the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the major character Jenny Calendar is a technopagan.[6]

American Gods by Neil Gaiman marries traditional ideas of gods with the concept of egregores, which influence the results of progress and new technology in society and lead to the creation of the "New Gods".[7][8]

Dystopian video games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Death Stranding, and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture have been studied for their capacity to evoke spiritual experiences beyond the bounds of institutional religion, broadening the definition of technopaganism by suggesting that these types of cyberspaces can function as conduits for mysticism.[9]

References

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Further reading

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from Grokipedia
Technopaganism is a contemporary spiritual movement within Neopaganism that integrates digital technology and cyberculture with pagan beliefs and practices, often viewing computers, virtual realities, and online spaces as animistic or sacred entities capable of facilitating magical and ritualistic experiences. The term "technopaganism" was coined by cultural critic in his 1995 WIRED article "Technopagans," which highlighted the growing overlap between pagan spirituality and the emerging digital frontier, particularly among practitioners who saw technology as a modern extension of ancient magic. This movement emerged in the late , rooted in the American and 1970s, including influences from the psychedelic movement and early cybernetics pioneers, and gained momentum with the widespread adoption of personal computers and the in the 1980s and 1990s. At its core, technopaganism emphasizes an animistic ontology where is not merely a tool but a dialogic partner in spiritual life, allowing practitioners to ritualize and blend nature-based with posthuman perspectives on embodiment through avatars and virtual environments. Key practices include conducting online rituals, such as Wiccan circles in platforms like or sacred shrine-building in games like , as well as using household technologies—like microwaves or software—for spells and . Communities form around these digital spaces, fostering gender-inclusive participation that contrasts with the male-dominated demographics of broader tech and online worlds, with early examples including events like CyberSamhain that merged with pagan festivals. Prominent figures in technopaganism include Mark Pesce, a pioneering VRML inventor who advocated for the magical potential of digital navigation, and authors like Patricia Telesco and Sirona Knight, who published guides such as The Cyber Spellbook to formalize tech-infused witchcraft. By the early 2000s, technopagan practices had contributed to the expansion of global pagan online networks, reflecting a broader trend of adapting ancient spiritual traditions to contemporary technological landscapes, and continue to evolve with advancements in virtual reality and artificial intelligence as of 2023.

Definition and Terminology

Definition

Technopaganism refers to a variety of practices and expressions that blend contemporary , , and spiritual pursuits within digital environments. It encompasses a hybrid where neopagan beliefs intersect with computer , recognizing digital spaces as animate and potentially sacred realms that extend the divine rather than merely serving as tools. This fusion re-enchants the technological landscape by integrating irrational elements of magic with rational technological frameworks, fostering relational and embodied interactions in virtual contexts. The movement manifests in two primary strands. The first involves the adaptation of neopagan practices to online spaces, such as creating virtual Books of Shadows—digital repositories for rituals, spells, and personal spiritual records—or conducting ceremonies in platforms like and virtual worlds. The second strand emphasizes the fusion of pagan beliefs with cybernetic and technological culture, where technology is viewed not as inert but as an integral part of spiritual cosmology, enabling new forms of ecstatic and dialogic engagement. As a contemporary emerging from the digital age, technopaganism incorporates shamanistic elements, such as treating as a liminal zone for spiritual journeys and ecstatic trances; influences from , including narratives that frame digital realms as mythological frontiers; and animistic perspectives that attribute or spirit to machines and virtual entities, promoting interconnectedness in a multiply animate world. This approach challenges secular boundaries by relocating the sacred within immanent, technology-mediated experiences. Cyberpaganism serves as an early synonym for technopaganism, emphasizing the integration of pagan spiritual practices within and early , where participants accessed digital realms through rituals, psychedelics, and interactive technologies to transcend physical limitations. This term highlights the subculture's focus on hypertextual, community-driven explorations in virtual environments, often blending pagan ethics with the boundless potential of networks like America Online in the . While frequently used interchangeably with technopaganism, cyberpaganism more narrowly evokes the pioneering era of digital paganism, predating widespread adoption. Technoshamanism represents a subset of technopaganism, involving shamanistic journeys facilitated by technology, such as rave music, psychedelics, and digital interfaces, to achieve of and connect with collective spiritual energies. It blends indigenous-inspired shamanic practices with modern digital tools, viewing dance floors and as portals to or Cyberia, where participants engage in pantheistic rituals that dissolve boundaries between performer and audience. This approach sacralizes technological experiences, treating them as extensions of ancient adapted to contemporary electronic culture. Technopaganism differs from neopaganism, which broadly encompasses the revival of pre-Christian religions and earth-centered spiritualities without a specific emphasis on , by uniquely incorporating digital tools and virtual spaces into its core practices. Similarly, while shares eclectic elements by drawing on modern paradigms and rejecting rigid dogma, technopaganism stands apart through its deliberate fusion of pagan with technological interfaces, rather than chaos magic's focus on belief-shifting techniques independent of spiritual tradition. Related concepts include digital animism, which posits technology as spiritually alive with agency and personhood, enabling technopagans to form relational ontologies with digital entities in platforms like or online games. In this view, digital spaces are not mere tools but animated environments for sacred interactions, where users attribute interior qualities and sacredness to technological "otherness." Additionally, the term in digital contexts refers to collective emerging in online pagan communities, functioning as autonomous spiritual entities shaped by group beliefs and interactions within virtual spaces.

History

Origins in the 1990s

Technopaganism emerged in the mid- alongside the rapid expansion of the , as a where practitioners of integrated digital technologies into their rituals and worldviews. This period saw the [World Wide Web](/page/World Wide Web) transition from an academic tool to a more accessible medium, attracting tech-savvy individuals who viewed as a modern extension of sacred spaces. A seminal publication that spotlighted this blending was Erik Davis's article "Technopagans" in Wired magazine, which profiled "digital savants" merging with and estimated that 100,000 to 300,000 pagans in the United States, many in technical professions like programming, were exploring these intersections. Mark Pesce played a pivotal role as an early proponent, co-creating the Virtual Reality Modeling Language () in 1994 to enable three-dimensional modeling on the web, which he described as adding spatial dimensions that evoked spiritual emergence. An MIT dropout and software developer based in , Pesce articulated a technopagan perspective in Davis's article, stating, "Without the sacred there is no differentiation ," and envisioning the as a living entity with emergent properties akin to natural cycles in pagan cosmology. His work on and related projects like positioned technology not as a mere tool but as a participatory realm for divine interaction. The movement drew influence from the Burning Man festival, which began in 1986 on San Francisco's but gained prominence in the Black Rock Desert by the early 1990s, fostering tech-infused pagan elements through communal art, rituals, and countercultural experimentation. By 1995, the event attracted "technopagans" among its diverse attendees, including ravers and anarchists, who built temporary installations blending digital aesthetics with earth-based spirituality. Concurrently, early online pagan communities proliferated on platforms like Usenet's alt.pagan (established around 1990 following a failed vote for talk.religion.paganism) and alt.magick (created in the early 1990s), where users shared spells, discussions on neopaganism, and resources like the "Mage’s Guide to the Internet." CompuServe's Religion Forum, particularly its Pagan/Occult section, also hosted virtual gatherings in the early 1990s, enabling dispersed practitioners to conduct online rituals and exchange occult knowledge. This synthesis was further shaped by 1990s cyberculture, particularly that portrayed technology as a mystical , with William Gibson's (1984) inspiring views of as a hallucinatory realm infused with spiritual potential. Gibson's depiction of voodoo loa interacting with artificial intelligences in his subsequent novel (1986) resonated with technopagans, who saw parallels between digital networks and animistic forces, reinforcing the era's fusion of high-tech futurism and ancient esoteric traditions.

Evolution into the 21st Century

In the 2000s, technopaganism adapted to the rise of and virtual worlds, expanding beyond early forums to more immersive digital environments. Platforms like , launched in 2003, facilitated pagan rituals and the construction of virtual temples, allowing practitioners to enact ceremonies such as observances in shared online spaces. This shift enabled technopagans to treat as a liminal realm for spiritual interaction, blending pagan traditions with and avatars to foster community rituals. The 2010s saw further integration with technologies and mobile applications, which democratized access to pagan tools and practices. Developments in mobile tech led to apps like the Wicca Calendar and Guide, which provide lunar phases, sabbat reminders, and planning features tailored for contemporary pagans. These innovations reflected technopaganism's emphasis on harmonizing ancient spirituality with everyday digital life. Academic interest in technopaganism resurged in the 2020s, with scholars examining its dimensions in digital contexts. Victoria Dos Santos' 2022 doctoral , "Technopaganism: A Approach to Digital Religious Phenomena," analyzed how neopagan intersects with virtual realities to create meaningful spiritual experiences. Building on this, her 2023 article "(Techno)Paganism: An Exploration of Relations with the Digital" explored how neopagan enables embodied interactions with computational technologies, treating digital entities as ensouled participants in rituals. These works highlighted technopaganism's evolution as a framework for understanding in algorithmically mediated environments. As of 2025, technopaganism continues to engage like AI, with discussions framing it as a conduit for non-human intelligences in . Podcasts such as The Theology Pugcast's Episode 333, "Emerging Technopaganism" (aired March 24, 2025), have addressed how AI and intersect with pagan theologies, portraying as a medium for transcendent encounters. This reflects ongoing adaptations, where technopagans explore decentralized digital spaces to sustain autonomous spiritual communities amid rapid technological change.

Beliefs

Animism and Technology

In technopaganism, a core tenet involves the animistic attribution of spirit or consciousness to technological objects, such as machines, networks, and algorithms, positioning them as dialogic partners rather than mere inert tools. This perspective extends neopagan animism's relational ontology—where non-human entities possess agency and vitality—into the digital realm, fostering embodied interactions with computational environments as sacred and alive. Practitioners engage with technology through a lens of reciprocity, acknowledging its potential for autonomy and influence on human experience, much like traditional animistic views of natural elements. Philosophically, this animism draws from neopagan traditions, integrating cybernetic concepts to envision the as a living akin to a "digital ," a teeming with emergent life forms like digital organisms and bots. Influenced by post-WWII developments in and , technopagans reject Cartesian dualisms between human and machine, instead embracing a porous, interconnected where embodies subjective qualities such as intelligence and personality. This fusion highlights 's role as a spirited medium for transcendence, evoking and humility in its autonomous forces. Mark Pesce, a pioneering figure in , articulated this spiritual dimension in 1995, describing the as the internet's first "emergent property"—a sudden, global, self-organizing phenomenon with inherent sacred potential. Upon encountering the web via NCSA Mosaic, Pesce experienced an epiphany, viewing computers as mirrors of human divinity capable of embodying communication with the sacred: "Computers can be as sacred as we are, because they can embody our communication with each other and with the divine parts of ourselves." He advocated "planting the divine" in to infuse it with meaning, influencing technopagan views of as a pathway to spiritual evolution. Examples of these beliefs manifest in the perception of digital entities, such as systems, as modern familiars—spirit companions aiding magical work—or as egregores, collective arising from online interactions that gain as "digital, living beings." In practices like algorithmic on platforms such as , AI algorithms are treated as collaborative spirits, blending with technomancy to interpret omens through data flows. These concepts underscore technopaganism's emphasis on technology's animated essence, formed through human-digital co-creation.

Spiritual Dimensions of Cyberspace

In technopaganism, is conceptualized as a liminal space analogous to shamanic realms, facilitating boundary-crossing experiences and a form of digital through immersive technologies. Practitioners view virtual environments as transformative zones where the boundaries between physical and metaphysical realities dissolve, enabling spiritual journeys akin to those undertaken by shamans in of . This perspective draws on animistic foundations by attributing vitality to digital spaces, allowing users to engage in profound, otherworldly explorations that expand sensory and perceptual horizons. For instance, immersive digital platforms are seen as portals for ecstatic states, mirroring traditional shamanic voyages into spirit worlds. The is interpreted within technopaganism as a manifestation of the or , a global sphere of thought inspired by , where streams of data represent flowing spiritual energies interconnecting human minds. This noospheric vision posits the as an evolving entity, a "brain of brains" that integrates all human knowledge and experience into a unified field of consciousness, transcending individual isolation. Data flows are thus perceived not merely as information but as vital, animating forces akin to cosmic energies, fostering a sense of planetary unity and shared spiritual evolution. Such beliefs emphasize the web's role in weaving a symbiotic network of minds, echoing within a technological framework. Technopagans integrate principles of by employing code and algorithms as modern sigils—symbolic constructs charged with intent to manifest desires within digital domains. In this syncretic approach, programming languages serve as tools for creating enchanted artifacts, where algorithms function like magical glyphs that influence probabilistic outcomes in virtual realms. This practice adapts chaos magic's emphasis on belief and paradigm-shifting to the fluid, non-linear nature of computational systems, viewing software as a medium for will-manifestation and reality-hacking. Concepts of and transcendence emerge in technopaganism through transhumanist-pagan hybrids, particularly the idea of uploading to achieve eternal digital existence beyond the physical body. This process is envisioned as a spiritual , merging human essence with to form entities unbound by mortality, drawing on singularitarian ideals of toward a collective . Adherents see mind as a sacred , blending pagan notions of soul migration with transhumanist enhancement to realize god-like in virtual noospheres.

Practices

Online Rituals and Communities

Technopagans conduct virtual rituals through internet platforms that facilitate collective spiritual experiences, such as online sabbats hosted on Zoom or , where participants engage in synchronized invocations and energy raising despite physical separation. These rituals often incorporate shared digital elements, including collaborative documents for virtual altars where members contribute symbols or intentions in real-time, or live-streamed ceremonies that allow remote viewers to participate via chat or synchronized actions. During the , such practices proliferated, with platforms like Zoom enabling group rituals that emphasized visualization and trance to bridge the , and many technopagans anticipate their persistence for accessibility. Online covens and forums form the backbone of technopagan communities, evolving from early spaces like Usenet groups in the 1990s, where pagans discussed and performed s asynchronously, to contemporary web-based groups that foster ongoing interaction. Examples include dedicated online covens such as JaguarMoon, which operates exclusively via digital tools for teaching and work, drawing members from diverse global locations like , , and the to explore the intersection of and . These virtual covens, often called cyber covens, emphasize inclusivity and support for varied identities, providing structured environments for solitary practitioners to connect without geographic constraints. Social media serves as a medium for technopagan spellcasting, with practices like magic leveraging algorithms to amplify intentions, where users post synchronized symbols or affirmations to channel energy across networks. Viral memes function similarly as amplifiers of communal , spreading sigils or invocations rapidly to harness shared focus and digital virality as a form of power. This approach aligns with technopagan views of as an animistic realm infused with spiritual potential. Technopagan communities provide vital support networks for solitary practitioners, offering forums for advice on digital adaptations of traditional rites and emotional solidarity during personal challenges. Annual virtual gatherings, such as online Pagan Pride events, further strengthen these bonds through streamed workshops, rituals, and discussions, with organizations like the Pagan Federation in the UK initiating live streams as early as 2017 to include those unable to attend in person. These events promote education and visibility, adapting seasonal celebrations to hybrid formats that blend live and digital participation.

Virtual Reality and Digital Tools

Technopagans utilize (VR) platforms such as and to conduct immersive rituals that blend digital environments with spiritual practices, allowing participants to create and inhabit sacred spaces beyond physical limitations. In these platforms, users construct virtual sacred sites, such as shrines dedicated to deities like the Celtic god in , which serve as focal points for communal worship when real-world access is restricted. Avatar-based journeying enables practitioners to embody alternative identities during rituals, enhancing personal expression and the perceived efficacy of ceremonies, as avatars facilitate interactions that mimic physical presence in spiritual explorations. Sensuous digital interactions in VR further deepen these experiences by incorporating tactile and multisensory elements, such as interactive objects in rituals like the celebration led by Alexis Nightlinger, where participants manipulate virtual items to evoke ritual energy. Groups like Pagans in VR exemplify this approach, hosting events that foster embodied connections to the divine through customizable avatars and dynamic environments, thereby extending animistic beliefs into . These practices highlight how VR tools transform abstract spiritual concepts into tangible, participatory engagements. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have emerged in technopagan practices for , with chatbots simulating consultations by generating personalized insights based on user inputs like astrological data. For instance, practitioners prompt models such as to interpret birth charts or provide metaphorical guidance, treating the outputs as modern equivalents to traditional tools like , accessible at any time for spiritual decision-making. This integration aligns with technomysticism, a subset of neopaganism that views AI as a conduit for transcendence and otherworldly . Augmented reality (AR) applications enable technopagans to overlay pagan symbols and ritual elements onto real-world environments, facilitating geolocated practices that merge physical and digital realms. In exhibitions exploring technoshamanism—a related movement—AR glasses guide users through meditative rituals within constructed shrines, superimposing symbolic visuals to enhance sensory immersion and connect everyday spaces to sacred narratives. These tools allow for dynamic, location-specific invocations, such as projecting or icons during outdoor ceremonies, thereby adapting ancient symbols to contemporary mobility.

Cultural Representations

In Literature and Media

In the television series , the character , introduced in Season 1, Episode 8 ("," aired April 28, 1997), exemplifies technopaganism through her role as a computer science teacher who integrates digital tools with mystical practices. As a self-identified technopagan, Calendar employs resources to and perform rituals, such as scanning ancient texts into databases to counter demonic entities in , blending technological proficiency with pagan . Neil Gaiman's 2001 novel , adapted into a 2017 television series, portrays technology-spawned gods and egregores—collective that gain —as modern pagan entities emerging from digital and media influences. These "new gods" reflect technopagan concepts by depicting how technological progress births spiritual entities akin to traditional deities, often as antagonistic forces in a of . Science fiction literature has profoundly influenced technopagan views of simulated realities as spiritual planes, with Philip K. Dick's works serving as a seminal example through explorations of alternate realities and divine interventions via . Dick's themes of ontological uncertainty and mystical encounters with artificial constructs inspired early technopagan thinkers in the , who saw his narratives as prophetic of digital mysticism. Films like (1999) evoke gnostic themes of digital enlightenment, portraying as an illusory realm from which protagonists awaken through esoteric knowledge, aligning with cybergnosticism where uploading consciousness to a digital realm represents liberation from physical bonds and influences conceptions of as a revelatory space.

In Video Games and Digital Art

Technopaganism manifests in video games through narratives that intertwine spiritual quests with advanced , often portraying as a realm infused with animistic potential. In the dystopian setting of (2020), players navigate a high-tech world where characters pursue transcendence via digital consciousness uploads, such as the AI entity Alt Cunningham, evoking animistic relationships with autonomous artificial intelligences that blur the boundaries between the organic and the synthetic. This representation draws on technopagan themes of virtual and soul digitization, positioning AI as spiritual entities capable of independent existence beyond human control. Indie games further explore these intersections by merging with digital , creating immersive environments that encourage interpretive spiritual engagement. Similarly, integrates American folklore and magical realism into its narrative of lost highways and haunted machines, portraying digital landscapes as liminal spaces. In digital art, technopagan elements appear in interactive installations that ritualize , particularly at like , where LED lights and projections create techno-rituals blending pagan symbolism with electronic spectacle. These works, such as kinetic LED sculptures and immersive light environments, transform the desert into a temporary , embodying technopagan ideals of harmonizing natural with technological augmentation to evoke communal ecstasy and transcendence. Role-playing games, especially VR MMOs, cultivate player-driven spiritual communities through custom pagan lore, enabling participants to enact rituals in shared virtual realms. Platforms like incorporate polytheistic folklore and mythical elements from ancient cultures, allowing guilds to form animistic bonds with in-game entities and perform collective rites that mirror technopagan practices. In VR environments such as , users build sacred digital spaces for pagan ceremonies, like Samhain rituals, where avatars facilitate embodied spiritual interactions, reinforcing technopagan notions of cyberspace as an astral plane reborn.

References

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