Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits
By Melody Carlson 2011
Have you even wondered why some teens are drawn toward things like Ouija boards or psychics? Or why séances are still popular at sleepovers? Does it just have to do with Halloween and that spine-chilling need for a good scare? Or could it be something more? And, as a Christian, should you be concerned?
Those questions, as well as some confused reader letters, prompted me to tackle the “supernatural” in one of my teen novels (Moon White, TrueColors, Nav Press). And whenever I write an issues-based novel, I’m forced to research—and often in some dark places. So I began scouring websites, learning more about Wicca and the occult, trying to grasp what was really going on with today’s teens—and how I could write about it in a helpful and relevant way.
But, as usual, when I write a teen book, I go back to my own adolescence...trying to connect with my inner teen...and I suddenly remembered a short era when a friend and I got very interested in witchcraft. I had honestly forgotten about this time and was fascinated to recall how we scoured some witchcraft stores on a local campus—I think we even purchased a few things. Fortunately, this interest was short-lived and I became a Christian not long afterward.
However, as I reconnected with my inner teen, I had to ask myself—why had I looked into witchcraft back then? Why do teens dabble with it now? Suddenly the answer became crystal clear. I was searching. I’d been calling myself an atheist for several years by then, but I was spiritually hungry—starving in fact. Consequently I was looking for spiritual answers—something that would fill that empty void within me. I wanted a supernatural force in my life and I didn't even care where it came from. I needed something bigger than me, more powerful than me, something to hold onto. I had no idea at the time that I was really searching for God.
This realization changed the way I viewed my research. Instead of feeling disgusted and dismayed by the witchcraft/Wicca sites (which are not particularly enjoyable) I began to recognize that these people (mostly girls) were simply searching too. They wanted a power source in their lives just like I wanted one in mine. They just hadn't found God yet. This led to another discovery. A girl who’s attracted to a religion like Wicca is usually seeking to gain some control over her life. Something is wrong and she wants to change it. To do so, she’s often enticed to purchase something—like “magical herbs”—to create a potion that will give her some control over her situation. Unfortunately, she doesn't even realize she’s being tricked.
But think about it, wouldn't you love to have control over a bad situation sometimes? Wouldn’t you love to be able to change the circumstances that make your life unpleasant? So what if someone offered you the “power” to do just that? Perhaps if you’re fifteen, you wouldn't see that person as a charlatan and you would fall for it.
Which brings me to another important factor in understanding this generation’s attraction to the supernatural. Follow the money. The more I researched, the more it became painfully obvious that Wicca and witchcraft and the occult are money-making enterprises. Thanks to the internet, these savvy distributors sell anything imaginable—and many things you can’t. That leads to some serious motivation—these marketers want to hook their unsuspecting young customers and reel them in. Of course, these potions and trinkets and how-to books don’t come with a money back guaranty. Nor are they approved by the FDA. Yet they are a multi-million dollar industry.
So, in a way, it’s a perfect storm. Teens that are insecure, lost, unhappy, and searching...meet up with an unregulated industry that offers supernatural answers and power and control...for a price.
________________________________________________________________
~This post gives me a lot to ponder on. I've always been frightened of that side of occult activity. I had a friend in high school who liked to play with Tarot cards and Ouija boards......even though at that time I had no religion or faith.....it freaked me out! I can certainly see the appeal though of the occult and supernatural world....I think when we are searching for meaning in life, especially in the case of religion, darkness can mask itself as light. All the more reason why parents need to be aware of what their children are reading, watching and browsing the Internet for. Thanks Melody for stopping by today and sharing those thoughts.
Find out more about Melody Carlson at Goodreads~Web~Facebook
I'm with you Tina, that kind of thing scared me to death. I've been religious as long as I can remember, so really, I was just scared. I like the fantasy aspect of it all though. Talking about it like it's pretend. It's different than thinking of the other aspect. Then again, I've never researched much of pagan beliefs. Okay, I'm rambling now. Sorry. I agree with you, parents should definitely be monitoring their children's reading. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by different forms of spirituality and I think people need to find what works best for them once they are well informed. Yes, darkness is often masked as light but not all that is often viewed as 'supernatural' is dark. I believe most everything carries it's own aesthetic, though the quality of goodness may vary.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post. Thanks for sharing.
@Jen- The only reason I researched the Pagan stuff was because at one time in my life (kind of like Melody) I wasn't a Christian and searching. I found out things about Jev. Witnesses, Mormons, Catholics, Baptists, Pagans, Scientology and wound up meeting a group of Wiccans through a girl at work who was a white witch, the group scared the freaking daylights out of me which seriously directed me back to Christianity. I took a class on Religion and Cults in college and was amazed at how many things people practice and believe.
ReplyDelete@Missie- I agree with you, I dont think everything supernatural is dark..... especially some of silly ya paranormal out there. I read plenty of vampire books, I just try and stay clear of the horror stuff and demons....some stuff out there is truly gateways into some icky stuff. Oh my goodness one the scariest religions I learned about in that class I took was people who practice Voodoo....that stuff had me shaking in my boots...NO THANK YOU!!!
Yes!! One of my favorite blogs hosting one of my favorite authors! It's a good Monday!
ReplyDeleteGreat inside, Madam Carlson! Loved your perspective on the subject.( Oh, I recently downloaded Harsh Pink, but I don't think I've ever read Moon White. I'll have to look for it!)
Thanks, Jen, for having her on the blog!
(Sorry. I said Thanks, Jen...I meant Tina. I had Jens on the brain...) :/
ReplyDeleteThis does give a lot to ponder about... I never looked at it like that, I always love to learn about other religions and beliefs- very interesting how different everything is!!
ReplyDelete