How many aura points did I lose?
Gen Z is redefining spirituality in the digital age, blending ancient practices with internet humour and TikTok trends. But is this a true spiritual awakening, or just another aesthetic-driven phase?

“How many aura points did I lose when I skipped class to study for a midterm for another class?”  

If you have spent time on TikTok, you will likely be familiar with the above phrase. The trend, which assigns “spiritual points” to daily actions, is one way that Gen Z playfully engages with spirituality. From affirmations to tarot card reading to deity worshipping, Gen Z combines these ancient practices and beliefs with a sense of modern aesthetic and a chronically brain-rot internet humour. 

Unlike previous generations who may have practiced spirituality in an organized group setting, the younger generation is redefining spirituality, creating their own belief systems and often through engagement on social media like TikTok. Spiritual practices like positive affirmations, divinity, and moon rituals have become increasingly popular among Gen Z-ers. But is this “spiritual awakening” genuine, or is it just another trend destined to fade when the next big thing comes along?

The Age of Aquarius: a new era of spiritual awakening?

You may have heard of the counterculture movement of the ‘60s, but what fewer people know is the movement’s association with the Age of Aquarius — the current astrological age. The precise start of this era is debated, but many astrologers claim it started in 2012, 2021, or 2025. The Age of Aquarius refers to a time of change and progress, much like the characteristics of the zodiac sign Aquarius. The key themes of this current era are technological advancements, spiritual awareness, social change, global connectivity, and humanitarian consciousness. 

During the 1960s, young generations turned to a free and wild lifestyle, often living in communal settings, adopting vegetarian diets, practicing holistic medicine, and organizing to promote anti-war sentiments. Oftentimes, these practices are held in an organized group setting, relating to the hierarchical theme of the astrological age during that time, the Age of Pisces. 

Students and digital spirituality

Today, Gen Z is doing the same but with a smartphone in hand.

For many students, spirituality in the digital age offers something that academic life doesn’t: a sense of control over their future. In their academic life, students constantly ask: What should I do after graduation? Am I on the right path? Will I find a stable job? In such cases, spiritual practices like manifestation and affirmations can provide comfort. This is echoed in some familiar phrases: I trust I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

I attract opportunities and abundance into my life.

I am smart. I am intelligent. I pass all my courses with a 3.5 GPA.

Gen Z’s spiritual curiosity is increasingly shaped by digital platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where social media offers an accessible way for young people to explore spirituality on their own terms, free from the rigid structures of traditional religion. Users on TikTok share and explore alternative spiritual practices in a way that feels more inclusive and less hierarchical than traditional religious institutions like past generations practiced.

However, spirituality has become a trendy aesthetic wrapped in appealing graphics and catchy pop songs. And while this makes spirituality more accessible, does it also make it meaningful?

Coping mechanism or spiritual awakening?

Is Gen Z experiencing a spiritual awakening, or are we just tired and looking for an escape? What does it even mean to have a spiritual awakening? The truth is that there’s no definition for it, but if I were to try to explain it, I’d say that a spiritual awakening is coming back to yourself, becoming aware and grounded in a new reality, connecting with the inner and external world beyond materialism and worldly desires. It’s hard to imagine what it feels like until you personally experience it. But most describe the feeling as finding a new perspective to view the world that carves out a fresh purpose in life.

There’s no denying that mental health struggles are at an all-time high among university students. About 65 per cent of Gen Z reported experiencing at least one mental health problem in the past two years. A recent article by University of Toronto graduates also probes into the disturbing case of suicides we’ve had across our three campuses, citing the lack of supportive psychological care for students and staff in the aftermath of a student’s death. It’s no surprise that many students turn to spiritual practices for relief, whether it be from the biting pressures of the academic grind or for more complex personal issues. Affirmations provide reassurance, manifestation gives hope for a better future, and tarot reading offers hope in life’s unpredictability. 

The Aquarius era, defined by cultural renewal and progressiveness, encourages seeking truth beyond traditional ways, which could explain why Gen Z is drawn to spirituality instead of organized religion. Gen Z’s digital exploration of spirituality through online tarot readings, Reddit discussions, etc., suggests that young people are not just escaping reality but actively shaping what spirituality means in the 21st century. 

The future of spirituality in the Age of Aquarius 

The Age of Aquarius suggests that the interest in spirituality among Gen Z might be more than a passing phase. However, the rise of algorithm-driven or digital spirituality raises some concerns for those enticed by the appeal of this new-age spirituality. Will AI-generated astrology and social media trends deepen our generation’s connection to the spiritual realm, or will they diminish spirituality’s meaning? Some argue that digital spirituality lacks depth and commitment, while others say history shows that spirituality awakenings continue to evolve rather than disappear. I believe that for those interested in starting or rediscovering their spiritual journeys, we shouldn’t completely shut out modern spirituality as something that’s completely bonkers or irrelevant. Instead, a better path forward in navigating new-age spirituality is by reflecting on the positives and gains of traditional spiritual teachings and cultural knowledge, while balancing it with modern philosophies and values that underscore the Age of Aquarius. 

What started as a TikTok trend may lay the foundation for a lasting transformation. Whether this is a mass spiritual awakening or a fleeting trend is still to be seen, but one thing to be sure is that Gen Z’s impact on spirituality is only just the beginning.