Chile’s Young Adults Shift From Catholicism to Tarot, Reiki and Astrology
Surveys show that more than half of Chileans aged 18-34 now claim no religion, while many are embracing tarot, reiki and astrology as personal spiritual practices.
In Chile, the proportion of 18-34-year-olds without a religious affiliation has risen from 19% in 2006 to 51% in 2025, while Catholic identification has fallen to roughly one-third, according to recent surveys. Despite this secular shift, a majority still believe in God and prefer personal connections over church attendance. Experts such as sociologist Maureen Neckelmann and psychologists René Gallardo and Rodrigo Navarrete describe the phenomenon as a rise of individualized spiritual paths, including tarot, astrology and reiki, which are marketed as tools for self-knowledge and empowerment.
Entrepreneurs like Majo Arévalo are organizing conferences and training programs, turning these practices into viable careers. Practitioners such as Wilma Flores charge for sessions, illustrating the blend of personal conviction and commercial activity. The Ministry of Health notes that alternative therapies have been regulated since 2005, though many remain outside formal medical recognition.
Why it matters
The trend signals a major cultural shift in Chile, affecting religious institutions, mental-health services and emerging spiritual markets.
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