Esotericism, a disturbing French passion: figures that make you dizzy

Contemporary esotericism no longer has much to do with the secret societies and turntables of yesteryear. Oracles, shamans and witches are now fashionable. Sociologists regularly note it: it is no longer shameful to consult an astrologer or a clairvoyant. Publishers and major cultural brands are no strangers to this success. The first offer titles adapted to an increasingly young audience, which combine “new spiritualities” and personal development. The latter dedicate an increasingly important place in their shelves to these works. Since the health crisis, the number of titles placed on the market has indeed increased exponentially, and the public is following.

Many books only sell a few thousand copies, but several stars are doing well, such as the ex-journalist Natacha Calestrémé, the medium Patricia Darré or the paranormal specialist Stéphane Allix. Their sales have been counted in the hundreds of thousands of volumes over the past ten years. Social networks, of course, accompany the movement: there are countless influencers, publications and dedicated sites, in Anglo-Saxon countries but also in France.

However, the rise of interest in the supernatural is not without its risks. “These practices are holy bread for the gurus”, indicated to the Express Donatien Le Vaillant, the head of Miviludes (Mission of vigilance and fight against sectarian aberrations). In fact, its services have noted in recent years an increase in reports linked to “new spiritualities”, shamanism, New Age practices or even anthroposophy, whose doctrine is imbued with esotericism.

Mediums, shamans, druids, witches, astrologers and oracles have never been so fashionable. Far from mere wacky and amusing beliefs, this development must be taken very seriously. Discover our file of the week dedicated to this subject.