Key features include an emphasis on sovereignty of individual spiritual experience, a rejection of doctrinal orthodoxy, and a focus on experiential practices such as meditation, chanting, ritual, and the use of altered states induced by psychedelics or technology. Many altspiritual communities also prioritize environmental stewardship, social justice, and the integration of science and spirituality. Digital platforms—forums, social media groups, and streaming services—play a crucial role in disseminating teachings, facilitating collective rituals, and nurturing global networks.
The movement draws on a wide array of influences, from neopagan revival and ritual magic to contemporary mindfulness movements and shamanic justice narratives. Prominent practices include sound healing, dream work, plant medicine rites, lunar and solar celebrations, and the cultivation of “spiritual economies” where practices are traded or exchanged without monetary payment. Some altspiritual groups intentionally resist commodification, while others develop lucrative retreats and product lines, raising debates about authenticity and cultural appropriation.
Academic interest has risen in recent years, with scholars in anthropology, religious studies, and psychology exploring the socio‑cultural impact of altspirituality. Studies investigate how these practices intersect with identity formation, therapeutic outcomes, and capitalist dynamics within the wellness industry. Critics argue that altspirituality can perpetuate exclusionary narratives, reinforce rationalist frameworks, or over‑commodify indigenous rituals.
In summation, altspirituality represents a diverse, evolving landscape of spiritual practices that challenge conventional religious structures while fostering individualized, often ecological, and technologically mediated modes of experience. Its growth reflects broader cultural shifts towards pluralism, experiential authenticity, and digital connectivity.