Doctoral project: Re-enchantment in a rationalized world: meaning-making through modern magical practices
In a time where scientific and rational values dominate, it's easy to believe that magic and spirituality belong to the past. However, interest in these practices may be stronger than ever. I want to understand why people today turn to magic and alternative spirituality, what it really involves, and how these practices help people create meaning in their lives.
Project information
Doctoral student
Jonathan Madeland
Supervisor
Ola Agevall
Assistant supervisor
Per Dannefjord
Participating Organisations
Linnaeus University
Timetable
1 Sept 2023–1 June 2028
Subject
Sociology (Department of Social Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences)
More about the project
The project investigates meaning-making aspects of contemporary magical/neo-spiritual practices in Sweden. It examines how individuals use these practices to navigate a rationalized society, often in contrast to scientific worldviews.
Through a multisited ethnographic approach, which involves participant observations, interviews, and text analysis in various contexts, I aim to understand why rationally capable individuals engage in magical practices despite the lack of empirical evidence, and how these practices can offer a viable framework for managing reality.
The project focuses on the motivational and socio-material dimensions of these practices, viewing them as embodied knowledge that plays a significant role in the practitioners' meaning-making processes.
By comparing different contexts, the research aims to demystify magic from an outsider’s perspective and explore the tensions between rationality and spirituality. Through this lens, I hope to contribute to a broader understanding of human practices and cognition, including insights into why magical beliefs persist in modern, secular societies.
Would you like to share your magical experiences?
I am currently looking for participants for the study who can help me understand what magic and/or alternative spiritual practices are really about.
Who can participate?
I am looking for someone who is at least 18 years old and who actively practices some form of magical or non-traditional spiritual practice, such as tarot card reading, spirit contact, crystal healing, ritual magic or similar. It doesn't matter if you practice these practices alone, in a group, as a client or with clients – I want to hear your story!
What does participating entail?
As a participant, you can invite me to observe your practice according to agreed-upon terms, ranging from simple visits to full participation, with full respect for the sacredness of your practice. You can also participate in an interview where you will have the opportunity to freely share your experiences and insights. All participants will remain anonymous in the study. See details regarding data collection, storage, and your rights related to data in this Information for Research Participants.
Why should you participate?
- Contribute to research: Your participation helps us to create a deeper understanding of how magic and spirituality contribute to meaning-making in a rationalized world.
- Make your voice heard: Share your unique story and experiences in an academic forum.
- Strengthening the community: Help reduce stigma and increase understanding of magical and spiritual practices in society.
Interested?
Contact me for more information and to register your interest. You can also fill out the registration form below and I will get back to you. I look forward to hearing from you and exploring together how magic and spirituality play into our lives.
Thank you for considering participating in this research project. Your involvement is invaluable in increasing the understanding of magical and spiritual practices.
Registration form for expressing interest in participating in the research project "Re-enchantment in a Rationalized World"
Thank you for your interest in participating in the research project! Please fill out the following information as thoroughly as possible. Your responses will help me to understand your background and practice, and to ensure a diversity of participants in the study. None of the fields are mandatory (except e-mail so you receive a confirmation of your registration).