Individualism and community in alternative spiritual "magic"

Religion has been distinguished from "magic" for the solidarity ties allegedly offered by the former, but not the latter, which by contrast is claimed to emphasize individual needs. However, the contemporary "alternative" or "countercultural" spiritual network (e.g., New Age, Neo-Paganism) utilizes beliefs and practices that could be described as magic, while still offering social solidarity. Excerpta from in-depth interviews with 22 alternative spiritualists illustrate how the strain between individuality and community is addressed. Shared ideology across individuals suggests that alternative spirituality is a contemporary social movement, in which protest against social control is voiced more through communication codes than overt political action. Thus, expression of individuality paradoxically becomes a source of solidarity. This movement reflects large-scale tensions in complex societies regarding individuality versus community. Therefore, "magic," when enacted in a complex society, deals with many of the same social strains as religion or other social institutions.