Plus ça change : Online Religious Practice, from Cyberhenge to WitchTok

Abstract: Twenty years ago when Douglas E. Cowan published Cyberhenge: Modern Pagans on the Internet , the internet looked remarkably different. Since that time, countless websites have come and gone, each platform presenting opportunities for Pagans to connect with others, explore their beliefs, and practice their religion. And yet, despite changes in technology's appearance and functionality, Cowan's analysis of how Pagans and Witches engage with the internet remains productively prescient. Based on analysis of Pagans, Witches, and other magical practitioners who are active on TikTok, this paper explores the differences and similarities between Cowan's findings and more contemporary online activity. Despite significant changes in how people consume content and transformations in the community itself, this paper highlights several of Cowan's lasting observations, including the trajectory of investment among users, the internet's importance in maintaining and reinforcing identities, and its unique importance for solitary Pagans.