A few months ago, comedian and actress B. Simone made a viral video discussing how horoscopes, crystals, and sage are now things of her past. She stated that she will no longer bring them into 2025, either personally or with anyone who “still looks forward to their daily horoscope.” She also emphasized that she doesn’t need these tools, declaring, “I need the real thing— the blood and the Bible.”
This is a narrative I’ve heard before from other religious individuals who denounce relationships and involvement with those who embrace crystals, herbs, astrology, ancestral veneration, and other spiritual elements. However, I have never fully understood the issue, especially since these very elements—now perceived as negative—are natural and created by God. Many of these concepts are even mentioned in the Bible through direct references and symbolism.
So why have Christians created such a great divide between religion and spirituality? Can’t they coexist? Or, at the very least, can’t they be respected individually?
Especially when one has been proven to assist and enhance human lives throughout history, while the other has a documented history of division, control, and conquest.
But hey, I’m not here to judge. I’m here to highlight how spirituality and its elements have positively influenced humanity over time.
Astrology
J.P. Morgan, millionaire and founder of Chase Bank, famously stated, “Millionaires don’t use astrology, billionaires do.”
This quote speaks to the magnitude of astrology and its potential impact on those who embrace it. Those who study astrology deeply understand that the cosmos serves as a roadmap for divine connection with the Creator and the universe. Astrology provides insight into our journeys and offers guidance in various ways.
Historically, astrology and horoscopes were used to predict the future, create calendars, interpret celestial signs, advise on financial matters, and even influence religious rituals. It played such a significant role that, whether one believes in it or not, its remnants still shape modern society.
Herbs
Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist renowned for leading hundreds of enslaved individuals to freedom, was also a root worker. She utilized herbs, plants, flowers, and other natural elements to heal herself and others during the perilous journey to freedom.
It is said that “she famously cured a soldier who was dying from dysentery by concocting a medicinal infusion made from water lilies and cranesbill.” She also used herbal remedies, such as bread infused with opium poppy tinctures, to quiet babies on the Underground Railroad, preventing their cries from revealing their location.
These herbs played a crucial role in guiding one of history’s most influential women to freedom during one of the most dangerous periods. Even today, herbs remain an essential part of holistic healing, aiding the sick in their recovery without relying on chemicals.
Crystals
Throughout history, crystals have held deep significance across cultures and have been integral to spiritual practices. They were used in ancient rituals and are believed to possess cleansing, healing, protective, and energy-amplifying properties.
Various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Romans, Chinese, Mayans, Native Americans, and Indians, have utilized crystals:
- The Chinese valued jade for its protective and healing properties.
- Egyptians wore malachite, carnelian, and lapis lazuli as jewelry for protection.
- Native Americans used quartz crystals for diagnosing illnesses.
- Romans used gemstones to protect children, heal ailments, and attract love.
In modern society, crystals are used in technology, healthcare, and the fashion and beauty industries. They are natural elements of the Earth, much like dirt, rocks, and grass—not man-made, but discovered.
Crystals are far more than mere decorative stones; their energies and healing properties have been scientifically proven to benefit us in numerous ways.
Ancestors & Altars
God is the Creator of the Universe. In Christianity, Jesus is the Son of God. Many people pray to Jesus instead of the Creator, which, in a way, mirrors the practice of honoring one’s ancestors.
If you add a table, a picture, candles, and other meaningful ornaments, you’ve created an altar.
Christianity has somehow deemed this practice negative or even demonic, which is odd given that many already engage in similar acts of veneration without realizing it. Furthermore, they respect similar traditions in other cultures without criticism. For example, many Asian-owned nail salons feature Buddhas, candles, incense, flowers, fruits, and other offerings, yet people patronize these businesses without issue.
Acknowledging and respecting ancestors is a longstanding tradition in many cultures. However, Christianity often perceives it as worship and, therefore, considers it inappropriate.
In Mexico, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a two-day celebration (November 1st and 2nd) where people honor and remember deceased loved ones. They paint their faces, build altars, and present offerings. This tradition was even beautifully depicted in the Pixar and Disney movie Coco, emphasizing the importance of keeping ancestors’ memories alive.
Many Asian and African cultures also practice ancestral veneration, maintaining dedicated spaces for prayer, offerings, and spiritual guidance.
Angels, ancestors, and other deities existed before us and possess the wisdom to assist us on our journeys. God created the universe to be self-sustaining and for us to help one another—and that is exactly what these spiritual beings can do when called upon.
Personal Thoughts
There is a biblical story about a man trapped in a flood who prays for God’s help. When a boat, a helicopter, and rescuers arrive, he refuses them all, believing that God will save him personally. He ultimately drowns.
People who reject spirituality in its entirety share a similar mindset. They have a limited understanding of how divine intervention works, expecting direct intervention rather than recognizing the tools and elements provided by the universe.
God is not a man in the sky waiting to answer requests personally. The universe and its natural laws assist us in spiritual realms, which then manifest into reality.
Connecting with nature and universal elements fosters a deeper understanding of oneself and a closer relationship with God—one that no book alone can provide. Because many religious individuals follow doctrines shaped by human interpretation rather than direct divine guidance, they often become judgmental, hypocritical, and unaware of the world around them.
Those who embrace spiritual elements tend to be deep thinkers, free spirits, and true believers who ultimately connect with the God within themselves. There is power both within us and around us that yearns to be recognized. Condemning others for embracing their magic only ensures that you never discover your own.
The power of spirituality—like any tool—can be used for good or evil. Its impact depends on the intent of the user. Just because some misuse it does not mean we should dismiss the countless positive contributions it has made.
Though religion and spirituality differ, they share a common goal: to bring individuals closer to God and deepen self-awareness. They simply take different paths to get there—one guided by an internal moral compass, the other shaped by human interpretation.
From what I gather, the same people who worship Jesus today likely would have condemned him in his time for his gifts, wisdom, and ability to recognize his divinity—just as many today criticize spiritualists who wear crystals, burn sage, and seek higher consciousness. Ironically, B. Simone is now doing the same.
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