Exploring Pop Culture Paganism, Shifting, and Channeling Fictional Beings

I’ve been wanting to create a master post on this topic for a long time—something that combines everything I’ve learned, experienced, and explored on this path. This post is deeply rooted in both my personal journey and the spiritual insights I’ve gathered over time, especially when it comes to pop culture paganism, shifting realities, and working with fictional beings as spiritual allies or guides.

I’ve made two videos already (linked below) that dive into this very subject—what pop culture paganism is, how it can work, and why it might not be as far-fetched as it seems. I talk about concepts like tulpas, egregores, thoughtforms, and how fictional characters can become energetically real through belief, emotion, and intention. I understand this topic can be controversial, and that’s exactly why I feel it’s important to talk about it. There isn’t a lot of nuanced, open-minded discussion around these experiences, and I want to help change that by sharing my perspective.

So, if you’re reading this, I ask you to keep an open mind. I’m going to be fully transparent, and yes—some of it may sound WILD. But let’s be honest: spirituality itself is wild. It defies logic, it bends perception, and it often leads us into the unknown. That’s part of its beauty.

Now, with that said, let’s dive into what I’ve learned. I’ll be sharing the information, techniques, and insight I’ve given to my clients—especially those who’ve come to me for comfort character readings, whether they were tied to a desired reality (DR) or not. (they will be copied and pasted from convos so it might sound weird but bear with me!)

"How do we connect to the characters? I’ll be honest with you, before I did this I never knew of what Shifting was and Desired realities. But I knew that it was possible to connect with the energies, archetypes etc of the character. I’ve done this many times before without realizing it. Short story short! You can connect with them in the same manner as if trying to connect with a spirit or deity or even one’s higher self. But it will depend on the person and the type of character in question and whether there is a relationship or not. I say this because quantum jumping comes into play a lot with this as well and not just astral traveling. The best way I can summarize it is think of it like this… You exist as a tarot reader, but in a different universe/dimension, your a famous psychic, and in another reality you are a lawyer, and in another you are a millionaire. You can tune into these versions of you to gain info if you wish to. The same thing can apply to said characters. I hope this makes sense as it can be a little difficult to explain! As this is also just my experience and findings. If you watch the movie The One with Jet lee in it, that also kinda explains this concept along with Jumper. 

How do they become their own individual person? They become their own individual person because they were made and created. They were given a life, a purpose, a story. When something is made and created it is done with energy and intention. Energy is very interesting to say the least in regards of this as one simply cannot destroy it, but can always direct it and create with it again and again. In a odd sense it can be recycled for infinity. When one truly put’s their thought and own energy into making something, it truly does MAKE something, you know? Like when someone does spell work, they are using their intention and energy to make it manifest and become what they wish for it. The same applies to these characters and their world. It becomes real, we are in a sense like a god/goddess as we created these characters (original characters if you ever had done so too!) similar to that of the Christian view of how humans came to be by god. We as humans each have different personalities and thought processes, becoming unique, we don’t follow a specific code, and sometimes we derail from our own “purpose” and so the same thing applies to the characters in question. They become their own individual being like how we as humans continue to change and adjust. I will also mention though that sometimes, spirits can potentially take the role of certain characters as well, along with deities. When this happens there is usually a reason as to why, I haven’t seen it as hurtful from my own findings. I hope this makes sense too! 

How can one improve their skills/deepen a bond with said character? This can be done the same way as if one is trying to bond and deepen a connection with a deity/spirit. It just might be odd at first! However if this doesn’t fit well, you can also simply just write a script of how you and this character are towards each other, you can simply have it in your mind that you wish to connect and shift to be with the said character before sleeping. A lot of my clients (and me at fault too) have used character AI apps to form a reality and connection with these characters as well and it surprisingly (and scarily) works very well. And you don’t even have to do this either. You can simply just be a fan of them! And by doing so you already formed a connection. There are other shops upon here that offer very lovely services on how to also deepen your bond with the character you choose. This is all the info (roughly) that I’ve gathered and learned upon my path regarding this for the most part and I hope I made it somewhat understandable. Because with the whole realities thing, it can get really complicated as things are not always what they seem. And sometimes regarding these types of situations, we as humans cannot fathom it as much as we wish to understand it. And you can of course agree or disagree! :)"


and continuing on to another reply I gave a beloved client of mine...

"Quantum jumping and astral traveling comes into play a lot with this and I usually have my spirit guides/friends with me when I do readings just to act as a body guard in case they get hostile. Often times it can be genuinely the person’s desired reality person/character if they are shifters, other times there is a possibility of them being deities, spirits, entities, including tricksters. But even with tricksters not all are wanting to cause harm and do bad. Often times in this type of field they will take on the form of said character to represent the character for one reason or another. For example, the character Sukuna from Jujustu Kaisen (it’s an anime) the character came to me, but after getting readings done this character was exposed as the god Loki and finally revealed himself to me as himself. In which he too is considered a trickster! (Thank you to the oracle reader for this! )

If you spend a lot of time with them, especially astrally, it can be more apparent if it’s a bad/negative type of trickster/entity as the character Zhongli from Genshin impact wanted to cause me harm when I first started to dive into this type of spirituality. (When in actuality it was another entity taking the form of him, the reason for this however I wish to keep personal, but I now know and understand why it happened and can look back on it now with humour!)"

Pop Culture Paganism, Inner Worlds & Why Fictional Characters Matter

This post is a rough but heartfelt gathering of what I’ve learned, experienced, and shared with clients over time. I’ve felt called to present it here on my blog—not only to document these thoughts, but to hopefully offer validation or new insight for those walking a similar path.

So… why are we talking about fictional characters and their connection to spirituality? Why does this matter in pop culture paganism?

The Role of Fictional Characters in Pop Culture Paganism

As I’ve shared in my videos (linked below), deities—especially ones like Loki—can and do take on forms inspired by pop culture. Sometimes these expressions serve as a “mask” or aspect of the divine, allowing them to connect with us in a way that feels safe, personal, and even playful. Characters from fandoms can represent different facets of these divine beings, or even act as intermediaries to help us understand them.

This isn’t just about worship—it’s about relationship, resonance, and personal healing.

Pop culture has always had a place in magic and witchcraft. Long before it became taboo or “cringe,” many practitioners incorporated elements from movies, books, games, or shows into their craft—because it sparked joy. Because it lit something inside of them.

And that spark matters.

Why Joy and Whimsy Are Powerful Magickal Tools

When your practice starts to feel dull or forced, your energy suffers. That inner flame dims. We’ve all been there—something you once loved starts to feel routine. Boring. Lifeless. And when your excitement fades, so does your magic.

This is why finding what fuels you—what genuinely excites and empowers you—isn’t just a personal preference… it’s spiritual maintenance.

Pop culture, especially characters you feel deeply connected to, can bring that spark back. They offer a new way to engage with your energy. They help you feel your practice again. And more than that—they can help you learn about yourself.

The Mirror Within: Archetypes, Healing & Shadow Work

There’s a saying that angels and demons live within us—that the archetypes are already there. You carry both shadow and light. So what if the characters you love are mirrors? What if they represent pieces of you, consciously or unconsciously?

Maybe that one character you always gravitate toward… represents your inner strength. Or your wounds. Or a version of you that you're still discovering.

Working with fictional characters in this way can be deeply healing. They can help you with shadow work, self-awareness, and even emotional regulation. Whether you're exploring your desired reality (for shifters), seeking comfort, or simply find resonance with a character—you’re building a bridge between your inner world and your spiritual path.

A Note for Kinnies (and Those Curious)

If you’re a kinnie, this can go even deeper. Kinning can offer a unique gateway to self-mastery, energy work, and identity exploration. It becomes a living metaphor—a tool for transformation.

But like any tool, it can go both ways. It can be used to express pain… or to understand that pain and reclaim your power. Instead of using a character to vent and stay stuck, you can work through that connection—transform it—until you no longer need the projection, because you've integrated the lesson.

It becomes empowerment, not escape.

Shifting vs Quantum Jumping vs Astral Projection vs Lucid dreaming vs Maladaptive Daydreaming

Perhaps a lot of us interchanged these terms a lot and I feel like after experimenting for quite a bit, I can lend some helpful insight inregards to each. (Mind you...) Everyone has their views and take on this and again I am just sharing mine. (Also in the beginning of my journey, this just might be why I came in contact with a lot more entities! Similar to what I shared with my clients above. Because I got quite a bit of it mixed up. And that's ok. As long as we learn from our mistakes!)

Shifting and Quantum jumping is inherently...pretty much the same thing. You can do it in many ways than just one. And they can be interchangeable, depending on how you wish to use it as a tool and not just for fun. Sometimes, things can bleed into another as well. The communities however are different and understandably so. So let's break it down shall we?

Shifters

• Shifters seem to be more comfort based with characters and worlds they love.
• It can be scripted, or not. And often times (for me) feels more structured.
• Your more in control of your DR. (desired reality) Like a god (creator) playing and manifesting. It sometimes feels like a nice vacation for me.
• You move your consciousness to a “desired reality” (DR) that exists alongside your “current reality” (CR). Often seen as fully immersive, like waking up in another world.
• Often times it's immersive with sensory, living in another universe (e.g., Hogwarts, anime worlds, alternate lives)

Quantum Jumping

• Those who quantum jump do it for multiple reasons that seem more goal-oriented or spiritually aligned. In other words it feels more (mature) than what shifting is. (Not saying either one is better than the other however!)
• It feels more fluid. There's no need for scripts as you access the infinite versions that exist.
• You move between parallel realities/timelines to access alternate versions of yourself and their experiences, skills, or outcomes.
• It's more about gaining insight, skills, or guidance from an alternate version of yourself, not necessarily “living” there.
• A lot Quantum Jump to bring back benefits (skills, wisdom, perspective) from another version of you that you didn't originally know.
• less sensory immersion (but could depend on the practioner)

Astral Projecting

Astral projecting is well... your projecting! Your leaving your body to go to the astral plane. However there are many different types and you can even go to your own inner astral plane. The key points i'd like to bring up for this however is the following...

• The consciousness leaves the body to explore astral planes.
• It can happen through sleep paralysis transitions. (It's hinted that when you have sleep paralysis you are stuck in that liminal space and can't free yourself)
• Sensation of floating, flying, traveling beyond the body. Often times people can see their body as well.
• You can uncover a lot more spiritual information this way
• Sometimes control can be iffy... unlike the others, you need to protect yourself when you astral travel. (you can keep your energy and self safe with the others as well for precautionary measures, if you wish.)

Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreaming is quite different from everything on this list. But it can happen in unique ways that may confuse the practitioner. Lucid dreaming can often feel real as well. The different with this is the fact you know you are dreaming. But if your well experienced, you can easily shape your dream completely. Now regarding the differences...

• You have awareness inside a dream that you are dreaming.
• You have the power and skill to control what happens in your dream (while dreaming, think of inception the movie. But it takes time to be skillful at it.)
• Can be used to explore your subconscious.
• It at times can be used to connect with the astral plane and spiritual plane.

Maladaptive Daydreaming

This is a big one. And I wish to bring it up if we are to discuss about this whole topic. It can be a slippery slope, especially if you have done this before. If you can, understand yourself and your practice to try and discern if you may end up going down this line. What I have listed here is just a brief view. I am not a medical professional by any means but I thought it's note worthy to put what it seems to be and how different it can be from the other things stated)

• It is excessive yet immersive daydreaming that interferes with one's day life.
• Fantasies often feel real but only remain in the mind.
• It seems to be used for escapism and coping
• Often times it can be hard to control. Compulsive at times.

A Closing Statement + My Experiences

I’m well aware there are people in the community who may try to twist my words or misunderstand my intent. But let me be clear: everything I’ve shared here is meant for educational purposes and awareness—to shine a light on why practices like this shouldn’t be dismissed or labeled as “cringe” within spiritual and witchcraft-based spaces.

This post isn’t just about shifting or pop culture paganism. It’s also a reminder that, whether intentional or not, these practices can start to shape your reality in ways you may not expect. That’s why it's so important to take breaks, ground yourself, and maintain balance between your spiritual life and your day-to-day reality.

Don't neglect the physical—your body, your environment, your routines. These are what anchor you. Because just like with any form of spirituality, if you dive too deep without boundaries or reflection, it can become overwhelming. It can distort your sense of reality, and my dear Starlights… I truly don’t want that for you.

Now, you got a little taste of some of my experiences when testing out shifting and working with the characters (only to find out they are deities and other types of entites and most likely because of my way of doing things to connect to my DR/desired reality) but there were times I genuinely did shift and it really blew me away, realizing I don't have to be limited to just this one experience of life but multiple. But again, it made me realize how imporant it is to also live your life here and how imporant it is to be present in the very moment. When I connected to my client's DR, I could feel and sense the difference between each even if it was the same character I was connecting with. It made me aware of how one can even possibly do quantum healing. That a lot of different type of workings can happen when you wish to shift into a person's DR to connect with their loved ones and friends. It's truly remarkable. And with deities from personal experiences... They take these forms as a way to get closer to you, to help you, to bring comfort and so much more. But often times, they are helping you through the presence of the character subtly in ways you wouldn't even realize is spiritual "work"

Now, you may agree or disagree with me. Our paths can be completely different and my beliefs vs yours will range and be vast. But again, this post and even my videos I made, is to be a space for open mindedness and understanding, above all else...Food for thought.