Teen Vogue’s ghostly advice: A glimpse into the magazine’s disconnect from reality
October 15, 2024
A magazine that advises young women on how to vote, campaign, and think should ideally be grounded in reality. However, Teen Vogue often seems only loosely connected to the real world, as illustrated by its latest piece, headlined, “How to Talk to Spirits Safely: A Guide to Connecting With Ghosts.”
Teen Vogue once described its mission as “educating the influencers of tomorrow,” yet now it’s offering a guide on how to communicate with ghosts—safely. What does that even mean? Is it simply advising against using a Ouija board?
“The veil between the physical and metaphysical world is thin during Halloween and in the days before. Then, Dia De Los Muertos and All Saints’ Day occur on November 1, allowing us to share an exchange with spirits. But just because we may have more access to the deceased during this time doesn’t mean we should speak with them without precaution. Being mindful of how we approach entities is vital, so knowing how to talk to spirits and ghosts safely is of the utmost importance.”
This is, at best, misleading nonsense. It is true that the medieval Catholic Church rebranded the Celtic festival of Samhain as All Souls and All Saints’ Day, but this does not suggest that pagans were correct in believing in communication with spirits. Unfortunately, this modern magazine, aimed at impressionable young women, seems to be suggesting that anything pre-modern is both fun and valid. It reflects a rejection of modernity.
“PSA: Entities from the other side could be good or bad — and you may inadvertently call in one who disguised themselves as the spirit you intended to reach. To make sure you’re protected in the event of a bad spirit, make a circle of protection with your index finger in the air, surround yourself with salt, and surround yourself with amethyst or onyx as a shield. Florida water is another ample source of psychic defense. Spray it on your whole body and home to keep your space and place ghost-free (when you are not trying to interface with them).”
No one over the age of eight—or anyone capable of rational thought—believes this nonsense. So why is a major magazine promoting it to teenagers?
All of this might be entertaining in itself, but it raises a serious question: if Teen Vogue publishes such questionable content about life, death, and the universe, how can we take its opinions on other serious subjects—like economics, politics, sustainability, or even fashion—seriously?
An ancient piece of wisdom comes to mind: falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus—wrong in one thing, wrong in everything. This Latin saying is over two thousand years old, and how relevant it remains today.