Bruno Latour proposes a plurality of ontologies by distinguishing distinct modes of existence, each with its own type of existent. One mode is religion, which involves invisible “beings of religion” that transform the self, unlike psychogenic beings that constitute the self and can be addressed through therapeutic or ritual cures. Beings of religion are engaged through contemplative practices such as prayer, meditation, or ceremony, which enable transformation. This article argues that Latour’s concept of beings of religion offers potential for religious studies and illustrates this with a Latourian description of ayahuasca ceremonies.
Pub psychic nights in Britain, attended predominantly by working-class women, serve as spaces for spirit communication led by a medium or psychic. Based on 16 interviews and four participant observations, these events help attendees deal with grief and loss, extending beyond entertainment. They offer opportunities to address existential questions and seek comfort outside traditional religious institutions. The nights blur boundaries between ordinary and extraordinary, transforming historically male-dominated pub spaces into local hubs of female-led spirituality. This research deepens understanding of contemporary spiritual practices and their significance for marginalized communities.