Feet on the ground and head in the clouds: theoretical and empirical outlines of contemporary mysticism

Abstract

The article proposes a sociological interpretation of a set of qualitative data on trivial magic and religious phenomena in a Brazilian city. The data were gathered through the concept of modern mysticism, that goes by the Max Weber’s classic concept. Besides, the article takes notice of some organizational patterns in mystical settings. These settings provide means to access other worlds, as well as inner selves. They are well adapted to modern urban life acting like businesses under the shadow of dominant religions.