modern mysticism

Madonna’s artistic eras changed pop—but her spiritual practice has been just as transformative. Over the years she’s spoken openly about prayer, ritual, and Kabbalah, weaving mysticism into mainstream culture. Below, we unpack what Madonna herself has said about her spiritual life—and how that perspective continues to influence millions.

“I decided I needed to have a spiritual life.”

In a first-person Harper’s Bazaar essay, Madonna describes a pivotal mid-career shift:

“I decided I needed to have a spiritual life. That’s when I discovered Kabbalah. … I was introduced to an ancient wisdom that I could apply to my life in a practical way. I was reading Aramaic… studying history… questions and debate were encouraged.”

This wasn’t a casual flirtation with mysticism; she frames it as deliberate study and practice that grounded her life and art. 

“I don’t affiliate with any specific religious group.”

Asked to define her faith, Madonna told the Irish Independent:

“No, I don’t affiliate myself with any specific religious group. I connect to different ritualistic aspects of different belief systems, and I see the connecting thread between all religious beliefs.”

The same sentiment was reported widely, including by Ynet/AFP, underscoring her interspiritual approach.

Ritual before the spotlight: “Remembering our prayers each night”

Madonna has also shared her pre-show prayer routine with fans. In a video captioned during the Madame X era, she wrote: “Remembering our prayers each night before the show keeps me going…”
Crew clips and behind-the-scenes posts show prayer circles as a repeated ritual, not a one-off moment.

Kabbalah in practice—and in public

Coverage of the Kabbalah Centre frequently cited Madonna’s attendance and influence; she was noted as a regular visitor to its London location during certain periods.
Earlier reporting also documented how her embrace of Kabbalah shifted public conversation around Jewish mysticism and celebrity spirituality.

How the spiritual current shaped the music

From Ray of Light forward, reviewers and scholars have read Madonna’s late-’90s and 2000s output through a spiritual lens—yoga, meditation, Hebrew letters, and kabbalistic imagery folded into sound and visuals. While the exact “meaning” of a song like “Like a Prayer” remains contested, her long dialogue with religion and ritual is indisputable.

Why this matters (now)

Madonna’s public stance—spiritual, not denominational; devoted to study, prayer, and ritual—mirrors how many people approach modern spirituality today. She treats mysticism as lived practice: something to study, question, and apply, not just to perform.

Want to explore your own path?

If Madonna’s blend of ritual and self-inquiry resonates with you, try a reading that centers your intuition and life questions.