Swipes, Spells & Self-Respect: A Modern Witch’s Playbook For Dating Apps

Forget the stereotype of a pointy-hat and broomstick, because the modern witch is living her best dating-app life.

This spooky season (aka Halloween) our spotlight is on Tinder’s UK astrologist, and sonic sorceress Manuka Honey – who divulged to The Modems how to shield our energy, cast the right intentions and use tech with spiritual savvy in the era of swipes and stories.

“A modern witch is someone who opposes societal norms that confine their self expression, and champions their ability to tap into the supernatural,” Manuka tells The Modems. 

Alongside her work with Tinder Manuka has worked with high-end brands such as Miu Miu and Lueder. According to Manuka the modern witch “might not cackle over a cauldron like historic images of witches, but rather finds ritual in the mundane – all in the name of manifesting the life they desire. From a skincare routine to blessing an altar beladen with bright pink rose quartz – a modern witch conjures through responding to the world around them in all of its ever evolving forms.” 

In other words: today’s “witch” doesn’t need a wand-she needs a phone, a ring light, perhaps a tarot deck, and a very clear sense of what she refuses to settle for. She has one eye on her soulmate, the other on her smartphone, and she’s not afraid to press “unmatch.”

 

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Manuka Honey’s dating-app routine is equal parts astrology and algorithm. “Getting into alignment before a date is as essential as turning up to the date itself. What’s the point of presenting yourself to a new human being if you’re not the most ‘you’ you you can be?! Before stepping out of the house, I tend to check the astrological transits of the day and pull a tarot card.”

“By understanding the astro-forecast I can make concessions for myself and the other party, as well as find clarity around what’s going on. For example, someone turning up late to a date is almost always a red flag unless it’s Mercury Retrograde. When I pull a tarot card, I ask my deck for advice to keep in the back of my mind going into this new dating experience,” says Manuka.

So yes-she checks her phone and her horoscope. She’s scanning profiles for chemistry and compatibility with planetary transits. It’s as much dating-app-savvy as it is self-care.

 

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Let’s talk love, or at least tech-enabled introspection. “Astrology and tarot are so mutable in my life. At times, they’re a tough coach yelling from the sidelines, and at other moments they’re a steadfast companion holding my hand as I wade into the depths of love.” 

“I love using both to help me delve into dark corners of my own psyche and reckon with what’s in front of me. Divine timing really does have its own agenda alongside whatever we’re manifesting. Sometimes it’s the ‘right person at the wrong time’ and The Star reversed tarot card arrives ready to remind me of that. Another time, it helps me remember that the person I’m on a date with who has their Sun in my 12th house isn’t my soulmate, but a mirror allowing me to recognise where I need to heal,” says Manuka.

In other words: your match might feel perfect on screen, but the alignment might still be off. The tech-platform connection is just step one; the inner alignment is the rest of the journey. The modern witch is watching both graphs-astrological and analytical.

 

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But let’s zoom out to something even more fundamental: protecting your energy in a digital landscape built for distraction. “Protecting your energy starts with knowing what you want, and how you deserve to be treated so that you can enact boundaries to uphold this. One of my favourite techniques to achieve this are using affirmations to fortify your energetic shield and boosting your confidence,” says Manuka. 

In a world of endless matches, filters and algorithm-tuned profiles, the most radical act is being unfiltered. By aligning with ritual and intention, the modern witch isn’t just chasing matches-she’s setting the terms. She’s owning the moment before the moment owns her. “Every modern witch needs to enter the dating world knowing that they’re worthy of love, devotion, romance, and lustful escapades. Whatever you’re swiping on Tinder for is so specific to you, so make sure you’re reciting daily affirmations to firm this with yourself and the universe. Before a first date, I always look in the mirror and say out loud that: I’m sexy, I’m the prize, and I’m worthy of the love I’m looking for.”

 

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Finally, Manuka hangs the vibe with this parting advice: “I think the easiest way to bring some ‘witchy vibes’ into your dating life is by tapping into your intuition. If your gut is telling you that you actually don’t want to go on a date with that man who is giving you five word responses, listen to it – even if he’s your only match of the week.”

“Settling is not the name of the game for the modern witch. Let there be no ‘swag gap’ in who you bring into your universe, and do not compromise on what you know you deserve,” says Manuka.

And there you have it: your modern witch friendly guide to dating apps, powered by ritual, intuition and unapologetic self-worth. Because in 2025? Influence might be measured in likes – but love, magic and energy? That’s all you.