Doreen Virtue

Doreen Virtue, born in 1958, is an American author initially known for her extensive writings on New Age subjects. Raised in Christian Science, she later pursued degrees in psychology. Before 1995, she worked as a psychotherapist but shifted her focus after a carjacking incident, which she attributed to angelic intervention. This led her to stop her therapy practice and begin offering tarot readings.

Between 1995 and 2015, Virtue published over 50 books and divination card decks, primarily through Hay House, a publisher specializing in New Age content. Her work often centered on "angel spirituality," blending Christian angelic figures with esoteric and occult symbolism drawn from various traditions including Hinduism, Celtic mythology, and Native American beliefs. In 2017, Virtue underwent a public conversion to fundamentalist Christianity, renouncing her previous New Age affiliations and encouraging her followers to do the same. She now hosts a YouTube channel discussing her spiritual transition and critiques New Age practices from a Christian perspective.

Born Doreen Hannan in Southern California in 1958, Virtue spent her formative years in North Hollywood and later Escondido. Her family's spiritual background was rooted in Christian Science. She pursued higher education in psychology, earning a master's degree in counseling psychology from Chapman University and a PhD in psychology from California Coast University, which was unaccredited at the time she received it. In 2017, she obtained a Master's degree in Biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary.

Virtue's career trajectory shifted significantly following a carjacking incident in the mid-1990s, which she interpreted as divine protection by angels. This event prompted her to close her psychotherapy practice and pivot to spiritual work, including tarot readings and authoring numerous books and card decks focused on "angel spirituality." Her earlier works explored themes that incorporated elements from Christianity, Hinduism, Celtic mythology, and Native American traditions. In 2017, Virtue publicly declared her departure from New Age beliefs, embracing fundamentalist Christianity and undergoing baptism. She has since dedicated her platform, including a monetized YouTube channel, to articulating her current Christian faith and critiquing her former New Age associations.

Following her conversion, Virtue has actively engaged in disseminating her Christian beliefs and criticizing New Age ideologies. She co-hosts a YouTube channel, "New Age to New Heart," alongside other former New Age adherents, discussing their spiritual journeys. Her personal YouTube channel features teachings from a fundamentalist Christian viewpoint, where she voices strong opposition to various New Age practitioners and beliefs. Furthermore, she extends her criticism to Christian figures, churches, and media she perceives as incorporating or tolerating New Age elements, citing examples such as Rick Warren, Steven Furtick, Bethel Church, and the TV series "The Chosen."