Getting back to the roots (stems, branches, leaves, flowers, and mud as well) and my roots. Remembering a time when people didn't really recognize any separation of themselves and their environment. The world was their god and church (even though some of them apparently had no concept of such things).

From my perspective, there seems to be at least two major themes in neo-tribalism. One theme seems to focus more on the state of social organization. It focuses more on pragmatic reversals of aspects of centralized state back to smaller, more egalitarian groups of neo-clansmen. In my opinion, the Social Libertarian and anarchist movements are kinds of neo-tribalism. I don't think there's necessarily anything more or less spiritual about that branch of neo-tribalism.

The other theme seems to focus more on re-introducing primativism into modern day culture. Many of us have this gnawing feeling that our progress down a certain technological path may have stunted our growth in other aspects of human development. So this branch focuses on a return to primitive living/rituals so that we can then explore other avenues of personal development. Since we don't have a good description for that type of exploration, 'spiritual' seems to be as good as any.

Well, more specifically, since "Neo"-tribalism is merely an extension of Tribalism, that's basically like asking, "Is there some spiritual aspect to Tribalism?"

The answer (as always) is "Of course." However, the answer you receive back as to the forms, the beliefs, the hows, the rituals, the reasons - all differ based on which tribe you speak to. Each has its own distinct feelings and perspectives on the matter. For some tribes, the spiritualism is in their sheer socialization in greater venues. For others, it is ecstatic dance or drumming or fire-spinning. For others still its about making socio-political changes or discussing philosophies.

There are as many expressions of spiritual nature as there are rays from the sun and reflections from the moon... As many as the human imagination can conceive of, and possibly even more.

Neo-tribalism is simply an abstract concept. It is the cognizant recognition that "something spiritual" is happening to us (our species, as a collective entity) that has changed things in ways so that we can never again return to the ways things once were. Our awareness is no longer a matter of personal choice - it is becoming a simple matter of daily life that we are forced to consider one way or another.

The act of recognizing our "Neo-tribal" nature is simply a "coming full circle" of sorts. A returning to the wisdom of our ancestors amidst a world so suffused with information bombarding our egos so as to overwhelm each individual until they have no choice but to curl into a fetal position and "cry for mom". And Mother Earth is responding, as any mother would.

We seek a sense of context to our perceptions - a framework amidst the formless chaos and the clashing ideologies.
We want peace, but we're pissed and are ready to fight.

We are simply becoming aware of the inherent contradictions embedded in all human beings - first and foremost in ourselves; and as we do we reach out to others and realize; "Hey, wait a minute - you mean this is happening to you, too?!"

And thus a tribe is borne...

Other than that, nope - nothing spiritual here.
(image: Officer Barbrady from SP: "Nothing to see here, move along people")
LOL!