The New Age movement is a broad and diverse spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the Western world during the late 20th century. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices that often blend elements of Eastern spirituality, Western esotericism, and modern psychology.
The New Age movement is an extremely large, loosely structured network of organizations and individuals bound together by common values—belief in individualism, humanity’s potential for positive spiritual transformation, and the possibility of a better future for the planet.
James R. Lewis
Popularity of the New Age movement
The New Age movement gained popularity in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. And continues to influence spiritual thought and practices today. However, it has also been subject to criticism for its perceived lack of rigor, appropriation of cultural practices, and promotion of pseudoscience.
In 1970 theosophist Spangler David developed the fundamental idea of the New Age movement. He believed that the release of new waves of spiritual energy had initiated the coming of the New Age. (Age of Aquarius). He further suggested that people use this new energy to make manifest the New Age. Spangler’s perspective demanded an active response and shifted the responsibility for the coming of the New Age to those who believed in it.
Integrating traditional occult practices
Traditional occult practices (e.g., tarot reading, astrology, yoga, and meditation techniques) were integrated into the movement. as tools to assist personal transformation. Moreover, many other techniques used to achieve personal transformation were enlisted to bring about “planetary healing” and societal transformation.
The movement also spoke to the psychologically wounded, especially those who had been unable to find help through traditional psychotherapy. Aligning themselves with the Holistic Health movement—which advocated alternative and natural healing practices — they promoted spiritual healing. This includes massage, natural food diets, chiropractic, and acupuncture as well. They also sought to integrate practices such as astrology, tarot, and I Ching with standard psychological counseling.
Two transformative tools, channeling and the use of crystals, were identified with the New Age movement as it peaked in the 1980s. Many New Agers discovered their psychic abilities and became known as channels. In the 1980s crystals were among the most popular items at New Age stores and conventions. However, critics were quick to point out the unscientific nature of the movement’s claims for crystals. More: 10 Powerful Healing Crystals
Key aspects of the New Age movement include:
- Holistic Healing: New Agers often emphasize holistic approaches to health and healing, incorporating alternative medicine, energy healing, and practices such as yoga and meditation. More: What does hot yoga do?
- Spiritual Growth: The movement emphasizes personal and spiritual growth, often through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and visualization.
- Mysticism and Esotericism: Mystical experiences, esoteric knowledge, and the exploration of consciousness. Practices such as astrology, channeling, and crystal healing are common within the movement.
- Environmentalism: Many advocates for environmental sustainability, viewing the Earth as a sacred and interconnected system that should be respected and protected.
- Personal Empowerment: New Age teachings often emphasize the power of the individual to create their reality through positive thinking, affirmations, and the law of attraction.
The modern resurgence of spiritual practices and holistic living:
The New Age movement proved to be a significant phenomenon of the 20th century. And it continues to have a presence in various forms around the world.
While it may not dominate mainstream culture like in the 70s and 80s, its influence is still present. The popularity of certain spiritual concepts like the law of attraction is common practice in the New Age community. “More than one-fifth of adults in the West give credence to astrology; an equal number have practiced some form of meditation. Three to five million Americans identified themselves as New Agers. The continuing presence of New Age thought in the post-New Age era is evident in the number of New Age bookstores, periodicals, and organizations that continued to be found in nearly every urban center.” J. Gordon Melton
Source: Wicca | Definition, History, Beliefs, & Facts | Britannica
