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Can you explain New Age philosophy?
New Age philosophy is a diverse, non-hierarchical, and highly individualistic spiritual movement that gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. It is not a single, organized religion but rather a collection of beliefs and practices focused on personal spiritual transformation and the potential for humanity to evolve into a new, more enlightened era.
Core concepts
New Age philosophy is defined by several key ideas, many of which are drawn from earlier metaphysical movements and Eastern religions.
- Monism and pantheism: New Age thought often embraces monism, the belief that all of reality is one, and pantheism, the belief that all is divine. This differs from traditional monotheism by viewing God not as a transcendent being but as an impersonal, universal energy or consciousness that is within everyone and everything.
- Human divinity and potential: A central tenet is the belief that each individual is a part of this divine essence and possesses untapped potential for personal growth and healing. The journey toward realizing this “higher self” is the path to enlightenment and self-fulfillment.
- The Age of Aquarius: The movement takes its name from the astrological belief that humanity is transitioning from the corrupt “Age of Pisces” into a new “Age of Aquarius.” This shift is expected to usher in an era of peace, love, and heightened spiritual consciousness for the planet.
- Eclecticism and syncretism: New Age philosophy is a spiritual “buffet” where individuals are encouraged to pick and choose beliefs and practices from a wide array of sources. These include Eastern mysticism, astrology, paganism, spiritualism, and Western metaphysical traditions.
Common practices
With no central dogma, practices are varied and personalized, focusing on achieving personal and cosmic harmony.
- Meditation and breathwork: Techniques for achieving altered states of consciousness and connecting with one’s inner divinity or the spiritual realm.
- Channeling: Communication with spirit guides, “ascended masters,” or other non-human entities is a core practice for many.
- Holistic health: Embracing alternative medicines and therapies, such as acupuncture, crystal healing, and Reiki, is common. The focus is on treating the body, mind, and spirit as an interconnected system.
- Astrology and divination: Many New Age practitioners use tools like astrology, tarot cards, and numerology to gain insight into their lives and destiny.
- Yoga: Derived from Hindu traditions, yoga is practiced for its mental, physical, and spiritual benefits.
- Karma and reincarnation: The concepts of karma (spiritual cause and effect) and reincarnation (the soul being reborn into new bodies) are often adopted from Hinduism and Buddhism to explain personal evolution.
Origins and influences
The roots of the New Age movement trace back to 19th-century movements and philosophies, but its modern form emerged in the mid-20th century.
- Mid-20th century: The movement gained momentum during the counterculture era of the 1960s. The Beatles popularized Eastern ideas like Transcendental Meditation, and the musical Hair cemented the term “Age of Aquarius” in the popular imagination.
- 19th-century spiritualism and New Thought: These earlier metaphysical traditions laid the groundwork for New Age ideas. New Thought, for instance, introduced the concept that positive thinking can have a healing effect.
- Helena Blavatsky and Theosophy: Blavatsky’s late 19th-century Theosophical Society was a key predecessor, popularizing concepts like karma and reincarnation in the West and predicting a coming age of spiritual evolution.
Common criticisms
While it has many adherents, the New Age movement also faces criticism from both outside and within its own community.
- Lack of structure: Its highly individualized and often vague nature can be a source of confusion. Critics refer to it as “supermarket spirituality” due to its eclectic nature.
- Cultural appropriation: Some argue that New Age practitioners often borrow from and commercialize Indigenous and other spiritual traditions without a deep understanding or respect for their original context.
- Exploitation and commercialism: The selling of spiritual books, workshops, crystals, and other products has led to accusations that some practitioners are simply “charlatan gurus” profiting from gullible people.
- Dismissal of suffering: Its emphasis on “positive thinking” and the idea that individuals create their own reality can be seen as dismissive of serious suffering and systemic problems, with some critics suggesting it is a shallow form of spirituality.