New Age

New Age
Name	New Age
Formed	1970s
Region	Western world
Related	Theosophy, Spiritualism, Esotericism

New Age is a spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the 1970s in the Western world, characterized by a focus on personal growth, Holism, and a rejection of traditional Christianity. The movement draws on a wide range of influences, including Theosophy, Spiritualism, and Esotericism, and is associated with figures such as Alice Bailey, Helena Blavatsky, and Rudolf Steiner. New Age ideas have been popularized through various media, including books by Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, and Shirley MacLaine, as well as events like the Harmonic Convergence and the Woodstock festival. The movement has also been influenced by Eastern spirituality, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, and has connections to organizations such as the Theosophical Society and the Anthroposophical Society.

Introduction

The New Age movement is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has evolved over time, influenced by a wide range of factors, including Counterculture of the 1960s, Hippie movement, and Environmentalism. The movement emphasizes the importance of personal experience and individual spiritual growth, often through practices such as Meditation, Yoga, and Channeling. New Age ideas have been popularized through various media, including books, magazines, and online platforms, and have been influenced by figures such as Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Terence McKenna. The movement has also been associated with various events and gatherings, including the Rainbow Gathering and the Burning Man festival, and has connections to organizations such as the Esalen Institute and the Findhorn Foundation.

History

The New Age movement has its roots in the 19th century, with the emergence of Spiritualism and Theosophy, which emphasized the existence of a spiritual realm and the possibility of communication with the dead. The movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, with the rise of the Counterculture of the 1960s and the Hippie movement, which emphasized personal freedom, nonconformity, and spiritual exploration. The movement was also influenced by Eastern spirituality, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, and by figures such as Alan Watts, Aldous Huxley, and Timothy Leary. The New Age movement has continued to evolve over time, incorporating new ideas and practices, such as Reiki, Aromatherapy, and Crystal healing, and has been influenced by organizations such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the Institute of Noetic Sciences.

Beliefs_and_practices

New Age beliefs and practices are diverse and eclectic, but often emphasize the importance of personal growth, spiritual evolution, and a connection to the natural world. The movement draws on a wide range of influences, including Shamanism, Paganism, and Wicca, and often incorporates practices such as Meditation, Yoga, and Ritual. New Age ideas have been popularized through various media, including books by Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, and Marianne Williamson, as well as events like the Sedona vortex and the Glastonbury Festival. The movement has also been influenced by figures such as Ram Dass, Stephen Levine, and Starhawk, and has connections to organizations such as the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

Influences_and_criticisms

The New Age movement has been influenced by a wide range of factors, including Science fiction, Ufology, and Conspiracy theories, and has been criticized for its lack of scientific rigor and its emphasis on individualism and consumerism. The movement has also been associated with various controversies, including the Satanic panic and the McMartin preschool trial, and has been criticized by figures such as James Randi, Carl Sagan, and Richard Dawkins. Despite these criticisms, the New Age movement has continued to evolve and grow, incorporating new ideas and practices, such as Integral theory and Evolutionary spirituality, and has been influenced by organizations such as the Institute for the Future and the World Future Society.

Notable_figures

The New Age movement has been associated with a wide range of notable figures, including Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, and Shirley MacLaine, as well as Alice Bailey, Helena Blavatsky, and Rudolf Steiner. Other influential figures include Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, and Terence McKenna, as well as Ram Dass, Stephen Levine, and Starhawk. The movement has also been influenced by organizations such as the Theosophical Society, the Anthroposophical Society, and the Esalen Institute, and has connections to events such as the Harmonic Convergence and the Woodstock festival.

Impact_and_legacy

The New Age movement has had a significant impact on modern spirituality and culture, influencing a wide range of fields, including Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy. The movement has also been associated with various social and cultural trends, including the Counterculture of the 1960s and the Hippie movement, and has influenced organizations such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the Institute of Noetic Sciences. The movement's emphasis on personal growth, spiritual evolution, and a connection to the natural world has also influenced the development of various practices, such as Meditation, Yoga, and Ritual, and has been influenced by figures such as Alan Watts, Aldous Huxley, and Timothy Leary. The New Age movement continues to evolve and grow, incorporating new ideas and practices, and has connections to organizations such as the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

Category:Modern spirituality