New age spirituality

New Age spirituality refers to a broad range of spiritual and philosophical movements that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by a focus on personal growth, self-awareness, and spiritual exploration. The term "New Age" was coined in the 1970s to describe this movement, which was seen as a departure from traditional religious and spiritual practices.

Some common themes and characteristics of New Age spirituality include:

  1. Holism: A focus on the interconnectedness of all things, and the idea that everything is part of a larger web of life.
  2. Personal growth: An emphasis on personal development, self-awareness, and self-improvement.
  3. Spirituality: A focus on spiritual practices and experiences, such as meditation, yoga, and channeling.
  4. Non-dogmatic: New Age spirituality is often characterized by a rejection of traditional religious dogma and a focus on individual experience and intuition.
  5. Eclecticism: New Age spirituality often draws on a wide range of spiritual and philosophical traditions, including Eastern religions, Western esotericism, and indigenous cultures.
  6. Focus on the present moment: An emphasis on living in the present moment, and letting go of attachment to the past or future.
  7. Emphasis on intuition: Trusting one's intuition and inner guidance, rather than relying solely on rational thinking or external authority.

Some popular New Age spiritual practices and concepts include:

  1. Meditation and mindfulness
  2. Yoga and tai chi
  3. Channeling and mediumship
  4. Reiki and other forms of energy healing
  5. Astrology and numerology
  6. Tarot and other forms of divination
  7. The concept of auras and chakras
  8. The idea of a collective unconscious or global consciousness
  9. The concept of ascension and spiritual evolution
  10. The idea of a New Age or Age of Aquarius, in which humanity is said to be entering a new era of spiritual awareness and enlightenment.

Some notable figures associated with the New Age movement include:

  1. Eckhart Tolle
  2. Deepak Chopra
  3. Ram Dass
  4. Shirley MacLaine
  5. Jane Roberts (author of the Seth books)
  6. Louise Hay
  7. Wayne Dyer
  8. Marianne Williamson
  9. Neale Donald Walsch (author of the Conversations with God series)
  10. Barbara Marx Hubbard (author of the book "The Revelation")

New Age spirituality has been both praised and criticized for its perceived lack of boundaries and its tendency to blend different spiritual traditions and concepts. Some critics have accused the movement of being overly focused on individualism and self-actualization, and of lacking a clear moral or ethical framework. Others have praised the movement for its emphasis on personal growth, spiritual exploration, and the pursuit of inner wisdom.