The term New Age (sometimes called the New Age Movement), refers to both a decentralized social phenomenon and a western socio-religious movement that developed in the 1970-80s. It combines aspects of spirituality, esotericism, complementary and alternative medicine, and includes religious practices from many sources across the world, as well as environmentalism. Spirituality, in a narrow sense concerns itself with matters of the Spirit, a concept closely tied to religious belief and Faith, a transcendent reality A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos Environmentalism is a broad philosophy and Social movement centered on a concern for the conservation and improvement of the environment. It is characterized by an eclectic and individual approach to spirituality, and a general rejection of mainstream dogma. Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas, Greek, plural) is the established Belief or Other terms used to describe the movement include Self-spirituality, New spirituality, and Mind-body-spirit. ^[1][2]

The movement began in the mid 20th century and peaked around the 1980s. The 1980s was the decade spanning from January 1 1980 to December 31 1989. The name itself refers to the coming astrological Age of Aquarius. For the song see Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In. For the album see The Age of Aquarius (album. Beliefs in New Age ideas are found among diverse individuals, including some who graft additional beliefs onto a traditional religious affiliation. Some individuals who hold any of its beliefs may not identify with the term "New Age", and that term may be applied as a label by outsiders to anyone they consider inclined towards its world view. A comprehensive world view (or worldview) is a term Calqued from the German word Weltanschauung ( Welt is the German The New Age movement includes elements of older spiritual and religious traditions from both East and West, many of which have been melded with ideas from modern science, particularly psychology and ecology. Psychology (from Greek grc ψῡχή psȳkhē, "breath life soul" and grc -λογία -logia) is an Academic and Ecology (from Greek grc οἶκος oikos, "house(hold" and grc -λογία -logia) is the scientific study of New Age ideas could be described as drawing inspiration from all the major world religions with particularly strong influences from the religions of Spiritualism, Buddhism, Hermeticism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Sufism, Daoism and Neopaganism, Wicca, and practices like nature worship, ancient animism, deism, monism, Eastern classical pantheism, paganism, shamanism, mayanism, ceremonial magic and New Thought. The world's principal Religions and spiritual traditions may be classified into a small number of major groups or world religions'. Spiritualism is a Religion founded in part on the writings of the Swedish mystic Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772 Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Hermeticism is a set of philosophical and religious beliefs based primarily upon the writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, who is put forth as a Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Zoroastrianism (ˌzɔroʊˈæstriəˌnɪzəm is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings Sufism ( تصوّف - taṣawwuf, Persian: صوفی‌گری sufigari, Turkish: tasavvuf, Urdu: تصوف Taoism (pronounced /ˈdaʊɪzəm/ or /ˈtaʊɪzəm/ also spelled '''Daoism''') refers to a variety of related Philosophical and Religious traditions Neopaganism or Neo-Paganism is an Umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of modern religious movements particularly those influenced by historical Animism (from Latin anima ( Soul, Life) commonly refers to a religious belief that Souls or Spirits exist in Animals Deism is the belief that a supreme God exists and created the physical universe and that religious truths can be arrived at by the application of reason alone without dependence on revelation Monism is the metaphysical and Theological view that all is one that all reality is subsumed under the most fundamental category of being or existence Classical pantheism is a form of Pantheism that equates Existence with God without attempting to redefine or to minimize either term and has an inclusive Paganism (from Latin paganus, meaning "country dweller rustic" is a word used to refer to various religions and religious beliefs from across the world Mayanism is a term coined to cover a non-codified eclectic collection of New Age beliefs influenced in part by Pre-Columbian Maya mythology and some folk Ceremonial magic is a broad term used to encompass a wide variety of long elaborate and complex Rituals it is named as such because the works included are characterized by The New Thought Movement or New Thought is a New religious movement developed in the United States during the late 19th century which emphasizes metaphysical ^[3]

Various New Age religions and philosophies span a continuum from monotheism through classical pantheism, also including naturalistic pantheism or panentheism. For the Celtic Frost album see Monotheist (album In Theology, monotheism (from Greek grc [[wiktμόνος μόνος]] Classical pantheism is a form of Pantheism that equates Existence with God without attempting to redefine or to minimize either term and has an inclusive Naturalistic Pantheism is a form of Pantheism that holds that the universe although un Conscious and non- sentient as a whole behaves as a single interconnected Panentheism (from Greek (pân "all" (en "in" and (Theós "God" "all-in-God" is a belief system

The New Age movement has led to wide-ranging literature on the subject, and an active subeconomy with products such as new age books, music known as new age music, crafts—most visible in speciality shops and New Age fairs and festivals, and services in alternative medicine. New Age music is peaceful Music of various styles which is intended to create inspiration relaxation and positive feelings often used by listeners for Yoga, A fair is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated Carnival or Funfair entertainment A festival is an event usually and ordinarily staged by a local community which centers on some unique aspect of that community The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine. ^[4][5][6][7]

Contents 1 Definitions 2 History 2.1 Origins 2.2 Contemporary usage 3 Beliefs 3.1 Philosophy and Cosmology 3.2 Approach to religion and science 3.3 "Paranormal" beliefs 3.4 Other 4 Criticism and skepticism 4.1 Religious and spiritual criticism 4.2 Rationalist and academic criticism 4.3 Ken Wilber's pre/trans fallacy view 4.4 Response to criticism 5 Terminology 6 New Age approaches to medicine 6.1 Controversy regarding alternative medicine 7 New Age Music 8 LOHAS ("Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability") Demographic 9 See also 10 Footnotes 11 References 12 External links 12.1 General 12.2 Critical

Definitions

There is no formal definition of the New Age movement. Some have suggested that anyone who samples many diverse teachings and practices from both 'mainstream' and 'fringe' traditions and formulates their own beliefs and practices based on their experiences can be considered as New Age. ^[1]

New Age beliefs and practices include a wide range of ideas and activities, from which participants in the subculture select their own preferred streams to identify with. The question of which contemporary cultural elements can be included under the name of "New Age" , or what it means, is much contested. New Age channelers, for instance, have many points of similarity with Spiritualist mediums. Many spiritual movements, such as neo-paganism and transpersonal psychology partially overlap with it. Neopaganism or Neo-Paganism is an Umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of modern religious movements particularly those influenced by historical Transpersonal psychology is a school of Psychology that studies the Transpersonal, self- transcendent or spiritual aspects of the human experience

History

Origins

Some of the New Age movement's constituent elements appeared initially in nineteenth century metaphysical movements such as Spiritualism, Theosophy and New Thought; and alternative medicine movements such as chiropractic and naturopathy. Spiritualism is a Religion founded in part on the writings of the Swedish mystic Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772 This article is about the philosophy introduced by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky The New Thought Movement or New Thought is a New religious movement developed in the United States during the late 19th century which emphasizes metaphysical The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine. Chiropractic is a Health care profession that focuses on diagnosis treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the Musculoskeletal system, with special emphasis Naturopathic medicine (also known as naturopathy, or natural medicine) is a Complementary and alternative medicine which emphasizes the body's intrinsic ^[1][2] These movements in turn have roots in Transcendentalism, Mesmerism, Swedenborgianism, and various earlier Western esoteric or occult traditions, such as the Hermetic arts of astrology, magic, alchemy, and kabbalah. Transcendentalism was a group of new ideas in Literature, Religion, Culture, and Philosophy that emerged in New England in the The term's most common usage today refers to a person's sexual attractiveness or raw Charisma. The New Church Swedenborgianism is the belief system developed from the writings of the Swedish theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688 – 1772 The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine hidden secret referring to "knowledge of the hidden" Astrology (from Greek grc ἄστρον astron, "constellation star" and grc -λογία -logia) is a group of Systems Magic, sometimes known as sorcery, is a Conceptual system that asserts human ability to control the natural world (including events objects people and Alchemy a part of the Occult Tradition is both a philosophy and a practice with an ultimately unknown aim involving the improvement of the alchemist as well as the making of Kabbalah (קַבָּלָה lit "receiving" is a discipline and school of thought discussing the mystical aspect of Judaism. Some of the popularisation behind these ideas has roots in the work of early twentieth-century writers, such as D. H. Lawrence and W. B. Yeats. David Herbert Richards Lawrence (11 September 1885 – 2 March 1930 was an English writer of the 20th century whose prolific and diverse output included Novels short

A weekly Journal of Christian liberalism and Socialism called The New Age was published as early as 1894. The New Age was a British Literary magazine, noted for its wide influence under the editorship of A ^[8] In 1907 it was sold to a group of Socialist writers headed by Alfred Richard Orage and Holbrook Jackson. Alfred Richard Orage (born January 22 1873 Dacre Yorkshire England - died November 6 1934 London was a British Intellectual, now best known for editing the magazine George Holbrook Jackson (1874 - 1948 was a British journalist writer and publisher Other historical personalities were involved, including H. G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw, and William Butler Yeats; the magazine became a forum for politics, literature, and the arts. Herbert George Wells (21 September 1866 &ndash 13 August 1946 He was an outspoken socialist and a pacifist, his later works becoming increasingly political George Bernard Shaw ( (26 July 1856 &ndash 2 November 1950 was an Irish Playwright. Politics Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions Literature is the Art of written works Literally translated the word means "acquaintance with letters" (from Latin littera letter The arts is a broad subdivision of Culture, composed of many expressive disciplines. ^[9][10] Between 1908 and 1914 it was instrumental in pioneering the British avant-garde, from vorticism to imagism. Vorticism was a short lived British Art movement of the early 20th century Imagism was a movement in early 20th-century Anglo-American poetry that favored precision of Imagery, and clear sharp language After 1914, publisher Orage met P. D. Ouspensky, a follower of G. I. Gurdjieff, and began correspondence with Harry Houdini, becoming less interested in literature and art, and an increased focus on mysticism and other spiritual topics, and sold the magazine in 1921. Peter D Ouspensky ( March 4, 1878 – October 2, 1947) ( Pyotr Demianovich Ouspenskii, also Uspenskii or Uspensky George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (Գեորգի Գյուրջիև Γιώργος Γεωργιάδης Георгий Иванович Гюрджиев (or Gurdjiev) January Mysticism (from the Greek grc μυστικός mystikos, an initiate of a Mystery religion) is the pursuit of communion with identity According to Brown University, "The New Age helped to shape modernism in literature and the arts from 1907 to 1922". ^[11]

In the early-mid 1900s, American mystic and theologian Edgar Cayce, founder of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, was a seminal influence on what later would become known as the New Age movement, and was known in particular for the practice some refer to as "channeling". Edgar Cayce ( March 18, 1877 &ndash January 3, 1945) (ˈkeɪsiː was an American psychic. The Association for Research and Enlightenment ( ARE) is an organization devoted to the American self-proclaimed psychic Edgar Cayce (1877-1945 Mediumship is a practice in religious beliefs such as Spiritualism, Spiritism, Espiritismo, Candomblé, Louisiana Voodoo, and ^[12] The British neo-Theosophist Alice Bailey published a book titled Discipleship in the New Age in 1944, and had used the terms "New Age" in reference to the transition from the astrological age of Pisces to that of Aquarius. The term Neo-Theosophy is a term originally derogatory for the system of Theosophical ideas expounded by Annie Besant and Charles Webster Leadbeater Alice Ann Bailey ( June 16, 1880 &ndash December 15, 1949) known as Alice A For the song see Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In. For the album see The Age of Aquarius (album. Pisces is the twelfth Astrological sign in the Zodiac, which originates from the Pisces constellation. Aquarius is the eleventh Astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation Aquarius. Another early adopter of the term was the American artist mystic and philosopher Walter Russell, who spoke in an essay of "…this New Age philosophy of the spiritual re-awakening of man…", also published in 1944. Walter Russell (1871&ndash1963 was an American Polymath best known for his achievements in Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, and for his controversial The Findhorn Foundation, an early New Age intentional community in northern Scotland founded in 1962, played a significant role in the early growth period of the New Age movement and is still active today. The Findhorn Foundation is a Scottish Charitable trust registered in 1972 formed by the spiritual community at the Findhorn Ecovillage, one of An intentional community is a planned Residential community designed to have a much higher degree of Teamwork than other communities The movement in Russia has been heavily influenced by the legacy of Nicholas Roerich and Helena Roerich, who taught in the Theosophical tradition. Nicholas Roerich, ( October 9, 1874 - December 13, 1947) also known as Nikolai Konstantinovich Rerikh (misspelled surname ( Helena Roerich (Елена Ивановна Рерих February 12 1879 - 1955 was a Russian spiritual writer herbalogist and healer Another former Theosophist, Rudolf Steiner and his anthroposophical movement, is a major influence, especially upon German-speaking New Agers. Rudolf Steiner ( 25 February 1861 – 30 March 1925) was an Austrian philosopher literary scholar educator artist playwright Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner (25 February 1861 – 30 March 1925 which postulates the existence of an objective intellectually In Brazil, followers of Spiritist writer Allan Kardec^[13] blend with the Africanized folk traditions of Candomblé and Umbanda. Spiritism is a Christian philosophical Doctrine, established in France in the mid-nineteenth century Allan Kardec was a pseudonym of the French teacher and educator Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail ( Lyon, October 3, 1804 – Paris Candomblé (pronounced /kɐ̃dõˈblɛ/is an African-originated or Afro-Brazilian religion practiced chiefly in Brazil. Basic beliefs and practices The Umbanda creeds and practices are an eclectic mixture from three main sources from Catholicism Umbanda adopted the ideas of

Contemporary usage

The subculture that would later take on the descriptive term "New Age" already existed in the early 1970s, based on and continuing themes originally present in 1960s counterculture. Counterculture (also " counter-culture " is a sociological term used to describe the values and norms of behavior of a Cultural group, or Although more rock than new age in genre, the 1967 major hit musical Hair with its opening song "Aquarius" and the memorable line "This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius" showed the emergence of the New Age concept into mainstream awareness. Hair The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a Rock musical with a book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt

Use of the term New Age began in the mid 1970s, reflected in the title of a new monthly periodical, the New Age Journal, and was taken up by several thousand small metaphysical book and gift stores that increasingly defined themselves as "New Age bookstores". ^[14][15]

As a result of the large scale activities surrounding the Harmonic Convergence, in the mid 1980s, the term was further popularized by the American mass media to describe the alternative spiritual subculture, including activities all the way from meditation, channeling, reincarnation, crystals, psychic experience, to holistic health or environmentalism, or belief in anomalous phenomena, or for other “unsolved mysteries” such as UFOs, Earth mysteries and crop circles. The Harmonic Convergence is the name given to a world-wide esoteric-religious event which took place on August 16 and August 17, 1987. Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness Mediumship is a practice in religious beliefs such as Spiritualism, Spiritism, Espiritismo, Candomblé, Louisiana Voodoo, and A charmstone is a mineral specimen believed to have Healing, mystical or Paranormal powers or energy The word psychic (ˈsaɪkɨk from the Greek psychikos—"of the soul mental" refers to the claimed ability to perceive things hidden from the normal senses Holistic health is a Philosophy of medical care that views physical and mental aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment Environmentalism is a broad philosophy and Social movement centered on a concern for the conservation and improvement of the environment. The term Earth mysteries is used to describe an interest in a wide range of scientific and pseudo-scientific Phenomena. Crop circles are patterns created by the flattening of crops such as Wheat, Barley, Rapeseed (also called "canola" Rye By the late 1980s, a range of new publications had appeared to serve the marketplace of these ideas, including Psychic Guide Magazine (later renamed Body, Mind & Spirit), Yoga Journal, New Age Voice (a New Age music specialty magazine) and trade publications such as New Age Retailer, NaPRA ReView ("New Age Publishing and Retailers Association"), and others.

Diverse activities of this subculture, or subcultures, might include: participation in study or meditation groups, attendance at lectures and fairs; the purchase of books, music, or different products such as crystals or incense; healing or energy pyramids; or patronage of fortune-tellers, healers and spiritual counselors.

Key moments in raising public awareness of this subculture include the publication of Linda Goodman's best selling astrology books Sun Signs (1968) and Love Signs (1978), the October 1967 musical Hair, and its opening song "Age of Aquarius", the Harmonic Convergence organized by Jose Arguelles in Sedona, Arizona, in 1987; and the wave of interest in the broadcast of Shirley MacLaine's television mini-series Out on a Limb (also 1987). Linda Goodman ( April 10, 1925 - October 21, 1995) was a New York Times bestselling American Astrologer and Poet Astrology (from Greek grc ἄστρον astron, "constellation star" and grc -λογία -logia) is a group of Systems Hair The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a Rock musical with a book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt For the song see Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In. For the album see The Age of Aquarius (album. The Harmonic Convergence is the name given to a world-wide esoteric-religious event which took place on August 16 and August 17, 1987. José Argüelles (b January 24, 1939, Rochester, Minnesota) is the founder of Planet Art Network and the Foundation for the Law of Time Shirley MacLaine (born April 24, 1934) is an American Academy Award -winning Film and Theater Actress, well-known This was an autobiographical account of her mid-life spiritual exploration. Also influential were the claims of channelers such as Jane Roberts (Seth) and J.Z. Knight (Ramtha), as well as revealed writings such as A Course In Miracles (Helen Schucman), The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield), Conversations with God (Neale Donald Walsch). Jane Roberts ( May 8, 1929 &ndash September 5, 1984) was an American author Psychic and trance medium A Course in Miracles (also referred to as ACIM or the Course) written by Dr Helen Schucman PhD ( July 14, 1909 – February 9, 1981) was a research psychologist The Celestine Prophecy is a 1993 novel by James Redfield that discusses various Psychological and spiritual ideas which are rooted James Redfield, born March 19 1950, is an American author lecturer screenwriter and film producer Conversations with God (CwG is a sequence of nine books written by Neale Donald Walsch, written as a dialogue in which Walsch asks questions and God answers Neale Donald Walsch (also known as Neale Marshall-Walsch (b September 10, 1943 in Milwaukee) is an American author of the series

While J. Gordon Melton, Wouter J. Hanegraaff amd Paul Heelas have emphasised the mentioned personal aspects, other authors, including Mark Satin,^[16] Theodore Roszak,^[17] Marilyn Ferguson^[18] and Corinne McLaughlin^[19] have described the New Age as a values-based sociopolitical movement. John Gordon Melton (b September 19, 1942) is an American religious scholar who was the founding director of the Institute for the Study of American Wouter Jacobus Hanegraaff (born 1961 is full professor of History of Hermetic Philosophy and related currents at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands Paul Heelas is Professor in Religion and Modernity at Lancaster University. Mark Satin (born November 16, 1946) is a US Lawyer and editor of the online political periodical Radical Middle Newsletter. Theodore Roszak is professor emeritus of history at California State University East Bay. Marilyn Ferguson (born 1938 Grand Junction, Colorado) is a New Age American author and public speaker Corinne McLaughlin (born 1947 is an author and a leader in the intentional communities movement

Beliefs

Recent surveys of U. A charmstone is a mineral specimen believed to have Healing, mystical or Paranormal powers or energy S. adults indicate that around 20% of Americans hold at least some New Age beliefs. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the ^[20]

Those who categorize themselves as New Age followers have a diverse set of beliefs that differ widely across individuals, groups and locations;^[1][2] an individual identified with New Age thinking may subscribe to one, some or all of these.

Philosophy and Cosmology

• Theism : There is a pantheistic idea of God, and that God can be understood in many ways, including through the form of a Goddess or through forms of polytheism. Theism, in its most inclusive usage is the belief in at least one Deity. Pantheism ( Greek: πάν ( 'pan') = all and θεός ( 'theos') = God it literally means " God is All God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. A goddess is a Female Deity. Many Cultures have goddesses Often deities are part of a polytheistic system that includes several deities Polytheism is belief in or worship of multiple Gods (usually assembled in a pantheon) together with associated Mythology and Rituals

• Afterlife : Consciousness persists after death as life in different forms; the afterlife exists for further learning through the form of a spirit, reincarnation and/or near-death experiences. AfterLife is a film drama set in Scotland directed by Alison Peebles made in 2003 about an ambitious Scottish journalist forced to choose between The English word " spirit " comes from the Latin " spiritus " (breath ^[21]

• Astrology : There is commonly a belief in astrology, horoscopes and the zodiac. Astrology (from Greek grc ἄστρον astron, "constellation star" and grc -λογία -logia) is a group of Systems Astrology (from Greek grc ἄστρον astron, "constellation star" and grc -λογία -logia) is a group of Systems In Astrology, a horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun Moon planets the Astrological aspects, and sensitive angles Zodiac denotes an annual cycle of twelve stations along the Ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun across the heavens through the Constellations that divide the ecliptic

• Teleology : There is a belief that there is a purpose to life. Teleology ( Greek: telos: end purpose is the philosophical study of design and Purpose. This includes a belief in synchronicity - that coincidences have a spiritual meaning, and contain spiritual lessons to teach those that are open to them. Synchronicity is the Experience of two or more events which are causally unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner Everything is universally connected through God, participating in the same energy^[22] There is a cosmic goal and a belief that all entities are (knowingly or unknowingly) cooperating towards this goal. Universalism can be classified as a Religion, Theology and Philosophy that generally holds all persons and creatures are related to God or the Divine and The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc

• Psychic energy : Certain geographic locations emanate psychic energy, sometimes through the form of ley lines and such places (e. The word psychic (ˈsaɪkɨk from the Greek psychikos—"of the soul mental" refers to the claimed ability to perceive things hidden from the normal senses The word psychic (ˈsaɪkɨk from the Greek psychikos—"of the soul mental" refers to the claimed ability to perceive things hidden from the normal senses Ley lines are hypothetical alignments of a number of places of geographical interest such as ancient Monuments and Megaliths Their existence was suggested g. Stonehenge) were considered sacred in "pagan" religions throughout the world. Stonehenge is a Prehistoric Monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about west of Amesbury and north of Salisbury Paganism (from Latin paganus, meaning "country dweller rustic" is a word used to refer to various religions and religious beliefs from across the world ^[23]

Approach to religion and science

• Eclectic spirituality : Every person should follow their own individual path to spirituality, and not follow dogma. Spirituality, in a narrow sense concerns itself with matters of the Spirit, a concept closely tied to religious belief and Faith, a transcendent reality Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas, Greek, plural) is the established Belief or Different religions and philosophies from across the world offer different practises that can be adopted by people in their search.

• Religious plurality : There exists a common core within all religions which renders dogma and religious identity irrelevant. Religious pluralism (rel Comparative religion) is a loosely defined expression concerning acceptance of different Religions and is used in a number of related

• Anti-Patriarchy : Feminine forms of spirituality, including feminine images of the divine, such as the female Aeon Sophia in Gnosticism, are deprecated by patriarchal religions. Patriarchy is the structuring of Society on the basis of Family units where fathers have primary responsibility for the welfare of hence authority over The word aeon, also spelled eon or æon, means "age" "forever" or "for Eternity " Sophia (Σoφíα Greek for " Wisdom " is a central term in Hellenistic philosophy and religion, Platonism, Patriarchy is the structuring of Society on the basis of Family units where fathers have primary responsibility for the welfare of hence authority over ^[2]

• Science : Western science neglects alternative therapies like parapsychology, meditation, and holistic health to its detriment. Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning " Knowledge " or "knowing" is the effort to discover, and increase human understanding Parapsychology is a discipline that seeks to demonstrate the existence and causes of Psychic abilities and life after death using the Scientific method Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness Holistic health is a Philosophy of medical care that views physical and mental aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment ^[2] However, science and spirituality are ultimately harmonious. New discoveries in science, e. g. evolution and quantum mechanics, when rightly understood, point to spiritual principles. eVolution is the third Album by eLDee, it was due to be released in 2008 Quantum mechanics is the study of mechanical systems whose dimensions are close to the Atomic scale such as Molecules Atoms Electrons ^[24]

"Paranormal" beliefs

• Age of Aquarius : The current time period is one of great transformation for the Earth and human consciousness. For the song see Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In. For the album see The Age of Aquarius (album. Certain dates have a special significance in these changes. The Harmonic Convergence in 1987 was one, and there are others to come in 2011 or 2012. The Harmonic Convergence is the name given to a world-wide esoteric-religious event which took place on August 16 and August 17, 1987. 2012 ( MMXII) will be a Leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[25][26][27]

• Spiritual beings : Spiritual beings exist, such as angels, ascended masters, elementals, ghosts, fairies, spirit guides and/or extraterrestrials. The English word " spirit " comes from the Latin " spiritus " (breath An angel is a Spiritual Supernatural being found in many Religions Although the nature of angels and the tasks given to them vary from tradition to tradition Ascended Masters, in the Ascended Master Teachings is derived from the Theosophical concept of Masters of Wisdom or "Mahatmas". An elemental is a mythological being first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus. A ghost is said to be the apparition of a Deceased person frequently similar in appearance to that person and usually encountered in places she or he frequented A fairy (also fay, fey, fae, faerie; collectively wee folk, good folk, people of peace, fair " Spirit guide " is a term used by the Western tradition of Spiritualist Churches Mediums, and Psychics to describe an entity that remains a disincarnate Extraterrestrial life is Life originating outside of the Earth. They can spiritually guide us, if we open ourselves to their guidance. ^[28] Fairies live in nature or gardens, are generally described as human in appearance and having magical powers. A fairy (also fay, fey, fae, faerie; collectively wee folk, good folk, people of peace, fair Some New Age influenced Wiccans use fairy magic for inspiration and healing (see Faery Wicca). A fairy (also fay, fey, fae, faerie; collectively wee folk, good folk, people of peace, fair Faery Wicca (or "Fairy Wicca" is an umbrella term that refers to any tradition of modern Wicca that focuses on the Fae ( Gnomes elves

• Ancient civilisations : Ancient civilizations such as Atlantis and Mu existed and left behind relics and monuments such as crystal skulls, the Great Pyramid and Stonehenge, whose true nature has not been discovered by mainstream historians. "Ancient" redirects here For other uses see Ancient_(disambiguation. Atlantis (in Greek,, "island of Atlas " is the name of a Legendary Island, first mentioned in Plato 's dialogues The crystal skulls are a number of Human skull models fashioned from blocks of clear or milky quartz crystal rock claimed to be Pre-Columbian The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three Stonehenge is a Prehistoric Monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about west of Amesbury and north of Salisbury

Other

• Intuition : It is an important guide for life that has been replaced in the modern world by rationalism, scientific skepticism and the scientific method. Intuition is apparent ability to acquire knowledge without a clear inference or the use of reason In Epistemology and in its broadest sense rationalism is "any view appealing to Reason as a source of knowledge or justification" (Lacey 286 Scientific skepticism or rational skepticism ( also spelled scepticism) sometimes referred to as skeptical inquiry, is a scientific or practical Scientific method refers to bodies of Techniques for investigating phenomena

• Mathematics : An appeal to the language of nature and mathematics, as evidenced by numerology, Kabbala, Sacred Geometry and gnosticism to discern the nature of God. Numerology is any of many Systems Traditions or Beliefs in a mystical or Esoteric relationship between Numbers and physical Sacred geometry is Geometry used in the design of Sacred architecture and Sacred art. Gnosticism (γνώσις gnōsis, Knowledge) refers to a diverse Syncretistic Religious movement consisting of various Belief systems ^[29]

• Human potential : The human mind has much greater potential than that ascribed to it, and is capable of overriding physical reality;^[30] the ultimate level of human potential has only been realised by a few spiritual masters. Human beings, humans or man (Origin 1590–1600 L homō man OL hemō the earthly one (see Humus The Human Potential Movement (HPM arose out of the social and intellectual milieu of the 1960s and formed around the concept of cultivating extraordinary potential that

• Interpersonal relationships are opportunities to learn about one's self and relationships are destined to be repeated until they are healthy. An interpersonal relationship is a relatively long-term association between two or more people Destiny refers to a predetermined course of events It may be conceived as a predetermined future whether in general or of an individual ^[31]

• Indigo children : Children are being born today with a more highly developed spiritual power than earlier generations^[32][33]

• Positive thinking : A positive attitude supported by affirmations will achieve success in anything. In the New Age movement, Indigo children are children who are believed to represent a higher state of Human evolution. In the New Age movement, Indigo children are children who are believed to represent a higher state of Human evolution. Attitude is a hypothetical construct that represents an individual's like or dislike for an item Attitude is a hypothetical construct that represents an individual's like or dislike for an item ^[34] A certain critical mass of people with a highly spiritual consciousness will bring about a sudden change in the whole population. ^[35] Humans have a responsibility to take part in positive creative activity and to work to heal ourselves, each other and the planet. ^[36]

• Eastern practises : Meditation, yoga, t'ai chi ch'üan, Qi Gong, reiki, and other Eastern practices can assist in realizing one’s potential

• Spiritual healing : Humans have potential healing powers (such as therapeutic touch) which can be developed to heal others through touch or at a distance

• Diet : The food eaten influences the mind as well as the body. Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the Tai chi chuan (is an internal Chinese martial art often practiced for Health reasons is a Spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Mikao Usui. After three weeks of Fasting and Meditating on Mount Kurama, in Japan Faith healing is the attempt to use Religious or spiritual means such as Prayer, mental practices spiritual insights or other techniques to prevent Therapeutic touch (TT, also called Non-Contact Therapeutic Touch (NCTT or Distance Healing, is an energy therapy claimed to promote healing and reduce It is generally preferable to eat fresh organic vegetarian food which is locally grown and in season^[37][38] Fasting can help achieve higher levels of consciousness. Organic foods are produced according to certain production standards, meaning they are grown without the use of conventional Pesticides artificial Fertilizers Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes Meat (including game and slaughter by-products Fish (including Shellfish and other sea Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all Food, Drink, or both for a period of time ^[39]

• Charmstones : Rocks, crystals and energy pyramids have psychic energies that can aid meditation and healing. A charmstone is a mineral specimen believed to have Healing, mystical or Paranormal powers or energy A charmstone is a mineral specimen believed to have Healing, mystical or Paranormal powers or energy The term pyramid power was coined by Patrick Flanagan in 1973, to describe alleged supernatural properties of the ancient Egyptian pyramids and

• Dreams : Psychic experiences are spiritually meaningful. Dreams are the images sounds thoughts and feelings experienced while Sleeping, particularly strongly associated with Rapid eye movement sleep.

Criticism and skepticism

Criticisms of New Age beliefs generally take one of two forms: that they lack proper scientific basis and testing, or that they violate or misappropriate the sanctity of various traditional religions, philosophies, or cultures^[40][41][42].

Religious and spiritual criticism

Some in established religions dismiss New Age thinking as heretical, immoral and shifting without the clear guidance given by a sacred book or tradition of teaching. ^[43][44][45]

Some adherents of traditional disciplines from cultures such as India, China, and elsewhere; a number of orthodox schools of Yoga, Tantra, Qigong, Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and martial arts (the traditional Taijiquan families, for example), groups with histories reaching back many centuries in some cases, eschew the Western label New Age, seeing the movement it represents as either not fully understanding or deliberately trivializing their disciplines, or as outright distortions. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the Tantra ( Sanskrit: तन्त्र; " Weave " denoting continuity) tantricism or tantrism is any of several esoteric Qigong (or ch'i kung) refers to a wide variety of traditional cultivation practices that involve methods of accumulating circulating and working with Qi or energy Traditional Chinese medicine (also known as TCM,) includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China. Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for Combat. Tai chi chuan (is an internal Chinese martial art often practiced for Health reasons ^[46]

Much of the strongest criticism of New Age eclecticism has come from American Indian writers and communities. For indigenous peoples in the United States other than Hawaii and Alaska see also Native Americans in the United States. The Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality^[47] is one of the strongest statements of opprobrium from traditional tribal religious leaders.

Some writers have identified racist bias in the movement's early Theosophical sources, especially the writings of Alice Bailey on the Jews ^{[48] [49] [50]} and comments of Rudolf Steiner on specific ethnic groups including black people, though Steiner, at least, emphasized racial equality as a principle central to anthroposophical thought and humanity's further progress. Alice Ann Bailey ( June 16, 1880 &ndash December 15, 1949) known as Alice A Rudolf Steiner ( 25 February 1861 – 30 March 1925) was an Austrian philosopher literary scholar educator artist playwright Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner (25 February 1861 – 30 March 1925 which postulates the existence of an objective intellectually Humanity or mankind is the Human species Human nature (eg Compassion, Altruism) and the Human condition (the totality ^[51][52] Any racially-charged elements present in such influences have not remained part of the ongoing evolution of the Anthroposophical Society and have either not been taken up or have been repudiated by modern members of the movement. ^{[53] [54]}

Some criticism has been levelled at a certain business-like ethos that has crept into certain elements of New Ageism. Some see true commitment to spirituality as a flight from business concerns;others disagree,as is evident from transpersonal business studies. Since the foundation of Transpersonal psychology by Abraham Maslow in the late 1960s other Transpersonal disciplines, considered by Boucovolas (1999 have been considered

Rationalist and academic criticism

Adherents of scientific skepticism criticize New Age beliefs stating that one should question the veracity of all claims, and especially paranormal or extraordinary claims, unless such claims can be empirically tested. Scientific skepticism or rational skepticism ( also spelled scepticism) sometimes referred to as skeptical inquiry, is a scientific or practical Some researchers have been unable to find strong evidence of any paranormal activity, or to find ground for new-age beliefs, and thus take issue with the use of scientific terminology, or what they call pseudo-science, to promote spiritual beliefs. ^[55][56]

Some authors, such as Deepak Chopra, Fritjof Capra, Fred Alan Wolf and Gary Zukav, have linked quantum mechanics to New Age thinking, to form a genre which is sometimes known as quantum mysticism, often in connection with the Law of Attraction, which is related to New Thought and presented in the 2006 film The Secret. Fritjof Capra (born February 1, 1939) is an Austrian born American Physicist. Fred Alan Wolf (born December 3, 1934) is a theoretical physicist and writer on the subjects of Quantum physics, Consciousness, and their Gary Zukav is a best-selling author and a former Green Beret during the War in Vietnam. Quantum mechanics is the study of mechanical systems whose dimensions are close to the Atomic scale such as Molecules Atoms Electrons Quantum mysticism is the claim that the laws of Quantum mechanics incorporate mystical ideas similar to those found in certain religious traditions or New Age beliefs The phrase Law of Attraction, although used widely by esoteric writers has a variety of definitions The New Thought Movement or New Thought is a New religious movement developed in the United States during the late 19th century which emphasizes metaphysical The Secret, a film produced by Prime Time Productions, consists of a series of interviews and dramatizations related to " The Law of Attraction " They have interpreted the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, quantum entanglement, wave function collapse or the many worlds interpretation, to a mean that all objects in the universe are one (monism), that possibility and existence are endless, and that the physical world is only what one believes it to be. In Quantum physics, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that locating a particle in a small region of space makes the Momentum of the particle uncertain Quantum entanglement is a quantum mechanical Phenomenon in which the Quantum states of two or more objects are linked together so that one object In certain interpretations of quantum mechanics, wave function collapse is one of two processes by which Quantum systems apparently evolve according to the laws of The many-worlds interpretation or MWI (also known as relative state formulation, theory of the universal wavefunction, parallel universes, The Universe is defined as everything that Physically Exists: the entirety of Space and Time, all forms of Matter, Energy Monism is the metaphysical and Theological view that all is one that all reality is subsumed under the most fundamental category of being or existence

Some scientists are skeptical of this broad application of quantum ideas and have criticized what they believe to be vague descriptions of the phenomena in quantum mechanics on which they are based. Researchers such as Margaret Wertheim, Heinz Pagels, Murray Gell-Mann and Victor Stenger have stated they do not agree that any evidence from quantum mechanics supports these views. Margaret Wertheim (born 1958, Brisbane, Australia) is a Science writer and the author of books on the Cultural history of Physics Heinz Rudolf Pagels ( February 19, 1939 &ndash July 23, 1988) was an American Physicist, an adjunct professor of physics Murray Gell-Mann (born September 15, 1929) is an American Physicist who received the 1969 Nobel Prize in physics for his work Victor J Stenger (born January 29[[ 935]] is emeritus professor of Physics and Astronomy ^[57]

Ken Wilber's pre/trans fallacy view

The American writer Ken Wilber posits that much New Age thought falls into the trap of what he calls the pre/trans fallacy. Kenneth Earl "Ken" Wilber Jr (b January 31, 1949, Oklahoma City, U Kenneth Earl "Ken" Wilber Jr (b January 31, 1949, Oklahoma City, U ^[58] A person's psychological development moves from the pre-personal, through the personal levels of development, to the transpersonal – this latter developmental milieu supposedly being the arena of the spiritually advanced or enlightened beings. According to Wilber, 80% of New Age spirituality is pre-rational (pre-conventional), that it relies primarily on mythic-magical thinking, in contrast to post-rational (includes and transcend rational) that is genuine world-centric consciousness.

Wilber maintains that this model is in conflict with simpler two-stage models of psychological development (be they from personal to transpersonal levels or the more mainstream view of pre-personal to personal levels). Uncritical use of a two-stage model of psycho-spiritual development can lead to one or both of the version of the 'pre/trans fallacy': either mistaking pre-personal material as spiritual (the elevationist fallacy), or mistaking the transpersonal for pre-personal (the reductionalist fallacy).

Response to criticism

New Agers have responded to criticisms of the New Age. New Age proponents defend their beliefs by claiming that New Age philosophy and religions are not special and unique in having their beliefs overrule logic and reasoning. They point out that Christianity and all other major world religions demand no less. For example many continue to believe in things such as biblical inerrancy, creationism, intelligent design, and a young earth despite all the evidence for evolution and the enormous age of the earth. Biblical inerrancy is the conservative evangelical doctrinal position that in its original form the Bible is totally without error and free from all contradiction "Creationism" can also refer to Creation myths in general or to a concept about the origin of the soul. Intelligent Young Earth creationism (YEC is the religious belief that Heaven, Earth, and Life on Earth were created by a direct act of God dating The wide range of evidence of common descent of living things strongly indicates the occurrence of Evolution and provides a wealth of information on the natural processes Modern geologists and Geophysicists consider the age of Earth to be around 4

Terminology

• Forces. It is commonly held that there exist certain forces, independent of spiritual beings or agencies, and also distinct from forces as defined by science (e. g. , gravitation, electro-magnetism, etc. ). These forces are elemental in nature; and are held to operate in an automatic fashion as part of the natural order (for example, the force which causes seeds to sprout, grow, and bloom).

• Power. The "forces", and everything else, are energized by a mystical power that exists in varying degrees in all things. The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc Power is transferable, through physical contact, sensory perception, or mere proximity. Power may be accumulated or depleted in a person or object through a variety of mechanisms, including fate and esoteric practices. This power is held to be physically observable as "auras" and "psi energy"; and when encountered in great concentration, may even be dangerous. In Parapsychology and many forms of spiritual practice an aura is a field of subtle luminous radiation surrounding a person or object like the Halo or The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc

• Energy. In some belief systems, "forces" and "power" may seem to merge; e. g. , in the concept of "vital force" that exists in so many traditional belief systems, and finds its expression in New Age concepts such as the "energies" in Therapeutic Touch or Reiki and ideas of flowing streams of power in Earth, like "leylines" in Britain and Europe and earth energies addressed in the Chinese geomantic system of feng shui. Vitalism, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc

• Spirit. All beings (particularly sentient beings) are accompanied by a specific, intentional "energy" which corresponds to their consciousness, but is in some way independent of their corporeal existence. The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc This energy typically is more primary than the physical entity, in the sense that it remains in some form after the physical death of that being.

New Age approaches to medicine

Main article: Alternative medicine

New Agers may use alternative medicine in addition to, or in place of, relying on conventional, evidence-based medicine. The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine. The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine. Medicine is the art and science of healing It encompasses a range of Health care practices evolved to maintain and restore Human Health by the ^[5][59] Possible techniques seen as compatible with the New Age perspective include:^[4][60][61]

• Ayurveda
• Homeopathy
• Rebirthing
• Reparenting
• Chinese medicine
• Herbs
• Past life regression
• Primal therapy
• Neurolinguistic programming
• The Feldenkrais method
• Iridology
• Aura manipulation
• Crystal healing
• Holistic medicine

Louise Hay has published New Age books regarding the belief that illnesses have a metaphysical origin and can be treated by an evaluation of emotional and spiritual attitudes (a similar belief is held by members of the Church of Christ, Scientist). Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other This article has been the subject of edit wars and has been placed on probation Reparenting is a therapy concerned with "healing the inner child" Traditional Chinese medicine (also known as TCM,) includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China. A(n herb (ˈhɝb or /ˈɝb/ see pronunciation differences) is a plant that is valued for qualities such as medicinal properties flavor scent or the like Past life regression (PLR is a therapeutic technique that uses light levels of Hypnosis to activate memories or pseudo-memories that appear to represent past lives Primal therapy is a trauma -based Psychotherapy created by Arthur Janov, Ph Neuro-linguistic programming (or NLP) is an Interpersonal communication model applied in Psychotherapy and other contexts of communication and change The Feldenkrais Method is an educational system centered on movement aiming to expand and refine the use of the self through awareness Iridology (also known as iridodiagnosis) is an Alternative medicine technique whose proponents believe that patterns colors and other characteristics of the In Parapsychology and many forms of spiritual practice an aura is a field of subtle luminous radiation surrounding a person or object like the Halo or A charmstone is a mineral specimen believed to have Healing, mystical or Paranormal powers or energy Holistic health is a Philosophy of medical care that views physical and mental aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment Louise Hay (born October 8, 1926) is a motivational author and the founder of Hay House, a publishing company Metaphysics is the branch of Philosophy investigating principles of reality transcending those of any particular science The Church of Christ Scientist was founded in 1879 in Boston Massachusetts, USA, by Mary Baker Eddy, author of the book Science and Health with Hay's books feature lists of diseases and the associated negative belief, accompanied by the correcting positive belief which can be sought by repeating the correcting positive affirmation. The intent is to empower the individual to change their thinking and therefore change the condition.

Some branches of New Age medicine focus on holistic health of patients, rather than the symptomatic focus of conventional Western medicine. Holistic health is a Philosophy of medical care that views physical and mental aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment A symptom' (from Greek σύμπτωμα, "accident misfortune that which befalls" from συμπίπτω, "I befall" from Medicine is the art and science of healing It encompasses a range of Health care practices evolved to maintain and restore Human Health by the Some conventional physicians have embraced aspects of or the complete approach of holistic medicine. A physician, medical practitioner or medical doctor who practices Medicine, and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human Health

Controversy regarding alternative medicine

Some scientific professionals question the efficacy of the methods of "alternative or complementary medicine," and some writers have referred to these methods as quackery (Norcross et al 2006;Singer and Lalich 1996). There are increasing numbers of double blind tests of alternative medicine methods but such testing has rarely resulted in corroborating results. The blind method is a part of the Scientific method, used to prevent research outcomes from being influenced by either the Placebo effect or the Observer However, it is difficult to apply double-blind testing methods to some alternative medicine techniques because in many of these techniques, the relationship with the practitioner is part of the process, and that relationship cannot be practically "blinded" in a testing protocol. See the main article on Alternative medicine for a deeper discussion of these points. The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine.

Skeptics of the New Age approach to medicine point out it is possible that direct harm can result from a treatment such as acupuncture (bruising, dizziness, infection), from poorly prescribed herbal medicine or from an untrained person self-administering herbal medicines. Indirect harm may result when a patient declines proven scientific treatment in favor of unproven alternative treatments and thereby misses the benefit that may have accrued from the mainstream treatment. ^[62]

Critics of New Age medicine state that without scientific testing, it is not possible to determine which techniques, medicinal herbs, and lifestyle changes may contribute to increased health and which treatments have no effect or may be dangerous. In 2005, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland began a program of research to determine which alternative medicine practices may be useful in support of conventional medical practice. ^[63]

New Age Music

Main article: New Age music

New Age music is peaceful music of various styles that is intended to make people feel good when they hear it. New Age music is peaceful Music of various styles which is intended to create inspiration relaxation and positive feelings often used by listeners for Yoga, When it first started in the early 1970s it was mostly instrumental, and there were both acoustic and electronic kinds. Over the years, many more styles of New Age music appeared with the advent of less expensive equipment; now there is everything from spacey electronic kinds, to acoustic instrumentals using western instruments, to spiritual chanting from other cultures, like Kirtan with Sanskrit lyrics, or Native American flutes and drums.

This music has its roots in the 1970s with the works of such free-form jazz groups recording on the ECM label as Oregon, the Paul Winter Group, and other pre-ambient bands; as well as ambient performers such as Brian Eno. ECM (Edition of Contemporary Music is a Record label founded in Munich, Germany in 1969 by Manfred Eicher. Ambient music is a Musical genre in which sound is more important than notes Brian Peter George St John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno (born 15 May 1948 commonly known as Brian Eno (ˈiːnoʊ is an English Musician, producer The Greek artist Yanni, one of the "superstars" of the New Age genre, relies heavily on synthesizers and instrumental "world music" sounds. Yanni (born Yiannis Hrysomallis (Γιάννης Χρυσομάλλης classical transcription Giannis Chrysomallis) on November 14, 1954 in Enya, although claiming her music is not of this genre, has won a New Age Grammy for her music which utilizes vocals in a variety of languages, including Latin. Enya (born Eithne Patricia Ní Bhraonáin on May 17 1961, Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Ireland, sometimes presented in The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences

New Age music attempts to offer vision of a better future^[64], expresses an appreciation of goodness and beauty, even an anticipation of some event. Rarely does New Age music dwell on a problem with this world or its inhabitants; instead it offers a peaceful vision of a better world. Often the music is celestial, when the title names stars or deep space explorations. Some new age music albums come with liner notes encouraging the music's use in meditation, and many albums have been recorded with specific design for this purpose. Studies have determined that new age music is an effective component of stress management programs. Stress management encompasses techniques intended to equip a person with effective coping mechanisms for dealing with psychological stress, with stress defined as a person's ^[65]

LOHAS ("Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability") Demographic

People who embrace "New Age" lifestyle and/or beliefs are included in the LOHAS ("Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability") demographic market segment, currently in a growth phase, related to sustainable living, so-called "green" ecological initiatives, and generally composed of a relatively affluent and well-educated population segment. Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS is a Demographic defining a particular Market segment related to Sustainable living, "green" ecological A market segment is a subgroup of people or organizations sharing one or more characteristics that cause them to have similar product needs Sustainable living refers to a specific Lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources ^{[66] [67]} The LOHAS market segment in year 2006 was estimated at $300 billion, approximately 30% of the USA consumer market. ^{[68] [69]} According to the New York Times, a study by the Natural Marketing Institute showed that in 2000, 68 million Americans were included within the LOHAS demographic. Author Paul H. Ray, who coined the term "Cultural Creatives" in his book by the same name, explaines that "What you're seeing is a demand for products of equal quality that are also virtuous". Cultural Creatives is a term coined by Sociologist Paul H Ray and Psychologist Sherry Ruth Anderson to describe a large segment in Western society that ^[70][71]

See also

• Gnosticism
• List of New Age topics
• New religious movement
• New Age communities

Footnotes

References

• Hammer, Olav Claiming Knowledge: Strategies of Epistemology from Theosophy to the New Age Brill Academic Publishers, 2003 ISBN 900413638X
• Hanegraaff, Wouter J. New Age Religion and Western Culture: Esotericism in the Mirror of Secular Thought Brill Academic Publishers, 1996 ISBN 9004106960
• Heelas, Paul The New Age Movement: Religion, Culture and Society in the Age of Postmodernity Blackwell Publishing, 1996 ISBN 0631193324

External links

General

• New Age at the Open Directory Project
• Religious Tolerance.org, has a list of academic references and survey sources

Critical

• Magical Thinking in Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry formerly CSICOP. The Open Directory Project ( ODP) also known as dmoz (from directory The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry ( CSI) formerly known as the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal ( CSICOP) is a
• Jesus Christ The Bearer of the Water of Life- A Christian reflection on the “New Age” at the Vatican website. The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, commonly known as the Pope, and is the preeminent Episcopal see of the Roman Catholic

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