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What Defines New Age Philosophies?

By Odessa Edwards


Many people are confused about what new age philosophies are. The term is used to describe so many types of thought and many people are referred to as new agers or new age thinkers. Is there a simple way to understand these ideas?

From the basic idea of the dawning of the new astrological age of Aquarius which began in the seventies the new age movement developed into a broad spiritualism. This new age was supposed to bring about a fundamental change in the planet and a time of increased peace and harmony throughout the world. Many people still believe this will happen or is currently occurring and they are working to help the process along. However, new age now describes more than just this focus.

Pantheism, psychology, astrology, quantum physics, religion, parapsychology, the self-help movement, and holistic health are all a part of these philosophies. Followers may believe in Christianity and Shamanism at the same time. An emphasis is placed on the similarities and connections between seemingly incompatible things. In this way people can develop their own ideas of God.

Metaphysics and quantum physics lead new age philosophy into the realms of science. The connections between these disciplines and eastern mysticism have recently been discovered and are an important central tenet for new age beliefs. This means many have started to practice yoga, meditation and Reiki. These methods emphasize the role of energy and its transformations and movements within people and the universe. Kundalini yoga for example, it thought to open up the higher chakras and promote communication with higher consciousness.

This emphasis on mental, spiritual and physical health has played a significant role in moving people to embrace such varied philosophies. It is possible to take the parts of science and spirituality which are relevant as there is no central dogma in new age philosophies. If something is believed to contribute to self improvement, higher energetic vibrations or the improvement of the planet as a whole then it will be embraced by many new agers.

For this reason environmentalism is often associated with the new age theories. A belief in the interconnectedness of all and the improvement of all is a natural partner for the conservation of the environment.

The new age movement is now seen across the world. This may be due to its pluralistic nature. Followers will take practices and theories from many traditions. Buddhism, Kabala, Taoism, Shamanism and the animistic beliefs of the Americas are all popular with new agers.

The breadth of belief in new age philosophies is really quite unique. From beginnings around astrology and the Age of Aquarius ideas from all over the world and many vastly different disciplines have been incorporated. This is because of the central ideas of plurality and self improvement which deliberately search out new ideas and theories. Taking the idea of inter-connectedness from metaphysics also automatically means that similarities are sought between many different things. Using a varied number of theories has lead to a multitude of practices and ways of implementing the ideas giving the new age movement its characteristic variety.




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