A Brief Overview of New Age: a Mystical Syncretism

New Age and Christianity Part I

The term "New Age" refers to a broad and multifaceted cultural and spiritual movement that emerged in the early 20th century, came to fruition in the 60’s, and is still going strong today. It encompasses a diverse range of beliefs, practices, and philosophies that often draw upon esoteric, metaphysical, and alternative spiritual traditions. The New Age movement is characterized by an emphasis on personal transformation, holistic health, consciousness expansion, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The movement is characterized by its eclecticism, drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, indigenous wisdom, and modern psychological and scientific insights. It often promotes pantheism, panentheism, or polytheism as a belief system and a worldview that combines spiritual and metaphysical concepts with elements of self-help, environmentalism, and alternative healing modalities.

Technically speaking, the New Age movement is an umbrella term for a syncretism of mystical practices inspired by the Druid movement of the late 18^th century, The American Rosicrucian Order of the early 20^th century, the New Thought movement of the early 20^th century, the Wiccan movement of the early 20^th century, Astrology and other mystical practices resurfaced in the early 20^th century, interest in Shamanism and mind altering substances in the 1960s, and interest in Eastern religions and Mysticism in the 1960s as well.

Druids – who were they?
Nothing is really known about the Druids. We cannot decipher their language, we don’t know what they looked like, what they did, but that has never stopped anyone from fabricating facts about them from thin air.

Edward Williams, also known as Iolo Morganwg, was a Welsh poet, antiquarian, and literary forger who played a significant role in the revival and reinvention of Druidic traditions in Wales. Edward Williams/Iolo Morganwg ‘claimed’ to have discovered ancient manuscripts and lore related to the Druids, which he incorporated into his writings and teachings, greatly influencing the perception, and understanding of Druidism during that time. However, it is worth noting that his claims and contributions have been subject to controversy and skepticism among scholars due to his tendency to fabricate or exaggerate historical material.

The Ancient Order of Druids was established in London, England, in 1781. It was initially founded as a fraternal organization that drew inspiration from the romanticized notion of ancient Druidic traditions. Over time, the Ancient Order of Druids incorporated rituals, symbols, and beliefs associated with Druidism into its practices, effectively creating a hybridized version of Druidic spirituality. Through its rituals, ceremonies, and organizational structure, the Ancient Order of Druids played a significant role in popularizing the modern concept of Druidism and its association with fraternal organizations.

The Rosicrucian Order – Mysteries and Mysticism
Harvey Spencer Lewis was an American occultist and mystic who established the Rosicrucian Order in America in 1915 after coming back to the US from Europe and being impressed by the Rosicrucian movement there. He is credited with introducing and promoting Rosicrucian teachings and practices in the United States, helping, to popularize the Rosicrucian movement in the country. Under his leadership, the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) grew and became one of the most prominent and influential Rosicrucian organizations in the United States.

Harvey Spencer Lewis brought the AMORC to San Jose, California, in the year 1927. After establishing the Rosicrucian organization in New York in 1915, Lewis relocated the headquarters of AMORC to San Jose, where he established the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the Rosicrucian Park. San Jose has since remained the central location for AMORC's headquarters and activities in the United States. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts and Egyptian sarcophagi today.

While the original Rosicrucian manifestos published in the 17th century were more mysterious and allegorical, the modern Rosicrucian Order, founded in the early 20th century, emphasizes personal development, mystical insights, and spiritual growth. It is important to note that specific tenets may vary among different Rosicrucian organizations, but some common principles found in the modern Rosicrucian Order include:

1. Spiritual Evolution: The Rosicrucian Order focuses on the idea that human beings are on a path of spiritual evolution and personal growth. Members are encouraged to strive for self-improvement and higher levels of consciousness.

2. Mystical Studies: The organization promotes the study and exploration of mystical and esoteric teachings from various traditions and cultures. Members are encouraged to delve into subjects like metaphysics, symbolism, astrology, and alchemy to gain deeper insights into the nature of reality.

3. Inner Alchemy: Rosicrucians often refer to the process of inner transformation as "alchemy." This concept involves transmuting the lower aspects of oneself into higher virtues and achieving spiritual illumination.

4. The Unity of All Life: Rosicrucians believe in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the universe. They see a divine spark in everything and emphasize living in harmony with nature and the world around them. The concept of “Oneness” is a recurring theme in all New Age beliefs.

5. Practical Exercises and Meditations: The Rosicrucian Order provides its members with practical exercises, rituals, and meditations aimed at fostering spiritual growth, personal development, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the cosmos.

6. Sacred Geometry and Symbolism: The Rosicrucian tradition often incorporates sacred geometry and symbolism as a means of understanding the underlying structure and harmony of the universe. This also is an ancient practice and has its roots in ancient Greek and Egyptian mystery cults.

7. Secrecy and Initiatory System: Like many mystical and esoteric organizations, the Rosicrucian Order maintains a level of secrecy and employs an initiatory system with different degrees or levels of membership. Members progress through these degrees as they deepen their understanding and commitment to the Order's teachings. Secret rights of passage are directly related to the original ancient mystery cults like: Eleusinian Mysteries, Orphic Mysteries, Dionysian Mysteries, Mithraism, Cult of Isis, Cult of Cybele, Cult of Osiris.

8. Service to Humanity: AMORC encourages its members to engage in acts of service and contribute positively to society. This altruistic aspect aligns with the belief in the unity of all life and the interconnectedness of humanity.

New Thought – New Age Infiltrates Christianity
The New Thought movement of the early 20th century was a spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the United States. It was influenced by various metaphysical and spiritual traditions, including Transcendentalism, Spiritualism, and the teachings of Phineas Quimby. The movement emphasized the power of positive thinking, the innate divinity of individuals, and the concept that thoughts and beliefs shape one's reality.

The New Thought movement emphasized the idea that individuals have the ability to transform their lives through the power of their thoughts and beliefs. It taught that by aligning one's mind with positive and harmonious thoughts, one could attract health, prosperity, and happiness. The movement rejected the idea of a punitive God and instead focused on the concept of a loving and benevolent Universal Intelligence or Divine Principle.

Prominent figures associated with the New Thought movement include Mary Baker Eddy, Emma Curtis Hopkins, Charles Fillmore, and Ernest Holmes. These individuals founded various organizations and wrote influential books that disseminated New Thought teachings. Mary Baker Eddy established Christian Science, Emma Curtis Hopkins became known as the "teacher of teachers" in New Thought, Charles Fillmore founded the Unity movement, and Ernest Holmes founded the Religious Science (later known as Science of Mind) movement.

New Thought teachings found expression in various forms, including books, lectures, and organized groups. These teachings influenced the fields of self-help, positive psychology, and the New Age movement. The New Thought movement continues to have an impact today, with many individuals embracing its principles as a means to achieve personal growth, spiritual understanding, and well-being.

Elizabeth Towne founded the periodical "The Nautilus" in 1898, which became one of the leading publications of the New Thought movement. Through her writings and editorials in "The Nautilus," she propagated New Thought ideas, including the power of positive thinking, the law of attraction, and the potential for personal transformation through mental and spiritual practices.

Towne's emphasis on practical application and self-help aspects of New Thought teachings made her work accessible to a wide audience. She authored several books, including "Practical Methods for Self-Development" and "Just How to Wake the Solar Plexus," which further popularized New Thought concepts.

Elizabeth Towne’s take on New Though was thru the lens of Christianity and it helped New Age to creep into modern Christian churches. This movement in Christianity is sometimes called “Prosperity Gospel”.

Wicca – The Return of The Witches
In the early 20th century, there was a growing interest in ancient and esoteric practices, folklore, and the occult in the UK. Gerald Gardner, an English civil servant, and amateur anthropologist became involved in various occult and magical societies during this time. In the 1940s, Gardner claimed to have encountered a group of practitioners who identified themselves as witches and were part of a surviving pagan tradition.

Gardner became initiated into this group and eventually developed his own system of witchcraft, blending elements of folklore, ceremonial magic, and ritual practices. He referred to this system as Wica (later spelled Wicca), drawing upon older forms of the word "witch."

Gardner's form of Wicca gained popularity and began to attract followers, particularly in the UK. He formed covens and initiated individuals into his tradition, establishing the framework for what became known as Gardnerian Wicca. The publication of his book "Witchcraft Today" in 1954 further publicized his form of Wicca and sparked interest and debate.

During this period, Wicca experienced a resurgence as it provided a contemporary and nature-oriented spirituality that appealed to individuals seeking an alternative to mainstream religious practices. The religious revival of Wicca in the UK during the first half of the 20th century laid the foundation for the subsequent growth and diversification of Wiccan traditions both in the UK and globally. It also influenced the development of other forms of modern witchcraft and pagan practices.

Carlos Castaneda – Shamanism is Cool
Carlos Castaneda was an author and anthropologist known for his controversial series of books that detailed his experiences with a Yaqui Indian shaman named Don Juan Matus. Born on December 25, 1925, in Peru, Castaneda moved to the United States and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he pursued a Ph.D. in anthropology.

Castaneda's most significant achievement was the publication of his first book, "The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge," in 1968. The book recounted his purported apprenticeship with Don Juan, during which he claimed to have learned about shamanic practices, altered states of consciousness, and spiritual enlightenment.

In subsequent books, including "A Separate Reality," "Journey to Ixtlan," and others, Castaneda continued to describe his interactions with Don Juan and explored concepts such as dreaming, sorcery, and the manipulation of perception. The books presented a blend of anthropology, personal narrative, and metaphysical teachings, captivating readers with their unique blend of mysticism and adventure.

Castaneda's works gained significant popularity, attracting a wide readership and influencing the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s. However, the authenticity and veracity of his accounts have been heavily debated and questioned by scholars, anthropologists, and critics. Some argued that his writings were fictional, while others believed he may have distorted or misrepresented indigenous practices for his own literary purposes.

Regardless of the controversy surrounding Castaneda's work, his books played a notable role in introducing shamanism, indigenous wisdom, and spiritual exploration to a broader audience. They sparked interest in alternative ways of knowing and contributed to the New Age movement's growth, inspiring individuals to seek personal transformation and expanded consciousness through spiritual practices (and sometimes through mind altering substances).

The Beatles and the Eastern influence
The Beatles' trip to India in 1968 had a significant impact on promoting Eastern mysticism and spiritual practices in the United States. During their stay at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, India, the Beatles immersed themselves in Transcendental Meditation (TM) and explored Eastern philosophy and spirituality.

Upon their return to the United States, the Beatles openly discussed their experiences with TM and their encounters with Indian spiritual teachings. The media coverage of their trip and interest in their spiritual pursuits generated widespread curiosity and intrigue among their fans and the general public.

The Beatles' endorsement of TM, coupled with their immense popularity as a band, provided a powerful platform for introducing Eastern spiritual practices to a Western audience. Their influence reached far and wide through their music, interviews, and public appearances, allowing them to share their newfound interest in Eastern mysticism and meditation.

Their song "Across the Universe" prominently featured lyrics inspired by their experiences in India, further exposing listeners to Eastern philosophical concepts. Additionally, the Beatles' album "The White Album," released after their trip, included songs that reflected their spiritual exploration and interest in Indian spirituality.

The Beatles' involvement with Eastern mysticism played a pivotal role in raising awareness and sparking curiosity about various Eastern spiritual traditions in the United States. It contributed to a broader cultural interest in meditation, yoga, and alternative spiritual practices during the late 1960s and beyond. Many celebrities were inspired to explore and embrace Eastern teachings, leading to an increased popularity and acceptance of Eastern philosophies and practices such as Buddhism, meditation, and yoga within Western societies.

Mysticism – The Return of the Fortune Tellers
The modern resurgence of astrology, numerology, and tarot card reading can be traced back to the early 20th centuries. During this time, there was a revival of interest in mysticism, occultism, and spiritualism in Western societies.

Astrology saw a significant revival during the late 19th century with the Theosophical Society, founded by Helena Blavatsky in 1875. The Theosophical Society popularized the study of esoteric and mystical teachings, including astrology, among its members.

Numerology also experienced a resurgence during the late 19th century, thanks in part to the work of occultists such as William Wynn Westcott and Samuel Liddell Mathers, who co-founded the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in 1888. The Golden Dawn incorporated numerology into its teachings and rituals, leading to a renewed interest in the practice.

Tarot card reading gained popularity during the early 20th century, particularly through the efforts of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and its influential members, such as Arthur Edward Waite and Aleister Crowley. Waite's publication of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck in 1910, which featured symbolic illustrations and interpretations, contributed to the modernization and widespread use of tarot cards.

You take the Druid movement of the late 18^th century, The American Rosicrucian Order of the early 20^th century, the New Thought movement of the early 20^th century, the Wiccan movement of the early 20^th century, interest in Shamanism and mind altering substances in the 1960s, and interest in Eastern religions and mysticism in the 1960s, you throw all of them into a cauldron and simmer at low heat and you get the modern New Age movement. Sooner or later, it is forgotten that this movement is not much more than a hundred and fifty years old and most of its premises were invented or made up. The New Thought (part of New Age) movement even found itself infiltrating traditional Christian Churches, mostly but not exclusively the large Evangelical mega churches, possibly to enlarge its attendance, popularity, profitability, or all of the above.

We shall talk a little more about that in part II: What’s Wrong with New Age Influence in Christianity?