New Age is a term that, in English, stands for "new age" or "new era". The New Age movement is characterized as a different kind of occult knowledge, mystical currents and esoteric directions in their totality. In addition, the term is sometimes used in other senses. For example, New Age as a religion, or a cross between religious trends that speak of the onset of a new era.
New Age as a subculture
As early as the 20th century, all the currents were born and the basic concepts that the New Age direction operates in the modern era appeared, but at that time all this variegated variety existed as separate subcultures. The flowering occurred in the 1970s. This culture was originally conceived and developed in the countries of the West. It is also interesting that members of one organization could not fully accept all of its principles, as well as accept the principles of other branches of general direction.
The main idea is the onset of a new, perfect era. Those currents that are associated with astrology , called the new time "the era of Aquarius." The cross between spiritual aspects, which includes this current, is very heterogeneous, and a single spiritual teaching has not been formed.
New Age Psychology and Worldview
The main idea of the flow is the transformation of human consciousness, in the course of which its real essence will be inextricably linked with all other creatures on Earth.
From the general features of the worldview characteristic of New Age devotees, the following aspects can be singled out:
- there is an impersonal god, a supreme power;
- The universe is infinite and eternal;
- holistic views on the body;
- man can evolve into a deity;
- the nature of matter is illusory, everything is immaterial;
- reincarnation exists;
- man is like and equal to God;
- life is cyclical;
- syncretism in the sphere of religions.
For the New Age, there are ways to change consciousness - meditation , spiritual practices, and occult teachings that help to get closer to the desired image of a person.