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The term New Age applies to a late twentieth century social movement which draws on ancient concepts of spirituality. The movement began developing in North America in the mid-fifties, at a time when many persons became disinterested in traditional western religions and church attendance was in noticeable decline.
According to some sources, the personal revelations of film star Shirley MacLean during the 60's, particularly concerning her reports of being able to receive intelligible messages from spirits through "channeling," are credited with having assisted to promote and, to some extent, legitimize the New Age to the mainstream public.
The New Age focuses on the spiritual journey of the self; this journey may take an individual in many directions and over many roads in pursuit of a central truth. New Age elements can be found in forms of art, writing, and especially music. New Age instrumental music may be used during meditation for purposes of quieting the noises of the busy world and relaxing the listener.
To a New Age disciple, there are many paths to spiritual enlightenment; therefore, the following list is by no means exhaustive. A Psychic Fair may include some of these elements and also some that are associated with the New Age but are peripheral to the movement, e.g., crystals and amulets.
1. Astrology
Human beings have consulted the characteristics and motions of the planets and their relationship to the self for perhaps thousands of years. Any of the twelve signs of the zodiac, under which a person is born, is said to influence the individual in his daily life; it is believed that truths about the self can be discovered with the knowledge of astrology. Mainstream society generally considers astrological prediction as entertainment.
2. Channeling
Channeling is usually performed by a third party (called a medium) who is able to enter into a trance and consult with spirits of those who have died and wish to communicate with the living. It can also take place for an individual through automatic writing. The spirits are said to reveal
truths about life on earth and in the spirit world which are not evident to human beings.
3. Native American Spirituality
The inclusion of Native American Spirituality in this roster most likely springs from a new awareness of native Americans that the Earth is their mother, and that holism (wholeness of self) occurs during drumming and other ceremonies.
4. Reincarnation
A wide selection of books on this subject is available at any bookstore or public library which are said to describe the life of the soul between lifetimes. The belief is that a soul chooses its next incarnation with a view to the lessons that still must be learned to complete its journey toward spiritual perfection.
5. Tarot
The reading of Tarot cards is an ancent method of discerning the future. These cards are best read by a person who is psychic in his or her own right, but anybody may study and practice the art with a degree of understanding.
6. Wicca
This is one of many paths which, for some, have led to spiritual fulfillment. Because of persecution of witches in some eras, the positive aspects of Wicca--a direct communion with nature--is considered to be greatly misunderstood.
7. Zen
Zen is associated with meditation (only think of the Buddha), during which a person may discover one-ness with the universe.
8. Power Spots
New Agers believe that some particular locations on earth are electrically and spiritually charged (ley lines). There are travel tours available to these places for truth seekers.
The above are only a sample of the paths to self-enlightenment which the New Age embraces.
The popularity of James Redfield's best-selling books in the last decade of the twentieth century, beginning with the revelations of "The Celestine Prophecy," is a strong indicator that the New Age has countless adherents, many of whom are genuinely looking to expand their spiritual
horizons.
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