The Beginning of New Age Philosophy
The Term New Age Covers Diverse Ideas and Beliefs
New Age philosophy is generally thought of as being extremely avant-garde employing new ideas and thought patterns. Actually it is a study of several philosophies and religious traditions. Some of its basic ideals were inspired by Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and even Christianity. Several New Age theories are founded in atheism and classical and naturalistic pantheism. This presents a paradox since atheism is the unbelief in any 'god' or deity and pantheism, in varying forms, acknowledges a 'god-head' but is not the personal God that Christians view. Spiritualism, paranormal phenomena and neo-paganism also come under the broad heading of New Age.
Forerunners of the Movement
One of the main founders of the New Age movement was a woman called Madame Blavatsky. Her book, The Secret Doctrine, published in 1888, presented the idea of an age of new thought. Other authors who espoused nontraditional thinking were D. H. Lawrence and W. B. Yeats.
In 1894 a weekly journal titled New Age brought the reader articles on Christian liberalism and socialism. It sold, in 1907, to a group of writers who endorsed its socialistic policy. Members of that group included Alfred Richard Orage and Holbrook Jackson. Among the contributing writers were such historical names as H. G. Wells and George Bernard Shaw. Around 1914 the publisher, Richard Orage, began correspondence with the magician Harry Houdini presenting yet another aspect of mystical topics the journal covered.
The Mid to Late 1900s
The early to mid 1900s brought forth more intellectuals into the realm of New Age thought. Chief among them was the well known theologian-turned-mystic Edgar Cayce. With the founding of the Association of Research and Enlightement Cayce massed a group of followers who would promote his work and move forward with even more new thought concepts.
The Findhorn Foundation of Northern Scotland, formed in 1962, was instrumental in advancing an organized movement that would add depth and diversity to the rapidly growing New Age philosophy. It wasn't, however, until the 1970s that the subculture of the movement became ingrained in the world population that embraced its more radical appeal.
One publication, The New Age Journal, a monthly magazine first published in the 1970s is still in circulation today covering timely topics as well as traditional issues.
The Harmonic Convergence
On August 16-17, 1987, the first Harmonic Convergence was celebrated. It was a uniting of souls with similar beliefs and values. They dubbed themselves 'Light Beings' and congregated to share this global awakening of unity and love. The Harmonic Convergence was organized by Jose Arguelles in Sedona, Arizona, but was internationally accepted and observed.
Before, and since, that gathering many high profile authors, actors and singers have spread the word through their talents that this is indeed the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, the age of new awareness and understanding. Psychics who 'channel' messages from the beyond, teachers who bring to their students knowledge that originates in other times and places are all part of this ongoing search for the real existence of mankind. New Age thinking encompass health, spiritual well-being, communication
Simplicity in Nature is Part of New Age Thinking
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