New Age and Occult Beliefs
"New Age" religions or belief structures may or may not be considered "religions" in the
classical sense. In general they are a heterogeneous movement of individuals. Most adapt some
new age beliefs into their traditional religious affiliations. Recent studies
indicate that many Americans hold at least some new age beliefs.
8% believe in astrology as a method of foretelling the future.
7% believe that crystals are a source of healing or energizing power.
9% believe that Tarot Cards are a reliable base for life decisions.
About 25% believe in a non-traditional concept of the nature of God.
11% believe that God is "a state of higher consciousness" that a person may reach.
8% define God as realization of personal, human potential.
3% believe that within every person God may be found, in effect, that we are all God.
Many New Age teachings became popular during the 1970's as a reaction against what some
perceived as the failure of traditional religion to
provide spiritual and ethical guidance for the future. Its roots are traceable
to many sources: Astrology, Channeling, Hinduism, Buddhism (Mahayana/ Zen) Gnostic traditions, Neo-paganism,
Spiritual Humanism, Wicca, and others.
During the 1980's and 1990's, the overall "New Age" movement came under harsh criticism from a variety of
organized religions and groups. Channeling was ridiculed; seminar and group leaders were criticized for
the fortunes that they made from New Agers. Their uncritical belief in the "scientific"
properties of crystals was exposed as groundless. Despite this criticism, the New Age movement has become
established and has become a significant force in North American religion structure during
the past generation.
Astrology
The word ASTROLOGY is derived from the
Greek words astron meaning 'star' and logos which means 'word'. Astrology therefore,
literally means the "language of the stars". Astrology is based on an ancient law known
as 'As above, so below", often used in Neo-pagan and Wiccan circles.
The "above" may be the heavens or universe, symbolized by the sky, or the starry dome which we can
see from Earth. That which is "below", ourselves, man or woman, the human, the community,
the individual here on Earth.
So, astrology says that the same laws that guide the universe also guide humanity. We are
not separate from the universe - we are a part of it. Its energies are our energies, and
we must therefore work in the same way that it works. It is an astrological assumption
that if we learn to look above for understanding, we will come to understand more about ourselves.
The Sun, Moon and planets all follow exact patterns of movement. You probably already
know that the motions of the planets in our solar system can be measured precisely by
astronomers. So, it is an astrological belief that the same laws which apply to the
movements of the heavenly bodies also operate in our personal lives. The basic idea is
that all the individual parts of the universe, from planets to people, cooperate with
each other and work together in harmony.
