3 min read•Last Updated on August 7, 2024
New Age and alternative spiritualities emerged in the 1970s, blending Eastern and Western beliefs. These movements focus on personal growth, holistic health, and spiritual exploration. They draw from diverse traditions, offering a mix of ancient wisdom and modern practices.
New Age beliefs often include reincarnation, astrology, and channeling. Holistic health practices like meditation, yoga, and alternative therapies are popular. Followers use tools like crystals, tarot cards, and essential oils to connect with spiritual energies and promote well-being.
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Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. This technique is rooted in the concept of qi (or chi), which is believed to flow through pathways in the body called meridians, influencing physical and emotional health. The practice is often associated with holistic approaches to wellness, aligning with various New Age and alternative spiritual beliefs that emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Term 1 of 35
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. This technique is rooted in the concept of qi (or chi), which is believed to flow through pathways in the body called meridians, influencing physical and emotional health. The practice is often associated with holistic approaches to wellness, aligning with various New Age and alternative spiritual beliefs that emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Term 1 of 35
New Age refers to a spiritual movement that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by a blend of various spiritual practices, philosophies, and beliefs. It emphasizes personal spiritual growth, holistic health, and an interconnected view of the universe, often incorporating elements from Eastern religions, indigenous traditions, and Western esoteric practices. This movement promotes individual experience and self-discovery as pathways to spiritual enlightenment and healing.
Holistic Healing: A health approach that considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in the quest for optimal health and wellness.
Spirituality: A broad concept that encompasses personal beliefs and practices related to the search for meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than oneself.
Metaphysics: A branch of philosophy that explores fundamental questions about existence, reality, and the nature of the universe, often integrated into New Age beliefs.
Western beliefs refer to the dominant values, ideologies, and worldviews that have emerged primarily from the cultural, philosophical, and religious traditions of Europe and North America. These beliefs often emphasize individualism, rationality, scientific inquiry, and the importance of personal autonomy, shaping various aspects of society, including politics, ethics, and spirituality. In the context of new age and alternative spiritualities, western beliefs frequently intersect with a search for personal meaning and holistic approaches to spirituality.
Individualism: A social and political philosophy that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual over collective or societal groups.
Rationalism: A belief system that prioritizes reason and logic as the primary sources of knowledge and understanding, often contrasting with faith-based systems.
Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, promoting a worldview based on non-religious values.
Personal growth refers to the ongoing process of self-improvement and self-discovery, where individuals strive to enhance their awareness, skills, and emotional well-being. It often involves reflecting on one's values, beliefs, and life goals, and is heavily influenced by spiritual practices, psychological development, and holistic approaches that are characteristic of New Age and alternative spiritualities.
Self-actualization: The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potential, often considered as the ultimate goal in personal development.
Mindfulness: A mental practice focusing on being present in the moment, which can enhance self-awareness and promote emotional well-being.
Holistic healing: An approach to health and wellness that considers the whole person, including physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
Holistic health is an approach to wellness that considers the whole person—body, mind, spirit, and emotions—rather than just treating specific symptoms or diseases. This concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of these aspects and promotes a balance that leads to overall well-being. It aligns with the philosophies found in various New Age and alternative spiritualities, which often advocate for natural healing, self-awareness, and personal empowerment.
Integrative Medicine: A holistic approach that combines conventional medical treatments with alternative therapies to treat the whole person.
Mind-Body Connection: The relationship between a person's thoughts, emotions, and physical health, highlighting how mental states can influence physical well-being.
Complementary Therapies: Practices such as acupuncture, yoga, and herbal medicine that are used alongside conventional medicine to support overall health.
Spiritual exploration refers to the personal journey of seeking understanding, meaning, and connection within the broader context of spirituality. This often involves an individual's quest to discover their beliefs, values, and experiences related to the divine or higher power, which is a central theme in New Age and alternative spiritualities. It encourages open-mindedness and curiosity about different practices, philosophies, and traditions, allowing for a personalized approach to spirituality.
New Age Movement: A spiritual movement that emerged in the late 20th century, emphasizing personal growth, holistic healing, and the integration of various spiritual practices from different cultures.
Metaphysics: A branch of philosophy that explores the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts such as being, existence, and the universe, often influencing alternative spiritual practices.
Mindfulness: A mental practice that involves focusing on the present moment with acceptance and non-judgment, often incorporated into spiritual exploration for personal growth.
Reincarnation is the belief that after death, a person's soul is reborn into a new body, continuing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This concept is central to many religions, particularly Hinduism, where it is closely linked to karma—the idea that one's actions in previous lives influence their current circumstances and future rebirths. The process of reincarnation is seen as an opportunity for the soul to grow and evolve spiritually across different lifetimes.
Karma: The law of cause and effect that dictates how an individual's actions influence their future experiences and reincarnations.
Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that souls undergo until they achieve liberation or moksha.
Moksha: The ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy, representing liberation from the cycle of samsara and union with the divine.
Astrology is the belief system that suggests a relationship between the positions of celestial bodies and events on Earth, particularly in relation to human affairs. This practice involves the interpretation of horoscopes, which are charts that depict the positions of planets at specific times, such as an individual's birth. Astrology is often intertwined with New Age and alternative spiritualities, as it offers insights into personality traits, life events, and cosmic connections.
horoscope: A horoscope is a diagram representing the positions of celestial bodies at a specific time, often used in astrology to predict or interpret personal traits and life events.
zodiac: The zodiac is a circular diagram divided into twelve equal parts, each representing a specific astrological sign associated with particular personality traits and characteristics.
numerology: Numerology is the belief in the mystical significance of numbers and their influence on human life, often used alongside astrology to provide further insight into a person's character or fate.
Channeling is the practice of receiving and conveying messages from spiritual entities, higher consciousness, or otherworldly beings through a medium or individual. This process often involves altered states of consciousness, where the channeler acts as a conduit for guidance, healing, or knowledge from these non-physical sources. It is a significant aspect of New Age and alternative spiritualities, providing insights into personal and collective growth.
Mediumship: The ability of an individual to communicate with spirits of the deceased or other non-physical entities, often used interchangeably with channeling.
Ascended Masters: Spiritual beings who are believed to have attained a high level of consciousness and can offer wisdom and guidance through channeling.
Altered States of Consciousness: States of awareness that differ from normal waking consciousness, often achieved through meditation, trance, or other practices to facilitate channeling.
Meditation is a mental practice that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to achieve a state of calmness, concentration, and heightened awareness. This practice is often linked to various religious and spiritual traditions, serving as a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and achieving deeper states of consciousness.
Mindfulness: A practice that involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.
Zen: A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation as a means to attain enlightenment and a deep understanding of the nature of existence.
Samadhi: A state of intense concentration achieved through meditation, often considered a step towards achieving enlightenment in various spiritual traditions.
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India, primarily associated with Hinduism. It encompasses various disciplines that include postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, aiming to unite the mind, body, and spirit. Throughout history, yoga has evolved, influencing and being influenced by religious and philosophical ideas, which makes it a significant aspect of both Hindu practices and contemporary spiritual movements.
Asana: The physical postures practiced in yoga that help improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
Meditation: A mental practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a state of calm and clarity, often an essential component of yoga.
Bhakti: A devotional practice in Hinduism that emphasizes love and devotion towards a personal god, often integrated into yogic practices.
Alternative therapies refer to a range of healing practices that fall outside of conventional Western medicine. These therapies often include holistic approaches, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the importance of lifestyle factors in health. They are frequently associated with New Age and alternative spiritualities, as they often draw on ancient traditions and practices that promote spiritual well-being alongside physical health.
Complementary Medicine: Practices that are used alongside traditional medical treatments to enhance their effectiveness or alleviate symptoms.
Holistic Health: An approach to health that considers the whole person, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors, rather than just the absence of disease.
Mindfulness: A mental practice focusing on being present in the moment, which can be utilized in various alternative therapies to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
Crystals are solid materials whose atoms are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern, creating a structured form. In the context of New Age and alternative spiritualities, crystals are believed to hold specific energies and properties that can influence physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, often utilized in practices such as healing, meditation, and energy work.
Chakras: Energy centers in the body that are believed to correspond to different physical, emotional, and spiritual states, often associated with specific crystals for balancing and healing.
Crystal Healing: A holistic healing practice that uses crystals to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing by placing them on or around the body.
Geodes: Rock formations that contain a cavity lined with crystals, often valued for their beauty and believed energetic properties in spiritual practices.
Tarot cards are a set of 78 cards used for divination, self-reflection, and insight into the future. They consist of two main sections: the Major Arcana, which represents significant life themes, and the Minor Arcana, which covers everyday events. These cards are often used in New Age practices as tools for guidance and understanding one's spiritual journey.
divination: The practice of seeking knowledge or insight into the future or the unknown through various methods, including tarot cards.
Major Arcana: The 22 cards in a tarot deck that represent major life events, spiritual lessons, and significant archetypes.
Minor Arcana: The 56 cards in a tarot deck that focus on daily events and experiences, divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural fragrance and beneficial properties of the plant. They are used in various practices, including aromatherapy, holistic healing, and spiritual rituals, serving as tools for enhancing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Aromatherapy: A therapeutic practice that uses essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being through inhalation or topical application.
Holistic Healing: An approach to health that considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—encouraging balance and wellness through natural remedies, including essential oils.
Botanical Extracts: Substances obtained from plants through extraction processes, including essential oils, which retain the plant's aromatic and therapeutic properties.
Spiritual evolution refers to the belief that individuals can progress in their spiritual development over time, often through experiences, learning, and personal growth. This concept is integral to New Age and alternative spiritualities, where it emphasizes the journey toward higher states of consciousness, self-awareness, and ultimately, enlightenment or unity with the universe.
Ascension: The process of rising to a higher spiritual plane or state of consciousness, often associated with personal transformation and spiritual awakening.
Kundalini: A form of primal energy believed to reside at the base of the spine, which can be awakened and lead to heightened spiritual awareness and enlightenment.
Chakras: Energy centers within the body that are believed to influence physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being; aligning and balancing these centers is considered crucial for spiritual evolution.
Karma is a concept found in several Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, referring to the moral law of cause and effect, where a person's actions influence their future experiences. This principle connects individual choices with their consequences, both in this life and in subsequent lives, shaping one's destiny through a cycle of actions and reactions.
Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that individuals go through, which is influenced by karma.
Dharma: The moral duty or righteousness that an individual must follow, often influencing their karma based on whether they fulfill or neglect these duties.
Nirvana: A state of liberation from the cycle of samsara and the associated suffering, achievable through the right understanding of karma and ethical living.
Automatic writing is a practice where a person writes without consciously controlling their hand, often believed to be influenced by spiritual or subconscious forces. This technique is associated with the New Age and alternative spiritualities movement, as it is seen as a way to access higher states of consciousness, connect with spirits, or tap into creative energies. The writings produced can range from personal insights to messages from other realms, reflecting the individual's inner thoughts or external influences.
Channeling: A practice where individuals purportedly communicate messages from spiritual entities or higher beings through mediums or psychics.
Spirit Writing: A form of automatic writing specifically aimed at receiving messages from deceased individuals or spiritual guides.
Lucid Dreaming: A state of consciousness where a person is aware they are dreaming and can exert control over the dream narrative, often linked to exploring subconscious thoughts.
Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves focusing one's attention on the present moment, becoming aware of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. This technique promotes greater self-awareness and emotional regulation, making it popular in various spiritual and psychological contexts, including New Age and alternative spiritualities, where it serves as a method for personal growth and inner peace.
Zen Buddhism: A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the practice of meditation and mindfulness as a path to enlightenment.
Transcendental Meditation: A form of silent mantra meditation that aims to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Chakra Healing: An alternative healing practice focused on balancing the body's energy centers (chakras) through meditation and other techniques.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple, natural technique for settling the mind into a state of profound rest and relaxation while promoting inner peace and clarity. Developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s, this practice involves the use of a mantra and is practiced for 20 minutes twice a day, aiming to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. TM connects to the broader movement of New Age and alternative spiritualities by emphasizing personal transformation, self-discovery, and the integration of Eastern spiritual practices into Western lifestyles.
Mantra: A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation, serving as a focal point for practitioners during Transcendental Meditation.
Mindfulness: A practice rooted in Buddhist traditions that involves maintaining awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment without judgment.
New Age Movement: A spiritual movement that emerged in the late 20th century, incorporating elements from various spiritual traditions and emphasizing personal growth, holistic health, and environmental consciousness.
Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that emphasizes physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. It serves as a foundational practice for many other forms of yoga and is often associated with the New Age movement due to its focus on holistic health and spiritual growth.
Asanas: The physical postures practiced in yoga that enhance flexibility, strength, and balance.
Pranayama: The practice of breath control in yoga, aimed at improving the flow of vital energy (prana) within the body.
Mindfulness: A mental practice that involves being fully present and engaged in the moment, often cultivated through meditation and yoga practices.
Kundalini yoga is a spiritual and physical practice rooted in ancient Indian traditions, aimed at awakening the dormant spiritual energy believed to reside at the base of the spine. It combines dynamic movement, breath control (pranayama), meditation, and chanting to facilitate the rise of this energy through the chakras, leading to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. This practice has gained prominence in New Age and alternative spiritual movements, emphasizing personal transformation and holistic well-being.
Chakras: Energy centers within the body that are believed to correspond to different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person.
Pranayama: A set of breathing techniques used in yoga to control the flow of prana (life energy) within the body.
Meditation: A mental practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a state of relaxation, clarity, and heightened awareness.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. This technique is rooted in the concept of qi (or chi), which is believed to flow through pathways in the body called meridians, influencing physical and emotional health. The practice is often associated with holistic approaches to wellness, aligning with various New Age and alternative spiritual beliefs that emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
qi: Qi refers to the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed that a balanced flow of qi is essential for good health.
meridian: Meridians are the pathways in the body through which qi flows. Acupuncture targets specific points along these meridians to restore balance and promote healing.
holistic health: Holistic health is an approach to wellness that considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rather than just focusing on individual symptoms or diseases.
Herbal medicine refers to the use of plants and plant extracts for therapeutic purposes, often as an alternative or complementary approach to conventional medicine. This practice draws on centuries of traditional knowledge and beliefs, integrating various cultural practices and natural remedies to promote healing and well-being.
phytotherapy: The use of plant-derived medications to treat various health conditions, emphasizing the therapeutic properties of herbs and their extracts.
holistic health: An approach to health care that considers the whole person—body, mind, spirit, and emotions—in the pursuit of optimal health and wellness.
traditional Chinese medicine: An ancient system of medicine that incorporates herbal remedies, acupuncture, and other practices to maintain health and treat illness based on the concept of balance within the body.
Energy healing is a holistic practice that aims to balance and restore the body's energy fields, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It operates on the belief that disruptions or imbalances in the body's energy can lead to illness or discomfort, and practitioners use various techniques to channel healing energy into the individual, enhancing their natural healing abilities.
Chakras: Energy centers in the body that are believed to correspond to different physical and emotional functions, often associated with energy healing practices.
Reiki: A form of energy healing that involves the practitioner channeling universal life energy into the patient through light touch or no touch.
Aura: An electromagnetic field surrounding a person or object, which is often interpreted by energy healers to assess emotional and physical health.
Reiki is a form of alternative healing that originated in Japan, focusing on the channeling of universal life energy to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Practitioners use a hands-on or distance approach to transfer this energy to others, aiming to restore balance and harmony within the body. This practice is a significant aspect of New Age and alternative spiritualities, emphasizing holistic well-being and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Chi: An essential concept in many Eastern philosophies, referring to the vital life force or energy that flows through all living things.
Chakra: Energy centers in the body, according to various spiritual traditions, that influence physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Alternative Medicine: A broad range of practices that fall outside conventional medical treatments, including practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Reiki.
Therapeutic touch is a holistic healing practice that involves the use of hands to promote healing and balance in an individual’s energy field. Practitioners believe that by gently placing their hands on or near a person's body, they can sense and manipulate the energy flow, helping to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. This practice is closely tied to beliefs in energy fields and healing energies prevalent in many New Age and alternative spiritualities.
Energy Healing: A holistic approach that focuses on the energy fields surrounding the body, where practitioners use various techniques to restore balance and promote healing.
Chakras: Energy centers within the body, according to various spiritual traditions, that are believed to influence physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Biofield: The energetic field surrounding living organisms, which is thought to interact with physical health and well-being.
Crystal healing is a holistic practice that utilizes the vibrational energy of crystals and gemstones to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. This practice is rooted in New Age beliefs, emphasizing the idea that crystals can influence the energy fields within and around the body, helping to restore balance and harmony in various aspects of life.
Chakras: Energy centers in the body that are believed to correspond to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual states.
Auras: The subtle energy field surrounding a person, thought to reflect their emotional and physical health.
Metaphysics: A branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts such as being, existence, and the universe.
Tarot readings involve the use of a deck of tarot cards to gain insight into various aspects of life, including personal situations, relationships, and future possibilities. This practice is often associated with New Age and alternative spiritualities, where individuals seek guidance and understanding through the symbolic meanings of the cards drawn in a reading. Tarot readings blend intuition and interpretation, providing a way for individuals to connect with their inner selves and explore potential outcomes.
Tarot Deck: A set of cards typically consisting of 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, each representing different themes, archetypes, and aspects of life.
Intuition: The ability to understand something instinctively without the need for conscious reasoning, often used by readers to interpret the meanings of tarot cards.
New Age Spirituality: A broad movement that embraces alternative spiritual practices and beliefs, often incorporating elements from various religious traditions, including tarot readings as a means of personal exploration.
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice that uses essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical and emotional well-being. It is often associated with New Age and alternative spiritualities, as it emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Practitioners believe that different scents can influence mood and health, making aromatherapy a popular complementary therapy in various wellness and healing practices.
Essential Oils: Highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural scent and properties of the plant, often used in aromatherapy for therapeutic benefits.
Holistic Healing: An approach to health care that considers the whole person—body, mind, spirit, and emotions—in the quest for optimal health and wellness.
New Age Spirituality: A broad spiritual movement that encompasses various beliefs and practices focused on personal transformation, healing, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Energy work is a practice that involves manipulating and channeling life force energy to promote healing, balance, and spiritual growth. It is rooted in various spiritual traditions and alternative healing modalities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Practitioners believe that by working with energy fields, individuals can clear blockages, restore harmony, and enhance overall well-being.
Chakras: Chakras are energy centers within the body that correspond to different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person's life. They are believed to influence health and vitality.
Reiki: Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan, where practitioners use gentle touch or hands-off techniques to channel healing energy into a client to promote relaxation and healing.
Aura: An aura is the subtle energy field that surrounds a person, reflecting their emotional and spiritual state. It is often perceived as colored light by those who are sensitive to energy.
Aura cleansing is a practice aimed at removing negative energies or blockages from a person's energy field, also known as the aura. This process is often associated with New Age and alternative spiritualities, where practitioners believe that maintaining a clear and balanced aura is essential for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Techniques for aura cleansing can include meditation, visualization, sound therapy, or the use of crystals, all intended to restore harmony and vitality.
Chakras: Energy centers in the body that are believed to influence physical, emotional, and spiritual health, often aligned along the spine.
Energy Healing: A holistic practice that seeks to balance and restore the body's energy system using various techniques like Reiki, acupuncture, or crystal healing.
Meditation: A mental practice used to focus the mind and promote relaxation, often utilized in aura cleansing to enhance self-awareness and energy balance.
Chakra balancing is a holistic practice aimed at restoring harmony and alignment to the body's energy centers, known as chakras. Each chakra is associated with specific physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, and an imbalance can lead to various issues. In the realm of alternative spiritualities, chakra balancing is often used as a method to promote healing, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Chakras: Energy centers in the body that correspond to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual states, typically numbered from one to seven.
Energy Healing: A holistic approach that uses various techniques to manipulate the body's energy fields for healing purposes.
Meditation: A practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a state of mental clarity and emotional calm, often used in conjunction with chakra balancing.
Smudging is a ritual practice of burning herbs, typically sage, to cleanse a space, object, or person of negative energy and to promote healing and positivity. This practice is rooted in various Indigenous cultures and has been adopted by many New Age and alternative spirituality movements, symbolizing the purification of the environment and the enhancement of spiritual awareness.
sage: A common herb used in smudging ceremonies, known for its cleansing properties and ability to purify spaces.
spiritual cleansing: A broader term that encompasses various practices aimed at removing negative energy or influences from a person or environment.
incense: A substance that releases fragrant smoke when burned, often used in spiritual practices for purification and meditation.