What is "New Age"?

Originally the moniker "New Age" came about due to the belief that the "Age of Aquarius" (the reference to the astrological sign and constellation formation) would be one that brought a spiritual revolution to humanity. Presently it has become a general term to describe an assortment of beliefs and practices that lie somewhere between religion and the occult. Often preferring terms such as "metaphysical" or simply "spiritual", the New Age movement is impossible to describe in general terms as its makeup is very diverse. Some commonalities can be found though.

Statistics

While most Americans do not identify as "New Age", the most recent statistics support that one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States is those that do not claim any religious affiliation yet maintain belief in some aspect of spiritualism.

“Millenial nones are not abandoning organized religion to become secular, science-loving humanists. Rather, they are turning toward more individual forms of spiritualism, including yoga, meditation, healing stones, Wiccan spell casting, and astrology.” (L.A. Times)

Pew Research finds that, “...roughly six-in-ten American adults accept at least one of these New Age beliefs. Specifically, four in ten believe in psychics and that spiritual energy can be found in physical objects, while somewhat smaller shares express belief in reincarnation (33%) and astrology (29%)

Common Teachings & Beliefs

• Eastern Influence
  • When exploring the New Age movement it is impossible to ignore the influence Eastern thought has had on it. Most notably the common belief in karma and reincarnation among those within the metaphysical movement owes its origin to the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism. It is common to find Hindu idols and images of Siddhartha Gautama and other Buddhas in New Age shops. This is largely due to the prevailing themes of Eastern religions which are ultimately monistic, supposing a unity of all things and people.  
• Relativism
  • Morality within the New Age/Metaphysical movement can largely be described as relativistic. The rejection of an objective system of morality stems from the rejection of any "metanarrative" such as religion, instead preferring to leave the determination of truth up to the individual.
• Individualism
  • While much of the New Age/Metaphysical movement emphasizes community and unity, it is a hyper-individualized belief system that prioritizes the individual will. 

Common Practices

• Crystals
  • Precious stones and gems are often found as part of metaphysical spiritualism. Crystals are believed to have energies or vibrations that can aid in various ways. Similar beliefs can be found among those who utilize sounds in their spiritual practices. The belief that particular frequencies of vibrations can affect the human body and spirit in different ways may have stemmed from ancient Buddhist teachings on the impermanence (continual movement and vibrations) of all things.
• Astrology
  • The interpreting of astrological formations is not only common among the metaphysical movement, but it is also rapidly growing in popularity.
• Yoga
  • The Eastern influence on the modern New Age movement is found once again in the popularity of yoga among its practitioners. Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice meant to promote "oneness" with one's self and with deity.
• Tarot Readings
  • The use of various forms of divination is popular in the metaphysical movement, Tarot Cards perhaps being the most common. The line between what is "New Age" and "Spiritual" and what is Occult is often a fine line. The difference typically lies in the occult being a more open appeal to the spiritual world.