New Age Concepts

The New Age Movement became known during 1960s, and it continues to evolve as believers of traditional religions incorporate some of its concepts into their own faiths. A New Age concept can be as simple as "going green" through an ecological epiphany, or can include more complex concepts that embrace the idea of karma, reincarnation or astrology.

Some of the most common New Age concepts include the following:

Astrology: Who hasn't taken a minute to read their daily horoscope in a newspaper? As a New Age concept, this one is written in the stars. Skilled astrologists attempt to find meaning for people when given their birth time, date and specific location. Called the "Mother of all Sciences," astrology is closer to metaphysics because it is not the study of the physical body, but of what goes beyond it.

Body aura: This concept holds that everyone has an aura or energy field around their body. Only a few gifted people has the ability to detect and interpret other people's aura. If you want to know the state of your mind or the health of your spirit, find an aura reader; however, be aware that they usually charge a fee for this service.

Karmic actions: Also linked to the concept of reincarnation, karmic actions means that when we die, we will be either rewarded or punished according to the good or bad karma we created during our lifetime. These actions will follow us into our next life cycle or reincarnation. The New Age concept of reincarnation believes that everyone can return to live another human life cycle, which can be repeated again and again.

Psychic ability: Many New Agers believe everyone has some type of psychic ability. Have you ever had a premonition, unusual dream, or deja vu sensation that you couldn't explain? Your answer is probably "yes," because almost everyone has experienced some type of psychic phenomenon that they cannot explain. Some people in the New Age Movement learn to develop their own psychic abilities by first understanding what they are, and then by learning how to use them.

Seven Chakras: This New Age concept explains that everyone has seven major energy centers that flow from the base of your spine to the top of your head and all of them affect your physical health. Colored crystals are able to affect these seven Chakras. As an example, the heart Chakra is the center source for feelings of love, either personal or for others. Radiant energy from a rose quartz will open your heart Chakra and breaks up any negative emotions while enhancing your feelings of love, happiness and joy. When this happens, your heart Chakra is brought back into balance.

Finding physical balance, spiritual inner peace and positive personal growth are important goals for anyone who seeks answers through New Age concepts.