Is modern Paganism part of the New Age movement?
The term “New Age” is used in many varying ways to cover a wide range of spiritual practices, new religions, and philosophies. In the regard to a new movement toward a renewed respect and care for the Earth and environment; an increased awareness of ones psychic skills, yes. However, that is where the similarity ends. That vast compendium of the New Age, The Aquarian Conspiracy, by Marilyn Ferguson, (1980), lists hundreds of “New Age” organizations and there is not a single Pagan group among them. The New Age community derives much of its inspiration from Eastern mystical traditions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism which place a great emphasis on aestheticism, celibacy, monastic living, meditation and a rejection of materiality. Pagans tend to derive their inspiration from Western customs, folklore, mythology and traditions. While the New Age community often seeks purpose and direction from “above,” that is, Ascended Masters and the world of Spirit, Pagans tend to find their inspiration
