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| Format: | Recurso digital |
| Language: | English |
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Zenodo
2014
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17675200 |
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| _version_ | 1866901649459511296 |
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| author | Aelion Kannon |
| author_facet | Aelion Kannon |
| contents | <p>This paper provides a structured overview of the historical, philosophical, and esoteric currents that shaped the modern New Age movement. Beginning with early occult revivalists and Theosophical thinkers, the study traces how metaphysical ideas, mystery school traditions, and alternative spiritualities converged into what became known as the “New Age.” Through analysis of primary sources and secondary scholarship, the paper contrasts two interpretive frameworks: the <em>Tree of Life</em> perspective, which views New Age spirituality as a perennial search for higher understanding, and the <em>Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil</em> framework, which critiques the movement as deceptive or spiritually destabilizing. The study examines the influence of Theosophy, esoteric Christianity, Eastern spiritual imports, and contemporary channeled teachings, evaluating how each contributed to the movement’s syncretic identity. It concludes by reflecting on whether the New Age represents a continuation of ancient wisdom traditions or a modern reframing shaped by cultural anxieties, religious innovation, and shifting spiritual authority.</p> |
| format | Recurso digital |
| id | zenodo_https___doi_org_10_5281_zenodo_17675200 |
| institution | Zenodo |
| language | eng |
| publishDate | 2014 |
| publisher | Zenodo |
| record_format | zenodo |
| spellingShingle | A Brief History of the New Age: Tree of Life or Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? Aelion Kannon New Age Esotericism Theosophy Occultism Alternative Religion Western Esotericism Mystery Schools Comparative Religion Modern Spirituality Religious Studies <p>This paper provides a structured overview of the historical, philosophical, and esoteric currents that shaped the modern New Age movement. Beginning with early occult revivalists and Theosophical thinkers, the study traces how metaphysical ideas, mystery school traditions, and alternative spiritualities converged into what became known as the “New Age.” Through analysis of primary sources and secondary scholarship, the paper contrasts two interpretive frameworks: the <em>Tree of Life</em> perspective, which views New Age spirituality as a perennial search for higher understanding, and the <em>Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil</em> framework, which critiques the movement as deceptive or spiritually destabilizing. The study examines the influence of Theosophy, esoteric Christianity, Eastern spiritual imports, and contemporary channeled teachings, evaluating how each contributed to the movement’s syncretic identity. It concludes by reflecting on whether the New Age represents a continuation of ancient wisdom traditions or a modern reframing shaped by cultural anxieties, religious innovation, and shifting spiritual authority.</p> |
| title | A Brief History of the New Age: Tree of Life or Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? |
| topic | New Age Esotericism Theosophy Occultism Alternative Religion Western Esotericism Mystery Schools Comparative Religion Modern Spirituality Religious Studies |
| url | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17675200 |