New Age

New Age refers to a variety of spiritual or religious practices that emerged in Western society in the early 1970s. Its eclectic nature makes it hard to define. While scholars view it as a religious movement, participants often see it as a spiritual path, rarely using the term "New Age" themselves. It draws on esoteric traditions like occultism, Spiritualism, and Theosophy, stemming from mid-20th-century influences such as UFO religions and the Human Potential Movement. 

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The New Age emphasizes a holistic divinity, the spiritual authority of the self, and the communication with semi-divine entities like angels. Believers often view history as divided into spiritual ages, anticipating an upcoming Age of Aquarius characterized by healing and the integration of science and spirituality. Commitment levels among adherents vary widely. The movement has faced criticism from various religious communities and has been the subject of academic research since the 1990s.