For this article, let’s step a little away from traditional magic while staying within esotericism to address a topic that regularly sparks much debate: New Age. A simple contemporary cult for some, a melting pot of appropriations for others, it unfortunately serves as a justification for certain excesses. Explanations.
1. Context and objective
Even though at Aeternum, we strive to primarily transmit traditional magical knowledge, it is not a question here of saying that New Age is entirely harmful (it actually promotes some commendable values like personal development and well-being). But the goal is to present it in detail. Precisely to help you avoid falling into the traps that justify certain indoctrinations under the guise of New Age, which unfortunately are common today, on the internet and in some esoteric fairs.
2. So, what is New Age?
New Age is a spiritual movement that appeared in the 20th century, especially in the 1970s initially in the United States. It is distinguished by an eclectic and personal approach to spirituality, mixing different practices and beliefs from Eastern traditions, Western esotericism, humanistic psychology, and even alternative sciences.
2.1. From From Theosophy to New Thought
Its origins would come from older currents such as Theosophy, founded by Helena Blavatsky at the end of the 19th century, which introduced Eastern concepts such as karma and reincarnation to the West.
This movement is also directly inspired by New Thought, which appeared in the United States in the second half of the 19th century, advocating the idea that illnesses are often caused by erroneous beliefs and that positive thinking can promote healing. In the 1960s and 1970s, New Age gained popularity, notably thanks to the book The Aquarian Conspiracy by Marilyn Ferguson, published in 1980, which presents New Age as a new cultural paradigm.
2.2. Against a background of cultural syncretism
In its principles, New Age values a syncretic approach (where spiritual elements are merged without any single doctrine dominating). It also encourages personal development focused on individual fulfillment through practices like meditation and yoga, often with a holistic dimension that sees the universe as an interconnected whole. New Age beliefs also include the idea of subtle energies influencing health and well-being, addressed through energy healing techniques and the use of crystals.
However, the New Age differs from traditional esoteric practices by its lack of grounding in structured belief systems and rituals passed down initiatically. Where esoteric traditions seek to respect original teachings and rituals, the New Age offers a freer and more personalized approach to spirituality. This freedom, while appealing, can sometimes lead to a superficial appropriation of ancestral practices, without a deep understanding of their historical and cultural context.
3. The biases of cultural appropriation
In the New Age movement, the appropriation of ancient spiritual practices is often approached in a simplified, even distorted way. This movement draws from a wide variety of traditions — shamanic, meditative, or indigenous beliefs — but isolates them from their original cultural and spiritual context. By extracting practices like shamanic rituals or meditation from their roots, the New Age tends to minimize their depth, reducing them to wellness or personal development techniques disconnected from their initial meaning.
A major danger of this appropriation lies in the excessive commercialization that results. By turning sacred practices into consumer products, the New Age risks trivializing cultural elements, often without consulting or respecting the originating communities.
In an era where information is accessible and numerous books are available, the first reflex is to study these traditions with an informed and humble approach. Understanding these practices in their entirety requires patient learning and recognition of the contexts from which they originate.
4. The risks of alternative medicines
The New Age challenges what is called scientific positivism, which is based on the idea that only knowledge obtained through observation and experimentation is valid. New Age followers believe this approach neglects the spiritual and subjective dimensions of existence. According to Romy Sauvayre, sociologist of science and beliefs, « health, well-being, and ecological concerns are the new entry points of New Age thought».
The New Age promotes practices such as naturopathy, homeopathy, or quantum medicine. These approaches are presented as more natural or holistic, but they may lack rigorous scientific validation. Notably, "quantum medicine" claims to heal through "electromagnetic waves emitted by the body," a claim without solid scientific basis.
Another practice is strongly contested: lithotherapy, a practice that attributes therapeutic virtues to minerals, claiming to improve physical and mental well-being. Supporters of lithotherapy assert that stones emit vibrations or energies capable of positively influencing the human body. It is clear that crystals have some power over their environment, but it is necessary to study them, know the correspondence tables, and read recognized authors to understand that they are a complement and not an end in themselves. On our online esoteric shop, we indicate the virtues of stones from a traditional and magical perspective, but they in no way replace an appointment with a health professional.
Again, the point is not to say they have no place, but that replacing medical treatments or consultations with alternative medicine poses a real health risk.
5. New Age and sectarian abuses
Unfortunately, the New Age is a particularly fertile ground for indoctrination and sectarian abuses. One of the main reasons is the lack of organized structure and unified doctrine, which allows individuals or groups to claim its values without real supervision or regulation. This freedom of interpretation creates practices that can easily slide into psychological control, especially when vulnerable people seek answers or solutions to their personal or existential difficulties.
Sectarian abuses in the New Age often emerge around the attraction to charismatic figures who present themselves as spiritual guides or healers. These leaders, who claim to have extraordinary abilities or superior knowledge, attract followers seeking personal development, healing, or "spiritual truth." However, once involved in this type of group, some followers gradually become isolated from their surroundings and dependent on the precepts or products offered by the leader. This dependence is reinforced by psychological influence techniques aimed at cutting family or social ties in favor of exclusive loyalty to the group or leader.
Another aspect of New Age that fosters these abuses is the adherence to beliefs in alternative health practices, often presented as "soul medicines" or holistic remedies superior to conventional medicine. Some groups encourage their followers to abandon traditional medical treatments, claiming that the spiritual or energetic practices they offer will be enough to cure diseases. This can be particularly dangerous, as individuals may then forgo crucial medical care, putting their health, or even their lives, at risk.
The Interministerial Mission for Vigilance and the Fight Against Sectarian Abuses (MIVILUDES) has also noted that promises of spiritual well-being and emotional or physical healing, often costly, can lead to financial abuse. By exploiting individuals' search for meaning, some New Age groups demand high financial contributions for sessions, products, workshops, or spiritual training without solid foundations. This financial manipulation is reinforced by a form of guilt or implicit threat: followers are encouraged to believe that without these investments, their spiritual journey or healing could be compromised.
6. Beware of influencers and training programs
With the undeniable influence of social media today, a new category of players is becoming more important every day: influencers. While the majority work hard for their community, others try to take advantage. This has been seen in sales of counterfeits, cryptocurrency, medicine... and wellness. This field has seen the emergence of a thriving industry of training, workshops, and retreats aimed at promoting personal healing, relaxation, or spiritual growth. Although these offers can bring tangible benefits and are entirely respectful, they are also associated with certain abuses. In particular, the often very high fees charged by coaches, "spiritual masters," or "shaman 2.0" for services such as meditation training, personal development workshops, or retreats in nature can raise questions about the ethics and transparency of this market.
These programs, which can range from simple workshops lasting a few hours to immersions of several weeks, are sold as "transformative" or "revealing" experiences meant to unlock traumas, improve self-confidence, or open the door to a new spiritual dimension. However, behind these enticing promises, some practices raise concerns. The prices of these courses or retreats can be exorbitant, and some wellness professionals justify these high costs by their (supposed) expertise, patented techniques, or exclusive locations, without providing concrete proof of the effectiveness of their methods. Sometimes, participants, attracted by testimonials or recommendations on social media, only realize the oppressive financial aspect once they are already engaged in the process.
This dynamic also relies on very advanced marketing methods, playing on the emotions and vulnerabilities of people seeking well-being. Many wellness professionals promote promises of personal fulfillment, supported by success stories. They reinforce this approach with campaigns often targeting people searching for meaning or healing, offering multi-level paths with increasing prices. This "commitment escalation" often encourages participants to invest more and more, fearing they might miss a crucial step for their progress.
Some people find themselves financially and emotionally trapped, feeling implicit pressure to follow the successive steps of courses or retreats. In extreme cases, followers become dependent on these "growth programs" to feel accomplished or to manage aspects of their personal lives.
7. And what about witchcraft in all this?
Witchcraft and the "modern witches" movement are experiencing growing popularity, especially on social media, where they captivate many followers with promises of empowerment, healing, and spiritual connection. This phenomenon, while sincere and valuable, is unfortunately also accompanied by commercial abuses, exploiting our esoteric and magical heritage.
Thus, what can be called "New Age witchcraft" is often characterized by a simplified and widely accessible approach to magic, mixing elements from various spiritual and esoteric traditions, such as paganism, Wicca, lithotherapy, and other practices. In cases where this approach is carried out with authenticity, it can truly help individuals explore their spirituality in a personal, creative, and powerful way. However, some figures in the modern witch movement primarily turn it into a consumer product. Magic, once practiced in sacred contexts and with deep knowledge, is often reduced to a series of recipes or rituals accessible through online courses, subscriptions, or esoteric products presented as essential.
An example? The spelljar, this witch bottle traditionally used precisely in a very specific magical work, is often reduced to a very Instagrammable bottle, made of rather classic ingredients and sometimes sold at a high price without any details on the ritual applied during its assembly (if there was one at all). For the record, real spelljars were made of herbs, crystals, powders, urine, nails, and other bodily fluids. So, as beautiful as it may be, a spelljar made without any ritual or intention will be useless to you (this applies to all magical preparations).
The marketing surrounding this movement amplifies magic in a way that attracts a wide audience seeking spiritual guidance and personal development. Many products and services are sold under the pretext that they will bring immediate benefits, protection, or profound transformations, such as consultations, tarot readings, or personalized spells at high prices, relying on a mystical image and emphasizing special effects during rituals. In some cases, it is just smoke and mirrors: promises of magical or spiritual results are made to clients who end up disappointed by minimal or even nonexistent effects.
One essential thing to know for anyone interested in magic or witchcraft: yes, it exists around us, but it is demanding and requires work and rigor, whether it is a gift or not. There is a huge heritage of magical knowledge that unfortunately is gradually falling into disuse, keeping only what "sells": alchemical theories, esoteric currents, cultural rites, or even contributions from figures who shaped esotericism.
That is why our Aeternum magical oils have been blended according to a traditional recipe, respecting both the favorable planetary hour and also during a ritual within a traditional magical circle. Moreover, we strive to offer you only products from genuine practitioners or mages. Certainly, some products may not be the most aesthetic, but they will be the most effective in rituals.
8. How to detect spiritual drift?
Rest assured, most of the time you will meet passionate, talented, respectful people who have made it their mission to transmit or revive the magical knowledge of our ancestors, such as translating ancient texts, studying peoples, or republishing foundational works.
But you must also guard against attempts at sectarian drift, mainly in the form of training courses:
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One of the first signs of spiritual drift is the presence of manipulative or guilt-inducing speech. If a teacher, group, or practitioner claims that you can only progress spiritually by following their specific methods, this may be a sign of manipulation. Unscrupulous individuals or groups often insist that you have a "problem" that can only be solved with their help. This speech plays on guilt and fear, making it difficult to distance yourself.
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Spirituality offers emotional and psychological benefits, but it does not solve all problems in the blink of an eye. If a group or practitioner promises miraculous solutions, it is essential to remain cautious. Promises of quick and perfect results are often a trap. True spiritual practices require time, patience, and deep personal commitment.
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If prices for training, workshops, or spiritual products are opaque or gradually increase with additional modules deemed “essential,” this may indicate a more commercial than spiritual approach. Moreover, practices that encourage you to keep spending to reach new “levels” or “initiations” may hide unethical financial intentions. Conversely, very large discounts like -50% should also raise a red flag.
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A good indicator of spiritual drift is how the group or practitioner reacts to criticism or questions. A healthy environment welcomes skeptics and questions as opportunities to clarify and reassure. On the other hand, if you are discouraged from asking questions or if skeptics are seen as enemies or “negative” people, it may mean the group or practitioner does not tolerate questioning.
Here is a short list of points to watch out for that can protect you from losing money at best, or at worst from indoctrination.
9. So, is New Age bad?
So no, New Age is not inherently bad in itself; it is above all a spiritual movement that seeks to restore meaning and well-being in a society where many feel disconnected. Its approach can open the way to personal discoveries and encourage the exploration of other cultures, philosophies, and personal development methods. Many find in New Age practices that help them better manage stress, explore their creative potential, or connect more deeply with themselves and the world without any risk.
Keep a critical mind, compare information, but above all: learn from the ancients! Build yourself a library of works by great names, learn the rules and theories, and research traditions and rituals from around the world. Knowledge is the tool that will allow you to harness your abilities and achieve your goals. Shamanism, Buddhism, voodoo, santeria, candomblé, and many others are rich and fascinating! Once again, magic exists: it’s up to you to tame it.
