The New Age Movement and Its “Woowoo”: A Pastoral Perspective on Healing, Faith, and the Journey to Wholeness

In the 2020s, the New Age movement is a cultural force many people encounter—especially those seeking healing, spiritual awakening, or simply a healthier version of themselves. Yet, the movement is often dismissed as “woowoo,” an umbrella term used to describe practices that seem far-fetched or mystical. From crystals and tarot to energy healing and mindfulness meditation, the New Age movement covers a wide spectrum of beliefs and practices. Some find peace and purpose in these methods, while others are skeptical or concerned about the implications.

I value inclusivity and deeply respects the journeys people take to find healing, I think it's important to examine this phenomenon with an open heart and mind. We must ask: What is the New Age movement today? Who is drawn to it, and why? And, critically, is it dangerous or beneficial? How can we critically evaluate these practices to choose those that align with our values and promote real health and well-being?

I’d like to dive into these questions with a bit of humor and warmth (because we all need that sometimes) while also offering compassionate guidance to anyone navigating this complex landscape. We’ll explore the New Age movement in a way that is understanding and inclusive, yet rooted in critical thinking. If you’re involved in New Age practices or just curious, this blog post is for you. And as always, if you’re looking for support, I’m here as a resource.

What is the New Age Movement in the 2020s?

The New Age movement is not new. In fact, it has its roots in the counterculture movements of the 1960s and ’70s. However, the movement has evolved significantly, especially in the last few decades. Today, it’s a blend of spiritual, psychological, and self-help philosophies that draw on a variety of traditions, including Eastern spirituality (like Hinduism and Buddhism), Western esotericism, psychology, and even quantum physics. The New Age movement is characterized by an emphasis on personal growth, self-discovery, and holistic healing.

It’s important to understand that this is a decentralized movement with no single doctrine or authority. As a result, you’ll find a wide variety of practices and beliefs within the New Age community, from astrology and energy healing to mindfulness and plant medicine. The core idea, however, is that individuals can access a higher level of consciousness or spiritual awareness that leads to healing, enlightenment, and a deeper understanding of the universe.

Who Is Drawn to the New Age Movement?

In my pastoral counseling practice, I’ve noticed that many people drawn to the New Age movement are seekers. They are often individuals who are dissatisfied with traditional religious frameworks or who feel that conventional approaches to mental health and well-being aren’t enough for their needs. Many are looking for alternative ways to heal from trauma, manage stress, and find deeper meaning in life.

The movement particularly appeals to people who are:

• Experiencing life transitions (divorce, loss, career change)

• Healing from trauma or emotional pain

• Seeking spiritual growth or enlightenment

• Looking for holistic approaches to health (combining mind, body, and spirit)

• Feeling disillusioned with organized religion or traditional therapies

• Wanting community and connection in a world that often feels isolating

  
  

There’s also a significant demographic of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR). For these individuals, the New Age movement provides a flexible, non-dogmatic space to explore their spirituality without the constraints of traditional religious structures.

Why the Attraction to New Age Practices?

Why do so many people turn to New Age practices? The reasons are as varied as the people themselves, but a few key factors stand out:

1. Holistic Healing: Many feel that conventional medicine and psychotherapy focus too much on symptoms rather than the whole person. New Age practices promise to heal mind, body, and spirit, offering a more integrative approach to wellness.

2. Empowerment: The New Age movement often emphasizes personal empowerment and the idea that individuals can take control of their healing and spiritual growth. This can be incredibly appealing to those who have felt powerless in traditional settings.

3. Mystery and Wonder: Let’s be honest—there’s something fun and exciting about crystals, tarot cards, and astrology. For some, these practices offer a sense of magic and wonder that is often missing from day-to-day life.

4. Community: Many people find a sense of belonging and support in New Age communities. Whether through meditation groups, retreats, or online forums, these spaces can provide much-needed connection in a lonely world.

5. Trauma Recovery: Those who have experienced trauma often seek out alternative healing methods when conventional approaches fail them. Practices like reiki, breathwork, and even plant medicine are often viewed as complementary therapies that can address trauma in ways that traditional talk therapy may not.

Is the New Age Movement Dangerous?

Now, let’s get to the question many are wondering about: Is the New Age movement dangerous?

The answer is… it depends. Like anything, New Age practices can be harmful or helpful depending on how they’re used, the intentions behind them, and whether they are practiced in moderation and balance.

Potential Risks:

1. Avoidance of Professional Help: One of the primary concerns is when individuals forgo traditional medical treatment or mental health services in favor of New Age practices alone. For example, someone with severe depression might turn to crystals or energy healing instead of seeking therapy or medication, which could delay or prevent them from getting the help they need.

2. Unregulated Practices: Many New Age practitioners are not regulated or licensed. While there are many ethical and skilled practitioners out there, there are also those who lack proper training. This can lead to harmful outcomes if someone receives poor advice or inappropriate treatment.

3. Exploitation: Unfortunately, there are individuals in every spiritual movement who take advantage of vulnerable people. In the New Age movement, this might look like “healers” charging exorbitant amounts of money for dubious services or cult-like groups that manipulate members.

4. Spiritual Bypassing: Spiritual bypassing is when someone uses spirituality to avoid dealing with painful emotions, unresolved trauma, or difficult life challenges. For example, instead of working through feelings of anger or sadness, someone might try to “rise above” these emotions through meditation or positive affirmations. While these tools can be helpful, they shouldn’t replace doing the deep inner work that is often necessary for true healing.

   
   

The Importance of Critical Thinking:

So how can we navigate the New Age movement (or any spiritual or healing practice) in a healthy way? Critical thinking is key. Here are a few guiding principles:

1. Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about any practice or belief system. Who is promoting this? What is their training or background? How does this practice work, and is there evidence to support it?

2. Check for Red Flags: Be wary of anyone who promises “instant healing” or suggests you abandon all other forms of treatment. Look for ethical practitioners who encourage balance and well-being in all areas of your life—physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological.

3. Trust Your Inner Compass: You are the expert on you. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. You don’t have to buy into every aspect of the New Age movement to benefit from it. Take what resonates with you, and leave the rest.

4. Balance: Balance is essential. If you find that your spiritual practices are isolating you from friends and family, consuming all your time and money, or becoming an obsession, it may be time to reassess. Healthy spirituality should enhance your life, not detract from it.

How to Choose a Healthy Belief System or Healing Methodology

Choosing a healthy belief system or healing practice is a deeply personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are a few tips to help guide you:

1. Integration: Look for practices that integrate the mind, body, and spirit. A holistic approach to healing is often the most effective. If you’re working with a therapist, doctor, or spiritual guide, make sure they understand and respect your spiritual beliefs and incorporate them into your treatment plan.

2. Evidence-Based Practices: While some New Age practices have little scientific support, others, like mindfulness meditation and yoga, have been studied extensively and shown to have real benefits. When in doubt, look for practices that are evidence-based or have stood the test of time.

3. Community: A healthy spiritual or healing community should feel supportive and inclusive. If you find yourself in a group that feels controlling or judgmental, it might be time to reconsider.

4. Personal Empowerment: Choose practices that empower you, not ones that make you dependent on a particular guru, healer, or method. True healing comes from within, and any spiritual practice should help you tap into your own inner strength and wisdom.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Whether you’re deep into the New Age movement or just dipping your toes in, the journey to healing and spiritual growth is one that we all share. As a pastoral counselor and priest, my goal is to support you on that journey, no matter what path you choose.

If you ever feel lost, confused, or unsure of where to turn, know that you’re not alone. The search for healing and wholeness is a deeply human one, and it’s okay to explore different paths until you find what works for you.

And if you need someone to talk to—whether about New Age practices, trauma, or anything in between—my door is always open. Together, we can explore your questions

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). The ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code

Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 125-143. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy/bpg015

Crocker, R. (2016). The New Age movement and the biblical worldview: Conflict and dialogue. Cascade Books.

Dein, S., & Littlewood, R. (2011). The psychology of prayer: A review of the empirical literature and its clinical implications. Journal of Religion and Health, 50(2), 335-350. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-009-9306-2

Hanegraaff, W. J. (1998). New Age religion and Western culture: Esotericism in the mirror of secular thought. SUNY Press.

Harris, M. J. (2016). Spiritual bypassing, relationship satisfaction, and well-being: A quantitative analysis [Doctoral dissertation, University of Denver]. Digital Commons @ DU. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1096/

Jung, C. G. (1959). The archetypes and the collective unconscious. Princeton University Press.

Murphy, M., & Donovan, S. (1997). The physical and psychological effects of meditation: A review of contemporary research with a comprehensive bibliography 1931-1996 (2nd ed.). Institute of Noetic Sciences.

Walsh, R., & Shapiro, S. L. (2006). The meeting of meditative disciplines and Western psychology: A mutually enriching dialogue. American Psychologist, 61(3), 227-239. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.61.3.22

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The views expressed are those of Father Justin Hurtado, PhD, OSB, and are for spiritual guidance only. They do not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice. Please consult a licensed professional for any health or legal concerns