With so many preconceptions, misconceptions and individual definitions of the New Age floating about, many spiritual idealists do not feel connected with the New Age label.  But here is an easy ten-question quiz to tell you whether you really are "New Age" or not.

1. Are you curious about a variety of religions and philosophies? Are books by the Dalai Lama nestled beside books on the Kabbalah or Celtic Christianity on your bookshelf?

2. Do you feel that truth is relative to time and place and situation?  Do you hear yourself telling people that no one tradition has a monopoly on truth?

3. Do you believe that the most “true” spiritual path for you is the one you blaze for yourself?

When asked for your religious preference, do you resist categorization on principle and prefer to use the generic term of “spiritual” when describing your beliefs?

4. Do you operate on the assumption that there is a greater spiritual reality at work in the world?  Does the idea of physical reality as a manifestation of spirit sound “right” to you? 

6. Do you try to listen carefully for the voice of that spirit in your daily life?  Do you feel drawn toward contemplative practices such as yoga or meditation – even if you haven’t had the opportunity to try them yet?

7. Do you make a regular effort to recognize the difference between the quiet soul and noisy ego?

8. Do you feel that that the so-called battle between good and evil is in reality a struggle between love and fear?

9. Do you feel that morality cannot be compelled through authority and threats of punishment, but grows naturally from an accurate understanding of reality?

10. Do you believe that if more people would "awaken" to a more enlightened view of reality, then many of our intractable social and political problems would find better answers? 

Bonus question:  Do you think Ralph Waldo Emerson and David Henry Thoreau were geniuses?  Are you dazzled by Krishnamurti?  Do you wish Alan Watts could have been your teacher?  Do you think Ken Wilber rocks? 

If you answered yes to more than five of these questions, congratulations!  You share the idealism of the New Age – the latest version of the world’s oldest, wisest, most empowering, and most transformative philosophy.   

Of course, a true New Ager is not likely to accept the label, but that’s a problem on a different page.

Hopefully, you noticed there was not a single question about psychics or reincarnation or crystals – subjects normally associated with “New Age” in the popular culture, and the subjects most likely to be found sitting on the New Age shelf at Barnes & Noble. 

These esoteric subjects do appeal to many New Agers, but however valuable exploring these subjects may be to some, they are irrelevant to meat of the matter.  I do own crystals, but not because I believe they have special powers.  I bought them because they're beautiful. 

If you surprised yourself by discovering that you qualify as a New Ager, then by all means, join us in bringing the energy of community to the movement.  Claim the power of a spiriutal identity and declare your pride!

Back to About the New Age.