Diversity in Alternative Spiritualities: Keeping New Age at Bay

Abstract

There is a tendency in everyday life and in certain fields of knowledge to generalise every new and alternative spirituality under the label of New Age. This article will argue that the term New Age is a misnomer and does not reflect the panorama of rather different spiritualities, including neo-paganism and what I call Aquarian perennism and presentist perennism. Their differences and their respective genealogies with late nineteenth century 'occult' revival groups will be presented. By introducing these diverse groups and their genealogies, this paper will underline the diversity of beliefs and practices found in the family of Alternative spiritualities.