New Age Stuff

Have you ever counted the number of posts on a Pagan/Wiccan forum that in no way relate to Paganism or Wicca? I'm not talking about posts asking for personal advice or stuff like that. I'm talking about posts about ghost hunting, astrology, etc. There's dozens each week. Why is it that boards geared toward the Pagan community attract these things? They have very little to nothing to do with Pagan spirituality.

I used to be all anti-New Age...everything. I loathed the term and everything associated with it. I still regard much of the subjects associated with that title with much suspicion. Then again, I'm the one who always assumes that there's a mundane cause for me stubbing my toe (my own lack of grace) rather than there's some witch working "black magic" on me that made me stub my toe. Silly me, right? I still think almost everyone who claims to have "special powers" (i.e. being psychic, empathetic, etc.) is still just out for attention or money...or both. These gifts are rare, and most people who have them probably wouldn't be flaunting them to complete strangers online for no reason.

Anyway, back to my point. Recently, I've become drawn into some practices that I once termed "New Age-y". I am incredibly intrigued by aromatherapy and reiki. I am intrigued because they work, and there's evidence to back them up. I am intrigued because I think they can enhance my own spiritual practice. (Oh, my gosh! Did I just say there was a connection there? Relax. It's a slight one and somewhat skewed.) Aromatherapy can enhance my understanding of the magical use of oils because their magical properties almost always connect to their mundane uses. Reiki can help with my manipulation of energy, and the training in it can help me with meditation and astral travel. So, I am now enrolled in a class in aromatherapy, and I've found a reiki teacher.

So, what is my problem? My own prejudice, of course. I'm still not admitting that my prejudice is unfounded (especially after some interesting experiences at a "Psychic festival" this past weekend). I'm just wondering where I might draw the line at what I think is crazy or what I'm skeptical of and what could relate to me spiritually. I guess I'll have to take it on a case by case basis. I'm just worried I'll turn into one of those "let's meditate until our crystals glow", "empowering lemon bundt" making, "wanna blessed be" nutcases that drive me crazy.

PS I do know how some astrology, crystal lore, herbalism, etc. relate to Pagan spirituality. That's not the problem.

Reference: new-generation-witch.blogspot.com