“New Age” is an umbrella, a vague collection of belief systems. Some of these beliefs can be traced back in history, usually to Eastern practices; others are recent inventions of the mind.

In the bookshops I visited I found a greater display of New Age and Self-help books than of science books because there is a big demand for these books.
The New Age craze is now so prevalent that it is difficult to find a person who rejects ALL of these belief systems.

I’m starting this thread with the intention of poking a bit of innocent fun at our own or others’ (past) beliefs.
Admit it- you fell for an irrational belief at some stage in your adult life!
The discussions on OLO about Atheism, Religion, Evolution, Creationism, Demons and Witches can sometimes become a bit tedious or even very heated and emotional.
I suppose that a discussion like this one also has a mud-throwing potential, but hey, I think even mud has healing properties these days :)

Some of the beliefs I recall from the top of my head:

Magnets
Tarot
Crystals
Feng Shui
Inner Goddess
Inner Child
Auras
Energy Fields
Vortexes
Charkas
Blood type diet
Colon cleansing
Homeopathy
Chiropractic
Qui ja board
Astrology
Pantheism
Karma
Channeling
Reiki
Iridology
Psychic healing
Reflexology
Dowsing/pendulum
Runes
I ching
Iridology
Scrying
Meditation
Psychic healing

While I’m a skeptical person, I have to admit that some years ago, I fell in the Feng Shui trap that lasted almost a year.
A water element in my wealth corner, the colour red in my fame area, a collection in my relationship nook. An elephant facing the entrance, trunk up. You name it.
Phew…I came out of that stage unharmed:).
My poor children were relieved that mum wasn’t obsessed anymore about clutter in their bedrooms.

Had a bad experience with new age stuff.

In a personal crisis, I desperately needed to get hold of a crystal ball at short notice, couldn't find one.

A friend told me I could use any shiny surface, but the best I could do was this rather sleek dress material.

It didn't work.

I complained to my friend, but she told me I shouldn't be scrying over milled silk.

I hope people open up, we all fall or fell for some of this me too.
Well from a very Christian family I fell hard after not believing for most of my youth I was a born again.
Got over it then fell for a fortune teller who promised me great wealth, boy was she wrong.
Put the crystal over the door and the horse shoe.
Now? I an a sinner I haunt weekend markets but rush past new age stuff as fast as religions get the boot at my door.

Celvia,
Many many moons ago I studied with an astrologer Maurice Silver and joined the guild. I still have the very expensive books. Both Romany and Egyptian palmistry and of course Chinese and European astrology and even played with runes.
I often argued a variation of the chaos theory. Man is 90% water; water is influenced by minute gravitational forces, science hasn’t yet discover the cumulative effect of these influences on the delicate human mind.
There are approximately the same numbers of possible combination in a chart as there are variations of genes give or take a trillion or so. 'Feel the width not the quality.”
That was at the height of the craze. Why did I do it? Simple answer ....Girls.
Most young guys were into beer, cars and surfing while they were off doing these pursuits …I …well her hum enough said.

Now that I look more like a witch’s brew pot included. Women today either cross them selves or cross the road when they see me.

I remember and smile. My cultivated persona goatee beard, dark eyes intense stare thoughtful puffing on a pipe roll neck jumpers, tailored pants and leather coats and the Silver Star chart on a thong around my neck. (Mephistopheles image). I would sit in a piano bar man about the town like and wait observing like ‘the mentalist’ the effect was sublime at the time ,a little embarasing today. I was indeed a naughty boy. Karma has long since wreaked her revenge.
;-)

Hi Celivia

I'll bite :)

well.. I'll comment on one you included and one you excluded.

1/ Included "Feng Shui" I believe that proper consideration of layout in an office, home or work situation is critical for peace of mind and comfort. I say this because of very practical reasons..not spiritual.
I placed some skylight panels in the roof of my factory, such that when the sun rises...I get whacked in the face in the morning...then smitten on the back in the afternoon... *moan*

2/ Excluded. "Copper" it apparently has definite healing properties in some situations.

Finally, I'm still rolling my eyes over the this...

http://suprememastertelevision.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=featured&wr_id=161&goto_url=&url=link2_0

which I encountered at the Mind Body Spirit festival in Melbourne last June.

Hear ye..hear ye..we now have the 'WORLD PEACE' vegetarian diet :)

What next will supreme master Ching Hai come up with ?

I fell for this stuff well and truly.

My weaknesses were:

1) Meditation - in a big way.
2) Crystals - I still have the expensive
monster (rose crystal pendant - set in
sterling silver) that I badgered my husband
to buy for my birthday one year.
3) Feng Shui - I drove my family nuts with
this one. Kept it up for two years.
4)Astrology - swore by it. Still check my
stars daily.
5) Angels, Gods & Goddesses - Oracle cards
and guidebook. What was I thinking?
6) Reflexology - It actually helped me stress out.
7) Chiropractic - This one my husband swears by
for his back problems.

Out of this list its the Oracle cards that I
have the most difficulty trying to rationalize.
It definitely was a WIT moment (what was I thinking?).

The cards came in a beautifully presented box that
read:

"Angels, Gods & Goddesses Oracle Cards' will give
you guidance and help you clarify issues in
your life. Think of a question, then pick one or
more cards to see what messages the oracle offers
you today. Featuring 45 beautifully illustrated
cards and an accompanying guidebook, this easy to
use deck is the perfect tool to help you through
life."

Don't laugh, I did actually use the cards.
I was having problems with my brother and I
didn't know how to resolve them. So I asked
the question, "What should I do?"
Picked up the first card and it read:

"God of Spiritual Healing -
An aspect of you, or a situation
in your life is in need of healing."

It freaked me out.
But it helped me muster the strength
to talk openly to my brother, which
made a world of difference.