Page "New Age" Paragraph 11

Popularisation behind these ideas has roots in the work of early 20th century writers such as D. H. Lawrence and William Butler Yeats.

In the early-to mid-1900s, American mystic, theologian, and founder of the Association for Research and Enlightenment Edgar Cayce was a seminal influence on what later would be termed the New Age movement ; he was known in particular for the practice some refer to as channeling.

The psychologist Carl Jung was a proponent of the concept of the Age of Aquarius.

In a letter to his friend Peter Baynes, dated 12 August 1940, Jung wrote a passage: "...

This year reminds me of the enormous earthquake in 26 B. C.

that shook down the great temple of Karnak.

It was the prelude to the destruction of all temples, because a new time had begun.

1940 is the year when we approach the meridian of the first star in Aquarius.

It is the premonitory earthquake of the New Age ..." Former Theosophist Rudolf Steiner and his Anthroposophical movement are a major influence.

Neo-Theosophist Alice Bailey published the book Discipleship in the New Age ( 1944 ), which used the term New Age in reference to the transition from the astrological age of Pisces to Aquarius.

While claims of racial bias in the writings of Rudolf Steiner and Alice Bailey were made, Bailey was firmly opposed to the Axis powers ; she believed that Adolf Hitler was possessed by the Dark Forces, and Steiner emphasized racial equality as a principle central to anthroposophical thought and humanity's progress.

Any racial elements from these influences have not remained part of the Anthroposophical Society as contemporary adherents of the society have either not adopted or repudiated these beliefs.

Another early usage of the term, was by the American artist, mystic, and philosopher Walter Russell, who spoke of "... this New Age philosophy of the spiritual re-awakening of man ... Man's purpose in this New Age is to acquire more and more knowledge ..." in his essay " Power Through Knowledge ," which was also published in 1944.