Altspirituality

Altspirituality, a portmanteau of "alternative spirituality," refers to a broad spectrum of spiritual, religious, and belief systems that exist outside of mainstream or established religious traditions. These practices often draw from a variety of sources, including indigenous traditions, Eastern religions, New Age philosophies, paganism, and even elements of modern psychology and self-help.

The term is intentionally vague to encompass the diverse and often fluid nature of these beliefs. Individuals identifying with altspirituality may explore practices such as meditation, yoga, energy healing, shamanism, astrology, divination, and various forms of nature-based spirituality. There is often a focus on personal experience, intuition, and individual spiritual growth rather than adherence to rigid dogma or hierarchical religious structures.

Key characteristics of altspirituality can include a rejection of traditional religious institutions, a belief in interconnectedness with nature and the universe, an emphasis on personal empowerment and self-discovery, and a syncretic approach that blends different spiritual traditions. The movement is not a unified or organized religion but rather a collection of individual paths and communities that share a common departure from conventional religious norms. It is often associated with a desire for more personalized and meaningful spiritual engagement in a contemporary context.