neomysticism

Neomysticism is a contemporary spiritual movement that emerged in the late 20th century. It draws inspiration from various mystical traditions, including Western esotericism, Eastern religions, and indigenous spiritual practices, while seeking to adapt these for a modern context. A key characteristic of neomysticism is its emphasis on personal experience and subjective truth over dogma or institutionalized religion. Followers often explore altered states of consciousness through practices such as meditation, lucid dreaming, or the use of entheogens, aiming for direct spiritual insight and connection.

The movement is not a monolithic entity with a central authority or creed. Instead, it is a diverse and often decentralized collection of individuals and groups. There is a tendency to synthesize elements from different traditions, creating a personalized spiritual path. Technology and the internet play a significant role in the dissemination of neomystical ideas and the formation of online communities. While some neomystics engage with traditional therapeutic or psychological frameworks, others prioritize direct spiritual engagement, sometimes leading to critical perspectives on established scientific or religious paradigms. The term itself reflects a desire to revitalize or reimagine mystical experience for the contemporary world.