Marilyn Ferguson, the author of the 1980 bestseller “The Aquarian Conspiracy” and a galvanizing influence on participants in scores of alternative groups that coalesced as the New Age movement, died Oct. 19 at her home in Banning.

Ferguson was embraced as a beacon. Her book became “the most commonly accepted statement of Movement ideals and goals,” wrote J. Gordon Melton in the New Age Encyclopedia.

Meditation, crystal therapy, self-help books – think they’re making you happier? Think again. A Brisbane academic has found a strong link between new-age spirituality and poor mental health in young people.

Known as “Darwin’s rottweiler”, Prof Richard Dawkins caused a furore with a stinging attack on religion. Now the evolutionary biologist has turned his wrath on “new age” alternative therapies, describing them as based on “irrational superstition”.

More than a mere sales gimmick, spirituality tours are taken very seriously by their participants, who are commonly pantheistic, choosing to believe in truths of every religion rather than just one. They also invoke the whole panoply of New Age beliefs, finding power in crystals, aromatherapy and, of course, pyramids.

In weeks of frustration and anger, not knowing if her son would live or die, she was ready to ditch the whole idea that there was a loving God who cared what happened on earth. Then came the angels…

It’s absolutely possible for everyone to have these things and more — at least that’s what the teachers say in The Secret.

Across the US, and increasing number of spiritual bookstores cater to people who are starting to question their true purpose in life without the restrictions of a specific religion.

The foundation, home to 400 people, is one of the UK’s largest alternative spiritual communities.

Marianne Williamson, one of the Oprah Friends who will be chattering on the talk show hostess’ new XM Radio channel, will broadcast her show from Detroit.

A Spiritualist School in Westbrook Offers a Metaphysical Menu That Includes Massages, Marriages and Helping People Connect With Their Higher Selves.

New college of mystical studies -- from astrology to potions -- is for adults only

A Christian group says a stress-reduction classes for students at a Raleigh elementary school promoted "New Age" beliefs and were school-sponsored religious activities that violated the First Amendment.

Even by the standards of the alternative therapies said to be used by Cherie Blair, submitting her husband's toenail clippings to a health guru's pendulum is taking her alleged New Age obsession to a higher level.

The year's most unexpected indie hit in American cinemas - a film about quantum physics - is about to open here. But how are ordinary mortals to judge its assertions about the nature of matter, mind, and the universe? We asked some of Britain's best scientific brains to give us their verdicts.

In a rapid change of heart, a local Episcopal priest is abandoning Druid spirituality - a decision made one day after it was reported that he had renounced his Episcopal ordination and become the founding priest of a Druid group.