New Age Chicanery The illusory Path to Self-fulfillment and Dealing with it

By Anthony Michael

From the author that bought you the 'Improving the Self' series, New Age Chicanery, enlightens one as to the ineffectiveness of New Age themes or concepts, including the infamous 'Law of Attraction', that has made massive waves in the self-development world.

Certain authors or 'false prophets', have disclosed their deceptive past with promoting such fiction, seeking to redeem their wrong doings by exposing the truth, and turning to Christianity.

Unfortunately, many followers or fans, are now confused as to what one should believe from here on.  Have years been wasted on chasing dreams that may never eventuate, based on fantasy hype methodologies?

Anthony details what may have eventuated, the possible real truths behind it all, the effect it has caused to followers, and how to deal with it, and gracefully move on.   

• Language: English
• Publisher: AMC Publishing
• Release date: Feb 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9780994277107

Book preview

New Age Chicanery

The illusory Path to Self-fulfillment and dealing with it

Copyright

Copyright © 2021 by Anthony Michael

Published by: AMC Publishing

www.anthonymichaelcreates.com

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be used, duplicated, reproduced in part or in hole, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission from the author and publisher, except for brief quotations in a review, or where permitted by law.

The information contained in this publication is intended to be educational, informative, motivational, philosophical, inspirational and not for diagnosis, cure of any health, treatment or emotional instabilities, nor for the purposes of personal endorsements of products or systems, deliberate product advertising, or guarantees of financial gain.

Digital ISBN: 978-0-9942771-0-7

1st edition, August 2021

AMC Publishing

Melbourne, VIC, AUSTRALIA 3053

Table of Contents

New Age Chicanery

Cover

Copyright

Disclaimer

Introduction

Prologue

-1- New Age – my personal ‘attraction’

-2- Proof & Results = an ‘Awakening’. Analysis of ‘what is’

-3- Motivation ($$$) behind a ‘false prophet’

-4- Delusions and intent of the self-help ‘New Age’ ‘false’ prophet

-5- Having ‘God’ like powers

-6- Finding ‘God’- renouncing past beliefs and actions

-7- Attraction to ‘New Age’ – hope!

-8- How are sinister powers running the ‘New Age’ show? Lucifer and his gang of hooligans.

-9- The Devil & Divination practices – deceitful conversations

-10- The Law, or No Law of Attraction – life still rolls!

-11- The ‘Law of Attraction’ at work – inspirational stories

-12- There is Hope! The ‘truth’ of it all

-13- Psychologists, life coaches, religious motivators and the ‘Self-Help’ revolution

-14- Hopping on the ‘Bandwagon’

-15- Exposure; Power of social media, Amazon & the ‘Online Digital medium’

-16- Celebrity endorsements – a ‘false prophet’s’ catapult into the ‘big leagues’

-17- The ‘reality’ of truths, destiny & success

-18- Living in denial and a fantasy dream state

-19- Questioning one’s existence. Can you control your fate and destiny?

-20- Are current ‘New Agers’ or past followers, hypocrites and deliberate liars?

-21- Emotional Tolls to followers

-22- The best of ‘Both Worlds’. Is it ok?

-23- ‘Where to turn, and what to believe. Does ‘New Age’ still have a place and purpose?

-24- Post New Age, Purpose in Life - what now? Re-birth & Finding Oneself

Acknowledgement

The Author - Bio

Literary works by the Author

Website/Social Media Links

The Music of ‘Tranz Mystique’

The Music of Anthony Michael

Disclaimer

The following information is not a guide, historical journey, endorsement, methodology or teachings of the ‘New Age’ movement/ideology. It’s assumed the reader knows about this movement, is familiar, and possibly practiced the conventions or rituals of ‘New Age’. Either via literature, seminars, courses or practiced divination, and seeking answers and reasoning as to the ‘ineffectiveness’ and ‘deceptions’ associated with this form of belief or guidance system.

‘New Age’ teachings or beliefs, intertwines with the ‘Personal Growth’ sector or category, and also alongside with ‘Life Coaching – Self-Help’ concepts, apart from its deep spirituality, meta-physical and theosophical roots. In recent years, ‘New Age’ type of self-help/inspirational teachings can be also referred to as ‘New Thought’. Its simplicity in nature as to controlling your life and outcomes quite easily via your thoughts and attitude; you are or become what you think- can be controversial as to its authenticity and most of all, effectiveness in real life.

The following literature, is more of a sharing of experiences and philosophical impressions - along with other practitioners and expert authorities who have publicly ‘renounced’ the teachings of ‘New Age’ and similar offshoot ideology.

The shock of ‘experiencing’ a devotion to a belief system that may actually be non-effective, full of deceit, falsely supported and endorsed, and possibly run by trickster/sinister entities – either of human form or ‘ethereal’ being, has to be analyzed.

Imagination and fantasy, fuel the positive effectiveness of this belief system, compared to ‘real’ life actions and results. Results are not always guaranteed or ‘positive’, regardless of mindset or actions taken in the ‘real world’. It can however, ease the harshness of the ‘rat race’, by viewing the world from a hopeful it’ll all work out perspective or attitude – resulting in a calmer and more ‘in control’ personality.

For a more detailed and specific description of what ‘New Age’ entails, what divination actually is, why it is practiced, and who the experts/authorities who are most qualified and prolific in the teachings of this movement are, - it is advised to research it via other more specific information/literature available online, or at book retailers.

Although I have included names to exemplify or support certain points or demonstrations in my previous literature efforts - mostly in a non-defaming way - I have only included names that support examples in this publication, in a positive light. I’m not in the business of defaming, shaming, exposing or ridiculing authors, experts, religious leaders, scientists, or ‘false-prophets’. The ‘legalities’ of doing so, may be an expensive one! Once again, research on the world wide web, will expose detailed information or controversial facts, and the people associated with those facts.

For those of the agnostic faith, atheists or other ‘non-God’ religions or institutes – the ‘author’ is a believer and follower of God (not religious order), so the following may spark criticism and debate to non-believers. The ‘author’ also supports ‘free will’. As the ‘author’ has endured certain writings from high prolific atheists contesting that a ‘god’ or ‘God’ does not exist, perhaps those that don’t believe, may endure my acknowledgement or endorsement of the Lord, for the purposes of getting through this book – or perhaps enlightening one’s perspective. I do not enforce my beliefs upon the reader, but expose details of my background past and present, to demonstrate the complexities of my mental journey through life.

I may also refer to ‘God’ as ‘The Universe’ or ‘Higher Power’, or your preferred chosen ‘Higher Power’. The reader may have an almighty ‘alternative’, so all representations can be justified according to your own personal beliefs. I am also not in the business of ‘conversion’ – just clarifying my specific associations with certain belief systems – obviously ‘New Age, supplementing my traditional religious beliefs.

Although there is purely an academic admiration for those in the ‘scientific’ field who continuously forward their case to prove that there was never a ‘God’, or no need for a ‘God’ – the author is strongly of the belief that there certainly is an utmost ‘Higher Power’. One that was, and still is responsible for all that surrounds us, and also a mighty Power, we cannot see – but only have ‘faith’ or belief in, that such an almighty entity, does exist.

Introduction

As there were and still are, a plethora of Life Coaching, Self-help, Personal Growth/Development literature out there, and the dwindling but still few ‘New Age/Theosophical’ retail stores and market stalls, it won’t be long before there is a collection of ‘counter-literature’ to hit the stands. Well in fact there are, but hardly seen on book shelfs, or exposed on morning shows. Book retailers and producers, prefer to endorse ‘positivity’ on their shelves or shows. The news, takes care of the more than enough ‘negative’ elements that counter balance the great things that happen.

During the last few years, certain prolific experts, or self-proclaimed ‘false prophets’ – have come out of the woodworks with shocking revelations about what they’ve promoted and preached, for the last few decades. Who knows their ‘real’ true agenda? It may be genuine and honest – but their revelations relate to the fact they were almost ‘possessed’, but using the term ‘deceived’, regarding the preaching of ‘New Age’ principles.

Because of these proclamations, personal growth authors, author wannabes and previous ‘New Age’ experts, are ‘repenting’. The great ‘master’ or leader of promoting the movement’s teachings, has chosen to renounce their beliefs and teachings, apologized, and now, the followers have no leader, or direction of belief to follow.

It would almost be like Jimmy Swaggart, the most prolific western Christian evangelist, renouncing ‘God’ after 60 years or so of preaching and endorsing the Lord’s ‘word’, to the world. Imagine if I used the ‘Pope’, or Tony Robbins as an example too, renouncing their teachings or beliefs. Millions of followers would be confused, frustrated and lost; exactly how they probably felt before they found ‘hope’, and a leader that would guide them to the path of positivity and success.

Most leaders or ‘false prophets’ out there, are standing their ground. Wannabes who were in the process of starting along that path too (many Generation Y/Millennials), are upset, and are continuing to support the ‘New Age’ logic and Personal Growth teachings. This could be there ‘big’ thing in life, especially the financial rewards that come with it! As long as they can continue to defend or prove their method’s effectiveness, the cessation of their teachings isn’t a necessity. They will probably have to try harder with the promoting of their teachings, and seriously come up with a super duper extraordinary ‘new, fresh and mind blowing’ out of this world concept.

These authorities that will continue to support the cause of endorsing ‘New Age’ principles, will have to ‘prove’ how effective these concepts are. Faith and belief has to be restored to keep the movement alive.

I am only in agreement with what I’ve followed, alongside with my Christian beliefs. Perhaps more so my continual acknowledgement of God, but not allegiance to religion, or worshipping human entities posing as some sort of ‘modern’ messiah. I treat my chosen ‘God’, as an almighty presence, even a friend, that would always advise, bail me out, and hopefully forgive me when I cross over to the ‘dark side’. I had that fear and still do, as I know what He is capable of.

He (God), was my Creator, and granted me life. For that, He is my ‘master’. But I lacked ‘faith’, and ‘faith’ in Him, granting me what I really wanted out of life. It was like He was not going to answer my requests, desires, wishes; even my spiritual emails, but would always still provide in some other format. He would never abandon me, although it seemed like he wasn’t listening, or I was just talking to no one; an imaginary friend.

If I was a strict Christian, one that was absolutely true to God, I wouldn’t have pursued the ‘New Age’ path from the start. I would’ve seen the beauty of how ‘lucky’ I was, and how ample opportunities were bestowed upon me. ‘Patience’, having faith and self-control, are some of the virtues of being a Christian, but my inner and outer demons, had taken control – up until now. I am naturally exposing my skepticism and opinions surrounding the true effectiveness of the ‘New Age’ or ‘New Thought’ belief systems.

But as much as I may be in slight agreement with these ex-‘New Age’ experts or prophets - that they were most likely deceived by a ‘sinister’ entity, or simply the Devil - there is also the chance, that continued exposure to certain ‘signs’ or happenings, are from a good, and holy source. If God or the ‘real’ Angels, are in the business of protecting us earthlings, and they know some of us want to truly communicate with them, some of the teachings of ‘New Age’ in reference to divination or communicating to a ‘Higher Power’, entity or God – may still be feasible, and not totally sinister or evil.

There is the chance that certain exposure to different forms of divination, or means to communicate with a ‘Higher Source’, has ‘opened’ one’s mind, to the creative and surprising ways, that one can communicate and be guided or comforted, from a certain point in time, and onwards. I can denounce what I’ve learned or what was practiced, but if I continue to ‘pray’, and still unsettled with life’s challenges – it’s possible that ‘past’ forms of communication learned from ‘New Age’, could have been taken over by a ‘good source’. One should be able to analyze intently, and retrace every experience, to judge whether it may have been from a good, or an evil deceptive source.

As you will see during the course of this exposé, I am not a ‘hop on the bandwagon’ psychologist or researcher, delving into the ‘fakeness’ or ‘hype’ of the Personal Growth/New Age movement. Since 1995, after entering my first ‘New Age’ retail outlet, I was hooked.

I didn’t associate ‘New Age’ music to the theosophical movement back in 1985/86, when I first discovered Kitaro, Yanni, Tangerine Dream and Vangelis. These composers, didn’t even know about ‘New Age’ - it was just a ‘category’ that the music industry, placed them in – mainly for the sounds and emotions of calmness, gentleness, and mysticism versus commercial music. More like, it was a ‘leftfield’ style of music – that didn’t fit into any other category.

In the 90’s, it become more so ‘relaxation’ music, but still under the general banner of ‘New Age’. My association with ‘New Age’ music from the 80’s, became theosophical ‘New Age’ teachings in the 90’s, when I entered that ‘New Age’ store. The mystical music side of things, and the concept behind ‘New Age’ teachings and beliefs, were actually a perfect fit.

I think I am a genuine, and a very honest authority of no prolific status, to talk about a journey that was innocent in approach, and only had the sole purpose or agenda, of improving one’s life. It was not exclusively for fame, power, glory, or external financial purposes. I just wanted to ‘achieve’ my goals of becoming great at what I was passionate about in life. Yes, I wanted to have financial freedom too, and live quite comfortably as well, but I was willing to work for it; I just needed the opportunities. The process was taking too long, and time was ticking.

I may repeat myself during the course of this book, and for that, I apologize in advance. It’s probably intentional – otherwise I would’ve edited those bits out (I also have a bad memory)! I’m just hoping that you realize that I’m not repenting or suddenly a ‘Born Again’ of whatever religion or belief system. Nor have I started intensely studying the Bible and applying its principles to my life, or starting another chain or series of books to sell, in order to make a mint, or work from home (the dream)!

I love Mike Tyson’s quote of Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth! It’s similar to everything looking great on paper or in theory and then ‘reality’, or what’s thrown at one’s beautifully crafted plan, disproves the plan’s effectiveness or legitimacy. In other words, studying any method of any application, concept or discipline, that promises the world, may crumble or shock one in reality.

I’ve learned that ‘life’ and life scripts, can be altered, modified, and enhanced - and ‘everyone’ has a ‘life plan’ of some sort. I also believe that a Higher Power whether ‘God’, or an alternate preferred almighty power, is looking down on us, and pulling some strings. We’re not always going to get what we want, or achieve all the goals and expectations that we’ve defined in our perfect plan. We’ve got to endure the ‘wave’ of uncertainty, and ride along – no matter what.

Prologue

Before we get into the crux of this subject, I would like to briefly explain the format of this book. It’s very simple:

First half is dedicated to the exposure of the ‘New Age’/ ‘Personal Growth’ movement – its exaggerated mostly ‘made-up’ effectiveness relating to the ‘big picture’ of attaining one’s true desires. The doubts and confessions, that have amassed from the last decade onwards relating to ‘true effectiveness’

Second half is dedicated to more so the ‘emotional’ impacts of being ‘duped’ into a system of unrealistic and false promises, and what to do or believe in a post-New Age world. It’s not advice, nor a list of suggestions one should adhere to or to persuade one towards a certain religion, or letting ‘God’ taking over the reins. I refer to my writings as ‘free conversation’ with my readers, regardless of their beliefs – or discussions with fellow seekers.

There was a time in my life when I was so relentless and obsessed with knowing my future. What became more paramount, was knowing how to manipulate it, if it wasn’t to my liking, or desired plan. It wasn’t enough that I should have just counted on having ‘faith’ or hope, and then go thru the motions of ‘living’ and learning, and waiting for my wishes to manifest – or not. I wanted to fully control it.

I didn’t have the patience, and I wasn’t positively content with the ‘Big Man’s’ plan or more so, His planned timeline - or if His plan was to differ in comparison to my wishes. In His defense, he had/has spoiled me, and granted me multiple opportunities to grow and expand in life.

I know I’ve blown quite a few opportunities (mostly all of them), but I was remorseful, and wanted another opportunity to get it right. I still stuff things up in the present for the record! The ‘Big Man’ here is God. I am theoretically a Christian, but not a follower of religion. What has been written in ‘past’ tense, still applies at present. We’re never perfect!

I am a partial-omnist, meaning I sort of respect most religions or beliefs. In being so, I ‘pick and choose’ what I like from some religions or beliefs, and may adapt it to my own beliefs and way of living. You could loosely identify me as ‘double-belonging’ – practicing more than one religion or system of belief. Some in strict Christian religious circles, may label my actions as being a form of Apostasy – believing in opinions, subject and beliefs, contrary to traditional Christianity.

I’d become keen in keeping my Christian roots and always believing in God, but at the same time, wanted to adopt certain qualities of Zen Buddhism and ‘New Age’ principles, into the mix. I felt I could be more physically in control via ‘New Age’ principles, especially the use of ‘Divination’.

Re-adjusting my perceptions and attitude towards the self, others and life, would invite the ‘eastern’ religious philosophies, such as Buddhism, into my life. I tried to harness ‘Bushido’ into my lifestyle (the way of the ancient warrior or Samurai); and probably still do at present, but without the physical training. Christianity seemed to be ‘one dimensional’, and ineffective.

Through Buddhism, I’d be calmer, relaxed, respectful and understanding. Through Christianity, I’d be in good hands as God would always look out for me and to me, he was the most powerful Creator that ‘truly’ existed. Through ‘New Age’, I could perhaps open another dimension to harnessing innocent supernatural powers, in order to control my life and destiny – if God wasn’t to answer my call.

The belief that some ‘other’ entity could challenge or circumvent God’s plan for my life, and grant me all that I desired at will, was truly fantasy at work; at its best! It was wishful thinking, and I thought God would be okay with it, especially if he decided not to grant me what I wished for.

As I studied the two new belief systems over the years, I always thought God would be cool with it all. My justification was that if He decided not to grant me the wishes I requested, then I would take matters into my own hands. Unless God was to step in before I dedicated my allegiance to some other belief system, then I would be forgiven in trying to personally make it happen – with a little help from ‘other powers’ out there.

I am not here to talk about my personal life, or whether I have disrespected or let God down with my loss of faith. I’m hoping that so far, you’re thinking hey … that’s me! – regardless of whether your faith lies with God and Christianity, or some other faith/religion, person, phenomena, the self, or an alternate almighty wonder. You may be an atheist also, but were, or still looking for something worthy to believe in, or follow.

If we have something in common, then this read will hopefully translate into a ‘friendly conversation’ or a view point, and hopefully offer some comfort and motivation towards continuing our journey into finding peace within ourselves, but also equally important, accomplishing our dreams.

We humans, go through a plethora of phases throughout our existence. The roller coaster of life, is never a smooth ride. There will always be the ‘ups & downs’ during anyone’s lives, regardless of age, sexuality, position in society, financial status, country of origin, upbringing, influence, or occupation.

It’s at these various stages of life that our identity, persona, belief systems and attitudes, may be molded. It may be a temporary reflection of what we believe at the time, what we are, or want to be. They may permanently be cemented in us for life, but no doubt along the way, depending what goes on with our lives, they will be modified.

We humans, are constantly looking for some kind of direction, that will lead us to some form of enlightenment, or better understanding of our true purpose on Earth. Some people may not care at all. Many just plod along, living day to day, and conform to what is considered a ‘normal’ existence.

Those without expectations or multiple goals may in fact, be at ‘more peace’, than those that are constantly searching for a perfect Nirvana. When I’ve given up temporarily on my ambitions, I become so chilled and relaxed, but also quickly bored and restless too! We may just need some ‘time out’ every now and again. A little resetting and readjustment.

For those that are looking for more out of life, discontent with ‘normalcy’, or at a stage where nothing seems to be going their way, the prospect of finding an ‘out of the box’ method or belief system, becomes quite attractive. Many times, for those believers in religion, their god or ‘the’ God, may seem to be ignoring their requests for help, or wishes. Santa Clause didn’t bring them their gift/s, so they’re dumping Santa for someone or something greater, that will listen, and deliver – even if it’s more fictitious than Santa C!

Santa Clause, or another present bearing authority, may end up being ‘not real’, and a fictitious character created by flesh and blood (as it is)! For this reason, the mightiest that one may worship in their belief system, and especially God to the majority of Christians, may be discarded or labelled as ‘fake’, or not real.

Your wishes had not been granted, you experienced a living hell at a specific time when you were most vulnerable, and nothing was working out right. No one listened, or acted upon your dire requests for being saved, when you truly needed the help.

It is quite logical, unless you’re a firm believer of faith and hope, and a true master of patience, that you may look to other belief systems, in order to find answers and help. Why devote yourself whilst suffering to a religion, god or God, or belief system that doesn’t seem to want to assist, or ignores your wishes?

Worse still, a belief system that promises rewards, if one is willing to go through the ups and downs of life. How much suffering, pain, loss, sacrifice or humiliation does one need to go through, before being saved? People are attracted to promises that guarantee success, and hardly any suffering, loss or negativity.

When rewards are not received, and instead you seem to be getting kicked in the face constantly, why would you stick to a belief system that tests your patience and humility constantly?

It seems strange that those who play lotto, are quite devout for decades, and have constant faith that one lucky day, they’ll hit the jackpot. Decades are many years! After all, one may bail out for just one week or miss a game, and one’s actual numbers may come up. No more bail out days or weeks from there on! It will become addictive, for life.

Many players after 30 years still ‘believe’, their name is on the next million/s dollar check. Many have won, like double or triple digits, but how ‘bout seven or eight digits? Some play for the first time, and score nice seven or eight figure payouts, and some with just ‘quick picks’! Experts always advise against a machine randomly choosing your numbers, but it’s worked for some!

Most humans however, are not going to wait 30 years, before luck comes knocking on their door. I have played lotto a few times, and mostly lose, or win a very small amount. They say you gotta be in it, to win it, but after playing 20 - 30 times in the last few years for kicks, I’ve had enough. Winning the odd $10 – $25.00 for me, becomes a ‘symbolic’ sign that I am capable of ‘winning’ in very small increments - but it doesn’t pay the bills, or garner a deposit for a fancy apartment!

Many of us have the desire to be well off, make a wish, even pray to our Higher Power, and expect after a few requests, to be granted our wish. If that was truly the case, then the majority of the population would be well off. Most people would be asking to be well off, as well as many other demands. The economy would actually break down if everyone was rich. There has to be an equilibrium, or balance to the system.

My analogy compares to a belief system. We read, obey, try to follow, promote and worship a Higher Power that should, or even promise to grant us happiness, or richness. Some may follow for decades, believing their time will come one fine day. Some, after so many years, or at a time when they needed help the most, will walk away.

From a devout follower, some will become the enemy of their previous leader, or belief system. Why endorse, promote or support, a system of faith or Higher Power, that doesn’t deliver or lets one down big time? Such disappointment, deception, and perhaps betrayal, will lead to anger and hate.

A friend made of flesh and blood, and not made of miracles or superpowers, may help us in dire need, so why not a Higher Power, or God? God could easily snap his fingers, and grant a believer a ‘proportionate’ and realistic deserved reward. Why would one who has no faith, follows no Higher Power or God, lives a life of debauchery, and is an arrogant and mean schmuck, have all the wants and riches one could desire? Seems a bit unfair.

You could argue that the ‘dark side’ assists schmucks in becoming successful in most aspects of life, to demonstrate to believers of traditional religion and God, that not believing or following religion or Christianity, produces better results.

A majority of atheists, are quite successful. Most, I’m aware of, are not followers of Lucifer or the Devil, but they do strongly slag off religion, Jesus Christ/God, as being a made up ‘fairy tale’. They’ll even slag off Lucifer - being the baddy