Post#10 » Wed Feb 16, 2011 3:20 pm
I realize that by posting what I'm about to, I'm taking this thread even more off-topic. I'll try to end it with something on-topic though.
Aum, there are many reasons that New Age is a bad thing. I agree with everything Caleb and Eugene posted about it above. In addition, however, all you have to do is look at many of the people who follow it as well as other religions and philosophies that have been influences by it.
Many of its followers are harmless. But some are crazy, and New Age has a very unfortunate feature in that it amplifies a person's insanity and gives it a justification. I still remember a falling-out I had with a New Age friend because she couldn't handle my "energy" at a time when I was really depressed and stressed out. If a New Ager is angry with you and bitches you out, it's hard to tell because they will lace it with so much "love" and "energy" and all kinds of pseudo-psychological terms that on top of being left dejected and angry, you're also confused as hell. And New Age beliefs tend to lend all manner of scapegoating techniques...once again, I mention "energy". I don't mean to try to indicate ALL New Agers...the above was simply *my* experience.
You can also look at modern Paganism and Wicca, and the ways in which they've been dumbed and watered-down, to see what New Age can do to other systems when its influence is introduced. From the way all Gods and Goddesses are viewed as the same being, to the way concepts like Karma and reincarnation are abused...its all mostly a result of New Age influence. Back when I practiced Wicca, I was also very much into the magical arts. Due to some of those New Age influences, I always came across all kinds of outrageous, irrational reasons to NOT do magic that I eventually ended up paralyzed in that regard and didn't really practice magic.
It's really sad, too, because the New Age movement didn't have to be this way. I think originally its purpose, and to an extent that of Theosophy as well, was a way to introduce and make available eastern mystical concepts to western people.
As for the topic of this thread...to the OP, NAP is definitely a solid little system. I was surprised to find out that the attack & defense spells call upon angels from the Shemhamphorasch. The problem that makes it seem like New Age tripe is the era in which is was written and published...and the particular publisher at that time. The publisher was Parker Brothers, and for books falling under occult topics, it was their practice to have the authors hype up the text to make it seem all the more fantastic and amazing. Thus, you have the book as it's written.
As for its effectiveness, many have had great success. I had some success at first, but things took a complete 180 on me resulting in me not being willing to work with the system for the time being. But that's my own issue and not a topic for this thread...