New age beliefs: A sociological analysis of their scope of practices, influences and social appearances (The case of Antalya)

The relationship between the sacred and the secular has been questioned for ages. Transformations of society type also shape religious life. Religion has been reproduced in every new social structure. Compared with traditional society, religion has a different structure in modern society. In this individualistic society, religious beliefs are reproduced based on individuals' needs and wishes. New religious formations can offer a choice and alternatives for individual who is seeking meaning in relation to the sacred. This research is designed according to the qualitative research pattern and data were collected through in-depth interviews. It is aimed to identify the factors that underlie individuals' participation in New Age movements. In accordance with this purpose, it is aimed to discover personal characteristics, experiences, changes in their daily life practices, spiritual satisfaction levels, body perceptions, differences in social interactions, and changes in religious feelings and thoughts of the individuals participating in these movements. In this context, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 people living in Antalya who participates in yoga, meditation, Reiki, bioenergy, hypnosis, and Access bars activities. The data obtained were analysed by the content analysis. Themes and coding units were created under the pre-determined categories and then the interviews were turned into narratives and interpreted. According to the results, there are many reasons for people to participate in New Age beliefs. Sociocultural interaction, metaphysical experiences, daily routines, psycho-social reasons, spatial and visual interactions, increasing and widespread of alternative belief systems can be expressed as the main reasons affecting this process. Lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, patterns of consumption vary from person to person. This diversity may affect individuals' experiences of practice and dimensions of utilization. It is found that after the participation of these activities, individuals' social life, emotions and thoughts change both positively and negatively. In addition, it has been revealed that people establish relationships in different ways between New Age beliefs and religion, individuals benefit from New Age beliefs in shaping their religious beliefs and the semantic world, and differentiations occur in worship and practices. Keywords: Religion, New Religious Movements, Religious, Belief, Antalya.