New Age Movement

I am an academic with four teaching credentials and a doctorate, certainly far from what could be classified as a mystic. Sedona, Ariz., is only one of many meccas where the New Age movement has flourished (Column One, Aug. 4). More power to it (if you will excuse the pun). For centuries, man has been searching to find himself and his place in the universe.

Obviously, organized religion hasn’t worked for everyone. Thus the New Age movement came to be within the last several decades. It is neither of the devil nor is it bad for the soul. It is a way of exploring one’s inner self and it’s a lot less costly than psychotherapy.

The psychics in Sedona are honest and caring people. Page Bryant, mentioned in your article, is a remarkably gifted clairvoyant. Last year I wrote a book with dancer Ann Miller, called “Tapping Into the Force.” The cover features Ann sitting near her home in Sedona. It was the one place this actress, like many other people, could find a little peace from the frenetic pace of Los Angeles.

Of course the churches and the Forest Service are threatened because their conservative bastions have been invaded.

The New Age movement can be awesome to people who do not truly understand its message. I believe we must examine our attitude toward psychic research. Instead of condemning its unorthodox procedures, we need to embrace this new point of view as one of life’s myriad experiences.

Sedona does have magic--and it certainly beats facing smog, crime and freeways, if only for its sheer beauty and its fascinating citizens.

MAXINE ASHER

Brentwood