When viewing the generally accepted modern catalogue of ‘New Age’ publications, it would seem to imply that the New Age itself sprang fully formed from the soil of the 1960s. More to fact, it could be said that at any time in human history the synthesis of new ideas and the evolution of the human spirit is actually the New Age. In this very sumptuous and informative book, the actual time and space of our belief systems and wisdom is presented.

Author Gerry Maguire Thompson is the very model of a modern New Age man. He underwent a life-changing journey to the Himalayas in the 1970s then abandoned his career as an architect to follow the path of practicing and teaching healing, meditation, Shamanism, inner growth, and humour.

This very colourful and wide-ranging atlas is organised into regional sections; from The Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Egypt, India, China and Japan, to Australasia and the Pacific. At the head of each section is a double page spread with a timeline and detailed relief map showing key areas and locations of significance. It also shows major population movements.

On the same spread is an often engrossing sidebar giving a brief history and culture of the peoples of the regions from prehistoric times. Some of this information is speculative but includes figures gleaned from the latest archaeological data. The following pages give a succinct outline of the major cultural and wisdom streams associated with the different locations.

A most useful and regular sidebar in all sections is the ‘Similar Wisdoms.’ This alerts the reader to practices that are common to other cultures and times. The most notable examples are creation myths, the flood, the hero’s quest, astrology, reincarnation, and elements of mathematics and cosmology. This is an aspect of the book that will delight as it informs, and shows excellent attention to research.

For every wisdom stream in the present day ‘mind/body/spirit’ movement, the origins are explained or at least suggested. Are you drawn to the fascinating study of Ancient Egypt? There is plenty for you here. Is Celtic culture more your passion? You will learn the basis of Ogham, runes and ley lines. No major culture, religion or wisdom stream is neglected. I was heartened to see that Jung and Gurdjieff are mentioned, but sadly, no Cathars.

The explanations in each section are necessarily quite basic, but, as with all good reference works, will give the essentials needed to direct the reader into further study or investigation. A sound glossary helps with unfamiliar territory, and an index helps the reader find areas of interest. A bibliography would have enhanced the work even more – a surprising omission for an otherwise inclusive work.

Overall, the Atlas of the New Age is easily understood and sensorially pleasing. For anyone interested in origins and connections of religions, philosophies and wisdoms, this is a great place to start. This book is not only a feast for pleasurable browsing, but also serves to help resolve the great jigsaw of human spiritual evolution.

I would certainly recommend this impressive reference work equally to the hard core student of the New Age or the merely curious. It serves as a fine introduction to the path of wisdom. If you are a seeker, but are not sure in what direction you wish to go – or even from whence you have come – the Atlas of the New Age may possibly provide some clues.

– Reviewed by Jennifer Hoskins in New Dawn No. 93