New Thought and Modern Esotericism

This class will run live for six consecutive Wednesdays starting on September 15, 2021 9:00pm Eastern Time, using Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all participants and the video posted to the Curriculum Section after each session.

Class 1. We begin with the history and an overview of the main ideas, principles, and some of the figures of the New Thought tradition, followed by a comparison of New Thought with other spiritual traditions. In the practical part of this class, we discuss relaxation exercises and their importance for working with the subconscious as well as some pointers on formulating goals.

Class 2. We look at two central principles to the New Thought approach, (1) working with the subconscious and (2) formulating a definite purpose or goal. In the practical section of the class, we work together on translating definite purposes into the “language” of the subconscious and discuss how we can improve our formulations of the purpose, to increase its impact on the subconscious.

Class 3. Two more central principles of New Thought, (1) the use of imagination and (2) the importance of desire. We distinguish different forms of “imagination,” focusing on what is sometimes called “creative visualization,” and show how this is connected to desire. We clarify which kinds of desire are helpful and which are not to these practices. The practical section focuses on exercises for improving creative imagination and suggestions on how to intensify one’s desire.

Class 4. Two final principles of New Thought, (1) faith that one will obtain one’s goal and (2) action toward the goal. We examine the nature of “faith” in this context and some of the positive attitudes required for faith. We also look at action and the central importance of planning: New Thought is an active spiritual approach and assumes that one is taking action toward the goal. In the practical section, we discuss “SMART goals” and their usefulness for planning.

Class 5. The metaphysics of New Thought. We discuss the general theory of New Thought and why it works, comparing it to related Hermetic traditions. We also examine how New Thought envisions the Divine, including the strengths and potential weaknesses of this vision. In the practical section, we work with a few exercises to increase the involvement of the Higher Self in our definite purpose and planning.

6. The ethics of New Thought. We discuss positive habits and attitudes necessary to follow through with one’s goals and plans. The New Thought approach is not only about the goal, but also about the sort of person we become in our pursuit of that goal. The Golden Rule was also an important source for New Thought, which we discuss in some detail. The practical section of the class will be on the application of ethics in pursuing our goal and the potential dangers of not taking the Golden Rule into account.

John R. White Ph.D. is a practicing Jungian psychoanalyst and academic philosopher, as well as Vice President of the Board of the Institute for Hermetic Studies.