In the 1960s, the counterculture movement was flourishing; a burgeoning set of new ideas based on independent thought and rejection of social norms. The ‘hippie’ subculture was born and ran rampant across the country – and the world. 

Ideals of living communally, getting in touch with nature, and altering one’s state of consciousness using psychoactive drugs were all popular within this decade-defining movement.

But by the 1970s, “hippies” were a dwindling breed. The subculture began to die out as mainstream America either condemned them for their “loose morals” or lost interest in them.

However, many who participated were left searching for spiritual answers. Former “hippies” who had used drugs to alter their consciousness turned towards other avenues, like meditation, to connect with the mind, and the New Age movement was born. 

“New Age” is a broadly used term, but what does it actually mean? And is the New Age movement still alive and influencing the Fort Collins community today? 

Despite its misleading name, the New Age movement features aspects from multiple existing religions and cultures. Perhaps one of the largest influences comes from Eastern-based religions, specifically Hinduism. 

In 1992, James R. Lewis and J. Gordon Melton published one of the first scholarly pieces examining and diving into what the movement means, titled “Perspectives on the New Age.” 

According to Lewis and Melton, “the New Age movement is a relatively new phenomenon. It developed in the late 1960s and emerged as a self-conscious movement in the early 1970s…It arose, not so much as a new religion, but as a new revivalist religious impulse directed toward the esoteric/metaphysical/Eastern groups and to the mystical strain in all religions.”

Co-owner of ‘Northern Lights Crystals, Books, and Gifts’, Sebastian Posern, believes that the New Age movement is not the only spiritual or religious group with connections to others. 

Located at 4020 S. College Avenue, Northern Lights has operated in Fort Collins since 1992, by Posern and his founding partner, Susan St. Clair. The store serves as a one-stop shop for anyone with an interest in metaphysical and holistic healing.

“There are many paths that lead up to the mountain, but that all leads to the same mountaintop,” Posern said. “You know, Eastern, and Western teachings, there’s so much overlap, which makes sense because the truth is really universal. So, the deeper you get, the more you see the unity of it.”

The success of Northern Lights is a testament to the lingering effects of the New Age movement in Fort Collins. Its aisles are often crowded with interested customers and patrons inquiring about the healing properties of certain crystals.

Posern spoke over the mystical and winding instrumentals that fill the store and contribute to its otherworldly feeling. 

“Fort Collins, as far as the spiritual community, has a big umbrella. It’s very active, there are a lot of different groups and people, so the interest [in spirituality] and people really trying to walk their talk, I think that’s strong. It’s very strong. It’s wonderful,” Posern said. 

Through the endless stacks of journals and the intoxicating aroma of crystal-infused candles, Gaynol Wapotich, a psychic medium, offers readings out of a small back room in Northern Lights. 

“I’ve had the ability all my life. I’m not a card reader, I channel information. I get the information from a person’s first name. My background is as a therapist, I like to give people tools they can use in their everyday life,” Wapotich said. “And everything I do is quick, simple, and permanent. We’ve been conditioned to think everything is difficult and complicated. It’s not. I said simple, not easy.” She flashed a small smile and a knowing look. 

The New Age movement cites spirit contact and a focus on both societal and personal transformation as key facets. However, as is with most aspects of the movement, these practices were inspired by religions and cultures that predate their ideas by centuries. 

Wapotich’s readings are certainly transformative and emphasize providing her customers with spiritual and practical tools to help them improve their lives. 

The demand for these kinds of readings and the lasting success of stores like Northern Lights serve as a reminder of the new-age ideals that are ingrained into the culture of Fort Collins. 

Yoga studios are popping up on every corner, meditation is becoming more mainstream and accessible through media and mobile apps, and the use of crystals is gaining in popularity. It is clear that the history of the New Age movement lives on, and that the spirit of the 1970s is alive and well, and reverberates throughout the community today.