Which older esoteric traditions helped shape ideas later adopted by the New Age movement?

The New Age movement drew significantly from a long history of Western esotericism, a perspective centered on the pursuit of mystical knowledge that has persisted in the West since the 2nd century CE.1

Several older traditions and movements helped shape the ideas later adopted by the New Age movement:

• Ancient Roots: The movement’s foundations include Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and Hermetism, as well as the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbala.12
• Early Modern Traditions: Rosicrucianism and the works of early modern mystics like Jakob Böhme provided further esoteric frameworks.132
• 19th and 20th Century Developments: The movement was heavily influenced by Theosophy, Spiritualism, Freemasonry, and ritual magic. Theosophy, in particular, introduced concepts such as reincarnation and the belief in "Ascended Masters" who guide planetary destiny.124

These traditions collectively fostered a countercultural milieu that emphasized hidden spiritual wisdom, eventually evolving into the New Age phenomenon as it adapted to a globalized, modern world.42