a tolerance of the diversity of forms of religious expression since all are expressions of the one ultimate truth-this is often expressed in an eclectic approach to diverse religious and spiritual traditions; the use of science to both express and validate spiritual beliefs; an optimistic outlook both for the individual adherent (often expressed in terms of material success) and for the environment. (Heelas 1996; Lewis 1992, pp. 6-9; Albarese 1992) What motivates people to become New Age? Adam Possamail's qualitative study of 35 New Agers living in Melbourne identified two main motives: a life crisis prompting them into an active search for meaning or a more gradual process through exposure to New Age ideas through consumption of products and practices such as crystals or yoga (Possamai 2000) Most had explored a range of religious practices before eventually specialising in one specific activity (such as astrology, Buddhism, channelling and urban shaman ism). None had followed the spiritual inheritance of their upbringing, which was more often a source of rebellion, even when it was an alternative form of religion. They were instead 'individualists of religion with a rather cynical attitude towards establishment religion. They rejected the idea of an imposed religion preferring an ' menu to a 'set' one.