Filter by Year

[Note: Use the sliders from both ends to define your date range]

Filter by Exact Date

[Notes: Articles published in monthly magazines are dated on the 1st of the month. Books where the exact date of publication are unknown, are dated as Dec, 31st, of the year they were published.]

Filter by Authors

Search for an Author

Select an Author

Filter by Co-Authors/Collaborators

[Note: first select the main author, then this will show co-authors, collaborators, compilers, etc.]

Filter by Recipients

[Note: this applies to recipients of letters and other correspondence.]

Filter by Source

Filter by Content Type

Filter by Word Search

Filter by Keywords

Other Filters

Article

Articles from various theosophical authors.

A Mysterious Race

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, January, 1883

While travelling from the landing place—on the Madras “Buckingham Canal”—to Nellore, we were made to experience the novel sensation of a transit of fifteen miles… Read More »A Mysterious Race

Fragments of Occult Truth [4-8]

Article/ by A. P. Sinnett, The Theosophist, October-November 1882; March-May, 1883 [Serialized]

[Note: for the first 3 Fragments by A.O. Hume, see “Fragments of Occult Truth [1-3]”] No. 4: The Evolution of Man An essay on so… Read More »Fragments of Occult Truth [4-8]

Article/ by Anon., The Theosophist, October, 1882 [author: “A Parsi F. T. S.”] [A modified version of this article was republished in Five Years of Theosophy under the title “Zoroastrianism on the Septenary Constitution of Man”]

It is now nearly four years that the Theosophical Society has established itself amongst us. During this short period a large number of lectures have… Read More »Theosophy and the Avesta

What is Theosophy?

Article/ by Anon. with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, August, 1882 [Article credited to “a Paramahansa¹ of the Himalayas”]

1. Theosophy is that branch of human perfection, by which one may establish himself with the eternal cause of invisible nature; to which this physical… Read More »What is Theosophy?

“The Philosophy of Spirit”

Article/ by T. Subba Row with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, May & October, 1882; February, 1883 [Serialized]

[Note: the following addresses the book “The Philosophy of Spirit,” by William Oxley.] The book bearing the above title, and professing to expound “the philosophy of… Read More »“The Philosophy of Spirit”

Another “Orthodox” Prosecution!

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April, 1882

The Asiatic nations have often been accused of holding obstinately to their old routine and customs, and of being the least progressive individuals in the… Read More »Another “Orthodox” Prosecution!

The Present Great Need of a Metaphysico-Spiritual Vocabulary

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April, 1882

In Light (of February 11) “C. C. M.,” in the article “Communicating Spirits,” says the following:— “It will thus be seen (1) that only the… Read More »The Present Great Need of a Metaphysico-Spiritual Vocabulary

Astrology Verified

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, April, 1882

Writing in the Theosophist upon the subject of Astrology, C.C.Massey says that he thinks at present we are not fully acquainted with the science, and… Read More »Astrology Verified

Reincarnations in Tibet

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, March, 1882

So little is known by Europeans of what is going on in Tibet, and even in the more accessible Bhootan, that an Anglo-Indian paper—one of… Read More »Reincarnations in Tibet

The “Elixir of Life”

Article/ by Godolphin Mitford, The Theosophist, March-April, 1882 [Serialized]

And Enoch walked with the Elohim, and the Elohim took him.”—GENESIS. The curious information—for whatsoever else the world may think of it, it will doubtless… Read More »The “Elixir of Life”

The Aryan-Arhat Esoteric Tenets on the Sevenfold Principles in Man

Article/Letter(s)/ by T. Subba Row to H. P. Blavatsky, with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, January, 1882 [Letter sent by T. Subba Row¹ to H. P. Blavatsky; then published with permission along with Notes and Appendix by Blavatsky]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probably the Aryan (we shall for the present call it… Read More »The Aryan-Arhat Esoteric Tenets on the Sevenfold Principles in Man

Trance Mediums and “Historical” Visions

Article/Note(s)/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1881

The reliability of the identification of returning spirits, may be inferred from this bit of fresh intelligence recently received through the Religio-Philosophical Journal, of July… Read More »Trance Mediums and “Historical” Visions

Superstition

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1881

Owing to the fanciful reports of superficial and prejudiced travellers, to their entire ignorance of Asiatic religions and—very often, their own—Western nations generally are labouring… Read More »Superstition

The Six-Pointed and Five-Pointed Stars

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, November, 1881

Our authorities for representing the pentagram or the five-pointed star as the microcosm, and the six-pointed double triangle as the macrocosm, are all the best… Read More »The Six-Pointed and Five-Pointed Stars

The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac

Article/ by T. Subba Row with H. P. Blavatsky, , The Theosophist, November, 1881

The division of the Zodiac into different signs dates from immemorial antiquity. It has acquired a world-wide celebrity and is to be found in the… Read More »The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac

Fragments of Occult Truth [1-3]

Article/ by A. O. Hume, The Theosophist, October, 1881; March & September, 1882 [Serialized]

[Note: for the following 5 Fragments by A.P. Sinnett, see “Fragments of Occult Truth [4-8]”] No. 1 We have received from our esteemed Australian Brother… Read More »Fragments of Occult Truth [1-3]

The Moral Law of Compensation

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Theosophist, October, 1881

“For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field; and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.”—Job, Chap.… Read More »The Moral Law of Compensation

The Five-Pointed Star

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, August, 1881

Of late numerous letters have been received in The THEOSOPHIST office concerning the efficacy of the mysterious Pentagram. Our Eastern readers are perhaps unaware of… Read More »The Five-Pointed Star

The Evidence of Science

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, July, 1881

From Professor Hare, the great American chemist, a world-wide celebrity, a quarter of a century ago, down to Professor Zöllner, the Leipzig astronomer in 1878,… Read More »The Evidence of Science

Lamas And Druses

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1881

Mr. L. Oliphant’s new work “Land of Gilead” attracts considerable attention. Reviews appeared some time since, but we had to lay the subject aside until… Read More »Lamas And Druses

Apollonius Tyaneus and Simon Magus

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1881

In the “History of the Christian Religion to the year two hundred,” by Charles B. Waite, A.M., announced and reviewed in the Banner of Light… Read More »Apollonius Tyaneus and Simon Magus

Stars and Numbers

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1881

Ancient civilization saw nothing absurd in the claims of astrology, no more than many an educated and thoroughly scientific man sees in it today. Judicial… Read More »Stars and Numbers

Count Saint Germain

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, May, 1881

At long intervals have appeared in Europe certain men whose rare intellectual endowments, brilliant conversation, and mysterious modes of life have astounded and dazzled the… Read More »Count Saint Germain

Ancient Doctrines Vindicated by Modern Prophecy

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, May, 1881

The German press has recently attempted in numerous editorials to solve what seems a mystery to the ordinary and sceptical public. They feel that they… Read More »Ancient Doctrines Vindicated by Modern Prophecy

Nature’s Human Magnets

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April, 1881

If any of us now-a-days ventures to relate some weird experience or seemingly incomprehensible phenomenon, two classes of objectors try to stop his mouth with… Read More »Nature’s Human Magnets

New York Buddhists

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, April, 1881

About two years ago, the question of Buddhism was greatly discussed in the American, especially the New York, papers. Many an unbeliever in Christianity had… Read More »New York Buddhists

The Signs of the Time

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, March, 1881

How rapidly the salutary leaven of Freethought is working its way into every class of society throughout Europe and America, may be seen in the… Read More »The Signs of the Time

The Leaven of Theosophy

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, March, 1881

Those of us whose duty it is to watch the Theosophical movement and aid its progress can afford to be amused at the ignorant conceit… Read More »The Leaven of Theosophy

Hypnotism

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, February, 1881

The views of medical men in regard to hypnotism or self-mesmerization have been greatly strengthened of late. This is evident from the report by Dr.… Read More »Hypnotism

The Missing Link

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, February, 1881

A good many of the Western papers are terribly excited over a bit of news just arrived in Europe from Sangoon. The most radical and… Read More »The Missing Link

Questions Answered About Yoga Vidya

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, February, 1881

A HINDU gentleman of the Madras Presidency propounds a number of questions about Occult Science which we answer in these columns, as the information is… Read More »Questions Answered About Yoga Vidya

Electric and Magnetic Affinities Between Man and Nature

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, February, 1881

Without going too deeply into certain vexed questions based upon what the orthodox men of science please to term the “hypothetical” conclusions of the Psychological… Read More »Electric and Magnetic Affinities Between Man and Nature

A French View of Women’s Rights

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Pioneer, December, 1880

With a little book entitled “Les Femmes qui Tuent et les Femmes qui Votent”, Alexandre Dumas, fils, has just entered the arena of social and… Read More »A French View of Women’s Rights

The Pralaya of Modern Science

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1880

If Science is right then the future of our Solar System—hence of what we call the Universe—offers but little of hope or consolation for our… Read More »The Pralaya of Modern Science

The Number Seven and Our Society

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, September, 1880

The thoughtful reader must have pondered well over the mysterious import that the number Seven seems to have always had among the ancients, as succinctly… Read More »The Number Seven and Our Society

The Theory of Cycles

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, July, 1880

It is now some time since this theory, which was first propounded in the oldest religion of the world, Vedaism, then taught by various Greek… Read More »The Theory of Cycles

The Number Seven

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, June, 1880

A deep significance was attached to numbers in hoary antiquity. There was not a people with anything like philosophy, but gave great prominence to numbers… Read More »The Number Seven

A Case of Obsession

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, May, 1880

A most interesting and instructive letter has been addressed to the Society by a respectable physician in England, in which advice is asked for the… Read More »A Case of Obsession

Castes in India

Article/ by Damodar K. Mavalankar, The Theosophist, May, 1880

No man of sincerity and moral courage can read Mr. G. C. Whitworth’s Profession of Faith, as reviewed in the April Theosophist, without feeling himself… Read More »Castes in India

Principles, Rules, and Bye-Laws of the Theosophical Society [1880]

Article/ by Anon., The Theosophist, April, 1880

The Theosophical Society, or Universal Brotherhood Formed at New York, U. S. of America, October 30th, 1875. Principles, Rules, and Bye-Laws, as revised in General… Read More »Principles, Rules, and Bye-Laws of the Theosophical Society [1880]

Missionaries Militant

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Pioneer, March, 1880

We have just read the two dreary columns in The Pioneer of March 15th, “The Theosophists in Council,” by Mr. T. G. Scott. The Council… Read More »Missionaries Militant

The History of a “Book”

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Pioneer, March, 1880

As the indications in the press all point towards a Russian reign of terror, either before or at the death of the Czar—a bird’s-eye view… Read More »The History of a “Book”

A Land of Mystery

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, March, April, June, August, 1880 [Serialized]

[I] Whether one surveys the imposing ruins of Memphis or Palmyra; stands at the foot of the great pyramid of Ghizé; wanders along the shores… Read More »A Land of Mystery

A Great Light Under a Bushel

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, February, 1880

If, according to the ironical definition of a French writer, language were not given to man “that he might the better dissimulate his thought,” at… Read More »A Great Light Under a Bushel

The Swami of Akalkot

Article/Review/ by Damodar K. Mavalankar, The Theosophist, January, 1880

A book entitled “Swami Charitra” (The life of Swami) has just been published in Marathi, in two parts, by one Narayan Hari Bhagvat. It contains… Read More »The Swami of Akalkot

An Old Book and a New One

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1879

The nineteenth century is the century of struggle and strife, par excellence; of religious, political, social, and philosophical conflict. The biologists could and would not… Read More »An Old Book and a New One

Sankaracharaya, Philosopher and Mystic

Article/ by Kashinath Trimbak Telang, The Theosophist, December, 1879; January & May, 1880 [Serialized]

At the request of Col. Olcott I have permitted the following paper to be published with materials collected by me for a paper read to… Read More »Sankaracharaya, Philosopher and Mystic

A Chapter on Jainism

Article/ by Ramdas Sen, The Theosophist, December, 1879

The Jain religion never spread beyond the limits of India. Being thus much less widely known, it has never stood high, like Buddhism, in the… Read More »A Chapter on Jainism

The Popular Idea of Soul-Survival

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1879

At what epoch the dawning intellect of man first accepted the idea of future life, none can tell. But we know that, from the very… Read More »The Popular Idea of Soul-Survival

Christmas Then and Christmas Now

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, December, 1879

We are reaching the time of the year when the whole Christian world is preparing to celebrate the most noted of its solemnities—the birth of… Read More »Christmas Then and Christmas Now

War in Olympus

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, November, 1879

Dark clouds are gathering over the hitherto cold and serene horizon of exact science, which forebode a squall. Already two camps are forming among the… Read More »War in Olympus

Cross and Fire

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, November, 1879

Perhaps the most widespread and universal among the symbols in the old astronomical systems, which have passed down the stream of time to our century,… Read More »Cross and Fire

The Law of the Lord Sakya Muni

Article/ by Migettuwatte Gunananda Thera, The Theosophist, November, 1879

By the Rev. Mohottivatte Gunanande, Chief Priest of Dipaduttama Vihare, Colombo, Ceylon; Member of the General Council of the Theosophical Society. Understanding that even Oriental… Read More »The Law of the Lord Sakya Muni

The Nature and Office of Buddha’s Religion

Article/ by Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera, The Theosophist, November, 1879; February, May, October, 1880 [Serialized]

By the Rt. Rev. H. Sumangala, High Priest of Adam’s Peak, and President of Widyodaya College; Senior Buddhist Member of the General Council of the… Read More »The Nature and Office of Buddha’s Religion

Persian Zoroastrianism and Russian Vandalism

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1879

Few persons are capable of appreciating the truly beautiful and esthetic; fewer still of revering those monumental relics of bygone ages, which prove that even… Read More »Persian Zoroastrianism and Russian Vandalism

Antiquity of the Vedas

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1879

A journal interested like the THEOSOPHIST in the explorations of archæology and archaic religions, as well as the study of the occult in nature, has… Read More »Antiquity of the Vedas

The Drift of Western Spiritualism

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1879

Late advices from various parts of the world seem to indicate that, while there is an increasing interest in the phenomena of spiritualism, especially among… Read More »The Drift of Western Spiritualism

What are the Theosophists?

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1879

Are they what they claim to be—students of natural law, of ancient and modern philosophy, and even of exact science? Are they Deists, Atheists, Socialists,… Read More »What are the Theosophists?

What is Theosophy?

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophist, October, 1879

This question has been so often asked, and misconception so widely prevails, that the editors of a journal devoted to an exposition of the world’s… Read More »What is Theosophy?

Magic

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, The Deccan Star, March, 1879

In The Indian Tribune of March 15th appears a letter upon the relations of the Theosophical Society with the Ârya Samâj. The writer seems neither… Read More »Magic

Erroneous Ideas Concerning the Doctrines of the Theosophists

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, La Revue Spirite, January, 1879 [Translated from the original French]

We insert this reply to Monsieur Rossi de Justiniani, but we express no opinion upon the doctrines expounded therein; our Smyrna brother may reply to… Read More »Erroneous Ideas Concerning the Doctrines of the Theosophists

The Arya Samaj

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, New York Echo, June, 1878

Madame Blavatsky Narrates the History of the Brahmo-Samaj and the Ârya-Samâj.—The Conflict of Faiths in India.—Why the Theosophists Now Receive their Instructions from a Hindu… Read More »The Arya Samaj

The Theosophical Society: Its Origin, Plan and Aims

Article/ by H. S. Olcott with H. P. Blavatsky, , May, 1878

[[This the New York Circular drafted mainly by Colonel H. S. Olcott and which was ready for distribution on May 3rd, 1878. A packet of… Read More »The Theosophical Society: Its Origin, Plan and Aims

The Akhund of Swat

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, New York Echo, May, 1878 [See Note 1]

Madame Blavatsky’s Dramatic Word-Painting and Graphic Description of Abdul Ghafur’s Remarkable And Eventful Career—Antagonism of the Sikhs to the Modern Hierophant—Almost Simultaneous Deaths of the… Read More »The Akhund of Swat

An Unsolved Mystery

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Spiritual Scientist, November, 1875

The circumstances attending the sudden death of M. Delessert, inspector of the police de sûreté, seems to have made such an impression upon the Parisian authorities… Read More »An Unsolved Mystery

Preamble of the Theosophical Society

Article/ by Anon., October, 1875 [as reprinted in The Theosophical Forum, September 1947]

The title of the Theosophical Society explains the objects and desires of its founders: they seek “to obtain knowledge of the nature and attributes of… Read More »Preamble of the Theosophical Society

The Science of Magic

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Spiritual Scientist, October, 1875

Happening to be on a visit to Ithaca, where spiritual papers in general, and the Banner of Light in particular, are very little read, but where, luckily,… Read More »The Science of Magic

A Few Questions to “Hiraf ”

Article/ by H. P. Blavatsky, Spiritual Scientist, July 15-22, 1875 [Serialized]

Among the numerous sciences pursued by the well-disciplined army of earnest students of the present century, none has had less honors or more scoffing than… Read More »A Few Questions to “Hiraf ”

The Dream of Ravan: A Mystery

Article/Commentary/Translation/ by Anon., Dublin University Magazine, October, 1853 to April, 1854 [Serialized]

Introduction to the Dream of Ravan Original 1853-54 Version (Dublin University Magazine) 1895 Edition (Theosophical Publishing Society) 1974 Edition (Theosophy Co., India) Part I In… Read More »The Dream of Ravan: A Mystery

On the Orphic Mysteries, etc.

Article/ by Karl Otfried Müller, 1847 [Originally published in History of the literature of ancient Greece

Neither the Eleusinian nor any other of the established mysteries of Greece obtained any influence upon the literature of the nation, since the hymns sung… Read More »On the Orphic Mysteries, etc.

Over-Soul

Article/ by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series, 1841

“But souls that of his own good life partake, He loves as his own self; dear as his eye They are to Him: He’ll never… Read More »Over-Soul

Self-Reliance

Article/ by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series, 1841

“Ne te quaesiveris extra.” “Man is his own star; and the soul that can Render an honest and a perfect man, Commands all light, all… Read More »Self-Reliance

On the Theology of Plato, a Seventh Book

Article/ by Thomas Taylor, Proclus: On the Theology of Plato, 1816

Chapter I. The mundane Gods, or those divinities who give completion to the sensible world, are assigned the last order of deific progression, as we… Read More »On the Theology of Plato, a Seventh Book

Introduction to Proclus, On the Theology of Plato

Article/ by Thomas Taylor, Proclus: On the Theology of Plato, 1816

I rejoice in the opportunity which is afforded me of presenting the truly philosophic reader, in the present work, with a treasure of Grecian theology;… Read More »Introduction to Proclus, On the Theology of Plato

A Dissertation on the Eleusinian and Bacchic Mysteries

Article/ by Thomas Taylor, The Pamphleteer, 1816 (No.'s 15-16), 2nd Ed. [Serialized] [PDF Version (scanned original)]

Εν ταις ΤΕΛΕΤΑΙΣ καθαρσεις ηγουνται και περιρραντηρια και αγνισμοι, α των εν απορρητοις δρωμενων, και της του θειου μετουσιας γυμνασματα εισιν.—Procli MS. Com. in Plat.… Read More »A Dissertation on the Eleusinian and Bacchic Mysteries

General Introduction to the Philosophy and Writings of Plato

Article/ by Thomas Taylor, The Works of Plato, 1804

[p. iii] “Philosophy,” says Hierocles,1 “is the purification and perfection of human life. It is the purification, indeed, from material irrationality, and the mortal body;… Read More »General Introduction to the Philosophy and Writings of Plato

Explanation of Certain Platonic Terms

Article/ by Thomas Taylor, 1804, 1816 & 1820 [Compilation]

As some apology may be thought necessary for having introduced, in the course of the following translation, certain unusual words of Greek origin, I shall… Read More »Explanation of Certain Platonic Terms

A Dissertation on the Life and Theology of Orpheus

Article/ by Thomas Taylor, 1787 [From the introduction to the Hymns of Orpheus, 1st Edition]

Section I The great obscurity and uncertainty in which the history of Orpheus is involved, affords very little matter for our information; and even renders… Read More »A Dissertation on the Life and Theology of Orpheus