The Astral Light
A natural preliminary question is: “What is the Astral Light?” It is a difficult question to answer; as difficult as that old one, “What is… Read More »The Astral Light
spiritualism
Writings related to Spiritualism.
Psychism and the Fourth Dimension
At the present day, though science has added to its former treasures many things rich and rare, its wildest admirer would not claim for science… Read More »Psychism and the Fourth Dimension
Mediumship
There is no more misunderstood or misapplied word than “Medium.” Having been appropriated by the Spiritist, it is as a natural result, today supposed to… Read More »Mediumship
Theories About Reincarnation and Spirits
Over and over again the abstruse and mooted question of Rebirth or Reincarnation has crept out during the first ten years of the Theosophical Society’s… Read More »Theories About Reincarnation and Spirits
Facts and Ideations
The current of public attraction runs towards psychic phenomena and is becoming in Europe stronger every year. Even German science and philosophy are beginning to… Read More »Facts and Ideations
Kama-Loka and the Bearings of the Esoteric Doctrine on Spiritualism
Students of the information lately obtained from Eastern sources for the elucidation of what is known as the Esoteric doctrine, are well aware that the… Read More »Kama-Loka and the Bearings of the Esoteric Doctrine on Spiritualism
Mr. A. Lillie’s Delusions
To the Editor of Light. Sir,— I write to rectify the many mistakes—if they are, indeed, only “mistakes”—in Mr. Lillie’s last letter that appeared in Light of August 2nd,… Read More »Mr. A. Lillie’s Delusions
Are Chelas Mediums?
According to the newest edition of the “Imperial Dictionary,” by John Ogilvie, L. L. D., “A medium is a person through whom the action of another being… Read More »Are Chelas Mediums?
[A Parable of the Séance Room]
Article Selections | Notes by H.P.B. . . . At the time when European civilization first invaded Japan, mirrors were unknown among the common people.… Read More »[A Parable of the Séance Room]
A Spirit Visit
Article Selection from The Diocesan Vyedomosty of Mogilev (Russia) | Note by H.P.B. The “Diocesan Vyedomosty” of Mogilev (Russia) quotes an interesting experience in the life of the… Read More »A Spirit Visit
[Notes on Elementals and Elementaries]
Selections from a Paper read at a Meeting of the British T.S. | Notes by H.P.B. . . . The beings which play the most… Read More »[Notes on Elementals and Elementaries]
[Explanation of the Appearance of Ghosts]
Letter selections from Henry G. Atkinson | Notes by H.P.B. There is a long article on Ghosts, and the author says, “If I mistake not,… Read More »[Explanation of the Appearance of Ghosts]
“Impressions from the Infinite”
For some time past, M. C. W. Rohner, M.D. of Benalla, was busy translating from the Spanish of Balmes trance-utterances of the name that heads… Read More »“Impressions from the Infinite”
[Apparitions at the Moment of Death]
Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on an article titled “A Story of Thirty Years Ago” about apparitions at the moment of death Useless to remind our readers… Read More »[Apparitions at the Moment of Death]
Spirit Identity and Recent Speculations
Editorial Note by H.P.B. on an article by “M. A. (Oxon.)” Of all the Spiritualists, “M.A. (Oxon),” is the last to whose arguments we would… Read More »Spirit Identity and Recent Speculations
“Under the Shadow of Great Names” [2]
Reply by H.P.B. to two letters defending the medium George Spriggs. Our love for “fair play” has never been doubted even by those of our… Read More »“Under the Shadow of Great Names” [2]
Another “Spiritual” Puzzle
Letter by E.W.W | Reply by H.P.B. I feel that Mr. Terry has been doing great service in procuring for us the few crumbs from… Read More »Another “Spiritual” Puzzle
Pickings from our Contemporaries
La Revue Spirite of Paris for February publishes a communication from a medium named L. Cephas—which it calls quite pertinently “very original.” It is headed… Read More »Pickings from our Contemporaries
[A Reverend on After-Death States]
Selections from Brief Memorials of the Rev. Alphonese Francois Lacroix | Notes by H.P.B. He hailed every possible evidence of the soul’s life after the body’s… Read More »[A Reverend on After-Death States]
Spiritualistic Black Magic
Introduction by H.P.B. to a letter by “Caledonian Theosophist” Certain allegations by a “Caledonian Theosophist,” as to the spread of immoral ideas and even practices,… Read More »Spiritualistic Black Magic
[On “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena”]
Selections from J. D. Buck’s Letter to the Editor, titled: “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena” | Note and Reply by H.P.B. . . . Fortified by the outlines of… Read More »[On “Curious Mediumistic Phenomena”]
A Spectral Warning
A respectable American paper publishes a story of a clairvoyant prevision of death. One Martin Delehaute, employed in a steam sawmill, saw one night at… Read More »A Spectral Warning
Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research
The first number of the journal of this new Society is full of interesting matter and indicates that our sister association will do good work… Read More »Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research
Occult and Spiritual Phenomena in the Light of Modern Science
I have just received Light—the ablest of the Spiritual periodicals of England—of September 23, and read its “NOTES BY THE WAY,” contributed by “M. A.… Read More »Occult and Spiritual Phenomena in the Light of Modern Science
Was it “Spirits” or What?
[H.P.B.’s response to “A Perplexed Theosophist”] The strict adherence to our duty as an Occultist, while it satisfies a few of our fellow students, materially… Read More »Was it “Spirits” or What?
Theosophy and Spiritualism
A Calcutta correspondent asks: (a) Is Occultism a science akin to Spiritualism? (b) What are the principal points in which the Theosophists and the Spiritualists… Read More »Theosophy and Spiritualism
A Learned Bramhan Spirit!
Article selections from questions posed to a supposed medium. | Introductory Note, Notes, and closing Editor’s Note by H.P.B. [Note: In the following selections, exclamation… Read More »A Learned Bramhan Spirit!
The “Veda of the Buddhists!”
Sceptics often taunt the Spiritualists with the fact that their mediums, though claiming to be inspired and “controlled” by the spirits of the great men… Read More »The “Veda of the Buddhists!”
[Notes on a Review of Mr. Chevillard’s Researches into Spiritism]
Review Selections by Marcel Rouher (translated by H.P.B.) | Notes by H.P.B. Reviews Experimental Studies on Certain Nervous Phenomena, and a Rational Solution of the… Read More »[Notes on a Review of Mr. Chevillard’s Researches into Spiritism]
Spiritualistic Morals in London
Letter from “British Theosophist” | Reply by H.P.B. TO THE EDITOR OF THE “THEOSOPHIST” As a Theosophist and lover of truth, I cannot allow a… Read More »Spiritualistic Morals in London
A Storm in a Teacup
We print elsewhere letters from two estimable ladies—members of the British Theosophical Society—protesting against a short article—“A Sad Lookout”—printed in our April number. We make… Read More »A Storm in a Teacup
The New Society for Psychical Research
In Light for April 27th, we find the manifesto of the new Socierty which has just been organized at London under the above title. The… Read More »The New Society for Psychical Research
Singing Animalcules
The editor of the Religio-Philosophical Journal has microscopic intuitions, it seems. In a recent number he says: “There are animalcules, we have no doubt, that have… Read More »Singing Animalcules
Trance-Speakers
No Hindu needs to be told the meaning of the term Angánta Yéné. It is the action of a bhût, who enters into or possesses… Read More »Trance-Speakers
Seeming “Discrepancies”
Letter by “Caledonian Theosophist” | Editor’s Note by H.P.B. TO THE EDITOR OF THE “THEOSOPHIST.” I have lately been engaged in devoting a few evenings’… Read More »Seeming “Discrepancies”
[On the T.S. Policy of Eclectic Tolerance of All Creeds]
Article Selections by N. Chidambaram Iyer | Notes by H.P.B. . . . You are surprised to find that your friend and ally, Swami Dayanand… Read More »[On the T.S. Policy of Eclectic Tolerance of All Creeds]
Psyche
Our old friend, The [London] Spiritualist, died of inanition, but has resurrected under the Hellenic alias of Psyche. In short, it might be said that,… Read More »Psyche
A Sad Lookout
. . . An English gentleman, a Fellow of the British Theosophical Society, writing to a Hindu Brother Theosophist of Bombay, says the following: “As to the… Read More »A Sad Lookout
[Spirit-Photography]
Chronicles of the Photographs of Spiritual Beings and Phenomena Invisible to the Material Eye, by Miss G. Houghton. A neat and curious volume, “Illustrated by… Read More »[Spirit-Photography]
Mr. William Eglinton’s Departure from India
The enemies of Spiritualism and Theosophy can rejoice and triumph, and the Calcutta bigoted and dyspeptic fogies—old or young—are invited to render thanks to their… Read More »Mr. William Eglinton’s Departure from India
A Conjurer Among the Spiritualists
Following is an article taken from the Bombay Gazette of January 30, in which we find a new and very important proof of the reality… Read More »A Conjurer Among the Spiritualists
“Nature-Spirits and Elementals”
A correspondent of Light having asked Mrs. Emma Hardinge Britten, the famous Spiritualist speaker and author, to state her beliefs as regards the existence of… Read More »“Nature-Spirits and Elementals”
Spiritualism and Occult Truth
The Spiritualist of Nov. 18th takes notice of the article published in the THEOSOPHIST for October under the heading “Fragments of Occult Truth,” but it… Read More »Spiritualism and Occult Truth
“Is it Idle to Argue Further”?
Says Light, in its “Notes by the Way,” edited by M.A. (Oxon):— “The current number of The THEOSOPHIST contains an important manifesto, which establishes and… Read More »“Is it Idle to Argue Further”?
[Notes on Bhutas or Ghosts]
Article Selections by Piarai Lall Chachondia | Notes by H.P.B. Lakshmibai (The Authentic Story of a Bhut)1 1. A ghost, an earth-bound soul. We give room to… Read More »[Notes on Bhutas or Ghosts]
What is “A Fact”?
Once fairly started on a friendly discussion—not “quarrelling,” we hope—with Light, 1 we may just as well set matters right regarding another topic, about which,… Read More »What is “A Fact”?
Trance Mediums and “Historical” Visions
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
[Spiritualism and the Christian Churches]
Magna est veritas et prevalebit. The reality of the phenomena has prevailed, and the Church is now forced to seek alliance with the Spiritualists against… Read More »[Spiritualism and the Christian Churches]
[Three Explanations for a Case of “Spirit” Phenomena]
Editor’s Note by H.P.B. on an article titled “The Witchcraft and Demonology of Pictavia” [Note: the following comment by H.P.B. follows an article which gives… Read More »[Three Explanations for a Case of “Spirit” Phenomena]
Fragments of Occult Truth [1-3]
[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 Claims of Occultism”
This is the heading of an article I find in a London publication, a new weekly called Light, and described as a “Journal Devoted to… Read More »“The Claims of Occultism”
[On “Stone-Showers”]
Article Selections from a letter by A. J. Riko | Note and Editor’s Note by H.P.B. [Note: see also [Note on “Stone-Throwing by ‘Spirits’”]] Following… Read More »[On “Stone-Showers”]
A Reply to Our Critics
In the ordinary run of daily life speech may be silver, while “silence is gold.” With the editors of periodicals devoted to some special object… Read More »A Reply to Our Critics
The Evidence of Science
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
Science, Phenomena, and the Press
Fiat Justitia, ruat coelum is not the motto of our century. Nothing is so amusing as to watch at every fresh exposure of some tricky… Read More »Science, Phenomena, and the Press
[Review:] The Scientific Basis of Spiritualism
Having already (p. 139, Vol. II, Theosophist) borne testimony to the admirable moral qualities and intellectual endowments of our lamented friend, the late Epes Sargent,… Read More »[Review:] The Scientific Basis of Spiritualism
A “Medium” Wanted
We extract the following from a letter, dated April 7—from an esteemed friend of ours, a native gentleman and a Fellow of our Society at… Read More »A “Medium” Wanted
Transcendental Physics
[Note: the following introductory remark was made in The Theosophist, January, 1881:] Our long absence from Bombay has prevented our reviewing Mr. C. C. Massey’s… Read More »Transcendental Physics
Pranks of “Spirits” Among Laymen
By “laymen,” in this case, we mean that class of society and humanity in general, who are not “orthodox spiritualists;” neither are they prepared to… Read More »Pranks of “Spirits” Among Laymen
“Spirit” Pranks Intra Caucasus (intro)
“Verily . . . Truth is often stranger than fiction!” Some three months ago, the Yankee-Irish editor of a unimportant, third-class Anglo-Indian paper, in a fit, apparently… Read More »“Spirit” Pranks Intra Caucasus (intro)
A Case of Obsession
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
Cock-and-Bull
Some months ago, the THEOSOPHIST was taken to task by certain Christian Roman Catholic friends, for crediting “supernatural” cock-and-bull “inventions” about spirits and mediums, as… Read More »Cock-and-Bull
[Difference between “Spiritualists” and “Spiritists”]
Article selection by M. Camille Flammarion | Note by H.P.B. “Spiritism feels too grateful to the great scientist William Crookes that anything to his greater… Read More »[Difference between “Spiritualists” and “Spiritists”]
Letter to the Editor of “The Banner of Light”
Bombay, India. To the Editor of The Banner of Light: In your issue of Oct. 4th, in the “London Spiritual Notes” from your special correspondent,… Read More »Letter to the Editor of “The Banner of Light”
An Old Book and a New One
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
War in Olympus
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
Echoes from India: What is Hindu Spiritualism?
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: Phenomena in India, beside the undoubted interest they offer in themselves, and, apart from their great variety,… Read More »Echoes from India: What is Hindu Spiritualism?
The Drift of Western Spiritualism
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
Spiritualism at Simla (intro)
An esteemed young English lady of Simla, interested in Occultism, sends us some interesting narratives of psychological experiences which may safely be copied by our… Read More »Spiritualism at Simla (intro)
[Reply to:] “Madame Blavatsky”
Sir,—If my memory has not altogether evaporated under the combined influences of this blazing Indian sun, and the frequent misconstructions of your correspondents, there occurred,… Read More »[Reply to:] “Madame Blavatsky”
Parting Words from Madame Blavatsky
Dear Sir,—So far, as I can at present foresee, this will be the last time I shall ask you to print anything over my—to many… Read More »Parting Words from Madame Blavatsky
Madame Blavatsky on Indian Metaphysics
Sir,—Two peas in the same pod are the traditional symbol of mutual resemblance, and the time-honoured simile forced itself upon me when I read the… Read More »Madame Blavatsky on Indian Metaphysics
The Knout
Mr. Editor:—I have read some of the assaults upon Colonel Olcott and myself, that have appeared in the Journal. Some have amused me, others I have… Read More »The Knout
Dr. Slade’s Final Triumph
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: I have just received from the Hon. Alexander Aksakoff, of St. Petersburg, a letter dated February 7th, the… Read More »Dr. Slade’s Final Triumph
Madame Blavatsky on the Views of the Theosophists
Sir,—Permit an humble Theosophist to appear for the first time in your columns, to say a few words in defence of our beliefs. I see… Read More »Madame Blavatsky on the Views of the Theosophists
Dr. Carpenter on “Tree-Trickery” and H. P. Blavatsky on Fakir “Jugglery”
A wise saying that which affirms that he who seeks to prove too much, in the end proves nothing. Professor W. B. Carpenter, F.R.S. (and… Read More »Dr. Carpenter on “Tree-Trickery” and H. P. Blavatsky on Fakir “Jugglery”
“Elementaries”
Editor, Journal: Dear Sir—I perceive that of late the ostracized subject of the Kabalistic “elementaries,” is beginning to appear in the orthodox spiritual papers, pretty often.… Read More »“Elementaries”
Huxley and Slade: Who is More Guilty of “False Pretences”?
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: Sir—As I see the issue that has been raised by Dr. Hallock with Mr. Huxley, it suggests to… Read More »Huxley and Slade: Who is More Guilty of “False Pretences”?
(New) York Against Lankester
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: Sir—Despite the constant recurrence of new discoveries by modern men of science, an exaggerated respect for authority and… Read More »(New) York Against Lankester
The Russian Scientists
[Note: for some background, see “The Russian Investigation & “Psychophobia” in Russia”] Special Correspondence of the Banner of Light. New York, June 15th, 1876. Dear Sir,—By the last… Read More »The Russian Scientists
Mediums, Beware!
[Note: for some background, see “The Russian Investigation & “Psychophobia” in Russia”] To the Editor of The Banner of Light: Dear Sir,—I take the earliest opportunity… Read More »Mediums, Beware!
“Psychophobia” in Russia
To the Editor of the Banner of Light: Dear Sir,—I have received from St. Petersburg the protests of Professor Butleroff and the Honorable Alexander Aksakoff, with… Read More »“Psychophobia” in Russia
The Russian Investigation
To the Editor of the Spiritual Scientist: Dear Sir,—In advices just received from St. Petersburg, I am requested to translate and forward to the Scientist for publication, the… Read More »The Russian Investigation
A Crisis for Spiritualism
[Note: H.P.B.’s letter was preceded by the following Editor’s Note. For further context, see previous editions of the Spiritual Scientist, Banner of Light, and other magazines,… Read More »A Crisis for Spiritualism
Madame Blavatsky Explains
To the Editor of the Spiritual Scientist: Dear Sir,—For the last three months one has hardly been able to open a number of the “Banner,” or… Read More »Madame Blavatsky Explains
“What are You Going to do About it?”
A most outrageous swindle was perpetrated upon the public last Sunday evening, at the Boston Theatre. Some persons with no higher aspirations in the world,… Read More »“What are You Going to do About it?”
A Card to the American Public
In compliance with the request of the Honourable Alexander Aksakoff, Counselor of State in the Imperial Chancellery at St. Petersburg, the undersigned hereby give notice… Read More »A Card to the American Public
A Word of Advice to the Singing Medium, Mr. Jesse Sheppard
I am truly sorry that a spiritualist paper like the Religio-Philosophical Journal, which claims to instruct and enlighten its readers, should suffer such trash as Mr.… Read More »A Word of Advice to the Singing Medium, Mr. Jesse Sheppard
To the Spiritualists of Boston
In a private letter received by me from A. N. Aksakoff, Counselor of State in the private Chancellery of the Emperor of Russia, at St.… Read More »To the Spiritualists of Boston
Who Fabricates?
In the last Religio-Philosophical Journal (for February 27th [p. 5]), in the Philadelphia department, edited by Dr. Child, under the most poetical heading of “After the Storm… Read More »Who Fabricates?
The Philadelphia “Fiasco,” or Who is Who?
[Note: for background on the Katie King affair, see here. See also newspaper articles on the subject here.] A few weeks ago, in a letter,… Read More »The Philadelphia “Fiasco,” or Who is Who?
Madame Blavatsky: Her Experience & Opinions of American Spiritualism
From a letter received from Mme. Blavatsky last week we make the following extracts, want of space alone preventing us from publishing it entire. It… Read More »Madame Blavatsky: Her Experience & Opinions of American Spiritualism
About Spiritualism
[Note: for background, see “Marvellous Spirit Manifestations”] Mme. Blavatsky visited The Daily Graphic office yesterday, and excited a great deal of Interest. She exhibited the… Read More »About Spiritualism
Marvellous Spirit Manifestations
The following letter was addressed to a contemporary journal by Mme. Blavatsky, and was handed to us for publication in The Daily Graphic, as we… Read More »Marvellous Spirit Manifestations