Theosophical

Theosophical is an adjective relating to Theosophy, a spiritual movement that emerged in the late 19th century. The term is used to describe beliefs, writings, organizations, and activities associated with Theosophy, as well as individuals who identify with its ideas. The movement was founded in 1875 in New York by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and others, and it later developed into several independent groups around the world.

Core ideas of Theosophy include the belief in a universal, ancient wisdom shared by all world religions, philosophy, and science. Theosophical teaching emphasizes the unity of humanity, spiritual evolution, and the law of karma and reincarnation as mechanisms guiding growth over many lifetimes. A key feature is the existence of hidden spiritual teachers, often referred to as the Masters or Mahatmas, who are said to transmit esoteric knowledge to selected disciples. The movement also advocates the investigation of unexplained laws of nature and psychic phenomena, alongside the study of religion, philosophy, and science.

Organization and influence: The original Theosophical Society sought to form a nucleus of universal brotherhood, promote comparative study, and explore occult phenomena. It spawned several independent branches, notably the Theosophical Society (Adyar) and the Theosophical Society in America, each continuing to publish journals and hold lectures. The term “Theosophical” appears in writings by Blavatsky, Annie Besant, C. W. Leadbeater, and later authors, and has influenced later esoteric and New Age movements, though it has also attracted criticism from some religious and scholarly groups.