An Introduction to Theosophy

He was the father of the occult, the founder of astrology, the discoverer of alchemy. He was Hermes Trismegistus, and as the scribe of the gods of ancient Egypt, he possessed all divine knowledge... which he passed on to humanity, though only those who have been tutored in its wonders can fully understand it.In this extraordinary 1912 book, three secret initiates to his teachings - who remain anonymous to this day - share their insight with all who seek to understand the mysterious underpinnings of the universe and our relationship with it.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Is there really any justice in the world? Since ancient times the secret doctrine has taught the law of karma and its twin doctrine, reincarnation, as an explanation to these and many other mysteries of human life. Ceaseless in its operation, the cycles of cause and effect bear alike upon solar systems, planets, nations, families, and individuals. Karma means action, and our minds are the real planes of action.

Originally published in 1890 by Madame Blavatsky, this paper serves as part defense of and part biography of Franz Anton Mesmer. She discusses how science disavows magic while at the same time adopting and renaming identical concepts. She writes of the relationship between hypnotism and mesmerism, as well as how both were looked at within the scientific and occult communities across Europe at the time.

Blavatsky engages in a spirited debate on spiritualism, defending an article entitled "Fragments of Occult Truth" by another writer, though one she had published in her own periodical, The Theosophist. The article had come under attack by a rival magazine of the time, and Blavatsky comes to the rescue.

The chief scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) turns a critical eye toward such practices as telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and psychokinesis. Are such powers really possible? Science says yes. According to noted scientist and best-selling author of The Conscious Universe, Dean Radin, magic is a natural aspect of reality, and each of us can tap into this power with diligent practice.