‘How ancient is Theosophy?’ | Carl's Mediation Blog

AI – ‘Theosophy, as a modern movement, is relatively recent, originating in the 19th century. However, its core ideas and philosophical underpinnings draw from ancient sources and traditions. While the Theosophical Society was founded in 1875, its teachings are rooted in ancient wisdom traditions like Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and various Eastern philosophies.

Here’s a breakdown:

19th Century Origins:

The modern Theosophical movement, as we know it, began with the founding of the Theosophical Society in New York in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott.

Ancient Roots:

Theosophy’s core ideas are not entirely new. The term “theosophy” itself, meaning “divine wisdom,” has roots in ancient Greek thought and has been used to describe various mystical and philosophical systems throughout history.

Ancient Influences:

Theosophy incorporates elements from:

Neoplatonism: A school of Hellenistic philosophy that emphasized the transcendent nature of the One and the soul’s journey towards it.
Gnosticism: A diverse set of religious and philosophical systems that emphasized spiritual knowledge (gnosis) as a path to salvation.
Eastern Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism, particularly their esoteric aspects, are significant influences on Theosophy.
Other Historical Connections:

Some Theosophical ideas can also be traced to earlier groups like the Manichaeans, Bogomils, Cathari, Rosicrucians, and Freemasons, though these groups did not use the term “theosophy” in the same way.