Blavatsky and the Theosophical Movement by Charles J. Ryan

A book about Helena P. Blavatsky and the efforts she and close associates extended to create a 'movement' or 'Theosophical Society' which encompased psychic & occult phenomena, exoteric and esoteric philosophy .

Their major efforts were at the turn of the 19th century before her death and also carried into the 20th century. It's major impacts were up until the mid-1900s with a large worldwide organization including schools and humanitarian efforts. Leadership of the organization seemed to turn a bit sour after that and until the 1970's. That's pretty much the territory of this book.

I'm enjoyed it for a variety of reasons including the discussion of occultism and the skepticism of her ability and the hard work to put together a society. In addition, the hard work for the society to stay together, to understand how it evolved and changed and adapted. I beileve that there are still small groups, also called 'Lodges' in existence, but nothing quite so grand as it was about 100 years ago.

I think Blavatsky is important as a figure in our NeoPagan history because of 3 things: Opening the door for Eastern esoteric philosophy to the West, examples of seemingly true acts of occultism - psychic phenomena and third, creating a society around esoteric beliefs and philosophy.

This book is lighting my fire to read all of the books she wrote, which I haven't done yet. Anybody else read Blavatsky?