Theosophy is a religion established in the United States during the late 19th century. It was founded primarily by Helena Blavatsky and draws its teachings predominantly from Blavatsky's writings. Categorized by scholars of religion as both a new religious movement and as part of the occultist stream of Western esotericism, it draws upon both older European philosophies such as Neoplatonism and Indian originated religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
Blavatsky and Olcott, two of the founding members of the Theosophical Society
According to Theosophical teaching, each solar system is an emanation of a "Logos" or "Solar Deity", with planetary spirits each overseeing one of the planets.
Statue of Blavatsky and Olcott at Adyar
The Theosophical seal as door decoration in Budapest, Hungary
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, often known as Madame Blavatsky, was a Russian and American mystic and author who co-founded the Theosophical Society in 1875. She gained an international following as the leading theoretician of Theosophy.
Blavatsky in 1877
An illustration of Yekaterinoslav – Blavatsky's birthplace – as it appeared in the early 19th century
A painting of Blavatsky and her mother, titled "Two Helens (Helena Hahn and Helena Blavatsky)" 1844–1845
Blavatsky's drawing of a boat scene, produced in England in 1851