Theosophy

This is religion/philosophy established in the late 1800s. It promotes the “brotherhood” of all Mankind, and the idea that a set of spiritual beings called “The Masters” who had supernatural powers and are the basis of all human religions.

Though the founders explicitly rejected the idea that theosophy is a religion, it falls somewhere in the New Age spectrum of belief. Others have called it some type of occult practice.

There are tens of thousands of adherents around the world, with various chapters, institutes, and societies to promote its study. Actual practices and beliefs vary widely.

Why I Looked It Up

I spent a few days in Ojai, California. I kept driving past the Krotona Institute of Theosophy on the south entrance to the city, which was founded in 1924. From its About page:

The Krotona Institute is a residential community of Theosophical Society members dedicated to service in a center where the Ageless Wisdom is studied and lived. […]

Krotona is an international center where residents aspire to live in mutual helpfulness while reaching out to share the profound truths of Theosophy. These truths can change one’s direction of life, bringing about renewal and harmony. With an emphasis on meditation, earnest study, and inspired action, Krotona promotes worldwide healing through the uplifting of human consciousness.

I lived in Ojai for a period of time as a child. I vaguely remember my mother talking about some alternate believers in the area, and admonishing me not to associate with them. I was young, so that wasn’t really a possibility, but always had this idea of some weird spiritual beliefs happening in the area (note that this vaguely coincided with the “Satanic Panic” of the 80s).