theosophy

American  

[thee-os-uh-fee] / θiˈɒs ə fi /

noun

1. any of various forms of philosophical or religious thought based on a mystical insight into the divine nature.

2. (often initial capital letters) the system of belief and practice of the Theosophical Society.

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theosophy British  

/ ˌθɪəˈsɒfɪkəl, θɪˈɒsəfɪ /

noun

1. any of various religious or philosophical systems claiming to be based on or to express an intuitive insight into the divine nature

2. the system of beliefs of the Theosophical Society founded in 1875, claiming to be derived from the sacred writings of Brahmanism and Buddhism, but denying the existence of any personal God

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• theosophist
  noun
• theosophical
  adjective
• nontheosophically
  adverb
• theosophic
  adjective
• nontheosophical
  adjective
• theosophism
  noun
• theosophically
  adverb
• nontheosophic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of theosophy

1640–50; < Medieval Latin theosophia < Late Greek theosophía. See theo-, -sophy

Explanation

Theosophy is a mystical way of thinking about the world. A belief in and direct knowledge of God is very important in theosophy. The noun theosophy is often used to refer to a specific group, the Theosophical Society, which was formed in the late 1800s and had the motto, "There is no Religion higher than the Truth." The word itself is rooted in the Greek theosophos, "one who is wise about God," from theos, "God," and sophos, "wise or learned."

Example Sentences

She also purported to be the reborn “Madam Blavtski,” likely referring to Russian mystic Helena Blavatsky, the founder of the Theosophy occultist movement.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2023

A focus on sensory experiences, Küster added, also related to Mondrian’s long-term adherence to Theosophy, an occult movement that sought “a mystic conception of cosmic harmony,” as Mondrian put it, through nature.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2022

Established in New York by the Russian émigré Madame Blavatsky, Theosophy was a fast-spreading spiritualist movement that sought to reconcile Eastern philosophy and religion with its Western counterparts.

From Washington Post • Oct. 31, 2018

For this live take on the duo's recent song "Basta Ya," multi-instrumentalist Josh Conway and vocalist Maria expanded to a sextet and set up at the Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2018

It is enough to cast suspicion on each and every quotation of original sources made by Mrs. Besant, and her emendation of the Theosophy of H. P. B. as well.

From H. P. Blavatsky A Great Betrayal by Cleather, Alice Leighton