The Irish Theosophist

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The Irish Theosophist is a collection of essays, articles, and other writings from the Theosophical Society in Ireland. Theosophy is a spiritual and philosophical movement with roots in Hinduism and Buddhism, and this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the ways in which this movement intersected with Irish history and culture. From discussions of Celtic mythology to explorations of the occult, The Irish Theosophist is an engrossing read for anyone interested in the esoteric traditions of Ireland and beyond. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

1st:—To form the nucleus of a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color.2nd:—-To promote the study of Aryan and other Eastern literatures, religions, philosophies and sciences, and demonstrate the importance of that study.3rd:—-To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the psychic powers latent in man.Started a little under a quarter of a century ago, in an age grown cold with unbelief and deadened by inexplicable dogmas, the Theosophical Society has found adherents numerous enough to make it widely known, and enthusiastic enough to give it momentum and make it a living force. The proclamation of its triple objects— brotherhood, wisdom and power, acted like a trumpet call, and many came forth to join it, emerging from other conflicts; and out of silence and retirement came many who had grown hopeless but who had still the old feeling at heart.

"[...]silent, resolute and knit in the conflict of will; they stirred not a hand nor a foot; there was only a still quivering now and then as of intense effort, but they made no other movement. Their heads were bent forward slightly, their arms folded, their bodies straight, rigid, and inclined slightly backwards from each other like two spokes of a gigantic wheel. What were they, these figures? I knew not, and yet gazing upon them, thought which took no words to clothe itself mutely read their meaning. Here were the culminations of the human, towering images of the good and evil man may aspire to. I looked at the face of the evil adept. His bright red-brown eyes burned with a strange radiance of power; I felt an answering emotion of pride, of personal intoxication, of psychic richness rise up within me gazing upon him. His face was archetypal; the abstract passion which eluded me in the features of many people I knew, was here declared, exultant, defiant, giantesque; it seem to leap like fire, to be free. In this face I was close to the legendary [...]"

"AE in the Irish Theosophist" by George William Russell showcases the intellectual depth and spiritual insights of the renowned Irish writer. Russell's contributions to the magazine offer readers a profound exploration of mysticism, philosophy, and art, reflecting his unique connection to Ireland's rich cultural heritage and his personal spiritual journey. Through his writings, Russell not only engages with theosophical concepts but also invites readers to ponder the deeper questions of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. His eloquent prose and thought-provoking ideas inspire a sense of introspection and wonder, making "AE in the Irish Theosophist" a valuable addition to the world of spiritual literature.

George William Russell (1867-1935) who wrote under the pseudonym AE was an Anglo-Irish supporter of the Nationalist movement in Ireland, a critic, poet, and painter. He was also a mystical writer, and centre of a group of followers of theosophy in Dublin, for many years. He worked many years for the Irish Agricultural Organization Society (IAOS), an agricultural co-operative movement founded by Horace Plunkett. When Plunkett needed an able organiser, W. B. Yeats suggested Russell, who became Assistant Secretary of the IAOS. Russell was editor from 1905-1923 of The Irish Homestead, the journal of the IAOS, and infused it with vitality that made it famous half the world over. He was also editor of The Irish Statesman from 1923 until 1930. Amongst his other works are The Nuts of Knowledge: Lyrical Poems Old and New (1903), By Still Waters: Lyrical Poems Old and New (1906), Imaginations and Reveries (1915), AE in the Irish Theosophist (1937) and The National Being: Some Thoughts on an Irish Polity.