What does theosophy mean?
Theosophy is a formal term for a body of mystical or esoteric philosophy, especially beliefs about hidden spiritual truths, the nature of the universe, and humanity’s relation to the divine. In general use, it may refer to any such system of ideas; with initial capitalization, Theosophy usually denotes the nineteenth-century movement founded by Helena Blavatsky, whose adherents established the Theosophical Society and drew on Buddhism, Hinduism, and Western spiritual traditions. The word can suggest both scholarly interest in esoteric thought and a slightly antiquarian or occult atmosphere, so its register varies with context. It is not simply another name for theology: theology ordinarily concerns the systematic study and interpretation of religious belief, whereas theosophy characteristically claims insight into spiritual realities through mystical or esoteric means. Because the term is relatively uncommon outside discussions of religion, philosophy, and the history of esoteric movements, clear context is often helpful. Even so, theosophy remains a precise and evocative word for a body of spiritual philosophy that claims knowledge beyond ordinary or purely empirical inquiry.
nounA system of mystical or esoteric philosophy, especially one concerning hidden spiritual truths or humanity’s relation to the divine. The capitalized form Theosophy also denotes the nineteenth-century movement founded by Helena Blavatsky.
- A body of mystical or esoteric philosophical beliefs, especially beliefs concerning hidden spiritual truths, the nature of the universe, and humanity’s relation to the divine.
- The nineteenth-century movement usually called Theosophy, founded by Helena Blavatsky and associated with the Theosophical Society, which synthesized ideas from several Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.
"Her scholarship examines theosophy and its influence on modern spiritual culture."
"The collection of essays explores theosophy as a way of understanding humanity’s place in the cosmos."
"Theosophy, founded in the nineteenth century by Helena Blavatsky, blended ideas drawn from several Eastern and Western traditions."
The word is generally used as an uncountable mass noun when referring to a body of teachings. The plural is uncommon but may distinguish separate systems of theosophy.
"The book compares two theosophies that differ sharply in their accounts of reincarnation."
Theosophy literally means “divine wisdom,” joining the Greek words for “god” and “wisdom.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does theosophy come from?
The word was adopted into English in the 17th century from Greek theosophia, a compound of theos, meaning “god,” and sophia, meaning “wisdom.” It initially served as a learned term for mystical or divine wisdom and later became associated with the movement that took the name Theosophy in the 19th century. Words such as theosophist and theosophical are direct derivatives, while theology and theist share the element theos and philosophy shares the element sophia.
Related word forms
How theosophy is actually used
Relatively formal and uncommon outside discussions of religion, philosophy, spirituality, and esoteric movements. In contemporary writing it may sound historical, esoteric, or slightly antiquarian. Use an initial capital when referring specifically to the nineteenth-century movement.
Easily confused with theosophy
Theology is the systematic study and interpretation of religious belief, whereas theosophy characteristically refers to mystical or esoteric beliefs about spiritual truths.