This volume explores the origins of the theosophical movement and its continuing relevance in the modern world. It is part of a series of writings, collected under the banner 'Modern Theosophy', re-presenting important texts drawn from the history of the theosophical movement together with texts from contemporary authors and innovative thinkers. Petra Meyer is President of Blavatsky Lodge in England. She has lectured at the Theosophical Society in England's Summer School and also at the European School of Theosophy on subjects ranging from reincarnation to eastern mysticism to modern scientific inquiry. Patience Sinnett was an English theosophist and friend of H. P. Blavatsky in the earliest days of the Theosophical Society in India. She wrote two pamphlets entitled The Purpose of Theosophy described by founding theosophist Henry Steel Olcott as 'an introductory manual for beginners'. The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 to explore the interconnectedness of all life, the universal wisdoms held in ancient religions and myths, and the potential latent in human beings.