Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the word theosophy mean?
A: Theosophy means divine or spiritual wisdom. The word is greek and consists of two parts. “Theos” means God and refers to the divine or spiritual. “Sophia” means wisdom or insight. Often the word ”esoteric” is used in connection with theosophy and this is also a greek term signifying “inner” or “behind the surface”, contrary to “exoteric” which means “outer” or related to the form side. Shortly described theosophy is spiritual wisdom no matter where or when it is expressed. Theosophy is esoteric insight, which means awareness of the fundamental forces and energies that lies behind and determines all outer events and happenings.

Q: Is theosophy a religion?
A: No. Theosophy is the core of insight and spirit that is found in every religion or spiritual tradition in the world. At the same time theosophy is the inner side of philosophy, art and science and is therefore not restricted to the purely religious domain. When theosophy by H. P. Blavatsky is termed “The Wisdom Religion”, she refers to the inner dimensions and higher being that gave birth to the religions. Theosophy has no dogmas, no specific cult that is expected to be followed, and no leadership. Each individual is free to follow his or her own conscience and sense of what is true and has significance.

Q: Is theosophy a question of belief or knowledge?
A: The greatest part of theosophy is a matter of belief in the beginning, even though it is extremely attractive for the mind.  Gradually many of the perspectives that started as belief can be verified by direct experience and therefore transformed into knowledge. For example the belief in the existence of auras or angels can be superseded by direct knowledge and first hand experience. But faith can also be based upon reason – for example by documents and reports from other people. Faith or belief will always lead on and knowledge follow. Theosophy is not a question of blind faith but a matter of believing in something which is not in conflict with reason as well as possible direct experience. One can also say that faith is the openness and willingness to accept, which makes new knowledge and insight possible. So faith and knowledge goes hand in hand.

Q: Theosophy is sometimes described as spiritual science or research. What does that mean?
SV: Apart from being expressions of ageless truths found in the spiritual traditions of the World, the manifold theosophical perspectives are also based upon recent spiritual research originating from meditative insights and a carefully and trained use of psychic senses or higher sense perception. Insights from meditation are direct experiences in higher states of consciousness where the oneness of all life is a living reality and divinity is omnipresent. Some people have developed the ability to sense other planes of consciousness. These trained individuals have a refined sensitivity and use the so called Extra Sensory Perception (ESP) that has been developed by systematical and disciplined methods. The results of their work are often called psychic or spiritual research – in Danish “åndsforskning”. Many theosophical concepts can not be “proven” or “discarded” at this stage, but are shared as working hypothesis. However, the same qualifications must be sought for amongst the sensitives as from the ranks of conventional science. This means that the same principal methods must be encouraged, such as the possibility that several sensitives come to similar conclusions on a subject, and results are to be repeated. In this way a close cooperation between conventional scientists and trained sensitives can be foreseen in the future, as it has already been shown by pioneers like the theosophists Geoffrey Hodson (1886-1983) and Dora Kunz (1904-1999).

Q: How does theosophy relate to politics?
A: Theosophy is according to its nature completely apolitical and Theosophical Association Aarhus (TAA) is independent of any political, religious or social organisations or institutions. Theosophy can not be confined to political or religious ideologies and TAA will never express specific sympathies or antipathies towards special political parties. But the theosophical philosophy of life will enevitably contact the political dimension because its ethics must express positive harmlesness, compassion and goodwill in action, just like a theosophical attitude to life always will focus on the Oneness of Humanity and reverence towards all sentient beings. Theosophical Association Aarhus leave it to every member and interested person to implement theosophy in practice by using reason and conscience. 

Q: Does Theosophical Association engage in Interspiritual Dialogue?
A: Yes. We see it as a practical aspect of the spirit of theosophy. It is a core issue for our Association to promote understanding and brotherliness among people of all races, nationalities, philosophies, and religions. Therefore we have engaged in interreligious Dialogue as we find this area an important issue, not the least as a means to peace. Also therefore all people, whatever their race, creed, sex or social status, are invited to participate equally in the life and work of our Association, and we encourage all kinds of caring bridgebuilding and friendly exchanges between people.

Q: Does Theosophical Association Aarhus support any specific humanitarian organizations?
A: No. The association can not focus on any single organization, simply because it would compromise the freedom of the members. At the same time the social dimension of theosophy implies a natural invitation to all members that they, in their individual way, support initiatives that diminishes suffering and ignorance and further the Oneness of Humanity and all Life.

Q: Is there a spiritual authority in the Theosophical Association Aarhus (TAA)?
A: No. The Association encourages a free and fearless search for Truth and freedom of thought is a core principle. There is no opinion, no doctrine or teaching which is binding on any member. The Association has an executive committee that is elected by the membership and which works under responsibility towards all members. TAA encourages all members to enquire for themselves into the deeper aspects of life, and to be as active and co-responsible as they desire. TAA imposes no dogmas, but points toward the source of unity beyond all differences. It has rightfully been said that devotion to truth, love for all living beings, and commitment to a life of active altruistic service are the hallmarks of the true theosophist.

Q: What is required for membership of Theosophical Association Aarhus?
Only the positive acceptance of the Three Objectives of TAA which is to work for the Oneness of Humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex or social status, to promote esoteric studies of Culture, Religion and Science, and to further spiritual growth based upon the values of the Eternal Wisdom. No other requirements are to be fulfilled 

Q: Why is there a Swastica in the Seal of Theosophical Association Aarhus?
A: The Swastica is ancient and found in numerous cultures around the world. It is very well known from India and from Indian cultures in America. The perverted misuse by the Nazis is just as tragic as how Ku Klux Klan and certain Heavy Metal groups use the christian cross. In reality the Swastica is a cross in rotation, and it expresses the cosmic creative power or the procreative energy in all creation. As a symbol the Swastica is a part of the theosophical Seal and describes micro- and macrocosmos. It is also known as the heart symbol of the Buddha and the archetypical chakra 

Q: Theosophy teaches about human races and the universal brotherhood of humanity at the same time. How are these things connected?
A: It is a core issue for Theosophical Association Aarhus to work for the Oneness of Humanity. All people are members of the one, indivisible human family, the human race as such, and we can only vision a united world society, a truly planetary civilisation, by peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between all cultures and colours. When theosophy teaches about “races” (root races, sub races etc.), it refers to the fact that humanity has experienced different stages and has been spread i numerous branches all over the world. After The Second World War and the ghastly racism of the Nazi regime it has become extremely difficult to use the word “race” without stirring all possible kinds of unpleasant associations and fears. From a theosophical point of view the human soul is neither male or female, black, white, red or yellow, but a transcendent continuum of consciousness that has experienced many cultures and races through numerous lives in human form. According to theosophy the present blending of races and cultures is a natural proces, while at the same time the local identity of the peoples of the world gives the splendour of the rainbow. We live in a multiethnic reality and at the same time we are all one human family as members of the human race. Theosophy teaches the gradual unfoldment of consciousness through various cultures and races, and points at the inherent Oneness of Humanity 

Q: What is the relation between Theosophical Association Aarhus, other theosophical associations and organisations like the Liberal Catholic Church, Lucis Trust, the Rosicrucian groupings, the Sufis etc.?
A: Theosophical Association Aarhus (TAA) originally has historical roots in The Theosophical Society, the Mother Society for modern theosophy, and recognizes its great significance. At the same time there are many other theosophical and esoteric groups world wide and TAA considers itself a part of the Theosophical Movement with all its variations, and is also committed to recignize the many other related esoteric, holistic and spiritual groupings world wide. The Liberal Catholic Church originated from the Catholic Church but with theosophical trends and theosophists as founding fathers. As such LCC has theosophical relevance and some theosophists cherish this expression of wisdom as another aspect of theosophy. Lucis Trust was founded by the Theosophist Alice Ann Bailey and World Wide theosophists have been divided in the question whether the teachings of Bailey should be considered theosophy or not. In Denmark the attitude towards the teachings of Bailey has been very open minded since around 1970 and most of the Danish theosophical groups have considered the Bailey teaching an integral part of modern theosophy, however leaving it to the individual student freely to accept or reject. TAA focusses on Blavatsky as well as Besant, Leadbeater, Hodson, Bailey and other significant contributors like Helena Roerich and Lucille Cedercrans, and as theosophy is in constant growth new impulses will continually add more facets to the ageless tradition. Rosicrucianism is another related tradition, as well as the aspects of Sufi Wisdom and other traditions. TAA recognises the role and significance that each of these branches have as parts of the gigantic Tree of Wisdom 

Q: Are reincarnation and karma theosophical dogmas?
A: Any dogma – understood in the rigid sense of the word – is a mental perception, a fundamental concept that has to be followed without hesitation and questioning. Members of Theosophical Association Aarhus are united not by a common belief system, but by their common search for Truth. Theosophy encourages every one to ponder deeply upon the perspectives of the Wisdom Teaching and freely presents the issues for individual consideration. If reincarnation and karma doesn´t create resonance in a theosophical student it does not prevent her or him to be a full member of TAA. The only requirement for membership is an acceptance of the Three Objects of Theosophical Association Aarhus. Any issue can me made into rigid dogmas where prejudices and superstition prevents a clear seeing. Reincarnation and karma are integrated parts of the theosophical view of life and they can be presented in dogmatical ways as well as in open and broadminded ways. Theosophical Association Aarhus encourages open and inviting perspectives and has a constant open eye on the human tendency to dogmatize 

Q: Can theosophical ethics be described in a few words?
A: Theosophical ethics are the essence of the highest ethics in all religions, spiritual traditions and cultures. An attempted description will center around two words or qualities: Truth and Love. The classical theosophical motto “There is no Religion higher than Truth” points out the overall significance of Truth. We must all attempt to be true in thoughts, words and deeds. Teachers like the Buddha constantly emphasized the need for replacing ignorance with insight, the clarity of truth as well as the need for relieving suffering through compassion. Similar and closely related was the message of the Christ when he said: “Love Thy neighbour as your self”. True altruistic love is the core issue of theosophical ethics, as well as the need for truthfulness. Insight and Compassion, Truth and Love are cornerstones in the temple of Theo Sophia. We must aspire to be loving and compassionate and to follow our deepest insights in truthfulness. These facets are belonging to the same Juvel, the core of spirituality. Truth begins with honesty and truthfulness and love begins with goodwill and friendliness. Be honest and truthful. Be friendly and have goodwill. Simply speaking this is theosophical ethics. It could also be expressed in The Golden Rule known in all great world religions: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (Matt 7:12, Luke 6:31) & ” This is the sum of duty: do naught to others which if done to thee would cause thee pain.” (The Mahabharata) etc 

Q: Theosophy describes the birth of a New Age and the creation of a New World Order. How is this to be understood?
A: The idea of ages and certain cyclic epocks is universally known and concerns the understanding that Humanity goes through different periods of development where specific qualities evolve. The influences come from the depths of the human nature and from cosmic radiations originating from signs in the zodiac and the solar system itself. Theosophy regards planets and stars as living beings in their own right with their own auric influences just like human beings and other living creatures. This gives astrology a rational basis because it is a science of energies and their interplay.An example is the period from the beginning of christianity until now. Astrologically this interval has been marked by the qualities of the sign of Pisces, and the result has been a very devoted, idealistic and religious age. With the beginning of Aquarius in our time new qualities influence all beings and humanity react in terms of science, the mind and a much more practical attitude. The present period is both influenced by the declining energies of Pisces and the rising wave og Aquarius, resulting in chaos and conflict as well as renewal and innovative enterprises.  All kingdoms of Nature react in their own way and it affects at all possible levels. For us humans it means that a new planetary agenda is immiment. We are experiencing the birth pains of a new world society, a new world order governed by humaneness, reverence for the sanctity of all life, cultural pluralism, universal spirituality and world citizenship. We truly live in a crucial time in history.