Thought forms book annie besant biography

book about Theosophy

Thought-Forms: A Record of Clairvoyant Investigation is a theosophical book compiled by Theosophical Society members A. Besant and C. W. Leadbeater. It was originally published in in London. From the standpoint of Theosophy, it tells opinions regarding the visualization of thoughts, experiences, emotions and music. Drawings of the "thought-forms" were performed by John Varley Jr. (grandson of the painter John Varley), Prince, and McFarlane.

From history of compilation

This book has become the result of the joint work of the authors, which began in , when they had started an investigation of "the subtle matter of the universe." They were interested in the work of the human mind as this work "extrudes into the external world" the thought-forms.

In September , Besant reported in Lucifer that "two clairvoyant Theosophists" (whose names were not disclosed in the journal, although some members of the Society knew about them) had started "observing the substance of thought." Her article named Thought-Forms was accompanied by four pages of pictures of diverse thought-forms which the investigators "had observed and described to an artist." The colour sketches of the unknown performance were depicting: on the first plate—thought-forms of "devotion," "sacrifice," and "devotional," on the second one—three types of "anger," on the third one—three types of "love" ("undirected," "directed," and "grasping"), and on the fourth one—thought-forms of "jealousy," "intellect," and "ambition." Besant gave the article scientific coloring, not forgetting to mention Röntgen, Baraduc,Reichenbach, "vibrations and the ether."

This "small but influential book", which contains color pictures of thought-forms that the authors said are created "in subtle spirit-matter," was published in The book affirms that "the quality" of t

"Thought-Forms" by Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater: Exploring the Power of Thought and Its Impact on the World

The book “Thought-Forms” by Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater, originally published in , is a groundbreaking work in the field of theosophy. This influential text delves into the concept of how thoughts can take on visible forms, revealing the intricate connection between the mind and the physical world.

Both authors were prominent theosophists and leaders of the Theosophical Movement, and in this book, they meticulously describe how thoughts can manifest in specific forms and colors, each reflecting different emotions and mental states. For instance, the book features illustrations that depict thought-forms associated with emotions like anger, fear, intellect, sympathy, and devotion.

One of the most captivating aspects of "Thought-Forms" is the inclusion of detailed illustrations that represent these thought-forms. These images not only visualize the authors' theories but also serve as educational tools for understanding the profound impact that thoughts can have on our environment and those around us.

Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater intended their book to act as a moral lesson, raising awareness about the power of thoughts and their transformative nature. The book encourages readers to reflect deeply on the importance of maintaining positive and constructive thoughts, given their ability to influence reality in tangible ways.

If you’re interested in theosophy or intrigued by the relationship between thought and energy, "Thought-Forms" offers a unique reading experience that could broaden your understanding of these topics. 

Language: ENGLISH
Pages:
Size: 20x12 cm

Paper used for printing: FAVINI 90/ grams (depending on the number of pages, heavier or lighter paper is used). Version legend:
DELUXE: Hardcover in leather
GRUNGE: Hardcover in leather + title and aging with a "dirty" effect
ECONOMY

Thought Forms was a book written by Annie Besant and Charles Webster Leadbeater in on the titular subject of Thought-Forms.

Writing of the book

The genesis of the book was an article by Annie Besant printed in the September, issue of Lucifer. These are the original illustrations from that article:

Charles Leadbeater worked with Annie Besant to develop this concept further, describing their clairvoyant observations to painters to produce the images for the book. The illustrations were painted by "Mr. John Varley [, grandson of John Varley], Mr. Prince and Miss Macfarlane."

Publication history

The first edition of Thought-Forms came out in It was published in London and Benares by the Theosophical Publishing Society, and in New York by John Lane. In the United States, the book was distributed by the Theosophical Book Concern of Chicago. The volume was hardbound in both green and red covers.

When the next edition was published in by the Theosophical Publishing House, it incorrectly stated "First Printed - Reprint - Reprint " John L. Crow wrote an account of how this error was propagated through subsequent editions and library catalogs. "Why the date of was introduced is unknown. Kurt Leland, an Annie Besant specialist, theorized that the publishers were confused by Besant's publication, Thought Power, which was published in "

In , , , and , the book was reprinted by the Theosophical Publishing House in Adyar, India. The Theosophical Publishing House in Wheaton, Illinois reprinted the work in , in , , , and

Translations have been published in German, French, Japanese, Slovenian, and probably other languages.

Digital versions

Influence on art

The influence of Thought Forms on artists is a rich area of study by modern scholars, and has been much discussed in academic events such as the Enchanted Modernities conferences. There is no