Arthur Edward Powell

Arthur Edward Powell (1882–1969) was a Welsh writer and Theosophist who dedicated his work to exploring esoteric subjects. He was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, to Edward Powell, a solicitor and businessman, and Mary Eleanor Pughe Pryce-Jones. Powell served as a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. His early life included marriage in 1909 to Hilda Hodgson-Smith, with whom he attended Theosophical Society meetings in London. His wife was also active in Theosophy, lecturing on psychic abilities. They had a son born in 1911. Powell later married Winifred May Fenwick in 1935, and they resided in Los Angeles, California, where he passed away in 1969.

Powell's literary output began in the early 1900s, focusing on the teachings of prominent Theosophists like Helena Blavatsky, Charles Webster Leadbeater, and Annie Besant. His writings delved into various aspects of the astral, mental, and causal bodies, as well as concepts such as clairvoyance, kundalini, and reincarnation. He also authored a book on diet and health, advocating for abstinence from alcohol, coffee, meat, tea, and tobacco. While this work received mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out its selective use of medical authorities and ethical arguments, others found it informative.

Arthur Edward Powell became a notable figure in Theosophy, dedicating himself to studying and expounding upon the foundational works of Helena Blavatsky, Charles Webster Leadbeater, and Annie Besant. His extensive bibliography covers a wide range of esoteric themes, reflecting a deep engagement with the Theosophical worldview. Powell's books explored the nature of consciousness and the subtle bodies, including detailed examinations of the etheric, astral, and mental bodies. He also addressed concepts central to esoteric traditions such as clairvoyance, the solar system from a mystical perspective, chakras, and the process of spiritual development, including discipleship and rebirth. His writings aimed to illuminate these complex subjects for a broader audience interested in spiritual and occult philosophy.

Beyond his core Theosophical works, Powell also focused on principles of health and diet, authoring "Food And Health" in 1909. In this book, he advocated for a strict lifestyle, promoting abstinence from meat, alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco. His approach integrated ethical considerations, particularly regarding the killing of animals, with health benefits. However, his views were met with critical responses from the medical establishment. Publications like the British Medical Journal and The Lancet noted that Powell sometimes selectively quoted medical authors to support his arguments, even when those authors' broader conclusions contradicted his own. Despite these criticisms, some contemporary reviews acknowledged the book's interesting and informative nature, with one reviewer describing it as an "ably stated exposition in favour of vegetarianism."