Cleather, Alice Leighton

Alice Ann Bailey (1880–1949) was a British-born writer who became a significant figure in esoteric thought, particularly within Theosophy and the nascent New Age movement. Born Alice La Trobe-Bateman in England, she later moved to the United States. Bailey authored approximately 25 books between 1919 and 1949, detailing a complex system of esoteric philosophy. She stated that the majority of her writings were telepathically received from a spiritual entity known as "the Tibetan" or "D.K.", identified as Djwal Khul. Her teachings, often referred to as "Ageless Wisdom," explored topics such as spirituality, the solar system, meditation, healing, and societal transformation, drawing connections to Christian themes while presenting a distinct spiritual vision.

Bailey's early life included a Christian upbringing and a brief period of evangelical work in India. After moving to the U.S., she became involved with the Theosophical Society in 1917, rising to a position of influence. However, disagreements with society leadership, particularly Annie Besant, over her claims of telepathic dictation and her evolving views led to her and her second husband, Foster Bailey, leaving the organization. Together, they founded the Lucis Trust in 1922, which included the Arcane School for meditation instruction and the Lucifer Publishing Company (later Lucis Publishing Co.) to disseminate her extensive body of work.

Alice Bailey developed a comprehensive system of esoteric thought, often termed "Ageless Wisdom," which shares common ground with Theosophy but presents a distinct perspective. Her writings, which she attributed to telepathic dictation from a "Master of Wisdom" known as "the Tibetan" (Djwal Khul), cover a vast array of subjects. These include the spiritual structure of the solar system, the evolution of consciousness, the nature of the seven "rays" of energy that underpin all manifestation, esoteric astrology, and principles of spiritual healing. She outlined a detailed model of the human constitution, comprising Monad, Soul, and a three-part personality (mental, emotional, and physical/etheric bodies). Bailey's work aimed to provide a blueprint for spiritual development and societal betterment, envisioning a global "spirit of religion" and the coming Age of Aquarius.

A significant contribution from Alice Bailey is "The Great Invocation," a mantra first presented in 1937. This prayer, beginning with "From the point of Light within the Mind of God, let light stream forth into the minds of men...", expresses themes of divine light, love, and the alignment of humanity with a spiritual plan. The invocation gained a notable reach, even being recited on the radio by Eleanor Roosevelt, indicating its penetration into wider cultural discourse. It has become a widely used meditation tool within the New Age movement and associated communities, such as the Findhorn Foundation. Bailey's work, disseminated through the Lucis Trust, also promoted concepts like "World Goodwill" and "Triangles," aiming to foster better human relations and spiritual transformation on a global scale.

Alice Bailey's association with the Theosophical Society began in 1917, where she became active and influential, eventually editing its magazine. However, her progressive interpretations and claims of direct telepathic communication with a Master led to friction with established figures like Annie Besant. Following these disagreements, Alice and her husband Foster Bailey, who also played a key role in Theosophical activities, established the Lucis Trust in 1922. This organization became the primary vehicle for publishing Bailey's extensive writings and for offering instruction through its Arcane School, focusing on meditation and the principles outlined in her books. The Trust's publishing arm, initially named Lucifer Publishing Company, was instrumental in spreading her unique synthesis of Theosophical and esoteric ideas.