Mystic Celestial Star

William Walker Atkinson (1862-1932) was a significant American author, publisher, and a foundational figure in the New Thought movement. He authored around 100 books, primarily in the latter part of his life, which have maintained continuous publication since 1900. Atkinson's career took a turn towards metaphysical studies after experiencing a personal breakdown and finding healing through suggestive therapeutics and New Thought principles. This led him to collaborate with Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn, where he refined his understanding of mental sciences and began writing extensively for Parkyn's publications. He was instrumental in shaping the direction of New Thought literature, making complex metaphysical concepts accessible to a wider audience. Atkinson also engaged in significant publishing ventures, often under various pseudonyms, which later led to scrutiny from the U.S. Post Office Department.

Born in Baltimore in 1862, William Walker Atkinson began his career in business, eventually becoming an attorney admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1894. Despite material success, he suffered a severe physical and mental collapse due to professional stress. Seeking recovery, he discovered suggestive therapeutics in 1900 and credited the principles of New Thought for restoring his health, mental clarity, and financial stability. This pivotal experience redirected his life's work towards the exploration and dissemination of mental sciences and metaphysical philosophies.

In 1900, Atkinson sought treatment from Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn at the Chicago School of Psychology. After a period of recovery and study under Parkyn, Atkinson integrated his legal and writing skills with Parkyn's system of suggestive therapeutics. He began contributing unsigned editorial pieces to Parkyn's magazine, 'Suggestion,' gradually infusing it with metaphysical interpretations. This collaboration led to his first published work on New Thought, 'The Law of Mental Control,' in December 1900, which laid the groundwork for his prolific writing career. He also became the first instructor at Parkyn's University of Psychic Science, developing material that was compiled into his first book, 'A Series of Lessons in Personal Magnetism,' later retitled 'Thought=Force in Business and Everyday Life'.

Atkinson played a crucial role in establishing a distinct New Thought voice within 'Suggestion,' a period Parkyn termed 'Atkinsonia.' His prolific output and lectures established him as a prominent figure in the mental science community. In 1901, he co-founded 'New Thought' magazine with Sydney B. Flower, serving as editor until 1905. During this time, he also ran his own Atkinson School of Mental Science. Atkinson is known for authoring approximately 100 books, often under numerous pseudonyms such as Theron Q. Dumont and Yogi Ramacharaka, publishing through various houses that he was often associated with. His publishing activities, particularly through 'Advanced Thought Publishing Company' and 'Yogi Publishing Company,' later faced investigation by the U.S. Post Office Department regarding allegations of misleading advertising.