Theosophy Company (Mysore) India

Alice Bailey (1880–1949) was a British-American writer who authored approximately 25 books on Theosophy. She is recognized as one of the early proponents of the term "New Age." Born in England, she later moved to the United States, where she developed a comprehensive neo-theosophical system. Her writings, spanning from 1919 to 1949, explored themes such as the relationship between spirituality and the cosmos, meditation, healing, spiritual psychology, and societal transformation. Bailey stated that the majority of her work was telepathically received from a spiritual entity known as "the Tibetan," later identified as Djwal Khul.

Bailey's teachings, often referred to as "Ageless Wisdom," shared common ground with Helena Blavatsky's Theosophy, though with distinct differences. She presented a vision of a unified global society and a "spirit of religion" distinct from orthodox doctrines, incorporating concepts like the Age of Aquarius. After a period of involvement with the Theosophical Society and subsequent departure, she co-founded the Lucis Trust with her husband, Foster Bailey, in 1922. This organization encompassed the Arcane School, World Goodwill, and a publishing arm for her extensive literary output.

Born Alice La Trobe-Bateman in Manchester, England, into a privileged Anglican family, Bailey received a traditional Christian upbringing. At fifteen, she reported a mystical encounter with a stranger who indicated she was destined for significant work. In her early twenties, she engaged in evangelical activities, which led her to India. There, she met Walter Evans, whom she married and subsequently moved with to America. After their divorce, she faced a challenging period supporting herself and her children. Bailey later became involved with the Theosophical Society around 1917, rising to prominence within its American branch. She co-edited its magazine and held a position at its Krotona headquarters. Her collaboration with Foster Bailey, whom she married in 1921, led to efforts to influence the direction of the society, particularly its Esoteric Section. However, disagreements over her claims of telepathic communication and evolving Theosophical interpretations resulted in her expulsion from the organization.

In 1922, Alice and Foster Bailey established the Lucis Trust, initially named Lucifer Publishing Company, with the aim of disseminating Bailey's writings and promoting spiritual work. The Trust's initiatives included the Arcane School, which offered correspondence courses in meditation based on her teachings; World Goodwill, focused on fostering better international relations; and the "Triangles" groups, dedicated to visualizing light and love for humanity. Bailey continued to write prolifically until her death in 1949. Her extensive body of work presented a detailed neo-theosophical system, encompassing concepts such as the seven rays of energy, esoteric astrology, principles of esoteric healing, and a complex model of the human constitution.

Bailey's teachings introduced the concept of "seven rays," described as fundamental energies underlying all existence and influencing human psychology and the destiny of nations. She elaborated on esoteric astrology, focusing on the evolution of soul consciousness and its obstacles, as relayed by her Tibetan Master. Her approach to esoteric healing emphasized the connection between the soul and the personality, positing that disease often stems from inhibited soul expression and that healing involves restoring a harmonious relationship between the spiritual and material aspects of an individual. Bailey also described the human constitution as comprising the Monad, Soul, and a three-part Personality (lower mind, emotions, and physical/etheric body), with the soul acting as the higher self.

“From the point of Light within the Mind of God, let light stream forth into the minds of men ...”