theosophy

noun

Etymology: From Medieval Latin theosophia, from Ancient Greek θεοσοφῐ́ᾱ (theosophĭ́ā, “knowledge of things divine”, from θεός (theós, “god”) + σοφῐ́ᾱ (sophĭ́ā, “wisdom”)); By surface analysis, theo- + -sophy.

1. Any doctrine of religious philosophy and mysticism claiming that knowledge of God can be attained through mystical insight and spiritual ecstasy, and that direct communication with the transcendent world is possible.

   “They have their own traditions of art and science. They do not […] discuss God or metaphysics or men. […] All their wisdom and theosophy, and all their grasp of beauty, truth or love, is in the singing. […] They look unloving enough, and so they are. Pitiless fallen angels.”

2. Any system which claims to attain communication with God and superior spirits by physical processes.

   “In Paracelsian theosophy, empathetic imagination was […] a powerful astral force which provided the basis for theurgy and prognostication, as well as for prophecy and mystical inspiration.”

   “[…] was founded by the theosophist and kabbalist Martines de Pasqually […] included a peculiar form of theurgy mixed with the philosophy and theosophy of its founder.”

3. The system of beliefs and doctrines of the Theosophical Society.