Lucifer: A Theosophical Magazine. Volume I. September 1887-February 1888.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

60852

Title

Lucifer: A Theosophical Magazine. Volume I. September 1887-February 1888.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edited by H.P. Blavatsky and Mabel Collins, this 1887–1888 theosophical magazine explores occult philosophy, karma, and the esoteric meaning of Lucifer as the 'Morning Star.' It challenges orthodox Christianity, critiques materialism, and presents Buddhist teachings alongside mystical allegories about light, sacrifice, and spiritual evolution.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume I of *Lucifer: A Theosophical Magazine* (September 1887–February 1888), edited by H.P. Blavatsky and Mabel Collins, presents a radical theosophical worldview that redefines Lucifer not as a devil, but as the 'Light-Bearer' or Morning Star who sacrifices himself to illuminate the universe. The magazine contrasts 'Churchianity,' which it critiques for hypocrisy and dogmatism, with a new spiritual science grounded in Karma, reincarnation, and esoteric truths hidden from traditional faith. The text asserts that existence is a cycle of reinvolution where death and life are illusions, and being is the only reality. It addresses the rise of pessimism and cynicism in modern society, attributing these attitudes to a lack of understanding regarding the Great Law of Karma and the nature of soul evolution. Instead of despair, the magazine offers a path from ignorance to enlightenment through the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, which includes right belief, intention, speech, behavior, livelihood, endeavor, meditation, and mindfulness. Articles explore the Four Noble Truths, the origin of evil, and the nature of the soul. A poignant story recounts the death of a benevolent Lama who fed the poor regardless of their creed, highlighting the beneficent influence of Buddhism even among dissenting sects. An allegory depicts the Comet-Lucifer rushing through the heavens to warm cold worlds, accepting his own destruction as a noble sacrifice. Correspondence debates Hylo-Idealism versus traditional metaphysics, mocking overly complex jargon while defending the necessity of self-control and selflessness. The magazine champions freethinkers like Tolstoy and Ingersoll as moral exemplars, arguing that true religion must embrace altruism and self-sacrifice. It critiques organized religion for tolerating poverty and suffering while preaching charity, and for fostering fear of death through dogmatic theology. Ultimately, *Lucifer* calls for a synthesis of science and mysticism, urging humanity to awaken from the 'dream of Maya' to realize the unity of all existence and the reasonableness of conscious existence.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy