Blavatsky, Helena Petrovna
Author, visionary, occultist Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (12 August 1831–8 May 1891) is often called the “Mother of the New Age.” Together with Henry Steel Olcott (2 August 1832–17 February 1907), she founded the Theosophical Society, responsible for introducing Eastern ideas of Reincarnation and karma to Western occultism. Many theories of the lost lands of Atlantis and Lemuria are based on her writings.
Madame Blavatsky, or HPB, as she was called, was born at midnight on the threshold between 30 and 31 July according to the Western calendar; her birthday of 12 August reflects the Russian calendar. A member of the Russian nobility, she left home to travel around the world, working as a concert pianist in Serbia, a bareback rider in a Turkish circus, a lady’s companion, and a spirit medium. She laboured in sweatshops in the United States, so poor that she once faced eviction from her apartment. In 1856, she may have been among the first Europeans to travel to Tibet, where she may have lived for seven years. She may have studied with Vodouistes in New Orleans and Kabbalists in Egypt.
HPB Demonstrated strong magic powers, allegedly able to make things move without touching them, as well as make things dematerialize or materialize at will. Her own personal spirituality seems to have been a merger of Buddhism, occultism, and Russian Orthodoxy.
Always a controversial, strong-minded woman, people either adored or loathed her. Indeath, she has evolved into an Ascended Master and may be invoked by mediums, shamans, and students and practitioners of esoteric and magic arts. Madame Blavatsky was very poor for much of her life; she may be petitioned for financial as well magical assistance. She was an extremely successful author; ask her for publishing advice. She may be invoked on behalf of those wrongly accused.
Blavatsky’s two opuses, Isis Unveiled (1877) and The Secret Doctrine (1888), remain in print. Many biographies of her exist: some treat her as a goddess; others as a charlatan. Sylvia Cranston’s H.P.B.: The Extraordinary Life and Influence of Helena Blavatsky (Tarcher, 1993) is an unbiased, neutral look at Blavatsky’s life and accomplishments.
ORIGIN:
Russia
OFFERINGS:
Vodka and cigarettes on a regular basis, plus traditional Russian food; candles
SEE ALSO:
- Ascended Master
- Morya
- Serapis Bey
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.