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The word theosophy, combining roots meaning "God" and "wisdom", appeared back in the 17th century, but the well-known religious movement by that name, under the leadership of the Russian Helena Blavatsky, appeared only around 1875. Blavatsky's theosophy combined elements of Plato's philosophy with Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu thought (including reincarnation), in a way that she claimed had been divinely revealed to her. The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875 to promote her beliefs, still exists, as does the Anthroposophical Society, founded by her follower Rudolf Steiner.
Examples of theosophy in a Sentence
Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
Johan picks up on Buddhist symbolism in the work, as filtered through theosophy’s Eastern influences, while Erik sees biblical themes.
—Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Her parents were half-Jewish, her father an atheist and her mother a seeker who dabbled in theosophy.
—Sheila Heti, Harper's Magazine, 2 Sep. 2024
And through theosophy—the belief that spiritual revelation, the Absolute, is attainable through the direct experience of nature and the creative expression of the artist.
—Lance Esplund, WSJ, 28 Feb. 2022
Well represented in the show, for example, is Agnes Pelton, a SoCal spiritualist painter who had been interested in theosophy early in her life (and who was recently the subject of a terrific exhibition at the Palm Springs Art Museum).
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2021
Agni Yoga, theosophy and the teachings of Helena Blavatsky among others.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 17 May 2021
And like af Klint, Pelton rooted her work in her practice of theosophy — the belief in a deeper spiritual reality that can be accessed through heightened awareness — and used color, abstract forms and symbols to convey the sublime.
—New York Times, 12 Mar. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Theosophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theosophy. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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