Masonic, Occult and Esoteric Online Library
Theosophy An Introductory Study Course
By John Algeo
The American Societys Activities
Fellowship in the Society, which is open to those who subscribe to its three objects (presented in chapter 1), is of two categories. First, members-at-large belong to the national and international Society, but not to any smaller group. Second, members may belong also to a group: a lodge or branch (synonymous terms) or a study center. Lodges or branches have at least seven members, are organized formally with elected officers, and regularly carry on both study for their members and public activities. Study centers have at least three members, are less formally organized, often meet less frequently than lodges, and do only limited public work.
The national Theosophical Society in America has lodges or study centers in most of the states of the nation. But its largest group is the National Lodge, which functions by mail (postal or electronic), and sends a monthly study paper to its participants, covering the basic concepts of Theosophy and classic Theosophical literature. The American Section also has a Web site < www.theosophical.org > with regularly updated information about
the Society and Theosophy.
The national Society publishes two periodicals: The Quest, also available to nonmembers by subscription, and The Messenger, a newsletter for members. It produces audiocassettes and videotapes. It sends national lecturers to groups around the country. It publishes books ranging from Theosophical classics to new works on subjects of interest to Theosophists and others. “Quest Books” is an imprint of the Theosophical Publishing
House for many of its books directed toward the general public. The Section also holds an annual conference and Summer School at its national center.
At its national center, the American Society has a research and circulating library named for the President-Founder, Henry Steel Olcott, from which books and audio and video recordings can be borrowed by mail. The Olcott Institute, also located there, offers Theosophical education through lectures, seminars, workshops, correspondence courses, and online Internet courses on the Web. Students in correspondence courses are assigned
an experienced advisor who assists them in their studies. The Internet courses are available at www.theosophicalinstitute.org, where the student has the option of working either with a mentor or by independent study. All online courses are free. Selected lectures and seminars are live-Webcast over the Internet. Additional information about program schedules, courses, enrollment, and live Webcasting is available at www.theosophical.org.
New members of the Society receive a series of letters as an introduction to the essentials of Theosophy. Members have borrowing privileges by mail from the Olcott Library and receive a discount on purchases from the Olcott Quest Bookshop and on programs offered at the national center.
