Reviews and Notes.
The Theosophist for October is a notably good number of that admirable magazine. Madame Blavatsky contributes the leading article, “Ancient Magic in Modern Science,” the reading of which makes us eager for the publication of her “Secret Doctrine,” the first volume of which, we learn, will soon be ready for publication.
Mohini M. Chatterji contributes a short article on “Mother Ganga,” and his strong tale, “Sowing and Reaping,” is concluded.
Maurice Fredal writes of Apollonius of Tyana, anent Mr. Tredwell’s valuable book on the Master. It is a “coincidence” that the October numbers of both The Theosophist and The Path should contain articles on Apollonius, the two complementing each other. It has been said that the teachings of Apollonius will have much to do in the new religion which is destined to become the leading faith of the world.
Col. Olcott has a highly interesting article on “Phantom Pictures in the Astral Light,” in which the various traditions of “The Flying Dutchman” are given prominence, and mention is made of a phantom ship seen from the man-of war which carried the two sons of the Prince of Wales on their voyage around the world.
Two articles of this issue are contributed from Chicago—a thoughtful essay on “Theosophy and Theosophists” by M. M. Phelon, and “A World-Old Story Still Unlearned,” by M. L. Brainard, the Secretary of the Chicago Branch; an allegory that will take, and repay, much pains to discover its true significance. “Some Hypnotic Experiments” is a valuable scientific article, and Miss L. S. Cook’s ideas “On Prayer” will probably meet approval among all Theosophists, who object only to the common forms of prayer, such as those designed to be “heard of men” like the prayers offered up in churches, and also the requests of people for divine favors which they have done nothing to merit.
The Unpublished Writings of Eliphas Levy, a mine of occult information, are continued, and an article on Raj Yoga will be appreciated by students of Indian philosophy.
Madame Blavatsky: Incidents in Her Life. Edited by A. P. Sinnett. (London, 1886.) Price, $3.00. These memoirs are of absorbing interest, containing as they do authentic narratives written by the relatives and friends of Madame Blavatsky. They are divided into ten chapters, beginning with her childhood and ending with the present time when she rests in sickness in Germany, and bristle with stories of the most extraordinary character. Read in connection with the first article in the present number of this magazine, they become of greater interest. At page 257 Mr. Sinnett says she was not able to foresee the annoyances in the future. But we think she could see those quite clearly, and therein lay one of her constant trials: that she might see those troubles to come and yet refrain from trying to avert them. Inquirers can purchase the book through The Path.