Theosophical Psychology:
The Constitution of Man
🧠 Theosophical Psychology: The Constitution of Man
- Course Code: PSY 5201
- Florida Course Numbering System: PSY 5330
- Credits: 3
- Level: Graduate
- Program: Master of Theosophy
📘 Course Description
This course offers an in-depth exploration of Theosophical psychological models, focusing on the sevenfold constitution of the human being, subtle bodies, states of consciousness, and the process of inner spiritual development. Drawing from the works of Blavatsky, Besant, and Leadbeater, and integrating insights from Eastern philosophy, this course helps students understand the layered nature of human identity and its implications for personal evolution, ethics, healing, and meditation.
🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the sevenfold constitution of man and its components (physical, etheric, astral, mental, etc.).
- Differentiate between personal, transpersonal, and spiritual identities.
- Analyze the functions of each body/vehicle in the development of consciousness.
- Integrate Theosophical psychology with modern transpersonal and Jungian psychology.
- Apply inner transformation techniques based on the structure of the self.
🗂️ Weekly Topics Breakdown
| Week | Topic | Key Readings & Resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Theosophical Psychology | The Inner Life – C.W. Leadbeater (Intro) |
| 2 | The Sevenfold Human Being: Overview | Man and His Bodies – Annie Besant |
| 3 | Physical and Etheric Bodies: The Dense and Vital Layers | Energetic anatomy, prāṇa, chakras |
| 4 | The Astral Body: Seat of Emotion and Desire | The Astral Body – A.E. Powell (Ch. 1–3) |
| 5 | The Mental Body: Lower and Higher Mind | Mind in Yoga and Theosophy, At the Feet of the Master |
| 6 | The Buddhic and Causal Bodies: Intuition and Soul | Intuition vs. intellect, spiritual cognition |
| 7 | The Monad: The Divine Spark | The Secret Doctrine – Vol. I (references to the Monad) |
| 8 | Karma and Reincarnation: Psychological Implications | The Key to Theosophy – Ch. on Rebirth and Karma |
| 9 | Chakras and Subtle Energy Systems | Comparative study with Kundalini Yoga |
| 10 | Dreams, Astral Projection, and the Subtle World | Occult psychology and inner experiences |
| 11 | Personality, Ego, and the Shadow: A Jungian Comparison | Jung and the Theosophical ego vs. Self |
| 12 | Crisis and Transformation: The Dark Night and Inner Alchemy | St. John of the Cross, Initiatory crisis models |
| 13 | Meditation, Purification, and Self-Observation Practices | Daily practice, diary, and breath awareness |
| 14 | Final Integration and Presentations | Student synthesis and practical models |
🧾 Assessments
- Weekly Journals (20%) – Reflective writing on personal and psychological insights
- Midterm Essay (20%) – Analytical paper on one of the bodies or planes
- Final Project (30%) – Presentation or report linking theory and practice
- Diagram Assignment (15%) – Visual synthesis of the sevenfold constitution
- Participation (15%) – Class engagement, peer feedback, online forum
📚 Required Texts
- Man and His Bodies – Annie Besant
- The Astral Body and Other Astral Phenomena – A.E. Powell
- The Inner Life – C.W. Leadbeater
- The Key to Theosophy – H.P. Blavatsky (selected chapters)
- Supplementary: Theosophy and the Subtle Bodies – C. Jinarajadasa; excerpts from Jung, Assagioli