Thought-Forms; with entire complement of original colour illustrations (Aziloth Books) - Annie Besant

In this, one of the rare colour editions of 'Thought-Forms', Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater describe how the human aura changes constantly in size, form and colour, depending an individual's mental and emotional state.  The book features the original fifty-eight full colour illustrations that give the reader a direct experience of a psychic's impressions of the aura, what Besant herself called 'the living light of other worlds'.   For Besant and Leadbeater, thoughts were as real and powerful as words or deeds, their hope being that the vibrant images would allow everyone to 'realise the nature and power of his thoughts, acting as a stimulus to the noble, a curb on the base'.   Born in London on 1st October 1847, Annie Besant was described as a 'Diamond Soul', a complex mix of spiritual seeker and social reformer, advocating progressive ideas on such topics as education, trade unions, birth control, female suffrage and Irish and Indian self- rule. Besant eventually settled in the sub-Continent, embraced Theosophy, and wrote widely on the religious movement's views on karma, reincarnation and the purpose of human existence.  She was herself blessed with spiritual gifts, one of which - the ability to view an individual's aura or psychic energy field - forms the basis of this present work. Charles W. Leadbeater was ordained as an Anglican priest but gradually felt drawn towards gnosticism and theosophy. He met Annie Besant in 1894, a few years after she became president of the Theosophical Society, and collaborated with her in exploring such shared interests as the human aura, aspects of the soul and occult chemistry.