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London Lodge

2014-09-02T00:15:04Z

Steve Ferguson: /* British Theosophical Society */

The '''London Lodge''' was an influential lodge in the early years of the [[Theosophical Society]]. Founded on [[June 27]], 1878, under the name of '''British Theosophical Society''', it was the first official lodge to be chartered by the [[Parent Society]]. Its name was changed to that of "London Lodge" of the Theosophical Society on [[June 3]], 1883.

== British Theosophical Society ==

The British Theosophical Society was established in 1876, with Mr. Massey as its first President. The members of the British Society were accepted as "Corresponding Fellows" of the Parent Society, but were not formally recognized until the summer of 1878, when John Storer Cobb, the then Recording Secretary, journeyed to London for the purpose, under commission from the Parent Society.<ref>John Garrigues and others, "The Theosophical Movement 1875-1950" (The Cunningham Press, 1925), 18.</ref>

On [[December 11]], 1877, [[C. C. Massey]], [[William Stainton Moses|W. S. Moses]], [[John Storer Cobb|J. S. Cobb]], and [[Emily Kislingbury]] met in London to read [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s instructions concerning the formation of what eventually became the London Lodge.

The first meeting was held on [[June 27]], 1878, at 38, Great Russell St., London. Present at the meeting were J. S. Cobb, C. C. Massey, E. Kislingbury, [[George Wyld|Dr. George Wyld]], [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. H. J. Billing]], and [[Charles Carter Blake|Dr. C. Carter Blake]]. Mr. Cobb represented Col. Olcott; Mr. Massey was chosen President; and Miss Kislingbury, Secretary.<ref>Alfred Percy Sinnett, ''The Early Days of Theosophy in Europe'' (London: Theosophical Publishing House Ltd, 1922), 11.</ref> The latter, noted:

<blockquote>In England, four out of five of the original group were members of the British National Association of Spiritualists, as well as the first two presidents, Mr. C. C. Massey and Dr. George Wyld. During the first year of its existence, the English Theosophical Society continued to be recruited almost entirely, if not solely, from the Spiritualist ranks.<ref>See [http://hpb.narod.ru/SpiritualismRelationTheosophyEK.html# Spiritualism In Its Relation to Theosophy] by Emily Kislingbury</ref></blockquote>

[[Founders#"The Founders"|The Founders]] attended a meeting of the British Theosophical Society in London on [[January 5]], 1879, on their way to India.

In early 1880 Dr. George Wyld was elected President until August, 1882, when he resigned from this position.<ref>George Wyld, ''Notes on my Life'' (London: Kegan, Paul, Trench, Trubner & Company, 1903), 74.</ref> He was succeeded by C. C. Massey. The Lodge, however, was not doing very well and Mr. Massey felt that [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Anna Kingsford]] was the only one who could keep the group from dying.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 406.</ref>

On [[January 7]], 1883, there was an annual election of officers. Dr. [[Anna Bonus Kingsford]] (who was still in Paris) was elected as President with [[Edward Maitland]] and Dr. Wyld as Vice-Presidents. [[William Tournay Brown|W. T. Brown]] was one of the members.

== Change of name ==

On April, 1883, [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] moved back to London and joined the Lodge. On [[May 20]], 1883, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Anna Kingsford]] and [[Edward Maitland]] returned to England, after a stay in Switzerland, to commence their duties in connection with the British Theosophical Society. Mrs. Kingsford suggested that the name be changed to "London Lodge of the Theosophical Society". On [[June 3]], at a meeting held at 1, Albert Mansions, Victoria St., London, S.W., the English Fellows decided, at Dr. Anna Kinsford's wish, seconded by Mr. Sinnett, to change the name of their Lodge.

== Internal dissension ==

Although [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]]'s arrival gave renewed impetus to the activities of the London Lodge, it would also prove to be a source of difficulty.

On [[October 21]], 1883, due to [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Kingsford]] being "unavoidably absent", [[Edward Maitland]] read an address from her before the Lodge. Several members protested its language and passed a Resolution stating the fact. Internal dissension began to come out into the open.

Members were divided among two distinct groups: one, the larger, led by Mr. Sinnett, was specially drawn to the Oriental and Tibetan teachings, as represented in his books, [[The Occult World (book)|The Occult World]] and [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|Esoteric Buddhism]]; the second, the smaller, led by Dr. Kingsford and Edward Maitland, was more attracted to a revival of mystical and [[Christianity#Esoteric Christianity|esoteric Christianity]], the [[Kabbalah]] and the teachings of the [[Hermeticism|Hermetic philosophy]].

In December (some sources say the 9th, some others the 16th), Dr. Kingsford and Mr. Maitland released a Circular entitled ''A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of The Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge'' (privately printed by Bunny and Davis, Shrewsbury, England. 39 pp.) severely criticizing the teachings contained in Mr. Sinnett's book [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|''Esoteric Buddhism'']]. The Circular also stated the necessity of forming a distinct body or group within the general group of the Lodge.

With the date for the election of new authorities approaching, [[Koot Hoomi|Mahatma K.H.]] sent telegrams to Mr. Sinnett and Mrs. Kingsford saying that the latter should remain as President of the Lodge. The reason for this was given by the Master in [[Mahatma Letter No. 120|one of his letters]], where he stated that "whether the gifted President of the 'London Lodge' Theos. Soc. entertains feelings of reverence or disrespect toward the humble and unknown individuals at the head of the Tibetan Good Law", due to the fact that the London population was not familiar with Tibetan doctrines, a Christian esoteric approach was better fitted "for the purpose we have all at heart, namely the dissemination of TRUTH through Esoteric doctrines, conveyed by whatever religious channel, and the effacement of crass materialism and blind prejudices and skepticism".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 409-410.</ref>

However, due to the ill feelings between the two factions, the [[Maha Chohan]] advises to postpone the election until April, 1884, when [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]] would visit the Lodge.

Col. Olcott arrived to London accompanied by [[Mohini Mohun Chatterji]], who was at the time his private secretary, and arranged with the Kingsford-Maitland group to issue a charter to form a separate Branch, the "[[Hermetic Lodge]]" of the Theosophical Society.<ref>Henry Steel Olcott, ''Old Diary Leaves'' Third Series (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 97.</ref>

On [[April 7]], 1884, [[G. B. Finch|Mr. Finch]], was elected as President of the London Lodge, Mr. Sinnett Vice-President and Secretary, and Miss [[Francesca Arundale]] as Treasurer.

Dr. Kingsford and E. Maitland resigned from the London Lodge on [[December 24]], 1884, after having founded the [[Hermetic Society]].

Mr. Sinnett was elected President of the Lodge in January 1885.

=== Master M. appears ===

On [[April 7]], 1884, when [[Henry Steel Olcott|Colonel Olcott]] was giving an opening speech at [[G. B. Finch|Mr. Finch]]’s rooms, the astral form of [[Morya|Mahatma M.]] appeared for a few seconds. It was seen by [[Mohini Mohun Chatterji|Mr. Mohini]], [[Mary Gebhard]] and [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Madame Blavatsky]] and Col. Olcott.<ref>[http://www.blavatskyarchives.com/mastersencounterswith.htm# A Casebook of Encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas] Case 43, compiled and edited by Daniel H. Caldwell</ref>

== Inner Group ==

The opposition to the Tibetan teachings coming from the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] that the Kingsford-Maitland party held prompted [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] to write to [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] proposing the formation of an "Inner Group" of the London Lodge. There, these teachings could be studied by those willing to do it without causing frictions in the Lodge. In December 1883, the Master answers:

<blockquote>The more I think of it, the more reasonable appears to me your plan of a Society within the London Society. Try, for something may come out of it.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 117 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 404.</ref></blockquote>

Early in January 1884, the London Lodge receives a letter from [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] proposing the formation of an Inner Group:

<blockquote>It seems necessary for a proper study and correct understanding of our Philosophy and the benefit of those whose inclination leads them to seek esoteric knowledge from the Northern [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] Source; and in order that such teaching should not be even virtually imposed or offered to those [[Theosophist]]s who may differ from our views, that an exclusive group composed of those members who desire to follow absolutely the teachings of the School to which we, of the [[Brotherhood_of_Adepts#The_Tibetan_Brotherhood|Tibetan Brotherhood]], belong, should be formed under Mr. Sinnett's direction and within the "London Lodge T.S." Such is, in fact, the desire of the [[Maha Chohan]].<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 411.</ref></blockquote>

He also said that due to the criticism that the teachings embodied in Mr. Sinnett's book [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|Esoteric Buddhism]] had received, whatever was given to the inner group should be kept secret among its members:

<blockquote>Our last year's experience amply shows the danger of so recklessly submitting our sacred doctrines to the unprepared world. We expect, therefore, and are resolved to urge, if necessary more caution than ever from our followers in the exposition of our secret teachings. Consequently many of the latter which Mr. Sinnett and his fellow-students may from time to time receive from us, will have to be kept entirely secret from the world — if they would have us give them our help in that direction.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 411.</ref></blockquote>

In late July or early August, 1884, following the resignation of [[C. C. Massey]] who was suspicious of the existence of the [[Mahatmas]], a petition was drafted to form the Inner Group.<ref>See [http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v6/y1884_042.htm# Petition to the Masters for the Formation of an "Inner Group of the London Lodge"] at KatinkaHesselink.net</ref> Below are the names of the members that signed it:

Mary Anne Arundale, [[Francesca Arundale]], [[A. J. Cooper-Oakley|Alfred J. Cooper-Oakley]], [[Isabelle Cooper-Oakley|H. Isabel Cooper-Oakley]], [[Archibald Keightley]], [[Bertram Keightley]], [[Isabel de Steiger]], Laura E. Falkiner, Edmond W. Wade, John Varley, Isabella Varley, Toni Schmiechen, [[Hermann Schmiechen]], Mary C. D. Hamilton, [[G. B. Finch|Gerard B. Finch]], Louisa S. Cook, [[Mabel Collins]] (Mrs. Keningale Cook), Catherine Galindo, [[Patience Sinnett]], R. Palmer Thomas, [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], and Jane Wade.

This preceded by four years the [[Esoteric Section]] and the later "Inner Group" of [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]].

== Eleusinian Society ==

After [[Annie Besant]] became international President of the [[Theosophical Society (Adyar)]] she invited [[Charles Webster Leadbeater|C. W. Leadbeater]] to rejoin the Society. Members of the London Lodge, instigated by [[Maude Travers|"Mary"]], voted unanimously in favor of withdrawing from the Theosphical Society. In February 1909, the lodge changed its name to the Eleusinian Society, which lasted for only a couple of years.

In 1911 [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] felt he should not stay away for the Theosophical Movement he helped to form in the Western world. He discussed the matter with Annie Besant during her visit to London and in the Spring of that year the lodge became again part of the TS, changing its name back to London Lodge. Mr. Sinnett was restored to his original office of vice-President. "Mary" resigned from the Theosophical Society.<ref>Alfred Percy Sinnett, ''Autobiography of Alfred Percy Sinnett'' (London: Theosophical History Center, 1986), 48-49.</ref>

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Organizations]]

London Lodge

2014-09-02T00:13:57Z

Steve Ferguson: /* British Theosophical Society */

The '''London Lodge''' was an influential lodge in the early years of the [[Theosophical Society]]. Founded on [[June 27]], 1878, under the name of '''British Theosophical Society''', it was the first official lodge to be chartered by the [[Parent Society]]. Its name was changed to that of "London Lodge" of the Theosophical Society on [[June 3]], 1883.

== British Theosophical Society ==

The British Theosophical Society was established in 1876, with Mr. Massey as its first President. The members of the British Society were accepted as "Corresponding Fellows" of the Parent Society, but were not formally recognized until the summer of 1878, when John Storer Cobb, the then Recording Secretary, journeyed to London for the purpose, under commission from the Parent Society.<ref>John Garrigues and others "The Theosophical Movement 1875-1950" (The Cunningham Press, 1925), 18</ref>

On [[December 11]], 1877, [[C. C. Massey]], [[William Stainton Moses|W. S. Moses]], [[John Storer Cobb|J. S. Cobb]], and [[Emily Kislingbury]] met in London to read [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s instructions concerning the formation of what eventually became the London Lodge.

The first meeting was held on [[June 27]], 1878, at 38, Great Russell St., London. Present at the meeting were J. S. Cobb, C. C. Massey, E. Kislingbury, [[George Wyld|Dr. George Wyld]], [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. H. J. Billing]], and [[Charles Carter Blake|Dr. C. Carter Blake]]. Mr. Cobb represented Col. Olcott; Mr. Massey was chosen President; and Miss Kislingbury, Secretary.<ref>Alfred Percy Sinnett, ''The Early Days of Theosophy in Europe'' (London: Theosophical Publishing House Ltd, 1922), 11.</ref> The latter, noted:

<blockquote>In England, four out of five of the original group were members of the British National Association of Spiritualists, as well as the first two presidents, Mr. C. C. Massey and Dr. George Wyld. During the first year of its existence, the English Theosophical Society continued to be recruited almost entirely, if not solely, from the Spiritualist ranks.<ref>See [http://hpb.narod.ru/SpiritualismRelationTheosophyEK.html# Spiritualism In Its Relation to Theosophy] by Emily Kislingbury</ref></blockquote>

[[Founders#"The Founders"|The Founders]] attended a meeting of the British Theosophical Society in London on [[January 5]], 1879, on their way to India.

In early 1880 Dr. George Wyld was elected President until August, 1882, when he resigned from this position.<ref>George Wyld, ''Notes on my Life'' (London: Kegan, Paul, Trench, Trubner & Company, 1903), 74.</ref> He was succeeded by C. C. Massey. The Lodge, however, was not doing very well and Mr. Massey felt that [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Anna Kingsford]] was the only one who could keep the group from dying.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 406.</ref>

On [[January 7]], 1883, there was an annual election of officers. Dr. [[Anna Bonus Kingsford]] (who was still in Paris) was elected as President with [[Edward Maitland]] and Dr. Wyld as Vice-Presidents. [[William Tournay Brown|W. T. Brown]] was one of the members.

== Change of name ==

On April, 1883, [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] moved back to London and joined the Lodge. On [[May 20]], 1883, [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Anna Kingsford]] and [[Edward Maitland]] returned to England, after a stay in Switzerland, to commence their duties in connection with the British Theosophical Society. Mrs. Kingsford suggested that the name be changed to "London Lodge of the Theosophical Society". On [[June 3]], at a meeting held at 1, Albert Mansions, Victoria St., London, S.W., the English Fellows decided, at Dr. Anna Kinsford's wish, seconded by Mr. Sinnett, to change the name of their Lodge.

== Internal dissension ==

Although [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]]'s arrival gave renewed impetus to the activities of the London Lodge, it would also prove to be a source of difficulty.

On [[October 21]], 1883, due to [[Anna Bonus Kingsford|Dr. Kingsford]] being "unavoidably absent", [[Edward Maitland]] read an address from her before the Lodge. Several members protested its language and passed a Resolution stating the fact. Internal dissension began to come out into the open.

Members were divided among two distinct groups: one, the larger, led by Mr. Sinnett, was specially drawn to the Oriental and Tibetan teachings, as represented in his books, [[The Occult World (book)|The Occult World]] and [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|Esoteric Buddhism]]; the second, the smaller, led by Dr. Kingsford and Edward Maitland, was more attracted to a revival of mystical and [[Christianity#Esoteric Christianity|esoteric Christianity]], the [[Kabbalah]] and the teachings of the [[Hermeticism|Hermetic philosophy]].

In December (some sources say the 9th, some others the 16th), Dr. Kingsford and Mr. Maitland released a Circular entitled ''A Letter Addressed to the Fellows of the London Lodge of The Theosophical Society, by the President and a Vice-President of the Lodge'' (privately printed by Bunny and Davis, Shrewsbury, England. 39 pp.) severely criticizing the teachings contained in Mr. Sinnett's book [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|''Esoteric Buddhism'']]. The Circular also stated the necessity of forming a distinct body or group within the general group of the Lodge.

With the date for the election of new authorities approaching, [[Koot Hoomi|Mahatma K.H.]] sent telegrams to Mr. Sinnett and Mrs. Kingsford saying that the latter should remain as President of the Lodge. The reason for this was given by the Master in [[Mahatma Letter No. 120|one of his letters]], where he stated that "whether the gifted President of the 'London Lodge' Theos. Soc. entertains feelings of reverence or disrespect toward the humble and unknown individuals at the head of the Tibetan Good Law", due to the fact that the London population was not familiar with Tibetan doctrines, a Christian esoteric approach was better fitted "for the purpose we have all at heart, namely the dissemination of TRUTH through Esoteric doctrines, conveyed by whatever religious channel, and the effacement of crass materialism and blind prejudices and skepticism".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 409-410.</ref>

However, due to the ill feelings between the two factions, the [[Maha Chohan]] advises to postpone the election until April, 1884, when [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]] would visit the Lodge.

Col. Olcott arrived to London accompanied by [[Mohini Mohun Chatterji]], who was at the time his private secretary, and arranged with the Kingsford-Maitland group to issue a charter to form a separate Branch, the "[[Hermetic Lodge]]" of the Theosophical Society.<ref>Henry Steel Olcott, ''Old Diary Leaves'' Third Series (Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 97.</ref>

On [[April 7]], 1884, [[G. B. Finch|Mr. Finch]], was elected as President of the London Lodge, Mr. Sinnett Vice-President and Secretary, and Miss [[Francesca Arundale]] as Treasurer.

Dr. Kingsford and E. Maitland resigned from the London Lodge on [[December 24]], 1884, after having founded the [[Hermetic Society]].

Mr. Sinnett was elected President of the Lodge in January 1885.

=== Master M. appears ===

On [[April 7]], 1884, when [[Henry Steel Olcott|Colonel Olcott]] was giving an opening speech at [[G. B. Finch|Mr. Finch]]’s rooms, the astral form of [[Morya|Mahatma M.]] appeared for a few seconds. It was seen by [[Mohini Mohun Chatterji|Mr. Mohini]], [[Mary Gebhard]] and [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Madame Blavatsky]] and Col. Olcott.<ref>[http://www.blavatskyarchives.com/mastersencounterswith.htm# A Casebook of Encounters with the Theosophical Mahatmas] Case 43, compiled and edited by Daniel H. Caldwell</ref>

== Inner Group ==

The opposition to the Tibetan teachings coming from the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] that the Kingsford-Maitland party held prompted [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] to write to [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] proposing the formation of an "Inner Group" of the London Lodge. There, these teachings could be studied by those willing to do it without causing frictions in the Lodge. In December 1883, the Master answers:

<blockquote>The more I think of it, the more reasonable appears to me your plan of a Society within the London Society. Try, for something may come out of it.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 117 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 404.</ref></blockquote>

Early in January 1884, the London Lodge receives a letter from [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] proposing the formation of an Inner Group:

<blockquote>It seems necessary for a proper study and correct understanding of our Philosophy and the benefit of those whose inclination leads them to seek esoteric knowledge from the Northern [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] Source; and in order that such teaching should not be even virtually imposed or offered to those [[Theosophist]]s who may differ from our views, that an exclusive group composed of those members who desire to follow absolutely the teachings of the School to which we, of the [[Brotherhood_of_Adepts#The_Tibetan_Brotherhood|Tibetan Brotherhood]], belong, should be formed under Mr. Sinnett's direction and within the "London Lodge T.S." Such is, in fact, the desire of the [[Maha Chohan]].<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 411.</ref></blockquote>

He also said that due to the criticism that the teachings embodied in Mr. Sinnett's book [[Esoteric Buddhism (book)|Esoteric Buddhism]] had received, whatever was given to the inner group should be kept secret among its members:

<blockquote>Our last year's experience amply shows the danger of so recklessly submitting our sacred doctrines to the unprepared world. We expect, therefore, and are resolved to urge, if necessary more caution than ever from our followers in the exposition of our secret teachings. Consequently many of the latter which Mr. Sinnett and his fellow-students may from time to time receive from us, will have to be kept entirely secret from the world — if they would have us give them our help in that direction.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 120 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 411.</ref></blockquote>

In late July or early August, 1884, following the resignation of [[C. C. Massey]] who was suspicious of the existence of the [[Mahatmas]], a petition was drafted to form the Inner Group.<ref>See [http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v6/y1884_042.htm# Petition to the Masters for the Formation of an "Inner Group of the London Lodge"] at KatinkaHesselink.net</ref> Below are the names of the members that signed it:

Mary Anne Arundale, [[Francesca Arundale]], [[A. J. Cooper-Oakley|Alfred J. Cooper-Oakley]], [[Isabelle Cooper-Oakley|H. Isabel Cooper-Oakley]], [[Archibald Keightley]], [[Bertram Keightley]], [[Isabel de Steiger]], Laura E. Falkiner, Edmond W. Wade, John Varley, Isabella Varley, Toni Schmiechen, [[Hermann Schmiechen]], Mary C. D. Hamilton, [[G. B. Finch|Gerard B. Finch]], Louisa S. Cook, [[Mabel Collins]] (Mrs. Keningale Cook), Catherine Galindo, [[Patience Sinnett]], R. Palmer Thomas, [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], and Jane Wade.

This preceded by four years the [[Esoteric Section]] and the later "Inner Group" of [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]].

== Eleusinian Society ==

After [[Annie Besant]] became international President of the [[Theosophical Society (Adyar)]] she invited [[Charles Webster Leadbeater|C. W. Leadbeater]] to rejoin the Society. Members of the London Lodge, instigated by [[Maude Travers|"Mary"]], voted unanimously in favor of withdrawing from the Theosphical Society. In February 1909, the lodge changed its name to the Eleusinian Society, which lasted for only a couple of years.

In 1911 [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] felt he should not stay away for the Theosophical Movement he helped to form in the Western world. He discussed the matter with Annie Besant during her visit to London and in the Spring of that year the lodge became again part of the TS, changing its name back to London Lodge. Mr. Sinnett was restored to his original office of vice-President. "Mary" resigned from the Theosophical Society.<ref>Alfred Percy Sinnett, ''Autobiography of Alfred Percy Sinnett'' (London: Theosophical History Center, 1986), 48-49.</ref>

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Organizations]]

C. C. Massey

2014-08-30T17:01:48Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Later years */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Charles Carleton Massey]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister, keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was one of the [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875. In 1878 he became a founder and first president of the [[London Lodge#British Theosophical Society|British Theosophical Society]], the first Branch outside the USA. He was also one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

== Early years ==
[[File: hackwoodnorth.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Hackwood Park, birthplace of C. C. Massey]]
Charles Carleton Massey was born [[December 23]], 1838, at Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England, the residence of his grand-uncle, Lord Bolton.

His father, William N. Massey, was a well-known member of parliament, Under-Secretary for the Home Office and Chairman of Committees during Lord Palmerston's administration, and afterwards Minister of Finance for India<ref>W. F. Barrett, "Thoughts of a Modern Mystic, A Selection from the Writings of the late C. C. Massey" (London England: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.), 1-2.</ref> in the 1860s.

He was educated at Westminster School, studied law, and was called to the bar. However, he abandoned his practice to devote to the study of philosophy, psychology, and [[phenomena]]. He only returned to the bar on the occasion of the famous trial of [[Henry Slade]] in 1876. He never married.

== Spiritualism ==
C. C. Massey was a member of Cox's Psychological Society, served on the first council of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] (SPR) when it was launched in 1882, and a few years earlier had been active in the affairs of the [[British National Association of Spiritualists]] (BNAS), holding office as one of its vice-presidents and serving on the Experimental Research and General Purposes Committees.<ref>Janet Oppenheim, "The Other World, Spiritualism and Psychological Research in England, 1850-1914" (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002), 31.</ref>

==Theosophical involvement ==
=== Founding of the Theosophical Society ===
President-Founder [[Henry Steel Olcott|H. S. Olcott]] and Mr. Massey had a life-long friendship. They seem to have met in England in 1870, when Col. Olcott was there on a business trip, but their friendship really developed when Mr. Massey visited New York in 1875. The latter had traveled to the US to investigate [[Spiritualism|Spiritualistic]] phenomena and during the time the two visited together several [[Mediumship|mediums]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Lavoie, ''The Theosophical Society: The History of a Spiritualist Movement'' (Boca Raton, FL: Brown Walker Press, 2012), 72-73.</ref>

Mr. Massey was one of the original [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. He was present at the meeting held on [[September 8]], 1875, where the [[Founding of the Theosophical Society#September 8|founding of the Society]] was proposed, and at the first meeting held under the name of "Theosophical Society", on [[October 16]].

=== Theosophical Society in England ===
In 1877, Mr. Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society in England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the London Lodge from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

=== Phenomena ===
In January 1879, during [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] and [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s stay in England en route to India, Mr. Massey was involved in two [[phenomena]]. The first one was described by historian [[Josephine Ransom]] as follows:

<blockquote>Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H.P.B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice.<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref></blockquote>

The second incident involved the transmission of a letter to him by occult means. To produce these two phenomena the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] used [[Mary Hollis Billing]]'s [[Mediumship#Spirit_guides|spirit guide]] known as "Ski". Some time later, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] in reference to this:

<blockquote>If Mr. Massey had “declared to the English spiritualists that he was in communication with the BROTHERS by Occult means” he would have spoken the simple truth. For not only once but twice had he such occult relationship — once with his Father’s glove, sent him by [[Morya|M.]] through “Ski,” and again with the note in question, for the delivery of which the same practical agency was employed.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 112 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.</ref></blockquote>

Eventually, Mr. Massey would come to suspect the nature of "Ski" and, therefore, of the phenomena.

=== Involvement with the Mahatmas ===
Mr. Massey figures prominently in the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], being mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] tried hard to get the [[Masters of Wisdom]] to teach him.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote> He was eventually put on [[probation]] but, although of a very honest nature, was found not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

This probably referred to a situation that aroused at the end of 1882. Mr. Massey had become suspicious of Mme. Blavatsky due to the machinations of [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. Billing]] and [[Hurrychund Chintamon]]. The latter, showed him some letters supposed to come from Mme. Blavatsky, incriminating her as the creator of a hoax in relation to the [[Mahatmas]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92]], Master K.H. describes to Mr. Sinnett the strategies these two people were using:

<blockquote>I am morally bound to set his mind [Mr. Massey's] at rest — through your kind agency — with regard to H.P.B. deceiving and imposing upon him. He seems to think he has obtained proofs of it absolutely unimpeachable. I say he has not. What he has obtained is simply proof of the villainy of some men, and ex-theosophists such as Hurrychund Chintamon . . . exposed and expelled from the [[Theosophical Society|Society]] ran away to England and is ever since seeking and thirsting for his revenge. And such other as Dr. Billing . . . [who] left his wife and Society and turned with bitter hatred against both women; and since then is ever seeking to secretly poison the minds of the British Theosophists and Spiritualists against his wife and H.P.B.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 290-291.</ref></blockquote>

Mr. Massey was obviously not satisfied with Sinnett's explanation and maintained his opinion. All this suspicion was probably part of his probation, because a few months later the Master wrote: "On this last day of your year 1882, his name comes third on the list of failures.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref> However, this did not imply that he had become immoral. The Master added in the letter: "With all he is the noblest, purest, in short, one of the best men I know, though occasionally too trusting in wrong directions. But he lacks entirely — correct intuition".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref>

=== Resignation ===
At the beginning of 1883, Mr. Massey resigned as president of the [[London Lodge]], but remained as a member of it. In September of that year his suspicion about Mme. Blavatsky and the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|Mahatma Letters]] was fueled by the "[[Henry Kiddle#The Kiddle Incident|Kiddle Incident]]".

In January 1884, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]] the following:

<blockquote>His mind is clouded with black doubt, and his psychological state is pitiable. All the brighter intentions are being stifled, his [[Buddhi]]c (not Buddhistic) evolution checked. Take care for him, if he will not — of himself! The prey of illusions of his own creation, he is slipping down towards a deeper depth of spiritual misery, and it is possible that he may seek asylum from the world and himself within the pale of a theology which he would once have passionately scorned. Every lawful effort has been tried to save him, especially by Olcott, whose warm brotherly love has prompted him to make to his heart the warmest appeals — as you know. Poor, poor, deluded man! My letters are written by H.P.B., and he has no doubt I got “defrauded Mr. Kiddle’s” ideas out of her head! But let him rest as he is.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 408.</ref></blockquote>

On [[July 26]], 1884, the Spiritualistic periodical [[Light (periodical)|''Light'']] published an article of his rejecting the explanations given by Mr. Sinnett about the "Kiddle Incident", and at the end of it he announced his official resignation from the [[Theosophical Society]]. He wrote:

<blockquote>I have only to add that while preserving all the interests, and much of the belief which attracted me to the Theosophical Society, and which have kept me in it up to now, notwithstanding many and growing embarrassments, I do not think that the publication of the conclusions above expressed is consistent with loyal Fellowship. The constitution, no doubt, of the Society is broad enough to include minds more sceptical than my own in regard to the alleged sources of its vitality and influence. But let any one try to realise this nominal freedom, and he will find himself, not only in an uncongenial element, but in an attitude of controversy with his ostensible leaders, with the motive forces of the Society. That is not consistent with the sympathetic subordination or co-operation which is essential to union. If anything could keep me in a position embarrassing or insincere, it would be the noble life and character of the president, my friend, Colonel Olcott. But personal considerations must give way at length; and accordingly, with unabated regard and respect for many from whom it is painful to separate, I am forwarding my resignation of Fellowship to the proper quarters.<ref>See [http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey.</ref></blockquote>

== Society for Psychical Research ==
Mr. Massey was one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882.

== Later years ==
[[File: OlderCCMassey.png|200px|right|thumb|Charles Carleton Massey]]
C. C. Massey passed away on [[March 29]], 1905, due to heart-disease, from which he had been suffering the last few years. His physician, Dr. Simmons, wrote:

<blockquote>Mr. Massey was practically under sentence of death the last two. years, and his heart was only kept going by avoidance of all exertion. He was most wonderfully brave throughout, made no fuss, and always considered other people more than himself. I kept him alive for a month by hypodermics of strychnine twice daily. He had very little actual suffering and lived his own life to the end, got up and dressed almost every day, and retained all his faculties to the last. We had many long talks together, and my daily intercourse with him for weeks before his death has been one of the most valued experiences of my life.<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

In an Obituary published in the ''Journal of the Society for Psychical Research'' W. F. Barrett wrote:

<blockquote>Beyond and above his intellectual gifts and his passionate love of truth were the sweetness and beauty of his character. One of the most unselfish and lovable of men, ever modest and retiring, yet with a rare and resolute moral courage, he was outspoken in espousing unpopular causes when his judgment convinced him they were right; he was indeed a "Just and faithful knight of God".<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

==Online resources==
===Articles===
*[http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey] at Chasing Down Emma blog
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle8.htm# The Theosophical Society and its Critics.] by C.C. Massey
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/massey3.htm# Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott in England.] by C.C. Massey

== Other resources ==
* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

C. C. Massey

2014-08-22T19:09:02Z

Steve Ferguson:

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Charles Carleton Massey]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister, keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was one of the [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875. In 1878 he became a founder and first president of the [[London Lodge#British Theosophical Society|British Theosophical Society]], the first Branch outside the USA. He was also one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

== Early years ==
[[File: hackwoodnorth.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Hackwood Park, birthplace of C. C. Massey]]
Charles Carleton Massey was born [[December 23]], 1838, at Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England, the residence of his grand-uncle, Lord Bolton.

His father, William N. Massey, was a well-known member of parliament, Under-Secretary for the Home Office and Chairman of Committees during Lord Palmerston's administration, and afterwards Minister of Finance for India<ref>W. F. Barrett, "Thoughts of a Modern Mystic, A Selection from the Writings of the late C. C. Massey" (London England: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.), 1-2.</ref> in the 1860s.

He was educated at Westminster School, studied law, and was called to the bar. However, he abandoned his practice to devote to the study of philosophy, psychology, and [[phenomena]]. He only returned to the bar on the occasion of the famous trial of [[Henry Slade]] in 1876. He never married.

== Spiritualism ==
C. C. Massey was a member of Cox's Psychological Society, served on the first council of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] (SPR) when it was launched in 1882, and a few years earlier had been active in the affairs of the [[British National Association of Spiritualists]] (BNAS), holding office as one of its vice-presidents and serving on the Experimental Research and General Purposes Committees.<ref>Janet Oppenheim, "The Other World, Spiritualism and Psychological Research in England, 1850-1914" (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002), 31.</ref>

==Theosophical involvement ==
=== Founding of the Theosophical Society ===
President-Founder [[Henry Steel Olcott|H. S. Olcott]] and Mr. Massey had a life-long friendship. They seem to have met in England in 1870, when Col. Olcott was there on a business trip, but their friendship really developed when Mr. Massey visited New York in 1875. The latter had traveled to the US to investigate [[Spiritualism|Spiritualistic]] phenomena and during the time the two visited together several [[Mediumship|mediums]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Lavoie, ''The Theosophical Society: The History of a Spiritualist Movement'' (Boca Raton, FL: Brown Walker Press, 2012), 72-73.</ref>

Mr. Massey was one of the original [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. He was present at the meeting held on [[September 8]], 1875, where the [[Founding of the Theosophical Society#September 8|founding of the Society]] was proposed, and at the first meeting held under the name of "Theosophical Society", on [[October 16]].

=== Theosophical Society in England ===
In 1877, Mr. Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society in England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the London Lodge from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

=== Phenomena ===
In January 1879, during [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] and [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s stay in England en route to India, Mr. Massey was involved in two [[phenomena]]. The first one was described by historian [[Josephine Ransom]] as follows:

<blockquote>Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H.P.B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice.<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref></blockquote>

The second incident involved the transmission of a letter to him by occult means. To produce these two phenomena the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] used [[Mary Hollis Billing]]'s [[Mediumship#Spirit_guides|spirit guide]] known as "Ski". Some time later, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] in reference to this:

<blockquote>If Mr. Massey had “declared to the English spiritualists that he was in communication with the BROTHERS by Occult means” he would have spoken the simple truth. For not only once but twice had he such occult relationship — once with his Father’s glove, sent him by [[Morya|M.]] through “Ski,” and again with the note in question, for the delivery of which the same practical agency was employed.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 112 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.</ref></blockquote>

Eventually, Mr. Massey would come to suspect the nature of "Ski" and, therefore, of the phenomena.

=== Involvement with the Mahatmas ===
Mr. Massey figures prominently in the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], being mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] tried hard to get the [[Masters of Wisdom]] to teach him.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote> He was eventually put on [[probation]] but, although of a very honest nature, was found not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

This probably referred to a situation that aroused at the end of 1882. Mr. Massey had become suspicious of Mme. Blavatsky due to the machinations of [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. Billing]] and [[Hurrychund Chintamon]]. The latter, showed him some letters supposed to come from Mme. Blavatsky, incriminating her as the creator of a hoax in relation to the [[Mahatmas]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92]], Master K.H. describes to Mr. Sinnett the strategies these two people were using:

<blockquote>I am morally bound to set his mind [Mr. Massey's] at rest — through your kind agency — with regard to H.P.B. deceiving and imposing upon him. He seems to think he has obtained proofs of it absolutely unimpeachable. I say he has not. What he has obtained is simply proof of the villainy of some men, and ex-theosophists such as Hurrychund Chintamon . . . exposed and expelled from the [[Theosophical Society|Society]] ran away to England and is ever since seeking and thirsting for his revenge. And such other as Dr. Billing . . . [who] left his wife and Society and turned with bitter hatred against both women; and since then is ever seeking to secretly poison the minds of the British Theosophists and Spiritualists against his wife and H.P.B.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 290-291.</ref></blockquote>

Mr. Massey was obviously not satisfied with Sinnett's explanation and maintained his opinion. All this suspicion was probably part of his probation, because a few months later the Master wrote: "On this last day of your year 1882, his name comes third on the list of failures.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref> However, this did not imply that he had become immoral. The Master added in the letter: "With all he is the noblest, purest, in short, one of the best men I know, though occasionally too trusting in wrong directions. But he lacks entirely — correct intuition".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref>

=== Resignation ===
At the beginning of 1883, Mr. Massey resigned as president of the [[London Lodge]], but remained as a member of it. In September of that year his suspicion about Mme. Blavatsky and the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|Mahatma Letters]] was fueled by the "[[Henry Kiddle#The Kiddle Incident|Kiddle Incident]]".

In January 1884, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]] the following:

<blockquote>His mind is clouded with black doubt, and his psychological state is pitiable. All the brighter intentions are being stifled, his [[Buddhi]]c (not Buddhistic) evolution checked. Take care for him, if he will not — of himself! The prey of illusions of his own creation, he is slipping down towards a deeper depth of spiritual misery, and it is possible that he may seek asylum from the world and himself within the pale of a theology which he would once have passionately scorned. Every lawful effort has been tried to save him, especially by Olcott, whose warm brotherly love has prompted him to make to his heart the warmest appeals — as you know. Poor, poor, deluded man! My letters are written by H.P.B., and he has no doubt I got “defrauded Mr. Kiddle’s” ideas out of her head! But let him rest as he is.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 408.</ref></blockquote>

On [[July 26]], 1884, the Spiritualistic periodical [[Light (periodical)|''Light'']] published an article of his rejecting the explanations given by Mr. Sinnett about the "Kiddle Incident", and at the end of it he announced his official resignation from the [[Theosophical Society]]. He wrote:

<blockquote>I have only to add that while preserving all the interests, and much of the belief which attracted me to the Theosophical Society, and which have kept me in it up to now, notwithstanding many and growing embarrassments, I do not think that the publication of the conclusions above expressed is consistent with loyal Fellowship. The constitution, no doubt, of the Society is broad enough to include minds more sceptical than my own in regard to the alleged sources of its vitality and influence. But let any one try to realise this nominal freedom, and he will find himself, not only in an uncongenial element, but in an attitude of controversy with his ostensible leaders, with the motive forces of the Society. That is not consistent with the sympathetic subordination or co-operation which is essential to union. If anything could keep me in a position embarrassing or insincere, it would be the noble life and character of the president, my friend, Colonel Olcott. But personal considerations must give way at length; and accordingly, with unabated regard and respect for many from whom it is painful to separate, I am forwarding my resignation of Fellowship to the proper quarters.<ref>See [http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey.</ref></blockquote>

== Society for Psychical Research ==
Mr. Massey was one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882.

== Later years ==
[[File: OlderCCMassey.png|200px|right|thumb|Charles Carleton Massey]]
C. C. Massey passed away on [[March 29]], 1905, due to heart-disease, from which he had been suffering the last few years. His physician, Dr. Simmons, wropng

<blockquote>Mr. Massey was practically under sentence of death the last two. years, and his heart was only kept going by avoidance of all exertion. He was most wonderfully brave throughout, made no fuss, and always considered other people more than himself. I kept him alive for a month by hypodermics of strychnine twice daily. He had very little actual suffering and lived his own life to the end, got up and dressed almost every day, and retained all his faculties to the last. We had many long talks together, and my daily intercourse with him for weeks before his death has been one of the most valued experiences of my life.<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

In an Obituary published in the ''Journal of the Society for Psychical Research'' W. F. Barrett wrote:

<blockquote>Beyond and above his intellectual gifts and his passionate love of truth were the sweetness and beauty of his character. One of the most unselfish and lovable of men, ever modest and retiring, yet with a rare and resolute moral courage, he was outspoken in espousing unpopular causes when his judgment convinced him they were right; he was indeed a "Just and faithful knight of God".<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

==Online resources==
===Articles===
*[http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey] at Chasing Down Emma blog
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle8.htm# The Theosophical Society and its Critics.] by C.C. Massey
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/massey3.htm# Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott in England.] by C.C. Massey

== Other resources ==
* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

File:OlderCCMassey.png

2014-08-22T19:06:06Z

Steve Ferguson:

C. C. Massey

2014-08-14T20:24:22Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Articles */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Charles Carleton Massey]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister, keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was one of the [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875. In 1878 he became a founder and first president of the [[London Lodge#British Theosophical Society|British Theosophical Society]], the first Branch outside the USA. He was also one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

== Early years ==
[[File: hackwoodnorth.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Hackwood Park, birthplace of C. C. Massey]]
Charles Carleton Massey was born [[December 23]], 1838, at Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England, the residence of his grand-uncle, Lord Bolton.

His father, William N. Massey, was a well-known member of parliament, Under-Secretary for the Home Office and Chairman of Committees during Lord Palmerston's administration, and afterwards Minister of Finance for India<ref>W. F. Barrett, "Thoughts of a Modern Mystic, A Selection from the Writings of the late C. C. Massey" (London England: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.), 1-2.</ref> in the 1860s.

He was educated at Westminster School, studied law, and was called to the bar. However, he abandoned his practice to devote to the study of philosophy, psychology, and [[phenomena]]. He only returned to the bar on the occasion of the famous trial of [[Henry Slade]] in 1876. He never married.

== Spiritualism ==
C. C. Massey was a member of Cox's Psychological Society, served on the first council of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] (SPR) when it was launched in 1882, and a few years earlier had been active in the affairs of the [[British National Association of Spiritualists]] (BNAS), holding office as one of its vice-presidents and serving on the Experimental Research and General Purposes Committees.<ref>Janet Oppenheim, "The Other World, Spiritualism and Psychological Research in England, 1850-1914" (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002), 31.</ref>

==Theosophical involvement ==
=== Founding of the Theosophical Society ===
President-Founder [[Henry Steel Olcott|H. S. Olcott]] and Mr. Massey had a life-long friendship. They seem to have met in England in 1870, when Col. Olcott was there on a business trip, but their friendship really developed when Mr. Massey visited New York in 1875. The latter had traveled to the US to investigate [[Spiritualism|Spiritualistic]] phenomena and during the time the two visited together several [[Mediumship|mediums]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Lavoie, ''The Theosophical Society: The History of a Spiritualist Movement'' (Boca Raton, FL: Brown Walker Press, 2012), 72-73.</ref>

Mr. Massey was one of the original [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. He was present at the meeting held on [[September 8]], 1875, where the [[Founding of the Theosophical Society#September 8|founding of the Society]] was proposed, and at the first meeting held under the name of "Theosophical Society", on [[October 16]].

=== Theosophical Society in England ===
In 1877, Mr. Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society in England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the London Lodge from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

=== Phenomena ===
In January 1879, during [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] and [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s stay in England en route to India, Mr. Massey was involved in two [[phenomena]]. The first one was described by historian [[Josephine Ransom]] as follows:

<blockquote>Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H.P.B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice.<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref></blockquote>

The second incident involved the transmission of a letter to him by occult means. To produce these two phenomena the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] used [[Mary Hollis Billing]]'s [[Mediumship#Spirit_guides|spirit guide]] known as "Ski". Some time later, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] in reference to this:

<blockquote>If Mr. Massey had “declared to the English spiritualists that he was in communication with the BROTHERS by Occult means” he would have spoken the simple truth. For not only once but twice had he such occult relationship — once with his Father’s glove, sent him by [[Morya|M.]] through “Ski,” and again with the note in question, for the delivery of which the same practical agency was employed.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 112 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.</ref></blockquote>

Eventually, Mr. Massey would come to suspect the nature of "Ski" and, therefore, of the phenomena.

=== Involvement with the Mahatmas ===
Mr. Massey figures prominently in the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], being mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] tried hard to get the [[Masters of Wisdom]] to teach him.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote> He was eventually put on [[probation]] but, although of a very honest nature, was found not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

This probably referred to a situation that aroused at the end of 1882. Mr. Massey had become suspicious of Mme. Blavatsky due to the machinations of [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. Billing]] and [[Hurrychund Chintamon]]. The latter, showed him some letters supposed to come from Mme. Blavatsky, incriminating her as the creator of a hoax in relation to the [[Mahatmas]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92]], Master K.H. describes to Mr. Sinnett the strategies these two people were using:

<blockquote>I am morally bound to set his mind [Mr. Massey's] at rest — through your kind agency — with regard to H.P.B. deceiving and imposing upon him. He seems to think he has obtained proofs of it absolutely unimpeachable. I say he has not. What he has obtained is simply proof of the villainy of some men, and ex-theosophists such as Hurrychund Chintamon . . . exposed and expelled from the [[Theosophical Society|Society]] ran away to England and is ever since seeking and thirsting for his revenge. And such other as Dr. Billing . . . [who] left his wife and Society and turned with bitter hatred against both women; and since then is ever seeking to secretly poison the minds of the British Theosophists and Spiritualists against his wife and H.P.B.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 290-291.</ref></blockquote>

Mr. Massey was obviously not satisfied with Sinnett's explanation and maintained his opinion. All this suspicion was probably part of his probation, because a few months later the Master wrote: "On this last day of your year 1882, his name comes third on the list of failures.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref> However, this did not imply that he had become immoral. The Master added in the letter: "With all he is the noblest, purest, in short, one of the best men I know, though occasionally too trusting in wrong directions. But he lacks entirely — correct intuition".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref>

=== Resignation ===
At the beginning of 1883, Mr. Massey resigned as president of the [[London Lodge]], but remained as a member of it. In September of that year his suspicion about Mme. Blavatsky and the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|Mahatma Letters]] was fueled by the "[[Henry Kiddle#The Kiddle Incident|Kiddle Incident]]".

In January 1884, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]] the following:

<blockquote>His mind is clouded with black doubt, and his psychological state is pitiable. All the brighter intentions are being stifled, his [[Buddhi]]c (not Buddhistic) evolution checked. Take care for him, if he will not — of himself! The prey of illusions of his own creation, he is slipping down towards a deeper depth of spiritual misery, and it is possible that he may seek asylum from the world and himself within the pale of a theology which he would once have passionately scorned. Every lawful effort has been tried to save him, especially by Olcott, whose warm brotherly love has prompted him to make to his heart the warmest appeals — as you know. Poor, poor, deluded man! My letters are written by H.P.B., and he has no doubt I got “defrauded Mr. Kiddle’s” ideas out of her head! But let him rest as he is.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 408.</ref></blockquote>

On [[July 26]], 1884, the Spiritualistic periodical [[Light (periodical)|''Light'']] published an article of his rejecting the explanations given by Mr. Sinnett about the "Kiddle Incident", and at the end of it he announced his official resignation from the [[Theosophical Society]]. He wrote:

<blockquote>I have only to add that while preserving all the interests, and much of the belief which attracted me to the Theosophical Society, and which have kept me in it up to now, notwithstanding many and growing embarrassments, I do not think that the publication of the conclusions above expressed is consistent with loyal Fellowship. The constitution, no doubt, of the Society is broad enough to include minds more sceptical than my own in regard to the alleged sources of its vitality and influence. But let any one try to realise this nominal freedom, and he will find himself, not only in an uncongenial element, but in an attitude of controversy with his ostensible leaders, with the motive forces of the Society. That is not consistent with the sympathetic subordination or co-operation which is essential to union. If anything could keep me in a position embarrassing or insincere, it would be the noble life and character of the president, my friend, Colonel Olcott. But personal considerations must give way at length; and accordingly, with unabated regard and respect for many from whom it is painful to separate, I am forwarding my resignation of Fellowship to the proper quarters.<ref>See [http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey.</ref></blockquote>

== Society for Psychical Research ==
Mr. Massey was one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882.

== Later years ==
C. C. Massey passed away on [[March 29]], 1905, due to heart-disease, from which he had been suffering the last few years. His physician, Dr. Simmons, wrote:

<blockquote>Mr. Massey was practically under sentence of death the last two. years, and his heart was only kept going by avoidance of all exertion. He was most wonderfully brave throughout, made no fuss, and always considered other people more than himself. I kept him alive for a month by hypodermics of strychnine twice daily. He had very little actual suffering and lived his own life to the end, got up and dressed almost every day, and retained all his faculties to the last. We had many long talks together, and my daily intercourse with him for weeks before his death has been one of the most valued experiences of my life.<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

In an Obituary published in the ''Journal of the Society for Psychical Research'' W. F. Barrett wrote:

<blockquote>Beyond and above his intellectual gifts and his passionate love of truth were the sweetness and beauty of his character. One of the most unselfish and lovable of men, ever modest and retiring, yet with a rare and resolute moral courage, he was outspoken in espousing unpopular causes when his judgment convinced him they were right; he was indeed a "Just and faithful knight of God".<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

==Online resources==
===Articles===
*[http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey] at Chasing Down Emma blog
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle8.htm# The Theosophical Society and its Critics.] by C.C. Massey
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/massey3.htm# Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott in England.] by C.C. Massey

== Other resources ==
* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

C. C. Massey

2014-08-09T06:02:38Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Spiritualism */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister, keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was one of the [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875. In 1878 he became a founder and first president of the [[London Lodge#British Theosophical Society|British Theosophical Society]], the first Branch outside the USA. He was also one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

== Early years ==
[[File: hackwoodnorth.jpg|200px|right]]
Charles Carleton Massey was born December 23rd, 1838, at Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England, the residence of his grand-uncle, Lord Bolton. His father, William N. Massey, was a well-known member of parliament, Under-Secretary for the Home Office and Chairman of Committees during Lord Palmerston's administration, and afterwards Minister of Finance for India<ref>W. F. Barrett, "Thoughts of a Modern Mystic, A Selection from the Writings of the late C. C. Massey" (London England: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.), 1-2.</ref> in the 1860s. He was educated at Westminster School, studied law, and was called to the bar. However, he abandoned his practice to devote to the study of philosophy, psychology, and [[phenomena]]. He only returned to the bar on the occasion of the famous trial of [[Henry Slade]] in 1876. He never married.

== Spiritualism ==
He was a member of Cox's Psychological Society, served on the first council of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] (SPR) when it was launched in 1882, and a few years earlier had been active in the affairs of the British National Association of Spiritualists (BNAS), holding office as one of its vice-presidents and serving on the Experimental Research and General Purposes Committees.<ref>Janet Oppenheim, "The Other World, Spiritualism and PsychologicalResearch in England, 1850-1914" (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002), 31.</ref>

==Theosophical involvement ==
=== Founding of the Theosophical Society ===
President-Founder [[Henry Steel Olcott|H. S. Olcott]] and Mr. Massey had a life-long friendship. They seem to have met in England in 1870, when Col. Olcott was there on a business trip, but their friendship really developed when Mr. Massey visited New York in 1875. The latter had traveled to the US to investigate [[Spiritualism|Spiritualistic]] phenomena and during the time the two visited together several [[Mediumship|mediums]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Lavoie, ''The Theosophical Society: The History of a Spiritualist Movement'' (Boca Raton, FL: Brown Walker Press, 2012), 72-73.</ref>

Mr. Massey was one of the original [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. He was present at the meeting held on [[September 8]], 1875, where the [[Founding of the Theosophical Society#September 8|founding of the Society]] was proposed, and at the first meeting held under the name of "Theosophical Society", on [[October 16]].

=== Theosophical Society in England ===
In 1877, Mr. Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society in England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the London Lodge from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

=== Phenomena ===
In January 1879, during [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] and [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s stay in England en route to India, Mr. Massey was involved in two [[phenomena]]. The first one was described by historian [[Josephine Ransom]] as follows:

<blockquote>Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H.P.B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice.<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref></blockquote>

The second incident involved the transmission of a letter to him by occult means. To produce these two phenomena the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] used [[Mary Hollis Billing]]'s [[Mediumship#Spirit_guides|spirit guide]] known as "Ski". Some time later, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] in reference to this:

<blockquote>If Mr. Massey had “declared to the English spiritualists that he was in communication with the BROTHERS by Occult means” he would have spoken the simple truth. For not only once but twice had he such occult relationship — once with his Father’s glove, sent him by [[Morya|M.]] through “Ski,” and again with the note in question, for the delivery of which the same practical agency was employed.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 112 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.</ref></blockquote>

Eventually, Mr. Massey would come to suspect the nature of "Ski" and, therefore, of the phenomena.

=== Involvement with the Mahatmas ===
Mr. Massey figures prominently in the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], being mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] tried hard to get the [[Masters of Wisdom]] to teach him.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote> He was eventually put on [[probation]] but, although of a very honest nature, was found not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

This probably referred to a situation that aroused at the end of 1882. Mr. Massey had become suspicious of Mme. Blavatsky due to the machinations of [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. Billing]] and [[Hurrychund Chintamon]]. The latter, showed him some letters supposed to come from Mme. Blavatsky, incriminating her as the creator of a hoax in relation to the [[Mahatmas]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92]], Master K.H. describes to Mr. Sinnett the strategies these two people were using:

<blockquote>I am morally bound to set his mind [Mr. Massey's] at rest — through your kind agency — with regard to H.P.B. deceiving and imposing upon him. He seems to think he has obtained proofs of it absolutely unimpeachable. I say he has not. What he has obtained is simply proof of the villainy of some men, and ex-theosophists such as Hurrychund Chintamon . . . exposed and expelled from the [[Theosophical Society|Society]] ran away to England and is ever since seeking and thirsting for his revenge. And such other as Dr. Billing . . . [who] left his wife and Society and turned with bitter hatred against both women; and since then is ever seeking to secretly poison the minds of the British Theosophists and Spiritualists against his wife and H.P.B.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 290-291.</ref></blockquote>

Mr. Massey was obviously not satisfied with Sinnett's explanation and maintained his opinion. All this suspicion was probably part of his probation, because a few months later the Master wrote: "On this last day of your year 1882, his name comes third on the list of failures.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref> However, this did not imply that he had become immoral. The Master added in the letter: "With all he is the noblest, purest, in short, one of the best men I know, though occasionally too trusting in wrong directions. But he lacks entirely — correct intuition".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref>

=== Resignation ===
At the beginning of 1883, Mr. Massey resigned as president of the [[London Lodge]], but remained as a member of it. In September of that year his suspicion about Mme. Blavatsky and the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|Mahatma Letters]] was fueled by the "[[Henry Kiddle#The Kiddle Incident|Kiddle Incident]]".

In January 1884, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]] the following:

<blockquote>His mind is clouded with black doubt, and his psychological state is pitiable. All the brighter intentions are being stifled, his [[Buddhi]]c (not Buddhistic) evolution checked. Take care for him, if he will not — of himself! The prey of illusions of his own creation, he is slipping down towards a deeper depth of spiritual misery, and it is possible that he may seek asylum from the world and himself within the pale of a theology which he would once have passionately scorned. Every lawful effort has been tried to save him, especially by Olcott, whose warm brotherly love has prompted him to make to his heart the warmest appeals — as you know. Poor, poor, deluded man! My letters are written by H.P.B., and he has no doubt I got “defrauded Mr. Kiddle’s” ideas out of her head! But let him rest as he is.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 408.</ref></blockquote>

On [[July 26]], 1884, the Spiritualistic periodical [[Light (periodical)|''Light'']] published an article of his rejecting the explanations given by Mr. Sinnett about the "Kiddle Incident", and at the end of it he announced his official resignation from the [[Theosophical Society]]. He wrote:

<blockquote>I have only to add that while preserving all the interests, and much of the belief which attracted me to the Theosophical Society, and which have kept me in it up to now, notwithstanding many and growing embarrassments, I do not think that the publication of the conclusions above expressed is consistent with loyal Fellowship. The constitution, no doubt, of the Society is broad enough to include minds more sceptical than my own in regard to the alleged sources of its vitality and influence. But let any one try to realise this nominal freedom, and he will find himself, not only in an uncongenial element, but in an attitude of controversy with his ostensible leaders, with the motive forces of the Society. That is not consistent with the sympathetic subordination or co-operation which is essential to union. If anything could keep me in a position embarrassing or insincere, it would be the noble life and character of the president, my friend, Colonel Olcott. But personal considerations must give way at length; and accordingly, with unabated regard and respect for many from whom it is painful to separate, I am forwarding my resignation of Fellowship to the proper quarters.<ref>See [http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey.</ref></blockquote>

== Society for Psychical Research ==
Mr. Massey was one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882.

== Later years ==
C. C. Massey passed away on [[March 29]], 1905, due to heart-disease, from which he had been suffering the last few years. His physician, Dr. Simmons, wrote:

<blockquote>Mr. Massey was practically under sentence of death the last two. years, and his heart was only kept going by avoidance of all exertion. He was most wonderfully brave throughout, made no fuss, and always considered other people more than himself. I kept him alive for a month by hypodermics of strychnine twice daily. He had very little actual suffering and lived his own life to the end, got up and dressed almost every day, and retained all his faculties to the last. We had many long talks together, and my daily intercourse with him for weeks before his death has been one of the most valued experiences of my life.<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

In an Obituary published in the ''Journal of the Society for Psychical Research'' W. F. Barrett wrote:

<blockquote>Beyond and above his intellectual gifts and his passionate love of truth were the sweetness and beauty of his character. One of the most unselfish and lovable of men, ever modest and retiring, yet with a rare and resolute moral courage, he was outspoken in espousing unpopular causes when his judgment convinced him they were right; he was indeed a "Just and faithful knight of God".<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

==Online resources==
===Articles===
*[http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey] at Chasing Down Emma blog
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey

== Other resources ==
* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

C. C. Massey

2014-08-09T06:00:59Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Early years */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister, keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was one of the [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875. In 1878 he became a founder and first president of the [[London Lodge#British Theosophical Society|British Theosophical Society]], the first Branch outside the USA. He was also one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

== Early years ==
[[File: hackwoodnorth.jpg|200px|right]]
Charles Carleton Massey was born December 23rd, 1838, at Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England, the residence of his grand-uncle, Lord Bolton. His father, William N. Massey, was a well-known member of parliament, Under-Secretary for the Home Office and Chairman of Committees during Lord Palmerston's administration, and afterwards Minister of Finance for India<ref>W. F. Barrett, "Thoughts of a Modern Mystic, A Selection from the Writings of the late C. C. Massey" (London England: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.), 1-2.</ref> in the 1860s. He was educated at Westminster School, studied law, and was called to the bar. However, he abandoned his practice to devote to the study of philosophy, psychology, and [[phenomena]]. He only returned to the bar on the occasion of the famous trial of [[Henry Slade]] in 1876. He never married.

== Spiritualism ==
He was a member of Cox's Psychological Society, served on the first council of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] (SPR) when it was launched in 1882, and a few years earlier had been active in the affairs of the British National Association of Spiritualists (BNAS), holding office as one of its vice-presidents and serving on the Experimental Research and General Purposes Committees.<ref>Janet Oppenheim, "The Other World, Spiritualism and PsychologicalResearch in England, 1850-1914" (Cambridge University Press, 2002), 31.</ref>

==Theosophical involvement ==
=== Founding of the Theosophical Society ===
President-Founder [[Henry Steel Olcott|H. S. Olcott]] and Mr. Massey had a life-long friendship. They seem to have met in England in 1870, when Col. Olcott was there on a business trip, but their friendship really developed when Mr. Massey visited New York in 1875. The latter had traveled to the US to investigate [[Spiritualism|Spiritualistic]] phenomena and during the time the two visited together several [[Mediumship|mediums]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Lavoie, ''The Theosophical Society: The History of a Spiritualist Movement'' (Boca Raton, FL: Brown Walker Press, 2012), 72-73.</ref>

Mr. Massey was one of the original [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. He was present at the meeting held on [[September 8]], 1875, where the [[Founding of the Theosophical Society#September 8|founding of the Society]] was proposed, and at the first meeting held under the name of "Theosophical Society", on [[October 16]].

=== Theosophical Society in England ===
In 1877, Mr. Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society in England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the London Lodge from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

=== Phenomena ===
In January 1879, during [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] and [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s stay in England en route to India, Mr. Massey was involved in two [[phenomena]]. The first one was described by historian [[Josephine Ransom]] as follows:

<blockquote>Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H.P.B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice.<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref></blockquote>

The second incident involved the transmission of a letter to him by occult means. To produce these two phenomena the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] used [[Mary Hollis Billing]]'s [[Mediumship#Spirit_guides|spirit guide]] known as "Ski". Some time later, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] in reference to this:

<blockquote>If Mr. Massey had “declared to the English spiritualists that he was in communication with the BROTHERS by Occult means” he would have spoken the simple truth. For not only once but twice had he such occult relationship — once with his Father’s glove, sent him by [[Morya|M.]] through “Ski,” and again with the note in question, for the delivery of which the same practical agency was employed.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 112 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.</ref></blockquote>

Eventually, Mr. Massey would come to suspect the nature of "Ski" and, therefore, of the phenomena.

=== Involvement with the Mahatmas ===
Mr. Massey figures prominently in the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], being mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] tried hard to get the [[Masters of Wisdom]] to teach him.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote> He was eventually put on [[probation]] but, although of a very honest nature, was found not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

This probably referred to a situation that aroused at the end of 1882. Mr. Massey had become suspicious of Mme. Blavatsky due to the machinations of [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. Billing]] and [[Hurrychund Chintamon]]. The latter, showed him some letters supposed to come from Mme. Blavatsky, incriminating her as the creator of a hoax in relation to the [[Mahatmas]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92]], Master K.H. describes to Mr. Sinnett the strategies these two people were using:

<blockquote>I am morally bound to set his mind [Mr. Massey's] at rest — through your kind agency — with regard to H.P.B. deceiving and imposing upon him. He seems to think he has obtained proofs of it absolutely unimpeachable. I say he has not. What he has obtained is simply proof of the villainy of some men, and ex-theosophists such as Hurrychund Chintamon . . . exposed and expelled from the [[Theosophical Society|Society]] ran away to England and is ever since seeking and thirsting for his revenge. And such other as Dr. Billing . . . [who] left his wife and Society and turned with bitter hatred against both women; and since then is ever seeking to secretly poison the minds of the British Theosophists and Spiritualists against his wife and H.P.B.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 290-291.</ref></blockquote>

Mr. Massey was obviously not satisfied with Sinnett's explanation and maintained his opinion. All this suspicion was probably part of his probation, because a few months later the Master wrote: "On this last day of your year 1882, his name comes third on the list of failures.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref> However, this did not imply that he had become immoral. The Master added in the letter: "With all he is the noblest, purest, in short, one of the best men I know, though occasionally too trusting in wrong directions. But he lacks entirely — correct intuition".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref>

=== Resignation ===
At the beginning of 1883, Mr. Massey resigned as president of the [[London Lodge]], but remained as a member of it. In September of that year his suspicion about Mme. Blavatsky and the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|Mahatma Letters]] was fueled by the "[[Henry Kiddle#The Kiddle Incident|Kiddle Incident]]".

In January 1884, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]] the following:

<blockquote>His mind is clouded with black doubt, and his psychological state is pitiable. All the brighter intentions are being stifled, his [[Buddhi]]c (not Buddhistic) evolution checked. Take care for him, if he will not — of himself! The prey of illusions of his own creation, he is slipping down towards a deeper depth of spiritual misery, and it is possible that he may seek asylum from the world and himself within the pale of a theology which he would once have passionately scorned. Every lawful effort has been tried to save him, especially by Olcott, whose warm brotherly love has prompted him to make to his heart the warmest appeals — as you know. Poor, poor, deluded man! My letters are written by H.P.B., and he has no doubt I got “defrauded Mr. Kiddle’s” ideas out of her head! But let him rest as he is.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 408.</ref></blockquote>

On [[July 26]], 1884, the Spiritualistic periodical [[Light (periodical)|''Light'']] published an article of his rejecting the explanations given by Mr. Sinnett about the "Kiddle Incident", and at the end of it he announced his official resignation from the [[Theosophical Society]]. He wrote:

<blockquote>I have only to add that while preserving all the interests, and much of the belief which attracted me to the Theosophical Society, and which have kept me in it up to now, notwithstanding many and growing embarrassments, I do not think that the publication of the conclusions above expressed is consistent with loyal Fellowship. The constitution, no doubt, of the Society is broad enough to include minds more sceptical than my own in regard to the alleged sources of its vitality and influence. But let any one try to realise this nominal freedom, and he will find himself, not only in an uncongenial element, but in an attitude of controversy with his ostensible leaders, with the motive forces of the Society. That is not consistent with the sympathetic subordination or co-operation which is essential to union. If anything could keep me in a position embarrassing or insincere, it would be the noble life and character of the president, my friend, Colonel Olcott. But personal considerations must give way at length; and accordingly, with unabated regard and respect for many from whom it is painful to separate, I am forwarding my resignation of Fellowship to the proper quarters.<ref>See [http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey.</ref></blockquote>

== Society for Psychical Research ==
Mr. Massey was one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882.

== Later years ==
C. C. Massey passed away on [[March 29]], 1905, due to heart-disease, from which he had been suffering the last few years. His physician, Dr. Simmons, wrote:

<blockquote>Mr. Massey was practically under sentence of death the last two. years, and his heart was only kept going by avoidance of all exertion. He was most wonderfully brave throughout, made no fuss, and always considered other people more than himself. I kept him alive for a month by hypodermics of strychnine twice daily. He had very little actual suffering and lived his own life to the end, got up and dressed almost every day, and retained all his faculties to the last. We had many long talks together, and my daily intercourse with him for weeks before his death has been one of the most valued experiences of my life.<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

In an Obituary published in the ''Journal of the Society for Psychical Research'' W. F. Barrett wrote:

<blockquote>Beyond and above his intellectual gifts and his passionate love of truth were the sweetness and beauty of his character. One of the most unselfish and lovable of men, ever modest and retiring, yet with a rare and resolute moral courage, he was outspoken in espousing unpopular causes when his judgment convinced him they were right; he was indeed a "Just and faithful knight of God".<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

==Online resources==
===Articles===
*[http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey] at Chasing Down Emma blog
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey

== Other resources ==
* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

C. C. Massey

2014-08-09T05:52:19Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Spiritualism */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister, keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was one of the [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875. In 1878 he became a founder and first president of the [[London Lodge#British Theosophical Society|British Theosophical Society]], the first Branch outside the USA. He was also one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

== Early years ==
[[File: hackwoodnorth.jpg|200px|right]]
Charles Carleton Massey was born December 23rd, 1838, at Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England, the residence of his grand-uncle, Lord Bolton. His father, William N. Massey, was a well-known member of parliament, Under-Secretary for the Home Office, and afterwards Minister of Finance for India in the 1860s. He was educated at Westminster School, studied law, and was called to the bar. However, he abandoned his practice to devote to the study of philosophy, psychology, and [[phenomena]]. He only returned to the bar on the occasion of the famous trial of [[Henry Slade]] in 1876. He never married.

== Spiritualism ==
He was a member of Cox's Psychological Society, served on the first council of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] (SPR) when it was launched in 1882, and a few years earlier had been active in the affairs of the British National Association of Spiritualists (BNAS), holding office as one of its vice-presidents and serving on the Experimental Research and General Purposes Committees.<ref>Janet Oppenheim, "The Other World, Spiritualism and PsychologicalResearch in England, 1850-1914" (Cambridge University Press, 2002), 31.</ref>

==Theosophical involvement ==
=== Founding of the Theosophical Society ===
President-Founder [[Henry Steel Olcott|H. S. Olcott]] and Mr. Massey had a life-long friendship. They seem to have met in England in 1870, when Col. Olcott was there on a business trip, but their friendship really developed when Mr. Massey visited New York in 1875. The latter had traveled to the US to investigate [[Spiritualism|Spiritualistic]] phenomena and during the time the two visited together several [[Mediumship|mediums]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Lavoie, ''The Theosophical Society: The History of a Spiritualist Movement'' (Boca Raton, FL: Brown Walker Press, 2012), 72-73.</ref>

Mr. Massey was one of the original [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. He was present at the meeting held on [[September 8]], 1875, where the [[Founding of the Theosophical Society#September 8|founding of the Society]] was proposed, and at the first meeting held under the name of "Theosophical Society", on [[October 16]].

=== Theosophical Society in England ===
In 1877, Mr. Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society in England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the London Lodge from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

=== Phenomena ===
In January 1879, during [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] and [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s stay in England en route to India, Mr. Massey was involved in two [[phenomena]]. The first one was described by historian [[Josephine Ransom]] as follows:

<blockquote>Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H.P.B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice.<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref></blockquote>

The second incident involved the transmission of a letter to him by occult means. To produce these two phenomena the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] used [[Mary Hollis Billing]]'s [[Mediumship#Spirit_guides|spirit guide]] known as "Ski". Some time later, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] in reference to this:

<blockquote>If Mr. Massey had “declared to the English spiritualists that he was in communication with the BROTHERS by Occult means” he would have spoken the simple truth. For not only once but twice had he such occult relationship — once with his Father’s glove, sent him by [[Morya|M.]] through “Ski,” and again with the note in question, for the delivery of which the same practical agency was employed.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 112 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.</ref></blockquote>

Eventually, Mr. Massey would come to suspect the nature of "Ski" and, therefore, of the phenomena.

=== Involvement with the Mahatmas ===
Mr. Massey figures prominently in the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], being mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] tried hard to get the [[Masters of Wisdom]] to teach him.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote> He was eventually put on [[probation]] but, although of a very honest nature, was found not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

This probably referred to a situation that aroused at the end of 1882. Mr. Massey had become suspicious of Mme. Blavatsky due to the machinations of [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. Billing]] and [[Hurrychund Chintamon]]. The latter, showed him some letters supposed to come from Mme. Blavatsky, incriminating her as the creator of a hoax in relation to the [[Mahatmas]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92]], Master K.H. describes to Mr. Sinnett the strategies these two people were using:

<blockquote>I am morally bound to set his mind [Mr. Massey's] at rest — through your kind agency — with regard to H.P.B. deceiving and imposing upon him. He seems to think he has obtained proofs of it absolutely unimpeachable. I say he has not. What he has obtained is simply proof of the villainy of some men, and ex-theosophists such as Hurrychund Chintamon . . . exposed and expelled from the [[Theosophical Society|Society]] ran away to England and is ever since seeking and thirsting for his revenge. And such other as Dr. Billing . . . [who] left his wife and Society and turned with bitter hatred against both women; and since then is ever seeking to secretly poison the minds of the British Theosophists and Spiritualists against his wife and H.P.B.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 290-291.</ref></blockquote>

Mr. Massey was obviously not satisfied with Sinnett's explanation and maintained his opinion. All this suspicion was probably part of his probation, because a few months later the Master wrote: "On this last day of your year 1882, his name comes third on the list of failures.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref> However, this did not imply that he had become immoral. The Master added in the letter: "With all he is the noblest, purest, in short, one of the best men I know, though occasionally too trusting in wrong directions. But he lacks entirely — correct intuition".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref>

=== Resignation ===
At the beginning of 1883, Mr. Massey resigned as president of the [[London Lodge]], but remained as a member of it. In September of that year his suspicion about Mme. Blavatsky and the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|Mahatma Letters]] was fueled by the "[[Henry Kiddle#The Kiddle Incident|Kiddle Incident]]".

In January 1884, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]] the following:

<blockquote>His mind is clouded with black doubt, and his psychological state is pitiable. All the brighter intentions are being stifled, his [[Buddhi]]c (not Buddhistic) evolution checked. Take care for him, if he will not — of himself! The prey of illusions of his own creation, he is slipping down towards a deeper depth of spiritual misery, and it is possible that he may seek asylum from the world and himself within the pale of a theology which he would once have passionately scorned. Every lawful effort has been tried to save him, especially by Olcott, whose warm brotherly love has prompted him to make to his heart the warmest appeals — as you know. Poor, poor, deluded man! My letters are written by H.P.B., and he has no doubt I got “defrauded Mr. Kiddle’s” ideas out of her head! But let him rest as he is.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 408.</ref></blockquote>

On [[July 26]], 1884, the Spiritualistic periodical [[Light (periodical)|''Light'']] published an article of his rejecting the explanations given by Mr. Sinnett about the "Kiddle Incident", and at the end of it he announced his official resignation from the [[Theosophical Society]]. He wrote:

<blockquote>I have only to add that while preserving all the interests, and much of the belief which attracted me to the Theosophical Society, and which have kept me in it up to now, notwithstanding many and growing embarrassments, I do not think that the publication of the conclusions above expressed is consistent with loyal Fellowship. The constitution, no doubt, of the Society is broad enough to include minds more sceptical than my own in regard to the alleged sources of its vitality and influence. But let any one try to realise this nominal freedom, and he will find himself, not only in an uncongenial element, but in an attitude of controversy with his ostensible leaders, with the motive forces of the Society. That is not consistent with the sympathetic subordination or co-operation which is essential to union. If anything could keep me in a position embarrassing or insincere, it would be the noble life and character of the president, my friend, Colonel Olcott. But personal considerations must give way at length; and accordingly, with unabated regard and respect for many from whom it is painful to separate, I am forwarding my resignation of Fellowship to the proper quarters.<ref>See [http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey.</ref></blockquote>

== Society for Psychical Research ==
Mr. Massey was one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882.

== Later years ==
C. C. Massey passed away on [[March 29]], 1905, due to heart-disease, from which he had been suffering the last few years. His physician, Dr. Simmons, wrote:

<blockquote>Mr. Massey was practically under sentence of death the last two. years, and his heart was only kept going by avoidance of all exertion. He was most wonderfully brave throughout, made no fuss, and always considered other people more than himself. I kept him alive for a month by hypodermics of strychnine twice daily. He had very little actual suffering and lived his own life to the end, got up and dressed almost every day, and retained all his faculties to the last. We had many long talks together, and my daily intercourse with him for weeks before his death has been one of the most valued experiences of my life.<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

In an Obituary published in the ''Journal of the Society for Psychical Research'' W. F. Barrett wrote:

<blockquote>Beyond and above his intellectual gifts and his passionate love of truth were the sweetness and beauty of his character. One of the most unselfish and lovable of men, ever modest and retiring, yet with a rare and resolute moral courage, he was outspoken in espousing unpopular causes when his judgment convinced him they were right; he was indeed a "Just and faithful knight of God".<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

==Online resources==
===Articles===
*[http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey] at Chasing Down Emma blog
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey

== Other resources ==
* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

C. C. Massey

2014-08-09T05:37:20Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Early years */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister, keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was one of the [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]] in 1875. In 1878 he became a founder and first president of the [[London Lodge#British Theosophical Society|British Theosophical Society]], the first Branch outside the USA. He was also one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

== Early years ==
[[File: hackwoodnorth.jpg|200px|right]]
Charles Carleton Massey was born December 23rd, 1838, at Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England, the residence of his grand-uncle, Lord Bolton. His father, William N. Massey, was a well-known member of parliament, Under-Secretary for the Home Office, and afterwards Minister of Finance for India in the 1860s. He was educated at Westminster School, studied law, and was called to the bar. However, he abandoned his practice to devote to the study of philosophy, psychology, and [[phenomena]]. He only returned to the bar on the occasion of the famous trial of [[Henry Slade]] in 1876. He never married.

== Spiritualism ==

==Theosophical involvement ==
=== Founding of the Theosophical Society ===
President-Founder [[Henry Steel Olcott|H. S. Olcott]] and Mr. Massey had a life-long friendship. They seem to have met in England in 1870, when Col. Olcott was there on a business trip, but their friendship really developed when Mr. Massey visited New York in 1875. The latter had traveled to the US to investigate [[Spiritualism|Spiritualistic]] phenomena and during the time the two visited together several [[Mediumship|mediums]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Lavoie, ''The Theosophical Society: The History of a Spiritualist Movement'' (Boca Raton, FL: Brown Walker Press, 2012), 72-73.</ref>

Mr. Massey was one of the original [[Founders]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. He was present at the meeting held on [[September 8]], 1875, where the [[Founding of the Theosophical Society#September 8|founding of the Society]] was proposed, and at the first meeting held under the name of "Theosophical Society", on [[October 16]].

=== Theosophical Society in England ===
In 1877, Mr. Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society in England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the London Lodge from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

=== Phenomena ===
In January 1879, during [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] and [[Henry Steel Olcott|Col. Olcott]]'s stay in England en route to India, Mr. Massey was involved in two [[phenomena]]. The first one was described by historian [[Josephine Ransom]] as follows:

<blockquote>Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H.P.B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice.<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref></blockquote>

The second incident involved the transmission of a letter to him by occult means. To produce these two phenomena the [[Masters of Wisdom|Masters]] used [[Mary Hollis Billing]]'s [[Mediumship#Spirit_guides|spirit guide]] known as "Ski". Some time later, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|Mr. Sinnett]] in reference to this:

<blockquote>If Mr. Massey had “declared to the English spiritualists that he was in communication with the BROTHERS by Occult means” he would have spoken the simple truth. For not only once but twice had he such occult relationship — once with his Father’s glove, sent him by [[Morya|M.]] through “Ski,” and again with the note in question, for the delivery of which the same practical agency was employed.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 112 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), ???.</ref></blockquote>

Eventually, Mr. Massey would come to suspect the nature of "Ski" and, therefore, of the phenomena.

=== Involvement with the Mahatmas ===
Mr. Massey figures prominently in the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']], being mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] tried hard to get the [[Masters of Wisdom]] to teach him.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote> He was eventually put on [[probation]] but, although of a very honest nature, was found not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]], [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

This probably referred to a situation that aroused at the end of 1882. Mr. Massey had become suspicious of Mme. Blavatsky due to the machinations of [[Harry J. Billing|Dr. Billing]] and [[Hurrychund Chintamon]]. The latter, showed him some letters supposed to come from Mme. Blavatsky, incriminating her as the creator of a hoax in relation to the [[Mahatmas]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92]], Master K.H. describes to Mr. Sinnett the strategies these two people were using:

<blockquote>I am morally bound to set his mind [Mr. Massey's] at rest — through your kind agency — with regard to H.P.B. deceiving and imposing upon him. He seems to think he has obtained proofs of it absolutely unimpeachable. I say he has not. What he has obtained is simply proof of the villainy of some men, and ex-theosophists such as Hurrychund Chintamon . . . exposed and expelled from the [[Theosophical Society|Society]] ran away to England and is ever since seeking and thirsting for his revenge. And such other as Dr. Billing . . . [who] left his wife and Society and turned with bitter hatred against both women; and since then is ever seeking to secretly poison the minds of the British Theosophists and Spiritualists against his wife and H.P.B.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 290-291.</ref></blockquote>

Mr. Massey was obviously not satisfied with Sinnett's explanation and maintained his opinion. All this suspicion was probably part of his probation, because a few months later the Master wrote: "On this last day of your year 1882, his name comes third on the list of failures.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref> However, this did not imply that he had become immoral. The Master added in the letter: "With all he is the noblest, purest, in short, one of the best men I know, though occasionally too trusting in wrong directions. But he lacks entirely — correct intuition".<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 101 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 342.</ref>

=== Resignation ===
At the beginning of 1883, Mr. Massey resigned as president of the [[London Lodge]], but remained as a member of it. In September of that year his suspicion about Mme. Blavatsky and the [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|Mahatma Letters]] was fueled by the "[[Henry Kiddle#The Kiddle Incident|Kiddle Incident]]".

In January 1884, [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] wrote to [[Alfred Percy Sinnett|A. P. Sinnett]] the following:

<blockquote>His mind is clouded with black doubt, and his psychological state is pitiable. All the brighter intentions are being stifled, his [[Buddhi]]c (not Buddhistic) evolution checked. Take care for him, if he will not — of himself! The prey of illusions of his own creation, he is slipping down towards a deeper depth of spiritual misery, and it is possible that he may seek asylum from the world and himself within the pale of a theology which he would once have passionately scorned. Every lawful effort has been tried to save him, especially by Olcott, whose warm brotherly love has prompted him to make to his heart the warmest appeals — as you know. Poor, poor, deluded man! My letters are written by H.P.B., and he has no doubt I got “defrauded Mr. Kiddle’s” ideas out of her head! But let him rest as he is.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 119 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 408.</ref></blockquote>

On [[July 26]], 1884, the Spiritualistic periodical [[Light (periodical)|''Light'']] published an article of his rejecting the explanations given by Mr. Sinnett about the "Kiddle Incident", and at the end of it he announced his official resignation from the [[Theosophical Society]]. He wrote:

<blockquote>I have only to add that while preserving all the interests, and much of the belief which attracted me to the Theosophical Society, and which have kept me in it up to now, notwithstanding many and growing embarrassments, I do not think that the publication of the conclusions above expressed is consistent with loyal Fellowship. The constitution, no doubt, of the Society is broad enough to include minds more sceptical than my own in regard to the alleged sources of its vitality and influence. But let any one try to realise this nominal freedom, and he will find himself, not only in an uncongenial element, but in an attitude of controversy with his ostensible leaders, with the motive forces of the Society. That is not consistent with the sympathetic subordination or co-operation which is essential to union. If anything could keep me in a position embarrassing or insincere, it would be the noble life and character of the president, my friend, Colonel Olcott. But personal considerations must give way at length; and accordingly, with unabated regard and respect for many from whom it is painful to separate, I am forwarding my resignation of Fellowship to the proper quarters.<ref>See [http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey.</ref></blockquote>

== Society for Psychical Research ==
Mr. Massey was one of the founders of the [[Society for Psychical Research]] in 1882.

== Later years ==
C. C. Massey passed away on [[March 29]], 1905, due to heart-disease, from which he had been suffering the last few years. His physician, Dr. Simmons, wrote:

<blockquote>Mr. Massey was practically under sentence of death the last two. years, and his heart was only kept going by avoidance of all exertion. He was most wonderfully brave throughout, made no fuss, and always considered other people more than himself. I kept him alive for a month by hypodermics of strychnine twice daily. He had very little actual suffering and lived his own life to the end, got up and dressed almost every day, and retained all his faculties to the last. We had many long talks together, and my daily intercourse with him for weeks before his death has been one of the most valued experiences of my life.<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

In an Obituary published in the ''Journal of the Society for Psychical Research'' W. F. Barrett wrote:

<blockquote>Beyond and above his intellectual gifts and his passionate love of truth were the sweetness and beauty of his character. One of the most unselfish and lovable of men, ever modest and retiring, yet with a rare and resolute moral courage, he was outspoken in espousing unpopular causes when his judgment convinced him they were right; he was indeed a "Just and faithful knight of God".<ref>See [http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey]</ref></blockquote>

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

==Online resources==
===Articles===
*[http://ehbritten.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-f-barrett-on-charles-carleton-massey.html# W. F. Barrett and Emily Kislingbury on Charles Carleton Massey] at Chasing Down Emma blog
*[http://blavatskyarchives.com/kiddle14.htm# Explanation of the "Kiddle Incident" in the Fourth Edition of The "Occult World"] by C.C. Massey

== Other resources ==
* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

File:Hackwoodnorth.jpg

2014-08-09T05:32:31Z

Steve Ferguson:

C. C. Massey

2014-07-25T22:23:04Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Later years */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister who was keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was present on September 8, 1875, at the [[Founders|founding]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

A biographical sketch in the [[Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']] describes Massey this way: 
<blockquote>
Massey, Charles Carlton, an English lawyer much interested in [[Spiritualism|spiritualism]]. He went to the USA in 1875 to visit [[Chittenden, Vermont]], to verify for himself [[Henry Steel Olcott|HSO's]] accounts of the [[Eddy phenomena]] (See [[Old Diary Leaves (book)|ODL]] 1) and became a life-long friend of HSO. He was one of the first members of the [[Theosophical Society|TS]] and later a founder and first president of the [[Theosophical Society in England|TS in England]]. He was also one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] and, after the [[Hodgson Report]] was issued, he resigned from the TS. HPB tried hard to get the [[Mahatmas]] to teach him but they refused ([[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]], pp. 411-12). See [[A Short History of the Theosophical Society (book)|SH]], p. 112, for a brief resume of his career. [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]] index.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote>

== Theosophical Society in England ==

In 1877, Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society , England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the [[London Lodge]] from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

== Involvement with Mahatmas ==

Massey figured prominently in the Mahatma Letters, and is mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] regarded him as a very honest person, but considered he was not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] he wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

== Incidents involving phenomena ==
Historian [[Josephine Ransom]] described this incident:

<blockquote>
Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H. P. B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice. <ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>
</blockquote>

== Later years ==
Massey was one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] in 1882. When that organization attacked Madame Blavatsky as a fraud, he left the Theosophical Society.

Massey passed away March 29, 1905 of heart disease.

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

== Other resources ==

* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

C. C. Massey

2014-07-25T22:14:03Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Theosophical Society in England */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister who was keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was present on September 8, 1875, at the [[Founders|founding]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

A biographical sketch in the [[Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']] describes Massey this way: 
<blockquote>
Massey, Charles Carlton, an English lawyer much interested in [[Spiritualism|spiritualism]]. He went to the USA in 1875 to visit [[Chittenden, Vermont]], to verify for himself [[Henry Steel Olcott|HSO's]] accounts of the [[Eddy phenomena]] (See [[Old Diary Leaves (book)|ODL]] 1) and became a life-long friend of HSO. He was one of the first members of the [[Theosophical Society|TS]] and later a founder and first president of the [[Theosophical Society in England|TS in England]]. He was also one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] and, after the [[Hodgson Report]] was issued, he resigned from the TS. HPB tried hard to get the [[Mahatmas]] to teach him but they refused ([[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]], pp. 411-12). See [[A Short History of the Theosophical Society (book)|SH]], p. 112, for a brief resume of his career. [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]] index.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote>

== Theosophical Society in England ==

In 1877, Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society , England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the [[London Lodge]] from [[June 27]], 1878 to early 1880, and again from August 1882 until [[January 6]], 1883.

== Involvement with Mahatmas ==

Massey figured prominently in the Mahatma Letters, and is mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] regarded him as a very honest person, but considered he was not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] he wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

== Incidents involving phenomena ==
Historian [[Josephine Ransom]] described this incident:

<blockquote>
Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H. P. B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice. <ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>
</blockquote>

== Later years ==
Massey was one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] in 1882. When that organization attacked Madame Blavatsky as a fraud, he left the Theosophical Society.

Massey passed away in 1905.

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

== Other resources ==

* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

C. C. Massey

2014-07-25T04:30:04Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Theosophical Society in England */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister who was keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was present on September 8, 1875, at the [[Founders|founding]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

A biographical sketch in the [[Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']] describes Massey this way: 
<blockquote>
Massey, Charles Carlton, an English lawyer much interested in [[Spiritualism|spiritualism]]. He went to the USA in 1875 to visit [[Chittenden, Vermont]], to verify for himself [[Henry Steel Olcott|HSO's]] accounts of the [[Eddy phenomena]] (See [[Old Diary Leaves (book)|ODL]] 1) and became a life-long friend of HSO. He was one of the first members of the [[Theosophical Society|TS]] and later a founder and first president of the [[Theosophical Society in England|TS in England]]. He was also one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] and, after the [[Hodgson Report]] was issued, he resigned from the TS. HPB tried hard to get the [[Mahatmas]] to teach him but they refused ([[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]], pp. 411-12). See [[A Short History of the Theosophical Society (book)|SH]], p. 112, for a brief resume of his career. [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]] index.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote>

== Theosophical Society in England ==

In 1877, Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society , England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the [[London Lodge]] from [[June 27]], 1878 to [[January 6]], 1883.

== Involvement with Mahatmas ==

Massey figured prominently in the Mahatma Letters, and is mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] regarded him as a very honest person, but considered he was not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] he wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

== Incidents involving phenomena ==
Historian [[Josephine Ransom]] described this incident:

<blockquote>
Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H. P. B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice. <ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>
</blockquote>

== Later years ==
Massey was one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] in 1882. When that organization attacked Madame Blavatsky as a fraud, he left the Theosophical Society.

Massey passed away in 1905.

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

== Other resources ==

* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

C. C. Massey

2014-07-25T04:28:59Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Theosophical Society in England */

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister who was keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was present on September 8, 1875, at the [[Founders|founding]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

A biographical sketch in the [[Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']] describes Massey this way: 
<blockquote>
Massey, Charles Carlton, an English lawyer much interested in [[Spiritualism|spiritualism]]. He went to the USA in 1875 to visit [[Chittenden, Vermont]], to verify for himself [[Henry Steel Olcott|HSO's]] accounts of the [[Eddy phenomena]] (See [[Old Diary Leaves (book)|ODL]] 1) and became a life-long friend of HSO. He was one of the first members of the [[Theosophical Society|TS]] and later a founder and first president of the [[Theosophical Society in England|TS in England]]. He was also one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] and, after the [[Hodgson Report]] was issued, he resigned from the TS. HPB tried hard to get the [[Mahatmas]] to teach him but they refused ([[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]], pp. 411-12). See [[A Short History of the Theosophical Society (book)|SH]], p. 112, for a brief resume of his career. [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]] index.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote>

== Theosophical Society in England ==

In 1877, Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society , England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. He became the first president of the [[London Lodge]] from [[June 27]] 1878 to [[January 6]] 1883.

== Involvement with Mahatmas ==

Massey figured prominently in the Mahatma Letters, and is mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] regarded him as a very honest person, but considered he was not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] he wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

== Incidents involving phenomena ==
Historian [[Josephine Ransom]] described this incident:

<blockquote>
Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H. P. B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice. <ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>
</blockquote>

== Later years ==
Massey was one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] in 1882. When that organization attacked Madame Blavatsky as a fraud, he left the Theosophical Society.

Massey passed away in 1905.

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

== Other resources ==

* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

January 6

2014-07-25T04:28:05Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Events */

'''January 6''' is the sixth day of the year in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar Gregorian Calendar]. It is preceded by [[January 5]], and succeeded by [[January 7]]. Following January 6, there are 359 days in the year (360 in leap years).

==Blavatsky's Gem of the Day==
"[[Wisdom|Wise]] men are light-bringers."

==Events==
* 1907 – [[Maria Montessori]] opened the first Casa dei Bambini in the San Lorenzo slum of Rome.
* 1883 – [[C. C. Massey]] resigned as president of the [[London Lodge]]

==Births==
* 1872 – [[Alexander Scriabin]], Russian composer (d. 1915) - born December 25 in Old Style dates
*

==Deaths==
* YEAR – [[NAME]], SOMETHING ABOUT PERSON (d. YEAR) - THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE
*

==Holidays and observances==
* '''Christmas''', birth of Jesus Christ, as celebrated by Armenian Christians. See also January 7 and December 25.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_6 This Date in Wikipedia]

==Calendar==
{{months}}



[[Category:Calendar]]

December 23

2014-07-20T17:00:29Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Births */

'''December 23''' is the 357th day of the year (358th in leap years) in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar Gregorian Calendar]. It is preceded by [[December 22]], and succeeded by [[December 24]]. Following December 23, there are 8 days in the year.

==Blavatsky's Gem of the Day==
"At present your nature is distinct; but ere long you will vanish into the whole: you will be returned into that universal reason which gave you your being."

==Events==
* 1884 – [[Emma Coulomb|Mme. Coulomb]]'s pamphlet against [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] entitled: "Some Account of my Association with Madame Blavatsky from 1872 to 1884" is published for the Proprietors of the Madras Christian College Magazine by Elliot Stock, London; dated November 29, 1884)
*

==Births==
* 1818 – [[D. M. Bennett]], editor of Freethought newspaper ''Truth Seeker'' (d. 1882)
* 1838 – [[C. C. Massey|Charles C. Massey]], a founding member of the [[Theosophical Society]] and first president of the London Lodge (d. 1878)

==Deaths==
* YEAR – [[NAME]], SOMETHING ABOUT PERSON (b. YEAR) - THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE
*

==Holidays and observances==
* [[NAME OF HOLIDAY]], SOMETHING ABOUT THE HOLIDAY - THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE
*

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_23 This Date in Wikipedia]

==Calendar==
{{months}}



[[Category:Calendar]]

December 23

2014-07-20T16:58:47Z

Steve Ferguson: /* Births */

'''December 23''' is the 357th day of the year (358th in leap years) in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar Gregorian Calendar]. It is preceded by [[December 22]], and succeeded by [[December 24]]. Following December 23, there are 8 days in the year.

==Blavatsky's Gem of the Day==
"At present your nature is distinct; but ere long you will vanish into the whole: you will be returned into that universal reason which gave you your being."

==Events==
* 1884 – [[Emma Coulomb|Mme. Coulomb]]'s pamphlet against [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. Blavatsky]] entitled: "Some Account of my Association with Madame Blavatsky from 1872 to 1884" is published for the Proprietors of the Madras Christian College Magazine by Elliot Stock, London; dated November 29, 1884)
*

==Births==
* 1818 – [[D. M. Bennett]], editor of Freethought newspaper ''Truth Seeker'' (d. 1882)
* 1838 – [[C. C. Massey]], a founding member of the [[Theosophical Society]] and first president of the London Lodge (d. 1878)

==Deaths==
* YEAR – [[NAME]], SOMETHING ABOUT PERSON (b. YEAR) - THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE
*

==Holidays and observances==
* [[NAME OF HOLIDAY]], SOMETHING ABOUT THE HOLIDAY - THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE
*

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_23 This Date in Wikipedia]

==Calendar==
{{months}}



[[Category:Calendar]]

C. C. Massey

2014-07-20T16:29:59Z

Steve Ferguson:

[[File: Ccmassey.jpg|200px|right]]
'''Charles Carleton Massey''' ([[December 23]], 1838 - [[March 29]], 1905) was an English barrister who was keenly interested in [[Spiritualism]]. He was present on September 8, 1875, at the [[Founders|founding]] of the [[Theosophical Society]]. According to [[Josephine Ransom]], "he was one of the ablest metaphysicians in Great Britain, and a lucid and scholarly writer on psychical subjects."<ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>

A biographical sketch in the [[Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'']] describes Massey this way: 
<blockquote>
Massey, Charles Carlton, an English lawyer much interested in [[Spiritualism|spiritualism]]. He went to the USA in 1875 to visit [[Chittenden, Vermont]], to verify for himself [[Henry Steel Olcott|HSO's]] accounts of the [[Eddy phenomena]] (See [[Old Diary Leaves (book)|ODL]] 1) and became a life-long friend of HSO. He was one of the first members of the [[Theosophical Society|TS]] and later a founder and first president of the [[Theosophical Society in England|TS in England]]. He was also one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] and, after the [[Hodgson Report]] was issued, he resigned from the TS. HPB tried hard to get the [[Mahatmas]] to teach him but they refused ([[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]], pp. 411-12). See [[A Short History of the Theosophical Society (book)|SH]], p. 112, for a brief resume of his career. [[The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett (book)|ML]] index.<ref>George E. Linton and Virginia Hanson, eds., ''Readers Guide to The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett'' (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), 238-239.</ref></blockquote>

== Theosophical Society in England ==

In 1877, Massey helped to establish the Theosophical Society , England, which came to be known as the [[London Lodge]]. In 1882 he took over as President of the lodge.

== Involvement with Mahatmas ==

Massey figured prominently in the Mahatma Letters, and is mentioned in more than 20 of them. [[Koot Hoomi|Master K.H.]] regarded him as a very honest person, but considered he was not strong enough to become a [[chela]]. In [[Mahatma Letter No. 92#Page 3|one of his letters]] he wrote:

<blockquote>Doubtless a more sincere, truthful or a more noble minded man ([[William Stainton Moses|S. Moses]] not excepted) could hardly be found among the British [[theosophist]]s. His only and chief fault is — weakness. Were he to learn some day how deeply he has wronged [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H.P.B.]] in thought — no man would feel more miserable over it than himself.<ref>Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., ''The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett in chronological sequence'' No. 92 (Quezon City: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 289.</ref></blockquote>

== Incidents involving phenomena ==
Historian [[Josephine Ransom]] described this incident:

<blockquote>
Before [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|H. P. B.]] left London in 1879, Massey requested her to give relief to his father, whose eyesight was seriously impaired. To establish contact she took with her a pair of Mr. Massey's (senior) gloves. After arrival in Bombay H. P. B., by occult means, sent one glove to London, [[February 17|17 February]]. Having been advised by a lady medium to be at home on the 17th, Massey waited in a darkened room, and presently a soft packet was flung in his face. The remaining glove was sent by post for comparison. This incident got into the papers and annoyed Massey, who complained that such publicity cost him his practice. <ref>Josephine Ransom, ''A Short History of The Theosophical Society'' (Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1938), 112.</ref>
</blockquote>

== Later years ==
Massey was one of the founders of the [[Psychical Research Society]] in 1882. When that organization attacked Madame Blavatsky as a fraud, he left the Theosophical Society.

Massey passed away in 1905.

== Writings ==

Massey translated several works from the German:
* Zöllner's ''Transcendental Physics''
* Carl du Prel's ''Philosophy of Mysticism''
* von Hartmann's ''Spiritism''

Articles by C. C. Massey have appeared in several Theosophical periodicals:

* "The Supernatural," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 1 (March 1880), 137.
* "True and False Personality," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (December 1880), 57.
* "Theosophy and Spiritualism," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 2 (September 1881), 260. Reprinted from ''The Spiritualist''.
* "Esoteric Buddhism by AP Sinnett," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 3 (October, 1881), 2.
* "Astrology," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 4 (August, 1883), 288. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "Scientific Verification of "Spiritual" Phenomena," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 5 (August, 1884), 267. Review reprinted from ''Light''.
* "The Idea of Re-birth' by Francesca Arundale, " Lucifer'' vol. 7 (February, 1891), 490. Book review.
* "Opinions des anciens sur les corps physiques," ''Le Lotus'' vol. 3 (August 1888), 257. Reprint with notes by HPB.
* "A Lost Account of Theosophical Origins," ''Theosophical History'' no. 1 (October, 1985), 83. Account of the Butterfly incident, reprinted from ''Light'' July 16 1892.
* "Ancient Opinions Upon Psychic Bodies," ''Theosophical Siftings'' 1:2 (1888), 15. Reprint from ''The Theosophist'' December 1879.

== Other resources ==

* "Blavatsky Letters: to CC Massey," ''The Eclectic Theosophist'' no. 78 (November-December, 1983), 9.
* "Death of CC Massey," ''The Theosophist'' vol. 26 (1905), 34. Obituary.

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Associates of HPB|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Founders|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Spiritualists|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Attorneys|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:General Secretaries in TS Adyar|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Nationality English|Massey, Charles C.]]
[[Category:Hermetic Society|Massey, Charles C.]]

File:Ccmassey.jpg

2014-07-20T16:17:21Z

Steve Ferguson: Portrait of Charlse Carlton Massey

Portrait of Charlse Carlton Massey