<P> From the late 19th century onwards , the term theosophy has generally been used to refer to the religio - philosophic doctrines of the Theosophical Society , founded in New York City in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky , William Quan Judge , and Henry Steel Olcott . Blavatsky 's major work , The Secret Doctrine ( 1888 ) , was one of the foundational works of modern theosophy . As of 2015 , members of organizations descended from , or related to , the Theosophical Society were active in more than 52 countries around the world . Modern theosophy has also given rise to , or influenced , the development of other mystical , philosophical , and religious movements . </P>
who was the founder of theosophy which gave rise to many magical societies
Helena Blavatsky William Quan Judge Henry Steel Olcott