This book consists of three essays of which the first two were articles published in Lucifer, a journal edited by H. P. Blavatsky, in 1888.

"Practical Occultism" describes the essential difference between theoretical Occultism (Theosophy) and practical Occultism (Occult science), and the nature of the difficulties involved in the study of the latter.

"Occultism versus the Occult Arts" dispels the widely held misconception that the two are same and akin to magic or sorcery, and clearly spells out what exactly the theosophist ought to strive after.

The last essay, a set of compilations by Blavatsky, consists of practical ideas, quotations and insights to meditate on daily, as pointers to self-knowledge and ultimately self-realization.

H. P. BLAVATSKY (1831-1891), considered by many the greatest occultist of the West, was an outstanding messenger who presented the Ancient Wisdom for the modern age. Scion of a Russian aristocratic family, from childhood she displayed remarkable psychic gifts, artistic and literary talents and intellectual accomp- lishments. Widely travelled the world over and seasoned by extraordinary adventures, she was well prepared by her Teachers to redeem humanity from the enveloping darkness of materialism. Her great achievements were two- fold: founding, jointly with a distinguished American, Col. H. S. Olcott, the Theosophical Society in 1875; and writing on a prodigious scale spiritual and occult literature which entitled her to be known as 'the Light Bringer'.