Annie Besant & Charles W. Leadbeater 'Thought Forms: A Record of Clairvoyant Investigation'

'Thought Forms: A Record of Clairvoyant Investigation' is a foundational work of occult theory and visionary art by Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater, leaders of the Theosophical Society. First published in 1905, the book explores how emotions and thoughts manifest as vivid shapes and colors in the human aura—visible only to those with heightened clairvoyant perception.

The 58 illustrations, dictated by Besant and Leadbeater and realized by artist collaborators, became highly influential in the development of modernist abstraction, inspiring figures like Hilma af Klint and Wassily Kandinsky. More than an esoteric artifact, 'Thought Forms' bridges metaphysical philosophy and visual experimentation, offering a glimpse into an alternative lineage of modern art. It also highlights the groundbreaking role of women in spiritual and creative spheres, with Besant herself being an early suffragist and political activist.