Man, Visible and Invisible

by C.W. Leadbeater

This esoteric classic examines the invisible bodies of humans, showing how the colors of the aura change with different emotional states.

Genres: Theosophy, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Occult, Psychology, Philosophy, Metaphysics

152 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2000

About the author

Charles Webster Leadbeater was an influential member of the Theosophical Society, author on occult subjects and co-initiator with J.I. Wedgwood of the Liberal Catholic Church.

Originally a priest of the Church of England, his interest in spiritualism caused him to end his affiliation with Anglicanism in favour of the Theosophical Society, where he became an associate of Annie Besant. He became a high-ranking officer of the society, but resigned in 1906 amid a scandal. Accusations of his detractors were never proven and, with Besant's assistance, he was readmitted a few years later. Leadbeater went on to write over 69 books and pamphlets that examined in detail the hidden side of life as well as maintain regular speaking engagements. His efforts on behalf of the society assured his status as one of its leading members until his death in 1934.

Reviews

[Christian Lamm]

Definitely an interesting read, but not a great introduction to theosophical literature on its own, as it takes some prior knowledge to understand well. I would recommend starting with Annie Besant’s “Thought Forms” and “Invisible Helpers” and Leadbeater’s earlier “Clairvoyance” for context before diving into this one.

[Annica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for the faint hearted.... the concepts are very interesting but I'm not sure that I'm evolved enough to get my head around it all. The bits I think I understand has brought immense clarity though.

[Patrick\ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic. Well done and useful.

[Jualari]

started reading in hope for some vintage new age and urban fantasy plot bunnies, gave up when christian theology was mixed into it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Diane Gabriel · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Somehow forgot to add this to my list of read books this year, started back in April of 2026. A Theosophical text, that is speaking about the many bodies of man, the physical body, astral body, mental body, etc. etc. with a focus on the expression of Auras surrounding the state of man. A very intriguing book with beautiful illustrations of what appear to be energetic eggs, that envelope every person, and if visible to some, can give some indication of the state of their beings. Particularly useful, is the key to the meanings of colours, which have been expanded on and used by many others that have worked with or come across Leadbeaters ideas and texts soonafter. Hilma af Klint for example and Annie Besant, show colour associations grounded in the same meanings as that show in this book.

Helpful in understanding and widening, one's ideas of what humans are, and how they exist in the energetic sense.

[Gizemnur · Rating 3 out of 5]

My problem with this book is that it claims, and says at some point, that this things are provable which is not true. I mean you can give as much as proof as you want at the end they are impossible to prove. It's belief like religions, and it might be true but it's unprovable. Also in some parts it sounded like he was looking down on science which was kinda annoying.

And I didn't like the writing idk. It was like he was trying to make things sound more complicated than they are for no reason. Hence, it's not easy to read if you are not familiar like he claims in the book. You actually already have to have read some of his books prior, and have knowledge on the subject.

[Don Jess]

No graphics or appendix

This is an outstanding seminal text on its subject. However, the text makes many references to plates ( graphics) but none are included. No appendix that is referenced.

[Manuel Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intersante libro

Me permitió aumentar el conocimiento de las auras y la energía propia de los cuerpos astrales y mentales. Intersante libro para ampliar el conocimiento del ser.