Arthur Sieders – the Netherlands
The author
Theosophy is often described as a synthesis of religion, philosophy and science. Although its roots reach deep into ancient wisdom traditions, it was never intended to be a closed system. On the contrary, Theosophy always invites dialogue between esoteric insight and the discoveries of modern science. In this article, I would like to relate the three fundamental principles of Theosophy to physics, first from the perspective of classical physics, and then from that of quantum physics.
The first principle: the one, omnipresent and boundless principle
Theosophy states that behind all phenomena there is an absolute, unknowable ground: a universal principle that permeates all manifestations. This is not a personal deity, but an unlimited reality that reveals itself to us only through its expressions.
In classical physics, we find a parallel in the idea that nature operates according to the same laws everywhere. Newton's concept of gravity applies both to a falling apple and to the movement of the moon. Maxwell (1) showed that light and electricity are manifestations of one and the same electromagnetic law. Although these laws are not absolute, they do express the belief that there is one universal order that binds all things together.
In quantum physics, we see this even more strongly. Phenomena such as quantum entanglement show that two particles, no matter how far apart they are, remain connected in an immediate relationship. Quantum field theory goes even further: all particles appear to be excitation patterns of underlying fields that permeate the entire universe. In this perspective, the theosophical principle of a universal substratum becomes visible as a physical field that carries and connects everything.
The second principle: the law of periodicity or cyclical revelation
According to Theosophy, all cosmic and human development proceeds in cycles: birth and death, rise and fall, rest and activity. The universe itself breathes in and out in infinite rhythms.
Classical physics, demonstrates the ubiquity of rhythm and repetition. Planets describe orbits in fixed patterns, the pendulum swings back and forth endlessly, and sound waves vibrate at regular frequencies. Maxwell showed that light is also a wave motion. This cyclical nature of nature is a tangible reflection of the theosophical doctrine of periodicity.
In quantum physics, cycles take on an even more fundamental character. Particles are not seen merely as fixed points, but as wave functions that vibrate and oscillate. The quantum world is essentially a universe of vibration and probability patterns. Even matter itself can be understood as condensed vibrations of fields. In this way, modern science strikingly aligns with the theosophical idea that reality is rhythmic and cyclical at its deepest level.
The third principle: the unity of all souls with the universal Soul
Theosophy teaches that every soul is a spark of the same universal spirit. Although we temporarily experience ourselves as separate individuals, we are essentially expressions of one and the same source.
In the 19th century, classical physics developed the principle of conservation of energy: energy can never be lost, only changed in form. This gave rise to the image of a universe in which everything is connected by one great energy fabric. This vision is strongly reminiscent of the theosophical idea that there is an underlying unity.
In quantum physics, this image becomes even more concrete. Quantum field theory shows that all particles and forces originate from the same underlying fields. An electron here and an electron there are not fundamentally different: they are manifestations of a single electronic field. Everything that exists, from stars to humans, is a variation within the same cosmic ‘field of being’. The idea that we are all essentially one with a universal Soul finds a surprisingly strong echo in this scientific view.
A summary
The three principles of Yheosophy – the one fundamental principle, the law of cycles, and the unity of all souls – can thus be fruitfully linked to the insights of both classical and modern physics.
The first principle finds a parallel in the universal laws of nature and in the quantum fields that permeate the entire universe.
The second principle is reflected in the rhythmic patterns of planets and waves, and in the vibrating nature of the quantum world.
The third principle resonates in the unity of energy and the shared origin of all particles in one universal field.
Final reflection
Theosophy does not have to be physics, and physics does not have to be theosophy. Yet it is fascinating to see how the insights of both domains complement each other. Science provides us with images and formulas; theosophy points us to the deeper meaning and coherence.
When we connect the three principles with the language of physics, we gain a double richness: the mathematical precision of science and the symbolic depth of the esoteric tradition. Together, they invite us to a greater awareness of the unity, rhythmic order and deep connectedness of all life.
Footnote:
(1) James Clerk Maxwell (Edinburgh, June 13, 1831 – Cambridge, November 5, 1879) was a Scottish mathematician and physicist. The four Maxwell equations are named after him. The entire classical electromagnetic theory is built upon these fundamental equations. Along with Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, he is considered one of the greatest physicists. (Wikipedia)
Notes from the editor:
Arthur Sieders graduated as a physicist and holds a PhD in philosophy. After a career in business, he switched to secondary education and currently works as a physics teacher at Grotius College in Delft, the Netherlands.
This article was also published in the Dutch periodical THEOSOFIA, the December 2025 issue. For more articles in this quarterly magazine (in the Dutch language!) click HERE