“Anyone who is able to observe human auras may witness the vivid play of the emanations of light. Upon the principle of this cosmic flux is based the plan of rational action. Each evidence of atrophy relates to the substances of darkness. There, where are waves of light; there, where the vital sparks interplay-there is Our Ray.”

The Enigma of Nicholas Roerich

This introductory passage is one of three quotations used to get readers acquainted with the mystic potential of aura reading. It is a translated excerpt from the works of a man named Nicholas Roerich, a Russian painter, philosopher and Theosophist, who gained quite a fervent following in the early part of the 20^th century. During this period, Roerich was as equally renowned for his emotive depictions of the Himalayan Mountains as he was for his spiritual teachings. To this day, Roerich enjoys a dedicated fan base amongst occultists and art lovers in his native Russia, as well as in New York and India where he spent much of his live. 

“The following quotations are taken from a work composed by Nicholas Roerich, who represented our Order in Tibet for several years.”

Based on this impressive pedigree, it’s clear to see why the Rosicrucian Order would be quick to claim Roerich amongst their ranks. After all, like many posthumous inductees into the Rosicrucian Order AMORC, Roerich too enjoys a close association with well-known charlatan Madame Blavatzky. His wife was a prominent member of the Theosophist Society and translated two volumes of Blavatzky’s Secret Doctrine into Russian.

As for Roerich himself, his reputation as an academic and guru may have belied more sinister intentions.  Writer John Bowlt had this to say about the man:

“Often his artistic achievements are overshadowed by the less auspicious traits of his personality – by his constant self-glorification, financial wheelings and dealings, and his exaggerated interest in eastern religion, which some observers see as little more than charlatanism”

Indeed, Roerich possessed a rare charisma which allowed him to gather influential financial patrons with ease. Amongst Roerich’s backers were New York financier Louis Horch, and future U.S Vice President Henry Wallace. The wealth acquired through these individuals was put towards Roerich’s own passion projects, most of which seemed to centre on travels to Tibet and East Asia.  While Roerich claimed many motivations for his constant expeditions, from spiritual enquiry to botany the truth may be that Roerich’s intentions were far more political in nature.

Influenced by Blavatzky’s mahatmas and his ardently Theosophist wife, Roerich was committed to bring Blavatzky’s vision of an enlightened spiritual utopia to life in the mountains of the Himalayas; known as the “great plan’, this egomaniacal objective drove Roerich to plot with local tribes to overthrow British and American forces in the region. In the process, Roerich hopes to secure a crucial position at the helm of the new political regime.

Roerich’s scheme was uncovered by British intelligence agencies in 1935, and soon after the painter was convicted of tax fraud in the U.S. His work and holdings were immediately seized, and Roerich soon gained a reputation as a thief and imposter in the country. According to reports from British Intelligence, Roerich may well have been conning his fellow Theosophists as well, certain communication reveal that Roerich may well have been a Communist spy for the burgeoning Soviet Union all along.