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Theosophical Thematic Map of Atlantis, etc.

Atlantis in its Decadence No. 2 constitutes an intriguing blend of speculative geography and theosophical doctrine, developed by William Scott-Elliot, a notable figure in the early Theosophical movement.

Scott-Elliot, an East India Merchant and an amateur anthropologist, became deeply ingrained in the Theosophical world after his marriage to Matilda (Maude) Louise Travers in 1893 and his subsequent engagement with the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society. His cartographic efforts, particularly this map, serve as visual representations of his elaborate narratives concerning the mystical continents of Atlantis and Lemuria, as delineated in his seminal works, The Story of Atlantis (1896) and The Lost Lemuria (1904).

The map offers an alternative vision of Earth's geography following two catastrophic events believed to have reshaped the global landscape approximately 800,000 and 200,000 years ago. This imaginative reconstruction draws heavily from Scott-Elliot’s collaboration with Theosophist Charles Webster Leadbeater, whose "astral clairvoyance" provided the foundational knowledge for Scott-Elliot’s scholarly pursuits.  

The was part of Scott-Elliot’s extensive research and his attempts to align Leadbeater’s astral revelations with the scientific understanding of his time. The Theosophical Publishing Society’s dissemination of this map in 1904 in London underscores the era’s fascination with alternative spiritual histories and theosophical teachings regarding the evolution of human races and continents.

In addition to illustrating the supposed geographical shifts post-cataclysm, the map interweaves the complex narratives of the Lemurian and Atlantean root races, as purportedly received by Leadbeater and elaborated by Scott-Elliot. Lemuria, posited to be located in the Pacific Ocean, is depicted prior to its descent into the sea, giving way to the emergence of new races on Atlantis. These narratives, rich with details on the physical and spiritual characteristics of each race, from the fifteen-foot-tall Lemurians to the technologically advanced Toltecs of Atlantis, provide a fascinating glimpse into the theosophical vision of prehistoric human development.

The cartographic work of Scott-Elliot, particularly this map, stands as a significant artifact within the context of early 20th-century esoteric belief systems. It encapsulates the intersection of mysticism, pseudo-history, and the quest for spiritual understanding that characterized the period. Beyond its geographical speculations, the map offers insights into the theosophical worldview, reflecting the broader cultural and spiritual inquiries of the time.

In sum, Atlantis in its Decadence No. 2 not only showcases William Scott-Elliot's unique blend of theosophical belief, spiritual vision, and tentative scientific inquiry but also serves as a cultural and historical testament to the enduring human fascination with lost civilizations and the mysteries of our ancient past. The map remains a captivating document for scholars and enthusiasts of theosophy, speculative history, and esoteric philosophy, marking a distinctive moment in the intellectual and spiritual history of the early 20th century.