I was checking out some of the differences between Theosophy and Neo-theosophy. I was surprised at the strong Freemasonry ties to early Theosophy.

Christian,

One of the problems I have with such a discussion is that I know absolutely nothing about Freemasonry. I do rember a quote that Theosophists were expected to keep "secret teachings" secret from Freemasons, and Theosophists were required to respect the secrets that Freemasonry has.

I once met a fellow who is both a Theosophist and a Freemason. If I ever have a chance, it would be fascinating to hear his comparisons between the two belief systems.

One more observation -- Freemasons and Theosophy, ultimately, have the same goal.

Fear and ignorance.

My grandfather was a country preacher (American Baptist) and a 32degree Scottish Rite Mason (as were my father and uncle). He was the best man I have ever met.

Annie Besant's involvement with Co-Masonry continues to this day. Co-Masonry is closely associated with the Adyar society both here and in India. Of course, Freemasonry is far older than the modern exposition of Theosophy.
They do share goals - It is often said that the goal of Masonry is to turn good men into better men.
But there are also significant differences. Masonry is an active, participatory activity. A lodge is a fraternity of men (or in Co-Masonry men and women), who use ritual to influence each other (and the outer world) to a higher life.
Many Masons are involved in charitable and service organizations such as the Shriners and Tall Cedars.

Because of the secrecy Masons prize, they are fodder for conspiracy theorists. But most masons are plumbers and storekeepers. Hardly folks to be afraid of.

The TS was indeed started out with strong freemasonry links. Blavatsky was even given a (fringe) freemason diploma in appreciation of her book 'Isis Unveiled, so she had a right - in the days before co-freemasonry - to call herself a mason.

In the early days there was a time when the whole TS was a secret society. It had handgrips and they were working on a ritual, comparable to the ritual of freemasonry. One of the reasons the TS in the US was not very successful after HPB and Olcott left for India is that Judge was waiting for details on the initiation ritual, before he felt he could actively initiate people into the TS. All that was later lessened, but even today some lodges teach the handgrip (secret handshake) when people become members.

Theosophical lodges are called lodges for a reason.

In the Mahatma Letters the Adepts sometimes call their Occult Brotherhood the Lodge. In a letter of HPB's she mentions this Brotherhood is of "untold antiquity" and is "as much Masonic as present Masonry is little Masonic."