Copenhagen Centre for the Study of Theosophy and Esotericism (CCSTE)

The centre offers a distinct opportunity for researchers and students to generate knowledge about influential aspects of European and global intellectual and religious history often categorized as ‘Esotericism’.

About the unit

This cluster (formerly a centre) is particularly dedicated to teaching and researching Esotericism, modern Theosophy, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) and related currents. This includes how esotericism has interacted with art, science, religion and philosophy in both regional and global contexts.

Cluster leader

Tim Rudbøg
Associate professor

The research engages directly with current core questions facing the humanities, such as the crucial links between humanity and nature and between modern spirituality and global trends. The cluster strategically contributes to bringing its research to use in connection with relevant cultural events.

The disciplinary frame of the Science of Religion under the Institute for the Study of Cross Cultural and Regional Studies at the University of Copenhagen is especially suited for this development of research as several local scholars work on modernity, global cultural interchanges, a plurality of traditions, and intellectual history.

Current research topics

H. P. Bavatsky's Theosophy
Global spirituality
Nature and spirituality
Esoteric Christianity
Esotericism and modern culture
Esotericism and technologies
Theosophy and global history
Theosophy and modern art
The history of esotericism
Theories and methods in the study of esotericism

Advisory board

Prof. Kocku von Stuckrad (University of Groningen)
Prof. Andreas Kilcher (ETH Zûrich, president of ESSWE)
Prof. Catharina Raudvere (University of Copenhagen)
Clare Goodrick-Clarke (University of Exeter)
Prof. James Santucci (California, Fullerton)
Prof. Boaz Huss (Ben-Gurion University)

Conference Oct. 03 2026

Spirits, Elementals, Ghosts, Vampires, Fairies, and Other Occult Beings

Student activities

The cluster sponsors a number of student activities, such as The Not So Secret Club organized by Bjarke Stanley Nielsen, which include student lectures, social activities, movie nights, visiting esoteric groups and a student journal Pan-Sophia representing the best scholarly work done by students in relation to the courses offered.