ENCOUNTERS OF LAURA HOLLOWAY WITH THE MASTERS

Laura Carter Holloway was a medium, a gifted clairvoyant and a member of the Theosophical Society.

THE FIRST MEETING KNOWN THAT

SHE HAD WITH THE MASTERS

This was on July 19, 1884 when she was present in the studio of the German portraitist Herman Schmiechen while he painted the faces of the Masters Kuthumi and Morya.

And about this event she wrote an article where she narrated the following:

« Mr. Schmiechen, a young German artist, was residing in London and a number of Theosophists gathered at his studio. Chief among Mr. Schmiechen’s guests was Madame Blavatsky, who occupied a seat facing a platform on which was [Schmiechen’s] easel.

Near him on the platform sat several persons, all of them women, with one exception. About the room were grouped a number of well-known people, all equally interested in the attempt to be made by Mr. Schmiechen.

Strange to relate that though the amateur smoker considered herself an onlooker it was her voice which uttered the words "begin it," and the artist quickly began to outline a head.

(Note: the amateur smoker is Mrs. Holloway.)

Soon the eyes of every one present were upon him as he worked with extreme rapidity. While quiet reigned in the studio and all were eagerly interested in Mr. Schmiechen's work, the amateur smoker on the platform saw the figure of a man outline itself beside the easel and, while the artist with head bent over his work continued his outlining, it stood by him without a sign or motion.

She leaned over to her friend and whispered:

-      "It is the Master Kuthumi; he is being sketched. He is standing near Mr. Schmiechen."

-      "Describe his looks and dress," called out HPB.

And while those in the room were wondering over Madame Blavatsky's exclamation, the woman addressed said:

-      "He is about Mohini's height; slight of build, wonderful face full of light and animation; flowing curly black hair, over which is worn a soft cap. He is a symphony in greys and blues. His dress is that of a Hindu—though it is far finer and richer than any I have ever seen before—and there is fur trimming about his costume. It is his picture that is being made."

Blavatsky’s heavy voice arose to admonish the artist, one of her remarks remaining distinctly in memory. It was this:

-      "Be careful, Schmiechen; do not make the face too round; lengthen the outline, and take note of the long distance between the nose and the ears."

But she sat where she could not see the easel nor know what was on it!

How many of the number of those in the studio on that first occasion recognized the Master’s presence was not known. There were psychics in the room, several of them, and the artist, Mr. Schmiechen, was a psychic, or he could not have worked out so successfully the picture that was outlined by him on that eventful day.

The painting of the portrait of the Master Morya followed the completion of the picture; both were approved by Madame Blavatsky, and the two paintings became celebrated among Theosophists the world over. They are a source of inspiration to those who have had opportunity to study the wonderful power and expression depicted in them by Mr. Schmiechen. »

("The Mahatmas and Their Instruments," The Word magazine (New York) July 15, 1912, p.204-206.)

THE SECOND MEETING KNOWN THAT

SHE HAD WITH THE MASTERS

This occurred during her trip back to the United States in October 1884, and about which she narrated the following:

« I left Madame Blavatky in London [for my trip back to New York].

Going on board the steamer in the afternoon I retired at once to my stateroom and, later on, while reading quietly the room was filled with a blazing light that came like a flood upon me.

Two Masters stood in the midst of this light and conversed with me.  It was the most transcendent Vision I had ever seen, or shall hope to see again, and while these enlightened Beings were with me they instructed me regarding my future.

One of the glorious Beings I saw on that never-to-be-forgotten evening at sea, was H.P.B., and then and there my vision was strengthened, and I was carefully instructed regarding my one gift — the power to pass easily from the physical to the astral plane, and the tasks I was to perform on that plane, while living in the body and doing my duty according to my ability. »

(Excerpt from letter written by Mrs. Holloway and dated September 11, 1923. This letter is preserved in the H.P.B. Library, Toronto, Canada.)

The reason the Masters presented themselves is because they were very interested in the faculties that Mrs. Holloway possessed, and she even became a disciple of Master Kuthumi, but unfortunately she failed in her period of approbation.

And for those who want to know more about her, I recommend you read this article (link).