“Mr. B. Keightley: “Q” and “A” as an alternative would be good.
Mr. Cross: I suppose there is an objection to using “Theosophist”?
Countess Wachtmeister: Explain what Theosophist is, HPB.
Mme. Blavatsky: It is very arrogant, because “Theosophist” we call men who are really holy, saintly men, whoever they be, whatever nation they belong to, or whatever religion. Now, I don’t think myself holy, good, or even learned enough to call myself a “Theosophist.”
Mr. Cross: If you are not a Theosophist, who are the Theosophists? Are we going to do away with the term Theosophist, simply because nobody can live up to the ideal? “Theosophist” is an ideal, not what he really is, the same as Christian might be.
Mme. Blavatsky: I think “Theosophist” is better than “Mystic”. They will only say it is very mystic. Let it be “Theosophist”.
Mr. Cross: I feel I am not competent to speak, not knowing enough.
Mr. Kingsland: Then you can just give us advice.
Mme. Blavatsky: We are so immersed in this Theosophical Society business that we cannot see things as those who surround us can. The heads of outsiders are a great deal clearer.
Mr. Cross: It would be better if you could have a line drawn – a more definite line – between Occultism and Theosophy.
Mme. Blavatsky: We have it, a very great line. I am going to {have} a chapter on the difference between Occultism and Theosophy. Theosophist may be any member of a Theosophical Society. They may study or not as they like; it obliges to nothing; you have not to change your religion, or give up anything. But those who study Occultism, who study esoteric Theosophy, those have, of course, to believe. They must have one belief. Certainly Theosophy and Occultism are different, for an Occultist must be a Theosophist if he would not be a black magician, but you may be a Theosophist without being an Occultist.”
H. P. Blavatsky
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 