This term for highly spiritual beings who are non-physical yet interact with humans originated with Blavatsky and the Theosophists. Other terms include "Elder Brothers" and "Mahatmas." Some believe they were once humans who, through spiritual development, no longer need to incarnate. This makes them similar to the Buddhist concept of the Bodhisattva.
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sandra Kynes, author of several books, including The Herb Gardener's Essential Guide, Plant Magic, and the new Witches' Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, among many others.
Although a few old books...