What types of messages did independent theosophical groups claim to receive from preternatural beings?

Independent theosophical groups and their successors within the New Age movement claimed to receive channeled messages from various preternatural or extraterrestrial entities, most notably the Ascended Masters of the Great White Brotherhood.1

These entities, often described as hidden leaders guiding the destiny of the planet, were said to communicate through individuals known as channels, who would relay messages either consciously or while in a trance. The content of these communications covered a wide range of spiritual, philosophical, and psychological topics.12

Specific examples of these claims include:
* Spiritual Guidance: Groups sought to cooperate with the Ascended Masters to assist in the evolution of the human race.1
* Nature Spirits: The Findhorn Foundation claimed to receive contact from nature spirits, which they believed enabled them to achieve significant agricultural success despite poor soil and climate conditions.1
* Popular Teachers: Certain entities who spoke through channels, such as Seth, Ramtha, and Lazarus, gained popularity as teachers in their own right, sometimes leading to the founding of new organizations.2

It is important to note that these claims of contact have historically faced skepticism, with critics and investigators often questioning the authenticity of the phenomena associated with these messages.13