The Vahan (periodical)
The Vahan was a periodical published at the HPB Press in London from 1890 to 1920. It was subtitled, "A Vehicle for the Interchange of Theosophical News and Opinions." Initially, the editors were H. P. Blavatsky and Walter R. Old, but in August 1891, G. R. S. Mead took over.
It was first issued by the Council of the British Section of the Theosophical Society, December 1890 to July 1909; then taken up by the Theosophical Society in Great Britain, August 1909 to April 1910. From May 1910 to 1919 it was the organ of the Theosophical Society in England and Wales. The journal was also known as Theosophy in England and Wales.
Name
The first lines printed on December 1, 1890 explained the name:
Why the Vahan?
Because, the word means a Vehicle. In Theosophical metaphysics this term denotes a basis, something, as a bearer, more substantial than that which it bears; e.g., Buddhi, the spiritual Soul, is the Vahan of Atmâ -- the purely immaterial principle. Or, again, as in physiology, our brain is the supposed physical vehicle or Vahan of superphysical thought.
Thus, this little fortnightly paper is destined to serve as the bearer of Theosophical thought, and the reorder of all Theosophical activities.