Xifre, Jose

(1856-1920). Spanish nobleman, presidential agent of the Theosophical Society (TS) in Spain 1889-1920. He joined the Theosophical Society in August 22, 1889, and was president of the Madrid Lodge for many years. Xifré (pronounced sheeffray), was educated with King Alfonso XIII of Spain and remained the King’s close friend until death parted them. Being very wealthy he was able to withstand the opprobrium that was the lot of theosophists in Spain which was a very Catholic country.

A close friend of Helena P. BLAVATSKY and Henry S. OLCOTT, two of the founders of the Theosophical Society, he was at the center of an example of Blavatky’s clairvoyant ability. He was visiting London to see Blavatsky and came one day to take his leave, but she, with great emphasis, told him that he was not to leave that day. In spite of his protestations regarding firm commitments, she insisted that he defer his departure which he did. The next day the newspaper contained an account of a fearful accident involving the mail train by which he would have been traveling.

Xifré began the theosophical magazine Sophia which is still being published. In 1905 he presented the Vasantapurum gateway to the Adyar headquarters. He died October 1920.

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