Ordre Martiniste of North America
Let the Profane, the Initiated, and the Initiator know well that the aim of the Order is not to create Dogmatic Rulers, but, on the contrary, humble and devoted students of the cult of Eternal Truth.
The precepts are elementary, the symbols are few, but they suffice for the modest aim of our Order. Its members know but few things, still they know those few things well, and possess the elements of a personal development which can direct them much further.
Unknown and silent, they expect no other reward for their labours than the infinite satisfaction which procures the assurance of a pure conscience, and a heart given to make every sacrifice for humanity.
The Martinist Order was founded in Paris in 1891 by Dr. Gérard Encausse (known as Papus"). The Order was founded for the purpose of transmitting initiations derived from Martinez de Pasqually, an 18th Century Kabbalist, and Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, the Unknown Philosopher. Saint-Martin was a disciple and secretary of de Pasqually, and an Initiate of the his Ordre des Chevaliers Maçons Élus Coëns de l'Univers.
Upon the death of Papus in 1916, Charles Detre (known as “Téder”) succeeded Papus, operating under the name “l'Ordre Martiniste de Lyon”. In 1951, Philippe Encausse, the son of Papus, re-established l'Ordre Martiniste “de Papus”, which in 1960 merged with l'Ordre Martiniste de Lyon, then under Grand Master Henry Dupont. The newly re-constituted Order was called simply “l'Ordre Martiniste”, with Philippe Encausse serving as its Sovereign Grand Master. In the 1950s, Groupe Papus #12 was formed in Chicago, Illinois, under the leadership of the late Roger Saint Victor Hérard, Grand Secretary of l'Ordre Martiniste of France and Primate of North America for l’Église Gnostique Catholique Apostolique (EGCA).
Groupe Papus #12 was reorganized as l'Ordre Martiniste of North America in 2008 to mark the centennial of the Masonic and Spiritualist Congress of Paris in 1908, and to accent the vision of Papus and his initial movement in France.
OMNA retains the tradition of Papus via his son, Dr. Philippe Encase, and bears the lineage of all the original branches of Martinism: Philippe Encausse's Ordre Martiniste (de Paris), Victor Blanchard's Ordre Martiniste et Synarchique, Armand Toussaint's Ordre Martiniste des Chevaliers du Christ, and Robert Ambelain's Ordre Martiniste Initiatique (Reforme).
Our endeavor seeks a unity of philosophy, theology, and fraternity into a single place where the primeval Lodge of ADAM perfects itself in the final and infinite Lodge of the SOTER LOGOS at the Heavenly Jerusalem.
Sovereign Grand Council of North America
Upon the death of Papus in 1916, Charles Detre (known as “Téder”) succeeded Papus, operating under the name “l'Ordre Martiniste de Lyon”. In 1951, Philippe Encausse, the son of Papus, re-established l'Ordre Martiniste “de Papus”, which in 1960 merged with l'Ordre Martiniste de Lyon, then under Grand Master Henry Dupont. The newly re-constituted Order was called simply “l'Ordre Martiniste”, with Philippe Encausse serving as its Sovereign Grand Master. In the 1950s, Groupe Papus #12 was formed in Chicago, Illinois, under the leadership of the late Roger Saint Victor Hérard, Grand Secretary of l'Ordre Martiniste of France and Primate of North America for l’Église Gnostique Catholique Apostolique (EGCA).
Groupe Papus #12 was reorganized as l'Ordre Martiniste of North America in 2008 to mark the centennial of the Masonic and Spiritualist Congress of Paris in 1908, and to accent the vision of Papus and his initial movement in France.
OMNA retains the tradition of Papus via his son, Dr. Philippe Encase, and bears the lineage of all the original branches of Martinism: Philippe Encausse's Ordre Martiniste (de Paris), Victor Blanchard's Ordre Martiniste et Synarchique, Armand Toussaint's Ordre Martiniste des Chevaliers du Christ, and Robert Ambelain's Ordre Martiniste Initiatique (Reforme).
Our endeavor seeks a unity of philosophy, theology, and fraternity into a single place where the primeval Lodge of ADAM perfects itself in the final and infinite Lodge of the SOTER LOGOS at the Heavenly Jerusalem.
Sovereign Grand Council of North America
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Martinism and the Martinist Order
Martinism is a system of philosophic thought, essentially Christian gnosis, which is chiefly based on the tenets of a work called Treatise on the Reintegration of Beings in their original virtues, powers and qualities,” written by Martinez de Pasqually. The Treatise gives a particular interpretation of Creation, of the Hierarchy of Beings, of the fall of Man and the way for Man to regain his original status in the scheme of things so as to be re-established in his initial state and privileges. Pasqually considers Man to be in exile in this earthly existence, deprived of all his real powers. Man’s main aim must be, therefore, to work at becoming restored to the condition that was his originally. This he can achieve by following a certain technique which constitutes the secret part of Martinez de Pasqually’s doctrine. Pasqually’s student and secretary, Louis Claude de Saint-Martin, moved away from the theurgic practices of his Teacher to find a more spiritual means to achieve the same result, thus he developed what is known in Martinism terminology the “Inner Way” of Reintegration. The similarity of names between “Martinez” and “Saint-Martin” has led to much confusion as to whose followers were, and still are, MARTINISTS. The answer is both. Their respective followers share the same belief: the Divine glory of Man’s Origin; and the same aim: to regain that glorious Divinity. Only their methods vary, some following the technique of theurgic operations, the others that of inner guidance and illumination. The Order follows exactly the cultural, philosophical, liturgical and mystical orientation that was given to it by Martinez de Pasqually and Louis Claude de Saint-Martin. The Order has as its aim the spiritual improvement of its members by means of the study and knowledge of the Initiatic tradition. The Order teaches all which it considers useful, leaving to the members the application of the acquired knowledge according to their own manner of experience and assimilation. The Order does not impose in the least any doctrinal restrictions on its members. The Order pursues no aims contrary to the moral fiber and laws of the nations in which it operates, or the good of Humanity in general. The Order, in utilizing a simple but provable method, imparts to its members a very precious tool, which allows each to awaken his Conscience. It is then up to each Initiate to put these Teachings into daily practice. If his efforts are assiduous, he will enlist progressively into the “Way of the Heart”, that is, he will succeed in achieving his own interior Harmony. This is an indispensable stage towards Universal Harmony. Later, as a function of his progress and his aspirations, an “Operative Way” may be offered to him. We must, however, emphasize, that Martinism is not an instrument of magic. Certainly in the development of his Conscience, the Initiate often has the possibility to increase his appreciable perception of the exterior world, but this is only a consequence of the final goal that he seeks to attain: his Regeneration. |
The Martinist Order
by Dr. Gerard Encausse (Papus) The Order, in its whole, is above all a school of moral chivalry, trying hard to develop spirituality in its members by the study of the invisible world and its laws, by the exercise of devotion and of intellectual assistance, and by the creation in each spirit of a faith, all the more solid because it is based on observation and science. Martinism derives directly from Christian Illuminism and has adopted its principles: + Forming the real centre of this living University, that will one day recreate the marriage without division of Science and Faith, without epithet, Martinism tries to be worthy of this name by establishing superior schools of metaphysical and physiological science, disdainfully moved away from classical teachings under the pretext that it is occult. + Our epoch of scepticism, of adoration of the material world and of atheism, needed so badly a frank Christian reaction, independent of all clergies, that in all the countries where it has penetrated, Martinism has saved many souls from doubt, despair and suicide. It brought back to the comprehension of Christ many spirits that certain clerical actions had moved away from Faith. + Not asking from its members any contribution, nor entrance fees into the Order, neither asking any regular tribute from the Lodges to the Supreme Council, Martinism has remained faithful to its spirit and origins by making material poverty its very first rule. + Martinists want to be Christians, free from any clerical connection, and the accusations of "Satanism" will just make them shrug their shoulders, while asking Heaven for mercy for those who slandered them unfairly. + Martinists do not practise any magic, be it white or black. They study, they pray and they forgive injustices. + Martinism does not ask its members for any oaths of passive obedience, nor does it impose on them any dogma, be it materialistic or clerical, thus leaving them in a perfect freedom of consciousness. + We simply remain fervent Knights of Christ, enemies of violence and vengeance, resolute synarchists, opposed to any anarchy from above or below, in one word, Martinists, as have been our glorious ancestors Martines de Pasqually, Louis Claude de Saint-Martin and Willermoz. |
Program
Opposed to all forms of dogmatism and fanaticism, the Ordre Martiniste gathers into a fraternity all honest and sincere seekers who are dedicated to the Search for TRUTH. As an “ArcaneSchool”, it offers the study of different aspects of the Western Esoteric Tradition. Each topic is studied as a working hypothesis and is extensively debated by the participants in the course of fraternal discussions held in a formal ritualistic setting.
Theoretical
- General study of Symbolism
- The Symbolism of Numbers
- Man’s Evolution, Karma or Destiny, and Reincarnation
- The Laws of Nature (duality, cycles, and the natural correspondences between God, Man, and the Universe)
- Kabbalah
- The study of the doctrine: “The Reintegration of Beings”
Practical
- Meditations and special Prayers
- Exercises exclusive to Martinism which permit a Spiritual Awakening
- Techniques for the development of the Conscience in Man.
Structure
A group of seven members or more conducts work as a Lodge. Smaller groups called Circles permit less than the minimum to study the Martinist principles.
Initiation
The Martinist Order was founded in Paris in 1891 by Dr. Gérard Encausse (known as Papus"). The Order was founded for the purpose of transmitting initiations that come to us in a direct line from Martinez de Pasqually, an 18th Century Kabbalist, and Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, the Unknown Philosopher, who was a disciple and secretary of Pasqually. Saint-Martin was an Initiate of the highest degree of a Christian Magical or Theurgic Order called the Élus-Cohens Chévalerie des Maçons de l'Univers (Elect Priests Knight Masons of the Universe).
Initiation is carried out in a direct, one-on-one transmission from Master to Student, and has been carried on uninterrupted from Saint-Martin through many individuals, including Dr. Gérard Encausse (PAPUS), Victor Blanchard, Edouard Blitz, Teder, Constant Chevillon, Robert Ambelain, to name but a few. Initiation permits the seeker, in the course of simple but highly symbolic rituals, to connect to the Esoteric Tradition, to penetrate into oneself and thus acquire the Keys to Interior Knowledge.
The Martinist Order was founded in Paris in 1891 by Dr. Gérard Encausse (known as Papus"). The Order was founded for the purpose of transmitting initiations that come to us in a direct line from Martinez de Pasqually, an 18th Century Kabbalist, and Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, the Unknown Philosopher, who was a disciple and secretary of Pasqually. Saint-Martin was an Initiate of the highest degree of a Christian Magical or Theurgic Order called the Élus-Cohens Chévalerie des Maçons de l'Univers (Elect Priests Knight Masons of the Universe).
Initiation is carried out in a direct, one-on-one transmission from Master to Student, and has been carried on uninterrupted from Saint-Martin through many individuals, including Dr. Gérard Encausse (PAPUS), Victor Blanchard, Edouard Blitz, Teder, Constant Chevillon, Robert Ambelain, to name but a few. Initiation permits the seeker, in the course of simple but highly symbolic rituals, to connect to the Esoteric Tradition, to penetrate into oneself and thus acquire the Keys to Interior Knowledge.
Membership
To be admitted into the Order the postulant must be at least 21 years old.
The postulant cannot be an atheist.
The postulant must be free, honest, of good morals, and obedient to the laws of the country in which he/she lives. His or her conduct as a free citizen should be unblemished.
The postulant should demonstrate:
The postulant should be an intelligent person with a certain degree of sophistication that will permit him or her to learn and assimilate the fruits of the teachings given to him by the Order.
OMNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, political ideology, class, or social condition. During meetings, political or religious discussions are strictly avoided, in order to maintain the Harmony which is at the core of the Ordre Martiniste.
Each member is free to decide, at any time, whether he or she wishes to continue studies and may, with a simple written notice, defer studies, or resign altogether from the Order.
To be admitted into the Order the postulant must be at least 21 years old.
The postulant cannot be an atheist.
The postulant must be free, honest, of good morals, and obedient to the laws of the country in which he/she lives. His or her conduct as a free citizen should be unblemished.
The postulant should demonstrate:
- The greatest tolerance toward all religious faiths.
- That he considers all those who compose Humanity as his Brothers, and that he does not have any racial notions or negative views towards different nationalities.
- That he is always ready to forgive and suppress, as much as possible, all impulses of rancor or vengeance.
- That he is always ready to practice kindness and to help as much as his possibilities permit him, the weak and needy.
The postulant should be an intelligent person with a certain degree of sophistication that will permit him or her to learn and assimilate the fruits of the teachings given to him by the Order.
OMNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, political ideology, class, or social condition. During meetings, political or religious discussions are strictly avoided, in order to maintain the Harmony which is at the core of the Ordre Martiniste.
Each member is free to decide, at any time, whether he or she wishes to continue studies and may, with a simple written notice, defer studies, or resign altogether from the Order.
Fees
Initiations and studies are entirely free of charge. However, when there is no local Lodge, Initiation usually requires travel at the candidate's expense.
Initiations and studies are entirely free of charge. However, when there is no local Lodge, Initiation usually requires travel at the candidate's expense.
A Brief Summary of the Relationship Between the Gnostic Church and Martinist Orders
The founder of l’Ordre Martiniste, Gérard Encausse (Papus), and his associates, Paul Sédir and Lucien Chamuel, original members of the Suprême Conseil de L’Ordre Martiniste, were the first Bishops consecrated by Jules Doinel, and formed the Sacred Synod of the Gnostic Ecclesia. The decrees of the Holy Gnostic Synod, issued by Jules Doinel as Gnostic Patriarch, and published in the periodical L'Initiation in September 1893, stated that “The Martinist Order is declared to be of Gnostic essence”.
In 1911, Papus signed a treaty with Patriarch Jean Bricaud recognizing l'Église Gnostique Universelle as the official Church of Martinism. “By doing so, he linked the Order revived by him to the secular Western doctrine from which Martinez had drawn his inspiration at the beginning. This treaty, confirmed and expanded by Téder in 1917 into a second version, gave the members of the Gnostic High Synod the right to have their headquarters within the body of the Martinist Upper Council on the basis of reciprocity. The close union of the two bodies was thus achieved.”[1]
On October 28, 1962, the Protocol of the Union of the Martinist Orders, signed in Paris by Grand Masters Dr. Philippe Encausse (Ordre Martiniste de Papus) and Robert Ambelain (Ordre Martiniste des Elus-Cohen), stated that the united Martinist Order “shall retain its spiritual and fraternal ties with the Gnostic Apostolic Universal Church (L’Église Gnostique Apostolique Universelle), which was established by Papus and [Jules] Doinel, in 1893, and revised and brought up to date by Bricaud and Papus in 1911.”
On January 3, 2011, the Feast of the Holy Name, in the centennial of the treaty of 1911, Our Church instituted the Confraternity of the Servants of the Divine Name (SDN) in affirmation of the historical alliance between the Gnostic Church and the Martinist Order.
[i] “Historical Review of Martinism” by Jean Bricaud, p.13.
In 1911, Papus signed a treaty with Patriarch Jean Bricaud recognizing l'Église Gnostique Universelle as the official Church of Martinism. “By doing so, he linked the Order revived by him to the secular Western doctrine from which Martinez had drawn his inspiration at the beginning. This treaty, confirmed and expanded by Téder in 1917 into a second version, gave the members of the Gnostic High Synod the right to have their headquarters within the body of the Martinist Upper Council on the basis of reciprocity. The close union of the two bodies was thus achieved.”[1]
On October 28, 1962, the Protocol of the Union of the Martinist Orders, signed in Paris by Grand Masters Dr. Philippe Encausse (Ordre Martiniste de Papus) and Robert Ambelain (Ordre Martiniste des Elus-Cohen), stated that the united Martinist Order “shall retain its spiritual and fraternal ties with the Gnostic Apostolic Universal Church (L’Église Gnostique Apostolique Universelle), which was established by Papus and [Jules] Doinel, in 1893, and revised and brought up to date by Bricaud and Papus in 1911.”
On January 3, 2011, the Feast of the Holy Name, in the centennial of the treaty of 1911, Our Church instituted the Confraternity of the Servants of the Divine Name (SDN) in affirmation of the historical alliance between the Gnostic Church and the Martinist Order.
[i] “Historical Review of Martinism” by Jean Bricaud, p.13.