Gérard Encausse

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Gérard Encausse (July 13, 1865 – October 25, 1916), also known by his pseudonym Papus, was a French physician, hypnotist, and occultist. He is best known for his work in the field of occultism and his role in the revival of Martinism.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Gérard Encausse was born in La Coruña, Spain, to a French chemist father and a Spanish mother. The family moved to Paris when he was four years old. Encausse showed an early interest in the occult and mysticism, which he pursued alongside his medical studies.

Medical Career[edit | edit source]

Encausse studied medicine at the University of Paris, where he earned his degree in 1894. He specialized in hypnosis and magnetism, and he was a practicing physician in Paris. His medical knowledge often intersected with his occult interests, particularly in the areas of psychology and parapsychology.

Occult Work[edit | edit source]

Encausse was deeply involved in the occult community in Paris. He founded the Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Croix in 1888 and was a prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. He also revived the Martinist Order, a mystical Christian tradition, and became its Grand Master.

Publications[edit | edit source]

Encausse was a prolific writer, publishing numerous books and articles on occultism, tarot, alchemy, and Kabbalah. Some of his notable works include:

Traité méthodique de science occulte (1891)
Le Tarot des Bohémiens (1889)
La Kabbale (1903)

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Gérard Encausse's contributions to the occult and esoteric traditions have had a lasting impact. His work in reviving Martinism and his extensive writings continue to influence modern esotericism and mysticism.