Ordre Reaux Croix
Encyclopedia
Ordre Reaux Croix is a martinist order
established in 2002, on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Elus Cohens of Martinez de Pasqually
.
O∴R∴C∴ is an international Order, with its Grand Lodge in Norway, and jurisdictions in Sweden, Canada, Argentina, Spain, Greece and England.
Firstly, in that it is specifically dedicated to research, implementation and publication of martinst literature, also of historical relevance in academic circles.
Secondly in that it operates all three previous forms of martinism under one banner, an approach to the tradition previously unknown by esoteric scholars.
and the philanthropist Nikolay Novikov
, who introduced the age of Enlightenment
to Russia.
Apart from being prolific writers and reformers of the late Tsarist regime, their contributions to both literary, scholarly and social developments, with the establishment of printing presses, public schools and hospitals for the poor.
Works of these authors are not readily available in English, but are now placed in the public domain on the webpage of the Order.
Voie Cardiaque – The Way of the Heart is the mystical and contemplative branch of the ORC, from whose roots the two other branches of the Order spring.
This is the inner path
, working toward the universal Reintegration of mankind.
The teachings of the V.C. are Christian in nature and based directly upon the works of Louis Claude de St Martin, who wrote under the name The Unknown Philosopher. Saint-Martin was born in a noble family in Amboise, France, on the 18th January in 1743. He became one of Martinez de Pasqually's students in the Elus Cohen, and also his close friend and secretary. St Martin was a freemason and an Elus Cohen for many years. He decided to leave both these Orders and the praxis of theurgy, in order to work in a purely mystical way. He began to instruct students in his own teachings, which were mainly influenced by Pasqually's doctrine, but later on also inspired by the writings of the Christian mystic Jacob Boehme. Saint-Martin died on the 13th October, 1803, leaving behind a great number of students spread across Europe, passing on the teachings through the centuries.
The Summit of these teachings is the initiation Saint-Martin describes in this way:
“The only initiation which I advocate and which I look for with all the ardor of my Soul, is that by which we are able to enter into the Heart of God within us, and there make an Indissoluble Marriage, which makes us the Friend, the Brother and Spouse of the Repairer … there is no other way to arrive at this Holy Initiation than for us to delve more and more into the depth of our Soul and to not let go of the prize until we have succeeded in liberating its lively and vivifying origin.”
The pathway to this state of mind is given to the aspirant through a series of degrees, in the manner adopted by Papus at the end of the 19th century.
The O∴R∴C∴ scale of the rituals, have however been reformed, to first purge them of most of the Masonic style, and has incorporated more Christian elements, and older teachings, more specifically from the original doctrine of St Martin, and the Russian legacy he left behind him.
The inner circle of O∴R∴C∴ is continuously writing new material, based upon their studies and experience of attainment. We are very loyal to the teachings and symbolic language of our founding Fathers and the Past Masters, and do not incorporate other branches of esotericism not related to martinism.
The O∴R∴C∴: Elus Cohen is the theurgical branch of the order, working with magical ceremonies and doctrines deriving from the founder of the Tradition, Martinez de Pasqually.
The aim of the order is to mend the wounds that Man brought upon himself after falling from grace. Man will retake his former and right position in the celestial hierarchies by the aid of Christ the repairer and redeemer, and the work of theurgical operations. The work is further to reintegrate everything into its former virtues and powers, to the greater glory of our Lord God.
The initiate learns many techniques and methods in this work; among the most important is prayer, invocations of God and his agents and angels, and exorcisms and banishing of the Adversary and his agents.
Martinez de Pasqually was the son of Messier de la Tour de la Case, a French master mason with an inheritable patent, giving him the right to open new lodges. This patent was given to Martinez de Pasqually by his father and was made by the Grandmaster of the Stuart lodge, namely Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
Martinez de Pasqually began to gather members for his new system in 1754, by the founding of the Chapter 'Les Juges Ecoissase' in Montpellier.
In 1765 he received blessings from the French grand lodge for his work, after having informed them that he had opened 5 lodges on his Stuart patent. This recognition made the system legal, and was thus one of the early high degree systems in freemasonry.
The Sovereign sanctuary was formed in 1767, and the years to come until Pasqually's death in 1774, were the golden years of the rite, with lodges in almost all of the larger cities in France.
After the death of its founder the rite slowly disappeared from the initiatory scene, but the activity continued in smaller groups. The seed or lineage of the Order lives on, but does so in other systems, unbroken to this day.
The Elus Cohen of the O∴R∴C∴ was opened at the equinox 250 years after Pasqually started his work by founding the Order. O∴R∴C∴ has kept all the essential parts of the system of the 18th century intact, but has when needed taken necessary measures for its survival in the 21st century with regards to the lives of its initiates of today.
The Elus Cohen is worked in a total of 7 degrees. New degrees are only given when the initiate has fulfilled his work and proven his skill.
The C∴B∴C∴S∴ is the chivalric branch of the martinist tradition, where knighthood meets the martinist doctrine.
The aim of the C∴B∴C∴S∴ is enable the Chevalieres to follow the Imitation of Christ, and adopt a life of moral chivalry as the basis of all spiritual attainment. Furthering the personal work of rebuilding what once was lost, the work of the Knights and the Dames of the order is to manifest the charitable teachings of martinism in the world through beneficent and unselfish deeds.
C∴B∴C∴S∴ is thus the chivalric branch of the martinist tradition, the poor knights of Christ.
The original creator of the C∴B∴C∴S∴, was Jean Baptiste Willermoz (1730 – 1824), close friend and student of Martinez de Pasqually:
When Pasqually died in 1774, the teachings of his master were at risk of being lost, and Willermoz then decided to use a Masonic body as a vehicle for the inner and secret teachings of the Order of Elus Cohens. Willermoz was a pragmatic esoteric scholar and innovator. His work as a freemason is of fundamental impact and erudition, but has been forgotten over the centuries. But he is often viewed as an ardent knight of truth fighting to rectify the decadence of secret societies and the lack of sincere desire for enlightenment within them.
He is credited not only for securing the survival of martinism with the C∴B∴C∴S∴ but was also the original author behind the Rose Croix degree of freemasonry, as it is now known in Scottish rites.
He was an avid archivist in several rites, and held an extensive collection of the original Elus Cohen material, which he treasured above any other: at the age of ninety-two he advised his last student, the Baron of Turkheim to make Pasqually's Treatise his primary and daily study.
These teachings were his to expound upon, as he held the highest degree in the old order of Pasqually, and thus he, in his well known luminous and inspired style, reformed them into a suitable form of chivalric tradition whose aim was the practical application of Martinism in human society.
C∴B∴C∴S∴ was originally intimately connected to the German Masonic rite of the templar order, the Stricte Observance of Baron von Hund, where Willermoz was given the right to reform the degrees to encompass the teachings of his own master.
As the O∴R∴C∴ is a martinist order, we practice a reformed branch of the C∴B∴C∴S∴ based upon the direct teachings and lineages of our predecessors.
The reformed O∴R∴C∴: C∴B∴C∴S∴ is thus absolutely independent of Masonic tradition, or any obedience that uses these knightly degrees or affiliations.
The Order has a total of 7 degrees of work, and one administrative degree. These are divided into three independent classes.
The Order is open to both men and women of good standing, of at least the age of 24, with different initiation rituals for Knights and Dames.
The Secret martinist teachings formerly kept in the class of “Profession”, the 7th and first degree of the old Secret Class, are in the ORC developed into every faculty and degree of the C∴B∴C∴S∴ branch. This ensures that martinist doctrine is prevalent over, and replaces all other symbolic languages, enabling the rite to stand out as a pure martinist chivalric way of reintegration, presented with the words and directions of Willermoz' legacy.
mysticism
, kabbalah
, and martinism
as established by Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, Martinez de Pasqually
and Jean-Baptiste Willermoz
.
As opposed to many contemporary martinist orders, the teachings of the O∴R∴C∴, both current and forthcoming, based directly on the teachings of the former. It is thus transmitted within the framework of Christianity. Nevertheless, the order invites 'all men and women of desire of goodwill, and a belief in a divinity', independent of religious denomination.
These teachings are transmitted from one person to another in an Oratory or a Temple, and all matters of our work is based on a close relationship between teacher and student.
The tradition stems from and incorporates authentic lineages and material from the Elus Cohens, C∴B∴C∴S∴, Ordre Martiniste, and the Russian Martinists and Theorists.
Martinism
Martinism is a form of mystical and esoteric Christianity concerned with the fall of the first man, his state of material privation from his divine source, and the process of his return, called 'Reintegration' or illumination....
established in 2002, on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Elus Cohens of Martinez de Pasqually
Martinez de Pasqually
Jacques de Livron Joachim de la Tour de la Casa Martinez de Pasqually Was a theurgist and theosophist of uncertain origin.He was the founder of the l'Ordre de Chevaliers Maçons Élus Coëns de l'Univers - Commonly referred to as the 'Elus Cohens' in 1761.He was the tutor, initiator and friend of...
.
O∴R∴C∴ is an international Order, with its Grand Lodge in Norway, and jurisdictions in Sweden, Canada, Argentina, Spain, Greece and England.
Organisation
Ordre Reaux Croix distinguishes itself from other contemporary martinist orders, in two ways:Firstly, in that it is specifically dedicated to research, implementation and publication of martinst literature, also of historical relevance in academic circles.
Secondly in that it operates all three previous forms of martinism under one banner, an approach to the tradition previously unknown by esoteric scholars.
The historical research of O∴R∴C∴
Attention is paid to translating and making public the hitherto forgotten works of the Russian martinists, such as the printer and statesman Ivan Vladimirovich LopukhinIvan Vladimirovich Lopukhin
Ivan 'Jean' Vladimirovich Lopukhin was a Russian philosopher, mystic, writer and humanitarian....
and the philanthropist Nikolay Novikov
Nikolay Novikov
Nikolay Ivanovich Novikov was a Russian writer and philanthropist most representative of his country's Enlightenment. Frequently considered to be the first Russian journalist, he aimed at advancing the cultural and educational level of the Russian public....
, who introduced the age of Enlightenment
Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment was an elite cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century Europe that sought to mobilize the power of reason in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted intellectual interchange and opposed intolerance and abuses in church and state...
to Russia.
Apart from being prolific writers and reformers of the late Tsarist regime, their contributions to both literary, scholarly and social developments, with the establishment of printing presses, public schools and hospitals for the poor.
Works of these authors are not readily available in English, but are now placed in the public domain on the webpage of the Order.
The codependancy of the martinist traditions within the O∴R∴C∴
Since the conception of what is commonly referred to as ‘Martinism’, all the original ways that the tradition have been operated, is now gathered and reworked into a single initiatic body, where every branch is codependent on the others.Voie Cardiaque
The mysticism of Saint-Martins, as organized by Papus.Voie Cardiaque – The Way of the Heart is the mystical and contemplative branch of the ORC, from whose roots the two other branches of the Order spring.
This is the inner path
Inner path
Inner path, in its generic meaning, is any sort of path that is "turned inward" or is contrasted with an "outer path".- Spiritual or religious :Inner path, as a spiritual or religious concept, is referred to in:* Spiritual paths...
, working toward the universal Reintegration of mankind.
The teachings of the V.C. are Christian in nature and based directly upon the works of Louis Claude de St Martin, who wrote under the name The Unknown Philosopher. Saint-Martin was born in a noble family in Amboise, France, on the 18th January in 1743. He became one of Martinez de Pasqually's students in the Elus Cohen, and also his close friend and secretary. St Martin was a freemason and an Elus Cohen for many years. He decided to leave both these Orders and the praxis of theurgy, in order to work in a purely mystical way. He began to instruct students in his own teachings, which were mainly influenced by Pasqually's doctrine, but later on also inspired by the writings of the Christian mystic Jacob Boehme. Saint-Martin died on the 13th October, 1803, leaving behind a great number of students spread across Europe, passing on the teachings through the centuries.
The Summit of these teachings is the initiation Saint-Martin describes in this way:
“The only initiation which I advocate and which I look for with all the ardor of my Soul, is that by which we are able to enter into the Heart of God within us, and there make an Indissoluble Marriage, which makes us the Friend, the Brother and Spouse of the Repairer … there is no other way to arrive at this Holy Initiation than for us to delve more and more into the depth of our Soul and to not let go of the prize until we have succeeded in liberating its lively and vivifying origin.”
The pathway to this state of mind is given to the aspirant through a series of degrees, in the manner adopted by Papus at the end of the 19th century.
The O∴R∴C∴ scale of the rituals, have however been reformed, to first purge them of most of the Masonic style, and has incorporated more Christian elements, and older teachings, more specifically from the original doctrine of St Martin, and the Russian legacy he left behind him.
The inner circle of O∴R∴C∴ is continuously writing new material, based upon their studies and experience of attainment. We are very loyal to the teachings and symbolic language of our founding Fathers and the Past Masters, and do not incorporate other branches of esotericism not related to martinism.
Elus Cohens
Pasqually's system, the oldest magical order in history.The O∴R∴C∴: Elus Cohen is the theurgical branch of the order, working with magical ceremonies and doctrines deriving from the founder of the Tradition, Martinez de Pasqually.
The aim of the order is to mend the wounds that Man brought upon himself after falling from grace. Man will retake his former and right position in the celestial hierarchies by the aid of Christ the repairer and redeemer, and the work of theurgical operations. The work is further to reintegrate everything into its former virtues and powers, to the greater glory of our Lord God.
The initiate learns many techniques and methods in this work; among the most important is prayer, invocations of God and his agents and angels, and exorcisms and banishing of the Adversary and his agents.
Martinez de Pasqually was the son of Messier de la Tour de la Case, a French master mason with an inheritable patent, giving him the right to open new lodges. This patent was given to Martinez de Pasqually by his father and was made by the Grandmaster of the Stuart lodge, namely Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
Martinez de Pasqually began to gather members for his new system in 1754, by the founding of the Chapter 'Les Juges Ecoissase' in Montpellier.
In 1765 he received blessings from the French grand lodge for his work, after having informed them that he had opened 5 lodges on his Stuart patent. This recognition made the system legal, and was thus one of the early high degree systems in freemasonry.
The Sovereign sanctuary was formed in 1767, and the years to come until Pasqually's death in 1774, were the golden years of the rite, with lodges in almost all of the larger cities in France.
After the death of its founder the rite slowly disappeared from the initiatory scene, but the activity continued in smaller groups. The seed or lineage of the Order lives on, but does so in other systems, unbroken to this day.
The Elus Cohen of the O∴R∴C∴ was opened at the equinox 250 years after Pasqually started his work by founding the Order. O∴R∴C∴ has kept all the essential parts of the system of the 18th century intact, but has when needed taken necessary measures for its survival in the 21st century with regards to the lives of its initiates of today.
The Elus Cohen is worked in a total of 7 degrees. New degrees are only given when the initiate has fulfilled his work and proven his skill.
Chevalier Bienfaisant de la Cité Sainte
Jean-Baptiste Willermoz' chevalric system.The C∴B∴C∴S∴ is the chivalric branch of the martinist tradition, where knighthood meets the martinist doctrine.
The aim of the C∴B∴C∴S∴ is enable the Chevalieres to follow the Imitation of Christ, and adopt a life of moral chivalry as the basis of all spiritual attainment. Furthering the personal work of rebuilding what once was lost, the work of the Knights and the Dames of the order is to manifest the charitable teachings of martinism in the world through beneficent and unselfish deeds.
C∴B∴C∴S∴ is thus the chivalric branch of the martinist tradition, the poor knights of Christ.
The original creator of the C∴B∴C∴S∴, was Jean Baptiste Willermoz (1730 – 1824), close friend and student of Martinez de Pasqually:
When Pasqually died in 1774, the teachings of his master were at risk of being lost, and Willermoz then decided to use a Masonic body as a vehicle for the inner and secret teachings of the Order of Elus Cohens. Willermoz was a pragmatic esoteric scholar and innovator. His work as a freemason is of fundamental impact and erudition, but has been forgotten over the centuries. But he is often viewed as an ardent knight of truth fighting to rectify the decadence of secret societies and the lack of sincere desire for enlightenment within them.
He is credited not only for securing the survival of martinism with the C∴B∴C∴S∴ but was also the original author behind the Rose Croix degree of freemasonry, as it is now known in Scottish rites.
He was an avid archivist in several rites, and held an extensive collection of the original Elus Cohen material, which he treasured above any other: at the age of ninety-two he advised his last student, the Baron of Turkheim to make Pasqually's Treatise his primary and daily study.
These teachings were his to expound upon, as he held the highest degree in the old order of Pasqually, and thus he, in his well known luminous and inspired style, reformed them into a suitable form of chivalric tradition whose aim was the practical application of Martinism in human society.
C∴B∴C∴S∴ was originally intimately connected to the German Masonic rite of the templar order, the Stricte Observance of Baron von Hund, where Willermoz was given the right to reform the degrees to encompass the teachings of his own master.
As the O∴R∴C∴ is a martinist order, we practice a reformed branch of the C∴B∴C∴S∴ based upon the direct teachings and lineages of our predecessors.
The reformed O∴R∴C∴: C∴B∴C∴S∴ is thus absolutely independent of Masonic tradition, or any obedience that uses these knightly degrees or affiliations.
The Order has a total of 7 degrees of work, and one administrative degree. These are divided into three independent classes.
The Order is open to both men and women of good standing, of at least the age of 24, with different initiation rituals for Knights and Dames.
The Secret martinist teachings formerly kept in the class of “Profession”, the 7th and first degree of the old Secret Class, are in the ORC developed into every faculty and degree of the C∴B∴C∴S∴ branch. This ensures that martinist doctrine is prevalent over, and replaces all other symbolic languages, enabling the rite to stand out as a pure martinist chivalric way of reintegration, presented with the words and directions of Willermoz' legacy.
Teachings
The teachings of the order, is based on three pillars: christianChristianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
mysticism
Mysticism
Mysticism is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, i.e. levels of being, beyond normal human perception, including experience and even communion with a supreme being.-Classical origins:...
, kabbalah
Kabbalah
Kabbalah/Kabala is a discipline and school of thought concerned with the esoteric aspect of Rabbinic Judaism. It was systematized in 11th-13th century Hachmei Provence and Spain, and again after the Expulsion from Spain, in 16th century Ottoman Palestine...
, and martinism
Martinism
Martinism is a form of mystical and esoteric Christianity concerned with the fall of the first man, his state of material privation from his divine source, and the process of his return, called 'Reintegration' or illumination....
as established by Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, Martinez de Pasqually
Martinez de Pasqually
Jacques de Livron Joachim de la Tour de la Casa Martinez de Pasqually Was a theurgist and theosophist of uncertain origin.He was the founder of the l'Ordre de Chevaliers Maçons Élus Coëns de l'Univers - Commonly referred to as the 'Elus Cohens' in 1761.He was the tutor, initiator and friend of...
and Jean-Baptiste Willermoz
Jean-Baptiste Willermoz
Jean-Baptiste Willermoz was a French Freemason and Martinist who played an important role in the establishment of various systems of Masonic high-degrees in his time in both France and Germany-Biography:...
.
As opposed to many contemporary martinist orders, the teachings of the O∴R∴C∴, both current and forthcoming, based directly on the teachings of the former. It is thus transmitted within the framework of Christianity. Nevertheless, the order invites 'all men and women of desire of goodwill, and a belief in a divinity', independent of religious denomination.
These teachings are transmitted from one person to another in an Oratory or a Temple, and all matters of our work is based on a close relationship between teacher and student.
The tradition stems from and incorporates authentic lineages and material from the Elus Cohens, C∴B∴C∴S∴, Ordre Martiniste, and the Russian Martinists and Theorists.
See also
- MartinismMartinismMartinism is a form of mystical and esoteric Christianity concerned with the fall of the first man, his state of material privation from his divine source, and the process of his return, called 'Reintegration' or illumination....
- Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin
- Martinez de PasquallyMartinez de PasquallyJacques de Livron Joachim de la Tour de la Casa Martinez de Pasqually Was a theurgist and theosophist of uncertain origin.He was the founder of the l'Ordre de Chevaliers Maçons Élus Coëns de l'Univers - Commonly referred to as the 'Elus Cohens' in 1761.He was the tutor, initiator and friend of...
- Jean-Baptiste WillermozJean-Baptiste WillermozJean-Baptiste Willermoz was a French Freemason and Martinist who played an important role in the establishment of various systems of Masonic high-degrees in his time in both France and Germany-Biography:...