The Life and Legacy of Gérard Encausse: The Occultist Known as Papus
Gérard Encausse, popularly known by his pseudonym “Papus,” was a Spanish-born French physician, hypnotist, and popularizer of occultism in the late 19th and early 20th century. His significant influence on modern occultism and esoteric current remains evident today. In this in-depth exploration of Papus’ life, we will delve into his background, early life, notable achievements, and the myths and legends that surround this enigmatic figure.
Early Life and Background
Born on 13 July 1865 in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain to a Spanish mother and a French father, Gérard Encausse’s family moved to Paris when he was four years old. He received his education in France, where his fascination with the occult began. As a young man, he frequented the Bibliothèque Nationale, where he studied Kabbalah, occult tarot, magic, alchemy, and the writings of Eliphas Lévi. In the 1880s, he briefly joined the French Theosophical Society but left soon after due to his distaste for the organization’s emphasis on Eastern occultism.
Influences, Myths, and Origins
Papus took his pseudonym from Lévi’s “Nuctemeron of Apollonius of Tyana” and was inspired by the teachings of Éliphas Lévi (1810-1875), a well-known French occult author and ceremonial magician. The name “Papus” means “physician” and originates from the Nuctemeron’s list of genii who assisted Apollonius of Tyana.
Although Papus claimed Anthelme Nizier Philippe, also known as “le Maitre Philippe” (1849-1905), as his spiritual master, his first intellectual teacher in occultism was Marquis Joseph Alexandre Saint-Yves d’Alveydre (1842-1910). In 1888, Encausse and Stanislas de Guaita (1861-1897) founded the Rosicrucian Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Cross.
Papus’ life took another mystical turn in 1891 when he claimed to have acquired the original papers of Martinez de Pasqually (c. 1700-1774), founder of the Order of the Elect Cohen. Consequently, Papus created the Ordre des Supérieurs Inconnus, a Martinist order that drew inspiration from the teachings of Pasqually, Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, and Jakob Böhme.
Esoteric Impact and Contributions
As a prolific writer, Papus authored numerous enchanting works on subjects including tarot, Kabbalah, occultism, and magic such as:
- L’Occultisme Contemporain, 1887
- Le Tarot des Bohémiens, 1889
- L’Occultisme, 1890
- Traité méthodique de Science Occulte, 1891
- La Science Des Mages, 1892
- Anarchie, Indolence et Synarchie, 1894
- Le Diable et l’Occultisme, 1895
- Traité Élémentaire de Science Occulte, 1896
- Le Reincarnation, 1904
- La Cabbale, 1903
Papus’ most notable contribution to modern occultism was his role in popularizing the Tarot as a tool for divination and self-discovery. He believed that through studying the tarot’s symbolism and esoteric meanings, one could gain a deeper understanding of the universe and oneself.
Legacy and Influence
Papus’ influence on modern occultism was significant, as he not only popularized various concepts but also mentored some of the most well-known occultists of his time. These include Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), who studied under Papus for several months, and René Guénon (1886-1951), who also attended Papus’ lectures. Papus’ works continue to inspire contemporary esoteric authors, practitioners, and students worldwide.
Today, several organizations follow in the footsteps of Papus and his teachings, including the Martinist Order of Unknown Philosophers founded by Tederic Leidenfrost in 1931, and the Papusian Order of the Martinist Reintegration founded by Robert Ambelain in 1947. The legacy of this enigmatic occultist lives on, as his contributions to modern esoteric thought continue to be studied and revered by many.
Frater OD’s Analysis of Papus
Papus’s writings are a brilliant codex to understanding the underpinnings and foundation of the Hermetic Current in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Papus, along with other French writers, provides an expansive look at a much older and developed current on the continent. So much of what modern occultism draws upon English writers and the Golden Dawn current, which left out great swaths of content in creating the system that was inevitably passed down.
The study of Papus and other continental occultists in the late 1800’s has dramatically illuminated my worldview and given me fresh insight into what the occult world was like at the turn of the century. Examining the world the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn emerged from has been a pivotal part of my development as a magician.
The key thing to consider when reading Papus is to do your absolutely best not to view him from the modern lens. We find occult authors from the past becoming totally overlooked and their value discarded due to their political stance or, in the case of Papus, racial theories, which have come under fire. John Michael Greer and Mark Anthony Mikituk do an excellent job in the Elementary Treatise of Occult Science translation of Papus’s seminal work to describe the manner in which that era of occultists viewed the world. Despite Papus’ apparent incompatibility with our modern worldview, I have found a large treasure store of value in his writings and suggest you give it a good thorough, unbiased read.
Conclusion
Gérard Encausse’s life was filled with mystery, magic, and mysticism. His passion for occultism and thirst for knowledge led him on a journey that would shape the course of modern esoteric thought. As we continue to study his works, we honor his legacy and keep his spirit alive, allowing Papus’ teachings to guide us on our own personal journeys of self-discovery and spiritual growth. So, let us remember this enigmatic figure and his contributions to the world of occultism with reverence, for he truly was a pioneer who paved the way for generations to come. Let us continue to explore the mysteries of the universe and ourselves, inspired by Papus’ unwavering curiosity and dedication to uncovering hidden truths. The life and legacy of Gérard Encausse will continue to intrigue and fascinate those who seek knowledge and wisdom in the realm of the occult. As Papus himself once said, “The Occult Sciences are not a game; their study demands an above-average intellect and more than common zeal.” Let us honor his words by continuing to delve into the depths of esoteric knowledge, guided by the light that Papus has left behind for us. And so, the story of Papus and his contributions to occultism will continue to be told, inspiring generations to come. So, let us raise our glasses to this enigmatic figure and toast his eternal legacy in the world of esoteric thought.
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