Born Gérard Encausse, better known by the pseudonym Papus, he embodies one of the most remarkable figures of French occultism at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Both a physician, prolific writer, and spiritual master, he marked his era with his bold approach, seeking to unite science, medicine, and the esoteric. But who was this man of many faces really? How did he shape the esoteric thought of his time, and what legacy did he leave behind? This portrait aims to revisit the life of this extraordinary character, at the crossroads between science and mysticism.
The Youth of Gérard Encausse
Gérard Anaclet Vincent Encausse was born on July 13, 1865, in La Coruña, Spain. His father, a chemist of French origin, and his Spanish mother, provided their son with a multicultural education. At a very young age, the family moved to Paris, where Gérard grew up in a European capital in full effervescence, marked by the scientific, intellectual, and spiritual revolutions of the time. Paris, with its occult circles and literary salons, quickly became the fertile ground where his first esoteric curiosities flourished.
From his adolescence, Gérard showed a keen interest in sciences and the invisible. Fascinated by the writings of figures like Paracelsus and Eliphas Lévi, he explored the mysteries of Kabbalah, theurgy, and alchemy. Alongside his occult passions, he undertook medical studies at the Paris School of Medicine. It was there that he began to understand the complex relationship between body, mind, and soul, a quest that would mark his future work. It was also during this period that he adopted the pseudonym Papus, a name taken from a healing spirit mentioned in an ancient Neoplatonic treatise.
A Medical and Esoteric Career
Graduating in medicine in 1894, Papus distinguished himself by his desire to reconcile his medical knowledge with his occult practices. As a physician, he was interested in alternative medicines and holistic practices, aiming to reconcile modern health theories with mystical traditions. He was convinced that a person cannot be properly healed without understanding the spiritual essence within. His practice, which he opened in the 9th arrondissement, became a consultation place where he sought to heal not only the body but also the mind, applying his medical knowledge to methods such as massages and fumigations.
Papus thus became a true scholar of sacred texts and mystical doctrines, immersing himself in the esoteric teachings of ancient Egypt, Greece, Persia, and the East, as well as Theosophy and alchemy, under the guidance of his mentor Eliphas Lévi.
Transmission as a Mission
Passionate about passing on his knowledge, he founded in 1889 the magazine L'Initiation, a publication dedicated to occult sciences and esoteric philosophies. This magazine played a major role in spreading occultism at a time when these practices were still largely marginalized. L'Initiation attracted a wide circle of initiates, but also curious people eager to understand these mystical disciplines. Through his writings and lectures, Papus became one of the main popularizers of esoteric thought in France.
The Creation of the Martinist Order
In 1884, Papus took a major step in his initiatory journey by co-founding with Augustin Chaboseau the Martinist Order, a secret esoteric society based on the teachings of Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, an 18th-century French mystic. Martinism, as reinterpreted by Papus, is an initiatory tradition seeking to restore the lost harmony between man and the divine. In this quest, man must rediscover his original spiritual nature by rising above material limitations and the illusions of daily life.
Papus saw in Martinism a reconciliation between science and esotericism, two fields he considered complementary. For him, science must be enriched by a spiritual dimension, and occultism must be studied with the same rigor as any other scientific discipline. One of Martinism’s fundamental goals is to unite modern rational thought with the eternal truths of mystical wisdom. Under his leadership, the Martinist Order quickly spread throughout France and then Europe, attracting many intellectuals, doctors, and mystics. The magazine he created earlier became the official publication of the Martinist Order.
And His Affiliation with Numerous Organizations
Throughout his life, Papus was involved in many initiatory organizations. In 1887, he joined the Theosophical Society founded by Helena Blavatsky (American-Russian occultist). The following year, he became a member of the Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Cross. Later, he affiliated with the Gnostic Church of France founded by Jules Doinel, and in 1895, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. He also entered Freemasonry, where he was elected Grand Master in 1901. Papus continued to expand his affiliations, joining the Rite of Memphis-Misraïm in 1908 as well as the Ordo Templi Orientis. However, his relations with some so-called "regular" Masonic lodges were sometimes tense.
Moreover, Papus founded in December 1889 the Independent Group of Esoteric Studies (GIEE), which organized research, courses, and lectures on various aspects of Western esotericism. This group later became the external structure of the Martinist Order and took the name Free Faculty of Hermetic Sciences in 1897. The teachings were rich and varied, with about a dozen monthly courses covering subjects such as Kabbalah, alchemy, divinatory tarot, as well as the history of Hermetic philosophy.
The Impact of the First World War
At the age of 49, Papus enlisted as a military doctor, putting aside his work in secret societies and his role as a spiritual leader to fully dedicate himself to caring for wounded soldiers. His experience as a physician, gained through years of practice, allowed him to provide valuable assistance to field hospitals.
In the chaos of the trenches and makeshift hospitals, Papus stood out for his unwavering dedication to the soldiers. He showed rare energy, providing both physical and moral care to those suffering from the horrors of war. His knowledge of conventional medicine, combined with his interest in alternative medicines and spirituality, made him a beloved doctor among the troops, who saw in him a benevolent and soothing figure. Faithful to his holistic vision of medicine, Papus strove to heal not only the wounded bodies but also the minds tormented by the violence of the conflict.
Throughout his military service, Papus continued to correspond with his disciples and support the esoteric societies he had founded. Despite the atrocity of the war, he remained convinced that spiritual elevation was possible even in times of crisis, encouraging his peers to persevere in their spiritual practices. However, the war severely strained his already fragile health. The physical and psychological exhaustion from long days spent caring for soldiers, coupled with the harsh conditions at the front, gradually weakened his strength.
His Death and Legacy
In October 1916, exhausted by his relentless efforts and weakened by persistent health problems, Papus contracted tuberculosis, a common disease at the time. He died on October 25, 1916, in Paris, leaving behind a huge void in the esoteric world.
Papus’s death marked the end of an era for French occultism. However, his influence endured long after his passing. As the founder of the Martinist Order (which still exists today), prolific author, and teacher of occult sciences, he left a spiritual legacy of considerable magnitude.
His grave is located in the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, in the 93rd division, under the name Encausse Family Tomb, on which is engraved:
Here rests
Gérard Encausse
"Papus"
physician philosopher writer
grand master of the Martinist Order
disincarnated
October 23, 1916
at the age of 51
Every year, a tribute is paid on site by the Circle of Friends of Papus.
The Major Works of Papus
As mentioned above, Papus was a very prolific writer, and it would be difficult to list all his writings. Here are those considered the most symbolic of his work.
Methodical Treatise of Practical Magic (1891)
Among his most important writings, the Methodical Treatise of Practical Magic (1891) is considered an essential reference. This book, a true compendium of esoteric knowledge, explores in depth subjects such as Kabbalah, magic, alchemy, and astrology. His methodical, almost scientific approach allowed Papus to popularize complex mystical concepts, making them accessible to a wider audience than traditional esoteric circles. It is an ambitious attempt to synthesize esotericism into a coherent system, adapted to the modern spirit of the time.
Kabbalah (1903)
Another key work is Kabbalah (1903), where Papus presents this Jewish esoteric tradition from a philosophical and symbolic perspective. He breaks down the mystical and numerological aspects of Kabbalah to show how they fit into a broader framework of understanding the universe and man. This book highlights his talent for clarifying sometimes abstract mystical concepts while preserving their spiritual depth.
The Tarot of the Bohemians (1889)
Papus examines the symbolism of the tarot, particularly its connection with Kabbalah and Hermetic mysteries. This book is considered a reference for those interested in the esoteric interpretation of tarot, which he viewed as a tool for divination but also for deep knowledge of the cosmos.
The Science of the Magi (1900)
In this work, Papus deepens the study of magic and Christian mysticism. It is a reflection on the sacred science of the magi, where he proposes a method to understand the hidden mysteries of the universe through magic and spirituality.
