True knowledge of Martinism can only be gained through initiatic experience, mentorship, and participation in the Order. However, before beginning your journey, we recommend a period of study and discernment to determine whether or not Martinism is “right” for you. To this end, we recommend the following works, some of which are published by Rose Circle Books, which is the official publishing partner of the Martinist Order of America.
Louis Claude de Saint-Martin
The vast majority of Martinist orders, including M∴O∴A∴, are descended from, and most highly influenced by, the works of Louis Claude de Saint-Martin. We consider his works to be the highest priority of study for those wishing to learn about Martinism.
- Aphorisms and Maxims
- Man: His True Nature and Ministry
- The Spiritual Ministry of Man, or The Ministry of the Spirit-Man
- Ten Prayers
- The Natural Table
- The Red Book
- Theosophic Correspondence
- Of Errors & Truth, or Man Restored to the Universal Principle of Knowledge
Gérard Encausse (Papus)
Physician, magician, bishop, and Freemason, Gérard Encausse, better known as Papus, is who we have to thank for Martinism’s present-day existence. Together with Augustin Chaboseau, he established the Ordre Martiniste, from which all regular present-day Martinist orders descend.
Gérard Encausse (Papus) & Louis Claude de Saint-Martin
The Numerical Theosophy of Saint-Martin & Papus is a publication of two separate works: The Science of Numbers by Papus and On Numbers by Louis Claude de Saint-Martin.
Robert Ambelain
Ambelain’s work fundamentally changed Martinist tradition, and provided a rich ritualistic framework which most Martinist Orders enjoy to this day. While some of his works have been translated into English, there is no copyright agreement in place, so regrettably these can still only be read in the original French. For those who can read French, some of his most relevant works include:
A major proponent of Ambelain’s work and prolific author in his own right on spiritual matters is Serge Caillet. His blog can be found here: https://sergecaillet.blogspot.com/
Rémi Boyer
Another notable French occultist and spiritual leader is Rémi Boyer, who has followed the Martinist path among others for most of his life. Indeed, he is closely linked with some English members of the Martinist Tradition. Due to a special agreement with Rose Circle Books (the publishing arm of M∴O∴A∴), he is making key books available to us over the coming years. He has written profoundly spiritual books on Masonry, Martinism, Rose Croix and the CBCS. The first, on Masonry, is already out:
A. E. Waite
Arthur Edward Waite was a renowned mystic who wrote extensively on many matters that Martinists may find interest in. He is best known for co-creating the classic Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot with Pamela Colman Smith.
Other Authors
We also highly recommend the following works:
- The Science of the Kabbalah (Lazare Lenain)
- Access to Western Esotericism (Antoine Faivre)
- Brother of the Third Degree (Wil Garver)
- Dreamers of Decadence (Phillipe Jullian)
- Eliphas Levi and the French Occult Revival (Christopher McIntosh)
- History and Doctrine of the Rose-Croix (Paul Sedir)
- Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition (Richard Smoley)
- Meditations on the Tarot (Anonymous)
- Numbers and Letters (Margaret Peeke)
- The Rosicrucian Enlightenment (Francis Yates)
- The Rosicrucians (Christopher McIntosh)
- Six Theosophic Points (Jacob Boehme)
- Theurgy – The Art of Effective Worship (Mouni Sadhu)
- Zanoni (Edward Bulwer-Lytton)