Martinism

Martinism is an esoteric and mystic form of Christianity, having influences such as Freemasonry and Kabbalah. Wikipedia claims that "Martinism is still growing in popularity, and with the advent of the Internet, many new orders and online groups expressing an interest in Martinism have emerged worldwide".

History

It was established around 1740 in France by Martinez de Pasqually. The term Martinism applies to both this particular doctrine and the teachings of the reorganized "Martinist Order" founded in 1886 by Augustin Chaboseau and Gérard Encausse. There have also been many other Martinist orders.

Martinism is a term applied to a syncretic esoteric tendency, which developed around the teachings of 18th century personalities such as Martinez de Pasqually and Louis Claude de Saint-Martin, taking its name from the latter. At its height, Martinism was particularly popular in the esoteric circles of France and Russia. Like the Rosicrucians, the Martinists claimed to be specifically "Christian" in disposition, though they borrowed heavily from the Kabbalah, Hermeticism and alchemy.

Some have attempted to portray them in the late 19th century as proto-fascistic because of the development of the concept of synarchy by Alexandre Saint-Yves d'Alveydre, as a kind of corporatist alternative to anarchy. To some extent during the time of Papus, they leaned towards conservative politics, as he was an adviser to Nicholas II of Russia. In addition to this, d'Alveydre had been connected through family to Napoleon III of France. Unlike in Germany with the movement of Ariosophy Martinism didn't have a "völkisch" aspect.