Papus

Papus was the pen name of Gérard Anaclet Vincent Encausse (1865–1916), a French physician and influential occultist who played a central role in the development of modern Western esotericism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He pursued a medical career in Paris but devoted much of his life to studying and teaching occult and mystic traditions.

In the occult revival, Papus helped revive and organize Martinism in its modern form. He promoted a synthesis of Christian mysticism, Hermeticism, and elements of Kabbalah and ceremonial magic, and he was active in establishing networks, lodges, and study circles across France and Europe. His efforts contributed to the spread of Martinist ideas beyond their 18th-century origins and connected them with broader occult and esoteric movements of the period.

Papus was a prolific writer and editor, producing numerous works and articles on topics such as Kabbalah, Tarot, astrology, and magic. His writings sought to systematize esoteric knowledge and present accessible introductions to complex subjects, helping to popularize these themes among a growing European audience. Through his journals and collaborations with other occultists, he helped shape the discourse of Western esotericism during his era.

His influence extended beyond his lifetime, contributing to the institutional and literary foundations of modern occultism. Papus remains a reference point for studies of Martinism and the broader historical currents that bridged mysticism, ritual practice, and speculative philosophy in early 20th-century Europe.