Éliphas

Éliphas is a French esotericist, occultist, and ceremonial magician who lived from 1809 to 1886. His birth name was Alphonse Louis Constant. He is widely considered one of the most influential figures in the revival of occultism in the 19th century. Éliphas was a prolific writer, publishing numerous books on magic, kabbalah, and divination. His most famous works include "The Dogma and Ritual of High Magic" and "The Key of the Mysteries."

Éliphas's teachings synthesized various esoteric traditions, including Kabbalah, Hermeticism, and tarot. He emphasized the importance of intellectual understanding, spiritual discipline, and the belief in a universal divine order. He introduced a systematic approach to magic, often referred to as ceremonial magic, which involved specific rituals, incantations, and the use of symbolic tools. His work aimed to reconcile magic with science and reason, presenting it as a legitimate field of study.

His influence extended beyond his written works. Éliphas lectured widely and attracted a significant following of students and practitioners. He is credited with popularizing the term "occultism" and shaping its modern interpretation. While some of his contemporaries viewed his work with skepticism, Éliphas's ideas laid the groundwork for many subsequent occult movements and continue to be studied and debated by scholars and practitioners of esotericism. He remains a key figure in understanding the history of Western occult traditions.