Candidate Screening

Before one decides to contact the Martinist Fellowship to inquire about a possible local presence or to submit a Petition to one of our Lodges, it is expected that each section of this website be reviewed thoroughly.

In addition, the following points must be understood before considering potential membership:

The FMP is a Spiritual Order, not a social club: As an order that seeks to explore the esoteric philosophies found under the umbrella term of “Martinism,” our society actively engages with the practices that define us as Initiates, and also puts our studies and symbols into action. We expect our members to value this type of interaction and to contribute their unique perspectives to the work, so that Martinism continues to be a living, breathing tradition, instead of one stuck in its ways, unwilling to change or evolve.

Concerning Favoritism: We are not a Masonic Body; nor do we require or favor Masonic membership of any kind over anyone else without fraternal or esoteric affiliations.

All-Inclusive Fellowship: The FMP accepts all genders on an equal basis with no discrimination, so all applicants must be comfortable with the fact that we are a Fellowship and not a Fraternity, an all-inclusive initiatic order. Moral and Spiritual development has no earthly prerequisite. This goes for candidates from all backgrounds, lifestyles, political stances, etc. And, while we do accept non-Christian faiths, all we ask is that each member be open-minded enough to engage with the current of Christian Mysticism and Trinitarian symbolism as a facet of the Perennial Tradition and the broader scope of Non-Dualism

Mentoring: While the FMP encourages local Lodge work and extracurricular group operations and seasonal/holiday celebrations, new members will be assigned a Mentor to introduce our flavor of the Martinist system and to act as a guide through the curriculum. This is a key part of educating each of our members and assessing their progress, and in this manner it ensures that the Martinist tradition is passed in the most effective way.

Advancement: The FMP prefers to pace Initiations at least around a year between degrees, depending on your local Lodge. Our curriculum will take time to work through effectively, and advancement is assessed by the assigned Mentor and the Lodge Master. Our stance on this is firm: “The Initiate will not value what they do not earn.”

Fees or Dues Payments: There is no monetary exchange for the Initiations, nor do we charge membership dues. Small donations may be requested on a voluntary basis to cover minimum overhead costs such as venue rental, but this is never a requirement.

Regalia: The acquisition of the required regalia for each degree is minimal, but it is the responsibility of the candidate. Affordable options can be provided via convenient online shopping, and if the candidate requires financial accommodation, the Officers of the Lodge may assist you upon request.

Secrecy and Discretion: We do not usually reveal ourselves as Martinists to those outside of the Fellowship unless they present themselves as a strong candidate with a sincere desire to study and practice with an esoteric order. Ideally, we prefer most of our members not to reveal their Martinist affiliations to anyone at all until they receive their higher degrees, and then only unto fellow members and possibly potential candidates. The FMP actively discourages any open display of their membership, especially in the environment of parallel Initiatic Orders.

Spiritual Work and Sacred Space: According to each Degree, our Curriculum includes weekly and monthly Meditations and minimal Ritual. We strongly encourage new members to set up a Prayer Corner or at least use a suitable private space that may function as a temporary Altar or Sacred Space. The personal exercises necessitate uninterrupted privacy for a brief retreat from the activity of the outside world. If this cannot be arranged to any reasonable degree, unfortunately, it is likely that our system may not be a good fit for you.

Personal Work and Initiation: Outside of the Martinist degrees themselves, the work we do within open Lodge is mostly secondary compared to the work done at home. This is ideal for long-distance members, but the Initiations themselves MUST be done in person. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. Any order claiming to offer remote Initiation should be wholly avoided and branded as a scam.

Preparation: Before each Degree conferral or any special Seasonal Operation, we strongly recommend that each participant observe a three-day period of contemplative Mindfulness, a brief period of Meditation, sexual abstinence, moderate food intake, ample hydration, and healthy sleep as much as reasonably possible. This type of moderation prepares the Physical Body, Subtle Bodies, and Mental state towards a necessary balance for a proper receptivity in the process of Initiation.

Self-Sufficiency: The Fellowship of Martinist Philosophers, honoring the arrangement of the 3 main degrees by the founder of the original Martinist Order, Gérard Encausse, is a complete system unto itself. It relies on no further "Inner Orders," parallel organizations, or separate affiliations whatsoever to accomplish its goals. The FMP is not a "stepping stone" to other groups of any kind.

Focus: Furthermore, candidates or members who appear to be overly concerned with a fast-tracked advancement or with groups such as the Elus Coen etc, will be reminded that we consider this as a sign of questionable motives and an unwillingness to put forth the time and effort to observe patience and humility like those who have come before them. It is also worth mentioning that in some esoteric circles, asking for admission to invitational groups is an immediate and permanent disqualification.

If these terms are deemed unreasonable by any applicant, the Fellowship of Martinist Philosophers will not accept the petition. If at this point you are still interested in learning more about how to Petition, you are welcome to send us an email through the link in our Contact page to ask about any FMP presence near your location.