For potential members of the Fellowship of Martinist Philosophers to get an overall feel for the specific work they would be doing within our Order, we here present an outline of our curriculum with a general explanation of our studies and practices at every degree level. Each student will be assigned a Mentor, and it must be understood that while we do use a basic universal curriculum, each Mentor must mold these studies according to the needs and the aptitude of each individual. Doing so will ensure that each member’s experience will be somewhat unique, and that the Martinist Egregore will continue to grow as a living, breathing entity instead of a stagnant tradition that resists any necessary changes.
The leaders of our Fellowship believe that adopting a malleable and fluidic structure will cement our members together in a spirit of friendship that is willing to learn from each other without breaking under the weight of a rigid structure that won’t allow for adaptation when challenges present themselves. With that said, we wish our petitioners to have a very clear idea of what kinds of things they are getting into if they are serious about approaching our Order of Martinism. This introduction to the Fellowship curriculum will give an honest look into the basic work that each degree asks of its initiates.
In the FMP, we introduce new members to our program via a 0 degree, termed “Aspirant”. At this level, we lay a firm foundation of the basics of esoteric theory and practice. Aspirants will be taught how to arrange their own personal Altar, Prayer Corner, or Oratory. This is an important process that allows for some creativity on the student’s part, as they will design a basic sacred space that exists on the Physical plane. This space will then be a focal point that introduces spiritual energy through prayer and meditation. It is your special retreat from the mundane world and should be kept clean and treated with respect.
Aspirants will also learn about concepts such as the Principle of Correspondence, which will come into play almost immediately in their practice. Learning how sets of mystical associations fit together and why they influence each other will be an important tool for our work. Building on this concept, the Aspirant will learn to understand the metaphysical mechanics behind ritual and ceremonial initiations as well. Forming clear intentional Thoughts that lead to direct and purposeful Words, coupled with meaningful Actions, will manifest the Will and the intent with a spiritual charge that is so much more effective than a haphazard expression. Learning how to engineer the manifestation of your expressions will become important with everything you do, and this can result in purposeful living and attainable goals.
To do all this, however, requires Self-Knowledge. All spiritual progress necessitates introspection, honesty, patience, and a willingness to sacrifice the parts of ourselves that serve no productive purpose. This also requires bravery and the strength to confront our fears.
In order to progress to the next step, where the real Martinist journey begins, one must present an assessment of their current spiritual quest and demonstrate an understanding of basic symbolism.
The first degree proper, termed “Associate”, introduces the candidate to the Vices and Virtues of the Elements of Personality, which will become a main part of the required work that will come soon after. Then, the subtle influences of Thought, Speech, and Action are explained. The eternal value of Symbolism and Perennial Wisdom is emphasized as well. The new Associate is then presented with important pieces of Regalia that will set a theme for their understanding from here on.
In the training that comes after the degree, the Associate must begin a Journal of some sort to begin recording their work and its results. The first practice that is required is to replace the Oratory Prayers learned in the Aspirant degree with a much more simple Mantra Meditation. This requires a few minutes of daily attention and no Altar or Regalia is necessary. Instead, emphasis is placed on regularity and consistency. When a good rhythm is reached, the meditation will become even more effective. This practice is very strongly suggested to be done at all degrees of Martinist membership.
A special section of personal work is then required to understand and transmute the Elemental Self. This includes Breathwork, Meditations, approaching the Elemental energies, and specific contemplations of the Body (Earth), Emotions (Water), Intellect (Air), and Will (Fire). One must be willing to dissect the Self, make sacrifices, and reorient perspectives.
After the previous work is done, the Associate will have earned their entrance into the 2nd degree of “Initiate”. In this degree, the Initiate is introduced to emblems of the Archetypal Temple and encouraged to harmonize their inner polarities as a principle of balance unto the Laws of Nature. The symbolism of Reflection is then reinforced yet again, and the concept of Reconciliation is stressed. The Initiate is then awarded their next Regalia, and a solemn rite of Spiritual Chivalry closes out the ceremony.
Within the personal work of the 2nd degree curriculum, the Initiate undergoes what we call the “Silver Work”. This part of the program deals with the Lunar aspects of the Lower Self, and necessitates an understanding of the deeper aspects to master. In the Silver Work we begin by investigating our Dreams; recording them, understanding the emotions they might bring, and the symbolism that appears.
As the Archangel Gavriel rules both the Element of Water and the classical Planetary force of the Moon, it would be very appropriate to work with these parts of our Hidden Selves by invoking Gavriel before sleeping. Here we can ask for the blessing of clarity and the guidance of understanding the mystery of the depths of our soul.
After some time is spent focusing on Dream work, we then approach exercises with Memory. Exploring this side of our Consciousness can help with developing healthy habits that relate to our Lower Intellect that resides under the Lunar rulership. This deals with how we process information, and we have an opportunity to organize ourselves better. An important exercise at this stage is to employ the “Daily Backward Recall”, where your evening ends with an attempt to recall the day’s events in reverse. At this point it is also recommended to memorize a brief prayer if you have not already done so, such as the Lord’s Prayer or the Hail Mary.
Understanding the faculties of Instinct and Intuition is also a worthwhile exercise here, and will widen the scope of your inner awareness. An outline of the Lunar Phases is also given, which is our first official attempt to harmonize our inner lives with the Celestial Bodies. Doing this gives us a sense of timing using the principle of Correspondence, as each Phase of the Moon has specific meaning and advantages.
We then end the Silver Work in some basic Esoteric Psychology using some “Shadow Work” self-assessments. Taking note of daily inner encounters with Regret, Trust Issues, Self-Talk, Failure, Boundaries, Avoidance, Vulnerabilities, etc, will reveal much about ourselves if we are continuing to be honest about our self-reflection. Many of these things are difficult and deep-seated issues for many people, but exploring our habitual perceptions and seeing how we treat ourselves is important work that must be done before moving further.
Dealing with these issues within a Mystical Order leads us to being able to identify exactly how we contextualize our prayers and petitions. Knowing what we must work on will inform our invocations when we approach the Divine and the Celestial forces according to our current needs and focus. This process must not be rushed or glossed over. Work with your mentor to keep on task in the time you spend doing this work.
The 2nd degree Initiate, having plumbed the inner depths of the Self, now approaches the pinnacle of the Martinist system; the 3rd degree, titled “Supèrieur Inconnu” in its original French translation. This is commonly abbreviated as the “S:::I:::” degree, and is easily referred to in English as the degree of the “Unknown Superior”.
The S:::I::: degree is often also referred to as a “Culmination” degree. It is the crowning of the work you have already been doing so far, even though it comes with its own set of work that we prescribe in the Fellowship of Martinist Philosophers. In this degree, we declare the right for each individual to pursue the liberty of the Divine Will which uncovers the Christ within, among many other inherent Virtues of Martinist symbolism. The importance of the principle of Unity is described in detail, and we emphasize why this is the goal of every Mystic.
A lecture is then presented on the symbolism of Sacred Names and their interpretation in a Martinist context is offered. A final set of Regalia is bestowed upon the new S:::I::: Martinist, and the traditional “transmission” is given. This is a solemn ceremonial action that links you back to your Initiator, and from them to their own Initiators that came beforehand. Up until this point you have worked within the Egregore of the Martinist Order and are now formally solidified as a link in the Mystic Chain, a living manifestation of our tradition that stretches back to our Fraternal Ancestors and beyond.
In all truth, this is a serious responsibility to uphold the tradition, to eventually pass on your knowledge, and to form this knowledge into practical spiritual Wisdom. But by this time, you will have been duly and truly prepared for this responsibility, properly educated according to some extent of Self-Knowledge and Sacred work. At this point you will have truly earned the right to your new title and to join the ranks of all those who came directly before you.
A final Consecration is given, and a charge to be a steward of the Martinist line of tradition is marked upon you. You will have earned these badges of merit with pride in all you have accomplished.
As for the studies of an S:::I::: Martinist, the FMP offers a start on the path through the Solar Work of the integration of the Higher Self with what we call the “Golden Work”. This completes the work of Esoteric Psychology that began with the Silver Work in the preceding degree, and focuses the goals of Self-Realization and Self-Actualization into a Mystical context. The entire idea has been to strip away the false personality and reveal the Divine core of our true identity.
This part of the work allows us to clarify our Self-Image, to re-evaluate our personal Value and Purpose, embrace our challenges with a newfound sense of Strength, and renew our talents and passions. Focusing these aspects towards our spirituality will eventually allow for less and less struggle as we embrace Universal momentum and a more fulfilled life experience. In turn, this brings us to individual wholeness and mystical alignment with Divine Will.
Among the recommended reading list at this point is of course the work of Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin. An optional practice that remains is to align ourselves with Planetary forces through another program that uses Daily Planetary timing to approach the 7 Archangels.
The Light Aura Ritual is also available for each S:::I::: to continue to experiment with, and may be referred to as, for all intents and purposes, Martinist Yoga. It synthesizes Energy Work and the use of Breathwork, Visualization, and the chanting of Divine Names.
As for the work that may be done within a group at regular Business Meetings of a local Martinist Lodge, there are a good deal of Extra-Curricular and Group workings with which to engage. These may include the open discussion or study of Martinist symbolism, the Lunar and Solar Adorations, Seasonal Rituals such as Solstice and Equinox Ceremonies, Healing Prayers for those in need, Psalms and scripture readings, Angelic operations, or even Devotional work for the Patron Saint of the Fellowship of Martinist Philosophers; Saint Michael the Archangel.
Each local group may have different interests and may wish to focus on a particular theme of work that suits the Lodge differently than others. It is important to voice your interests to your local Venerable Master and the Lodge Officers to discuss options for group ceremonies to supplement your solo work at home, as long as these things don’t interrupt your progress or distract you from the goals of your personal program. Lodge work can be very fulfilling and often very engaging for the membership. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. When Lodge degrees must be conferred, speak to your Venerable Master about taking a role in the Initiations if possible. Becoming active in your group and playing a part in the initiatory experiences of others can become a very valuable part of the growth of the Lodge.
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