Joséphin Péladan (1858 – 1918) created a programme for esoteric self-initiation centred upon Rosicrucian spirituality and Platonic philosophy, with aesthetics as a framework for self-actualisation.

He is remembered as an eccentric author of the French Occult Revival, but his occult curriculum has never before been made widely available to an English speaking audience.

In this groundbreaking course, leading Péladan scholar and professional artist Dr Sasha Chaitow presents the first Neophyte level of Péladan’s system for self-initiation, attached to his Order of the Rose+Croix of the Temple and the Grail.

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The course distils the teachings in a guided workshop format, with both lectures and (optional) practices.

• It is ideal for scholars of Western Esotericism, as the complex philosophy is explained clearly and authoritatively, with extensive references offered.

• It is equally aimed at practitioners who wish to proceed with the initiatory process, as Dr Chaitow provides translations and guidance on the process Péladan prescribes.

• Finally, the course welcomes artists who want to undergo a supported process of transformation which places creativity at its centre, as artistic practice was sacred to Péladan.

Regardless of background, everyone who joins will be part of an historic moment: the lived revival of a powerful mystical rite which was almost lost forever.

Resources provided

• Recorded lectures

• Excerpts from Péladan’s texts in English

• Excerpts from Péladan’s source materials

• Further reading lists

• Scholarly articles and extra videos with context and insight into Péladan’s thought

• A dedicated chat channel for further discussion

Detailed Syllabus

Péladan’s initiatory programme is based loosely on 3+1 degrees, subdivided into multiple stages. The goal is self-discovery, self-mastery, and perfection of the soul according to one’s allotted talents and traits.

Important note: These are not degrees in the sense of a structured initiatory order. Péladan did not believe in that form of esoteric organisation.

They include prompts and challenges for self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-mastery, but they do not include “practices” in the sense of ceremonial magic, nor masonic-style grades, secret codes, or anything else. It is a deeply individual path, and that is its challenge.

If someone offers graded or otherwise administered initiations in Péladan’s system, it is not genuine. Péladan designed this as a self-empowering, individual process. I can guide you through the material and tell you how to use it, but I cannot do it for you.

Here is what he says:

• The first level is a ‘Neophyte’ programme of seven steps, to develop self-mastery and successfully shake off the strictures of society and conditioning.

• The second level has twelve steps of exploring the ‘arcana’ of the initiatory process.

• The third level involves exploring a triad of advanced spiritual elements: the ‘Triad of the Holy Spirit’ or ‘The Occult Triodos’ (three-way path).

• The Ariste level stands alone as a “perfection” process after the previous three have been mastered.

This course covers the Neophyte Level. Courses on the other levels may be offered in future, with attendance on this course a pre-requisite.

Source texts

Péladan detailed the Neophyte Level in seven manuals collectively called Amphithéâtre des sciences mortes.

The first three manuals are respectively designed for men, women, and artists.

The next three deal with the initiate’s life within society, looking at politics, mysticism, metaphysics, and individualism.

The seventh , The Science of Love (1911), contains reflections and deeper discussions.

The course aims to stay as faithful as possible to Péladan’s original structure, content, and intentions, while translating his material in an accessible, usable format.

It follows his Septenaries for Neophytes from the handbooks, in chronological order of publication. Volume 7 is considered hors-serie and is discussed in the introductory lecture, then referred to when relevant.

Course contents

1. Introductory lecture: The Amphitheatre of Dead Sciences

This lecture introduces the key points of Péladan’s system and the worldview it is founded on. It provides a synopsis of the seven books, and an overview of how it is meant to be used according to Péladan himself.

2. Septenary for exiting the Century

From Comment on devient Mage (1891), which Péladan designed for young men of his day. He presents his definition of magic and how to attain it through mastery of will and self-discovery.

3. Septenary for exiting the World

From Comment on devient Fée (1892), for young women. Péladan believed that women of his time were forced into severely artificial roles by society, distorting and restricting their true nature. Though the world has changed since the book was written, many of the insights regarding human self-determination remain highly relevant, and the occult content and ideals reveal more of his vision for humanity. Regardless of your own gender identity, it is illuminating in many ways.

4. Septenary for exiting Nature

From Comment on devient Ar(t)iste (1894), this reveals his vision for artists as the spearhead for the regeneration and spiritual awakening of humanity. It is not for artists but for those who have completed either Book 1 or 2 above, and are seeking to perfect their understanding. This book goes deep into Péladan’s spiritual aestheticism and challenges the user both intellectually and spiritually.

5. Septenary of the Macrocosm

From Le Livre du Sceptre (1895), this explores problems and questions surrounding how to live the life of an initiate while remaining within society, family life, and other calls on one’s priorities and conscience.

6. Mystical Septenary

From L’Occulte Catholique (1898). Here Péladan highlights religious and metaphysical concerns, relating them to the process of self-initiation and his vision of the world. This is the most explicit presentation of his occult philosophy, revealing the rationale for his grand synthesis of occultism for the modern world.

7. Ars Magna

From Traité des Antinomies (1901). In this volume Péladan reconciles and offers philosophical explanations for the contradictions that one might observe and experience when following the path of an initiate, providing guidance and examples on how to work with them. He also offers deeper definitions of core metaphysical notions. Structured in five parts, this lecture deals with the introductory section, while insight from the other sections will be drawn on when relevant.

How it works

• To attend the Péladan Masterclass, click the Subscribe/Upgrade button above or below this text.

• Select the Péladan Masterclass option to enrol or upgrade your existing subscription. This is a one-off payment that gives you full course access for 12 months.

• Your subscription gives you access to all course material for one calendar year from the day you sign up, regardless of how far along the course is.

• Beginning in May 2025, one unit is uploaded every month until the full course is released.

• If I close enrolments to keep numbers manageable, you will still receive the full 12-month access you have paid for.

• It also gives you access to an exclusive chat here in Substack where you can ask me questions, chat with other participants, and enjoy the community! You are strongly advised to use the Substack App for this, it makes the process easier.

• Masterclass members have full access to all material on this site as well as privileged commenting and chat access.

I look forward to welcoming you to Péladan’s world!