Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin
In 1902, Papus published a biography of Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin entitled "L'Illuminisme en France 1771-1803 | Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin | Sa vie - Sa voie théurgique | Ses ouvrages - Son œuvre - Ses disciples | Suivi | de la publication de 50 lettres inédites"1. This title is surprising, as it connects Saint-Martin with theurgy, an aspect that Saint-Martin himself had rejected. However, Papus was not wrong. The "cardiac path" he refers to is not the one we understand today.
Papus defines the "cardiac path" as one of the two paths open to initiates, the other being the "mental path". The "mental path" develops in the practice of Ceremonial Magic, while the "cardiac path" focuses on Theurgy2. Contrary to our modern understanding, Papus does not use the phrase "cardiac path" in the same way. For him, theurgy kills pride, fosters humility, and replaces the commands given to spirits with prayer and the invocation of angels from the divine plane.
It is important to note that Papus confused the Agent Inconnu (Unknown Agent) and the Philosophe Inconnu (Unknown Philosopher), two distinct elements in the history of Martinism. The cardiac path is a theurgic path, but Saint-Martin himself rejected theurgy. In short, Papus created this formula, and although his interpretations differ from those of Saint-Martin, they have helped to shape our understanding of Martinism2.
In conclusion, the relationship between Papus and Saint-Martin is complex, but it has left a lasting mark on esoteric history. Their dialogue continues to inspire researchers and mystics today.