Pasqually, Martinez de

An Encyclopaedia of Occultism (1920)

(Kabalist and Mystic). [1715?--1779]. The date of Martinez Pasqualis' birth is not known definitely while even his nationality is a matter of uncertainty. It is commonly supposed, however, that he was born about 1715, somewhere in the south of France ; while several writers have maintained that his parents were Portuguese Jews, but this theory has frequently been contested. It is said that from the outset he evinced a predilection for mysticism in its various forms, while it is certain that, in 1754, he instituted a Kabalistic rite, which was gleaned from Hebraic studies, and whose espousers were styled Cohens, this being simply the Hebrew for priests. He propagated this rite in divers masonic lodges of France, notably those of Marseilles, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Paris; while in 1768 we find him settled in the French capital, gathering round him many people addicted to mysticism, and impregnating them with his theories. His sojourn here was cut short eventually, nevertheless, for he heard that some property had been bequeathed to him in the island of St. Dominique, and he hastened thither with intent to assert his rights; but he did not return to France, his death occurring in 1779 at Port-au-Prince, the principal town in the island aforesaid. Pasqually is credited with having written a book, La Réintégration, but this was never published. As regards the philosophy which he promulgated, he appears to have believed partly in the inspiration of the Scriptures, the downfall of the angels, the theory of original sin, together with the doctrine of justification by faith; but he seems to have held that man existed in an elemental state long before the creation detailed in Genesis, and was gradually evolved into his present form. In short, Pasqually was something of an anticipator of endless modern theorists; nor did he fail to find a disciple who regarded him as a prophet and master, this being Louis Claude de St. Martin, a theosophist frequently styled in France "le philosophe inconnu," who founded the sect known as Martinistes. The reader will find some account of St. Martin in an article headed with his name.