The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Knights Templars

The Knights Templars were a medieval Christian military order, founded in the early 12th century and deeply involved in both religious and military affairs during the Crusades. They are often linked to modern Freemasonry and the concept of martyrdom, suggesting a legacy that has endured through the centuries. Beyond their historical roles, the Knights Templars are also associated with mysticism and transcendentalism, hinting at a complex and manifold cultural and spiritual significance.

While their origins in the Crusades and the practical aspects of their order are well-documented, there are also intriguing and sometimes controversial theories surrounding their activities and beliefs. One such theory suggests that the Knights Templars brought the Tarot cards to Europe, potentially utilizing them for both recreational and symbolic purposes, including magical practices. This connection to the Tarot cards indicates a deeper engagement with esoteric knowledge and a form of secret society that transcended the purely military aspect of their existence.

Despite their noble and religious missions, the Knights Templars are also alleged to have engaged in practices that were considered deviant by contemporary standards. For example, they are accused of worshipping the mandrake, a plant symbolizing the Priapic deities, which reflects their possible involvement in heretical or pagan rituals. This blend of religious fervor and spiritual curiosity highlights the complex nature of the Knights Templars, who seem to have straddled the lines between conventional Christian practice and more esoteric traditions.

The Knights Templars were a medieval Christian military order with a rich historical legacy, deeply embedded in the history of the Crusades and the subsequent development of Western society. Their association with modern Freemasonry, their potential role in bringing the Tarot to Europe, and their alleged worship of the mandrake reflect a group that was not only warrior monks but also mystics and guardians of esoteric knowledge.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Comte de St.-Germain is suspected to have been an emissary of the Knights Templars, a society deeply involved in transcendentalism

Chiram→Person

The CHiram legend is linked to the Knights Templars, symbolically representing a continuation of their legacy in modern Freemasonry

The Knights Templars may have had contact with the Dionysiac architects, introducing some of their symbols and doctrines to medieval Europe

Similar to the connection between the Dionysiac craftsmen and the Knights Templars, this relationship suggests a shared influence on the development of Freemasonry and other secret societies

Mandracore Root ShapeConcept

Mandrake's root shape is accused of worship by the Knights Templars

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Knights TemplarsthroughComte De St.-germainilluminatesMysteries →
I. Knights Templars & Comte De St.-germain

Comte de St.-Germain is suspected to have been an emissary of the Knights Templars, a society deeply involved in transcendentalism

II. Comte De St.-germain & Mysteries

Comte de St.-Germain, a philosopher, represented the Ancient Wisdom in his teachings and beliefs

Knights TemplarsthroughChiramilluminatesHermes →
I. Knights Templars & Chiram

The CHiram legend is linked to the Knights Templars, symbolically representing a continuation of their legacy in modern Freemasonry

II. Chiram & Hermes

Hermes is connected to CHiram through the Emerald Tablet, representing a link between ancient wisdom and Masonic symbolism

Knights TemplarsthroughDionysiac ArchitectsilluminatesFiruzabad →
I. Knights Templars & Dionysiac Architects

Similar to the connection between the Dionysiac craftsmen and the Knights Templars, this relationship suggests a shared influence on the development of Freemasonry and other secret societies

II. Dionysiac Architects & Firuzabad

Firuzabad is the location where the concepts of Bacchus and the Titans are involved, and the Architects' knowledge is related to the divine aspects, symbolically linked.

Knights TemplarsthroughChiramilluminatesChrist →
I. Knights Templars & Chiram

The CHiram legend is linked to the Knights Templars, symbolically representing a continuation of their legacy in modern Freemasonry

II. Chiram & Christ

CHiram is often seen as a symbol of Christ, representing rebirth, sacrifice, and spiritual redemption

Knights TemplarsthroughDionysiac CraftsmenilluminatesFreemasonry →
I. Knights Templars & Dionysiac Craftsmen

The Knights Templars may have had contact with the Dionysiac architects, introducing some of their symbols and doctrines to medieval Europe

II. Dionysiac Craftsmen & Freemasonry

Freemasonry is presumed to have evolved from the Dionysian architects, preserving their symbols and rituals in a more modern form

Knights TemplarsthroughComte De St.-germainilluminatesProfessor →
I. Knights Templars & Comte De St.-germain

Comte de St.-Germain is suspected to have been an emissary of the Knights Templars, a society deeply involved in transcendentalism

II. Comte De St.-germain & Professor

The mysterious "Professor" was the same person as Comte de St.-Germain

Knights TemplarsthroughChiramilluminatesChiram Abiff →
I. Knights Templars & Chiram

The CHiram legend is linked to the Knights Templars, symbolically representing a continuation of their legacy in modern Freemasonry

II. Chiram & Chiram Abiff

CHiram Abiff is a central figure in Masonic legend, symbolizing the Cosmic Martyr, a representative of the dying god and the spiritual journey embodied by the name CHiram.

Knights TemplarsthroughComte De St.-germainilluminatesRosicrucianism →
I. Knights Templars & Comte De St.-germain

Comte de St.-Germain is suspected to have been an emissary of the Knights Templars, a society deeply involved in transcendentalism

II. Comte De St.-germain & Rosicrucianism

Comte de St.-Germain was involved in Rosicrucian political aspirations

Knights TemplarsthroughDionysiac ArchitectsilluminatesAurelia →
I. Knights Templars & Dionysiac Architects

Similar to the connection between the Dionysiac craftsmen and the Knights Templars, this relationship suggests a shared influence on the development of Freemasonry and other secret societies

II. Dionysiac Architects & Aurelia

Aurelia is the country involved in the release of hostages, and the Architects' knowledge is related to the divine aspects of Bacchus, symbolically linked.

Knights TemplarsthroughComte De St.-germainilluminatesSir Francis Bacon →
I. Knights Templars & Comte De St.-germain

Comte de St.-Germain is suspected to have been an emissary of the Knights Templars, a society deeply involved in transcendentalism

II. Comte De St.-germain & Sir Francis Bacon

Both were known to be emissaries of the Secret Brotherhood