Devil-Worship in France; or, The Question of Lucifer

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21258

Title

Devil-Worship in France; or, The Question of Lucifer

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Arthur Edward Waite investigates the alleged revival of a formal devil-worship cult in 19th-century France, distinguishing between historical rumor and documented testimony. This text explores the intersection of Freemasonry, mysticism, and occultism, presenting claims of magical phenomena and secret rituals while critically analyzing the evidence provided by initiates and witnesses.

Summary up to 500 words

In his 1896 inquiry, *Devil-Worship in France; or, The Question of Lucifer*, Arthur Edward Waite challenges the prevailing notion that modern Satanism is merely an exploded superstition. Waite argues that a formal 'cultus diabolicus' has reappeared in public, characterized by claims of miracles and black magic. The book relies heavily on testimony from secret societies, former initiates, and specific figures such as Dr. Bataille and Miss Diana Vaughan. Waite details alleged rituals involving the Baphomet, the substitution of human figures with historical icons, and the presence of supernatural entities. He distinguishes between the worship of the evil principle as such and the worship of a power viewed as evil by other religions. A significant portion of the text addresses the historical and philosophical connection between Freemasonry and mysticism. Waite suggests that while Masonry focuses on ethical development, it shares a common origin and symbolism with occult traditions. He aims to separate fact from the 'city of invention' often attributed to French imagination, providing a formal statement on the existence of modern diabolism and its relationship to transcendental science and the Catholic Church. Waite contends that the revival of mystical philosophy has set old oracles chattering, whispering of deeds done in the darkness. He presents evidence of three kinds: testimony from independent men of letters, former initiates of secret associations, and writers defending the interests of the Roman Catholic Church. The narrative explores the history of Satanism in the nineteenth century, noting that while the average intelligence dismisses the 'Question of Lucifer,' advanced minds and transcendentalists recognize its reality. Waite describes the 'gift of substitution,' where figures like Alexander the Great, Luther, and Garibaldi appear in phantom guise during rituals. He also examines the history of Miss Diana Vaughan, a former initiate who converted to Catholicism, and her conflicts with the Palladian order. Ultimately, Waite asserts that while the miraculous elements may be subject to debate, the existence of a Masonry behind Masonry, dedicated to the cultus of Lucifer, is a matter of serious investigation. He concludes that the connection between Masonry and mysticism is integral and permanent, rooted in common principles and objects aimed at the perfection of man.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21258.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg21258.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-05 17:08 UTC

Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy