Voie Cardiaque – The Way of the Heart is the mystical and contemplative branch of the ORC, from whose roots the two other branches of the Order spring.

This is the inner path, working toward the universal Reintegration of mankind.

The teachings of the VC are Christian in nature and based directly upon the works of Louis Claude de St Martin, who wrote under the name The Unknown Philosopher:

Louis Claude de St Martin was born in a noble family in Amboise, France, on the 18th January in 1743. He became one of Martinez de Pasqually?s students in the Elus Cohen, and also his close friend and secretary. St Martin was a freemason and an Elus Cohen for many years. He decided to leave both these Orders and the praxis of theurgy, in order to work in a purely mystical way.

He began to instruct students in his own teachings, which were mainly influenced by Pasqually?s doctrine, but later on also inspired by the writings of the Christian mystic Jacob Boehme.

St Martin passed away on the 13th October, 1803, leaving behind a great number of students spread across Europe, passing on the teachings through the centuries.

The Summit of these teachings is the initiation Saint-Martin describes thusly:

“The only initiation which I advocate and which I look for with all the ardor of my Soul, is that by which we are able to enter into the Heart of God within us, and there make an Indissoluble Marriage, which makes us the Friend, the Brother and Spouse of the Repairer … there is no other way to arrive at this Holy Initiation than for us to delve more and more into the depth of our Soul and to not let go of the prize until we have succeeded in liberating its lively and vivifying origin.”

The pathway to this state of mind is given to the aspirant through a series of degrees, in the manner adopted by Papus at the end of the 19th century.

The ORC scale of the rituals, have however been reformed, to first purge them of most of the Masonic style, and has incorporated more Christian elements, and older teachings, more specifically from the original doctrine of St Martin, and the Russian legacy he left behind him.

The inner circle of ORC is continuously writing new material, based upon their studies and experience of attainment. We are very loyal to the teachings and symbolic language of our founding Fathers and the Past Masters, and do not incorporate other branches of esotericism not related to martinism.

Membership

The Ordre Reaux Croix: Voie Cardiaque is open for all men and women of Desire, who are at least 18 years old.

Any candidate seeking initiation must be attracted to Christian symbolism, myths and mysteries.

Progression in the order is based upon realisation of initiatory aims, and the ability to incorporate these attainments in everyday life.

The Voie Cardiaque of ORC is today operated in Norway and Sweden, Greece, Spain, Canada and Argentina.

Enquires outside of these juristictions can be sent to Voie Cardiaque International