"Eccentric buffoon, misunderstood genius, Platonic Symbolist or inspired adept? The controversial French Rosicrucian author Joséphin Péladan (1858-1918), whom Papus called “brother,” and who was mentor to Stanislas de Guaita, became the laughing-stock of Paris during his lifetime and sank into oblivion after his death. His vast, but forgotten legacy is a synthesis of Platonism and Luciferianism, unfolded in over a hundred novels and esoteric handbooks designed to spark a cultural and spiritual renaissance, including some fine examples of esoteric literature. Sphinxes, fallen angels, androgynes and ancient gods form his symbolic kaleidoscope for art as an esoteric path, with mankind as saviour of both humans and angels. This talk reintroduces Péladan to the 21st century, explaining key points of his philosophy and musing on the impact of his ideas in the context of esoteric history and art."