The French physician Papus (Gerard Encausee, 1865-1916) is best known to English speaking readers for his work The Tarot of the Bohemians. He lived during an exciting period when mystery traditions and esoteric research were at an all time high. Papus was in an ideal position to synthesize his influences into his astrological and esoteric work.
His mentor was Francois Charles Berlet, the premier French astrologer. Papus was also influenced by Thomas Burgoyne, the author of Light of Egypt, the book that explained the principles of the practices of the Hermetic Brotherhood.
