The word "Alumbrados" (Illuminated) refers either to a group of adepts gathered around an individual who has been illuminated (in that case referring to an inner illumination), or to a group of people gathered together in order to find illumination.

The Alumbrados of Salamanca is the oldest group of Illuminated in Europe. Historian Marcenlino Menéndez Pelayo discovered in 1881 that the name first appears shortly before 1492 (they are then called Iluminados in 1498). He believed they had Gnostic origins, and thought that their influence in Spain was supported by Italian interests.

One of their first muses was called "La Beata de Piedrahita" (The Blessed One of Piedrahita"), born in Salamanca and the daughter of a journeyman. She was tried by the Inquisition in 1511. She avoided a harsh punishment, thanks to the help of powerful protectors. Ignatius of Loyola, who was studying in Salamanca in 1527, was also tried by a church committee for sympathizing with the Alumbrados; he was only reprimanded however.

Others were not so lucky: in 1529 in Toledo, a congregation of sympathizers was sentenced to lashing and imprisonment. A century of high inclemency followed; the Inquisition sentenced many Alumbrados, specifically in Cordoba. The Alumbrados became a clandestine organization, only to reappear in 1717, when some mention some sort of rebirth in Salamanca. The fact is that most Alumbrados have left Spain and have gone to the new colonies under Spanish control, specifically the Caribbean.

From 1718 onwards, the organization seems to enjoy some privilege at the Court and does not have to face the wrath of the Inquisition any longer, which leads us to think, although it is unconfirmed, that the Alumbrados of Salamanca have been thoroughly infiltrated by agents of the Crown who are using them to serve their own interests. According to some Spanish sources, the Inquisition, which has shown signs of appeasement, is still quite far from acknowledging the impunity that this group has been granted, and still regards them as heretic competitors that are attempting to overshadow them. The Inquisition will probably attempt to quell, discredit and even destroy the Alumbrados, and French and British agents operating in the same area will most likely attempt to do the same.

Attempts to establish contact with one of the Alumbrados for weeks, in order to learn more about how they combine their rites and their spying activities, have failed so far. We will update you on this as things evolve; however, remember that this group is fully expanding, and that its influence around you is on the rise.

This article belongs to the series of texts about secret societies. You can read the first one here.

If you want to learn more about these secret societies, why don’t you go get involved?

Keywords