ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the history of the neo-Templar tradition, then that of the Solar Temple, relating the essential information on the tragedy of October 1994, and finally suggesting some possible interpretations. On 4 and 5 October 1994, fifty-three people were found dead in Switzerland and in Canada. Their bodies some showing signs of violence suffered before the fires were found in the incinerated centres of a neo-Templar movement called originally International Order of Chivalry Solar Tradition or, for short, Solar Tradition, and after 1990-91 Order of the Solar Temple. The theory of a secret continuation of the order has been criticized by academic scholars of medieval Templar history, such as Rgine Pernoud, as "totally insane" and tied to "uniformly foolish" claims and legends. The idea that the Templars, though officially suppressed, secretly continued their activities until the 18th century, spread mostly among French and German Freemasons. In spite of Napoleon's interest, the Catholic Church remained obviously hostile to neo-Templarism.
