Jean-Baptiste Willermoz (1730–1824) was a key figure in 18th-century French esotericism and Freemasonry. A prosperous silk merchant from Lyon, Willermoz was not merely a passive participant in the secret societies of his era; he was a brilliant organizer and system-builder who synthesized major mystical currents into a cohesive and enduring initiatic system. His greatest legacy is his role as the principal architect of the Rectified Scottish Rite (Régime Écossais Rectifié - R.E.R.).

Jacques de Livron Joachim de la Tour de la Casa Martinez de Pasqually (c. 1727–1774) was a highly influential, yet enigmatic, 18th-century French theurgist and theosopher. He is best known as the founder of the esoteric Christian Masonic system known as the l'Ordre de Chevaliers Maçons Élus Coëns de l'Univers (Order of Knight-Masons Elect Priests of the Universe), commonly referred to as the Élus Coëns or "Elect Priests."