Order of the Solar Temple
Esoteric Neo-Templar movement founded by Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret (1984). Conducted mass murder-suicides in Switzerland, Quebec, and France between 1994 and 1997 killing 74 people including children.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — at ceiling; perpetrators of mass murder-suicides 1994–97 killing 74.
In context
The OTS combined New Age cosmic teachings, Templar mythology, and apocalyptic transit-to-Sirius theology. Between 1994 and 1997 the leadership orchestrated the murder-suicides of 74 members in coordinated events in Switzerland, Quebec, and France. Many of the dead had been their own family members. The movement is extinct, but the case is heavily studied.
Key control doctrines
- 'Transit' to Sirius via ritual death
- Templar / Rosicrucian mythology
- Joseph Di Mambro as channel for ascended masters
Legal cases & controversies
- Swiss, French, and Canadian investigations 1994–97
- Numerous family-survivor lawsuits
Timeline
- 1984Order founded by Di Mambro and Jouret
- 1994-10-04/05First mass deaths in Switzerland and Quebec (53 dead)
- 1995-12Second event near Grenoble, France (16 dead)
- 1997-03Third event in Saint-Casimir, Quebec (5 dead)
Sources
- Massimo Introvigne, 'The Magic of Death: The Suicides of the Solar Temple' (2006)
- Jean-François Mayer academic work
- Swiss and Canadian court records
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.