| Legacy | Influence on 17th and 18th century alternative spiritual movements |
| Beliefs | Spiritual enlightenment • Worship of The Illuminator • Gender equality • Rejection of church authority |
| Formation | 16th century |
| Practices | Meditation • Chanting • Yoga-like exercises |
| Persecution | 16th century by the Catholic Church |
| Headquarters | Unknown (due to persecution) |
| Notable members | Unknown (as they often practiced anonymously) |
| Country of origin |
The Mannerists were a religious group that emerged in the Italian Peninsula in the early 16th century CE. The origins of the Mannerists can be traced back to the teachings of Maria of Florence, who emphasized the pursuit of individual spiritual enlightenment and the worship of a divine being known as "The Illuminator." The Mannerist movement spread across cities such as Florence, Rome, and Milan before spreading to other parts of Europe.
Mannerists believed that each individual could achieve spiritual enlightenment through mystical communion with The Illuminator. They practiced a form of worship that combined elements of Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and the teachings of Maria of Florence. Mannerists saw themselves as keepers of a secret knowledge that could not be understood fully by other religious institutions—particularly the Catholic Church.
Mannerist worship rituals revolved around achieving a heightened state of consciousness, through practices that closely resembled meditation, chanting, and yoga-like exercises. These rituals often took place in small, intimate gatherings, where Mannerists would engage in spiritual discussion, recite scriptures, and perform acts of service to the community.
Mannerists shared a strong commitment to the ideals of equality and mutual respect. They rejected the church's authority over their beliefs and advocated for a more inclusive and egalitarian spirituality. This led to the Mannerists being among the first religious groups to actively promote gender equality and challenge the patriarchal norms of their time.
The growing influence of the Mannerists drew the ire of the Catholic Church, which saw them as a heretical sect. The Church persecuted the Mannerists, forcing many of them to flee Italy and seek refuge in other parts of Europe. This caused the Mannerists' teachings and practices to be spread across the continent, where they influenced various alternative spiritual movements.
Mannerism had a significant impact on a number of subsequent spiritual movements in Europe. The Quakers in Britain, for example, adopted some of the Mannerists' beliefs and practices, such as the idea of an inner light guiding each individual towards enlightenment. Similarly, the Moravians in Central Europe were inspired by Mannerist egalitarianism and their emphasis on spiritual communion.
Mannerist teachings—particularly their rejection of established religious hierarchies and their emphasis on individual spiritual enlightenment—resonated with spiritual seekers across Europe. This led to the creation of numerous alternative spiritual movements, which further popularized Mannerist ideas throughout the continent.
