The Italian mathematician and philosopher Arturo Reghini, born in Florence in 1878, operated at the intersection of rigorous mathematical inquiry and the esoteric traditions of the early twentieth century. He became a significant figure in Italian intellectual life through his dual engagement with Pythagorean geometry and the administrative structures of national Freemasonry.
Early Intellectual and Masonic Affiliations
Reghini initiated his public activities in 1898 by joining the Theosophical Society and subsequently establishing a branch in Rome. By 1903, he had moved to Palermo, where he published volumes for the Biblioteca Teosofica and was introduced to the Memphis rite of Freemasonry. His professional trajectory within these circles continued in 1907 when he gained admission to the Scottish Rite Lodge Lucifero in Florence, maintaining affiliations with the Grand Orient of Italy while engaging with the philosophy of Martinism.
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His influence expanded in 1912 when he entered the directorate of the Italian Freemasonry, specifically the Supremo Consiglio Universale of the Rito filosofico italiano. In 1921, he achieved the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite, eventually becoming the Great Commendor and General Secretary of the Supremo Consiglio d'Italia. He remained a central figure until 1925, when he signed decree No 245 following the parliamentary move to outlaw masonic lodges. His commitment to the institution ultimately waned, leading to his resignation in 1940.
Esoteric Journals and Theoretical Influence
Reghini edited the journals Atanór and Ignis during the mid-1920s, providing a platform for the study of Pythagoreanism, yoga, and Hebrew Cabalism. These publications facilitated the formation of the Gruppo di Ur, which included participants such as Julius Evola and Giovanni Colazza. Despite his initial success in shaping the intellectual output of the group, friction emerged in 1928 regarding Reghini's persistent support for Freemasonry. This disagreement precipitated his departure and the subsequent dissolution of the circle's original editorial direction.
Mathematical and Political Foundations
Reghini utilized his work to advocate for a specific cultural paradigm he termed cultured magic, derived from Platonism and Hermeticism. Politically, he positioned himself against democracy and Christianity, favoring a vision of aristocratic governance that he saw reflected in the ancient world. His written output included mathematical treatises such as the multi-volume Dei Numeri Pitagorici, begun in 1940, and works exploring the symbolism of the fascio littorio. He remained in Italy until his death in Budrio in 1946.
Fast facts
- Born: 1878, Florence, Italy
- Died: 1 July 1946, Budrio, Italy
- Occupations: Mathematician, philosopher
- Membership: Theosophical Society
- Masonic Initiation: Memphis rite, 1903
- Key Publication: Dei Numeri Pitagorici
- Associated Group: Gruppo di Ur
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Gruppo di Ur?
It was a circle of esotericists founded by Reghini in the mid-1920s that explored Pythagoreanism and occult traditions through journals such as Atanór, Ignis, and UR.
Why did Reghini leave the Ur group?
He parted ways with Julius Evola and other members in 1928 primarily due to his refusal to abandon his support for Freemasonry.
