The Society of Guardians or The Guardians, is an order within Western esotericism that integrates mystical Christian and Jewish Qabalistic (Kabbalistic) teachings. The Society combines an emphasis on meditation and contemplative practice, ceremonial ritual, and esoteric study with a nature-centered approach to spiritual development. Operational groups exist on Great Barrier Island and in Auckland City, New Zealand. Independent groups no longer under the auspices of the society, but continuing its teachings and practices also exist in Australia (Bet Yerusha Sanctuary). Traditionally, each sanctuary is limited to 22 members who are described as "technical mystics". Although small in comparison to Orders such as the Golden Dawn, many members of the public benefited from the classes and correspondence courses conducted by the Guardians, before their Mt. Eden sanctuary closed after the death of the late Senior Guardian Michel Corbold (aka Michael Freedman) in 1996. Early origins or influences While the traditional history of the order claims descent from European mystics in the 12th-13th century there is no way to confirm the Society’s continued existence from before the late 1800s, however the historic narrative appears to refer to real groups and events from the obscure history of European free-thinkers, and tracks a thread of spiritual influence through the ages. France: In the late 12th and early 13th centuries the Amalrician (followers of Amalric of Bena and David of Dinant) preached an independent, pantheistic, and mystical Christianity. They proclaimed that God is All (omnia sunt deus), and declared "all people will eventually reach salvation". Those not killed as heretics in 1209 later merged with the Beguines and Beghards, independent lay monastic communities who adopted the habit and Rule of the Franciscan Third Order. The sect spread through France, Italy, and Germany by travelling weavers (until 1474, entry to the Beghards was limited to members of the weavers' guild). Sicily (Italy): The Spiritual Franciscans (Fraticelli) fled from Tuscany to Sicily after they were declared heretical by Pope Boniface VIII. They were also influenced by the Joachimites, who themselves drew heavily on ideas from the French Amalricians. Joachimites: Joachim de Fiore was born in Calabria (Italy) around 1132 AD and served at the Sicilian Court. In the mid-1160s he went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Syria and became "converted to a deeper understanding of ancient (probably orthodox) Christianity". Joachim was a disciple of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, the Abbot and mystic who was Patron of the