Only a race of knights, far removed from mercantile values, can understand that we are heading towards ruin because of deadly ideologies. They can provide qualitative direction and inspire self-transcendence, always and again, beyond life's vicissitudes. This new aristocracy must arise from the grassroots, from the people—a true meritocracy—that the Brahman can inspire when one knows how to draw near to him. (Comte Jean Pierre de Giudicelli de Cressac de Bachellerie)

We offer a platform for sharing values

The Seigneurie of Anneville is a century old legal structure deeply embedded in the same tradition that gave rise to the Grail cycle. I have decided to guide it to a cultural renewal intertwining ancient aristocratic traditions of initiatory chivalry to modern spiritual practices. It is the path less traveled, reserved for those who are real inner warriors, seeking profound personal transformation or enlightenment, and are willing to undergo the challenges that such a journey entails.

So we put us both as platform for selected people interested in these techniques, both as a center of research.
Our legal structure that not only traces its roots back to these ancient practices but also enjoys contemporary relevance and official recognition.

A lordship embodies clear leadership and structured knowledge transmission, ideal for spiritual and chivalric growth. Its hierarchical nature and deep roots in tradition facilitate disciplined learning and the cultivation of virtue. This ordered environment mirrors the necessary ordering of the mind for personal development.

the story of the Grail remains psychically alive in modern times, coming to the fore in times of collective need. ( Carl G. Jung )

The Grail is the search for the Absolute

THE SECRET ORDER

L'ordene de chevalerie

… et por celui qui ce escrist

qu'il soit avoec Jhesu Crist;

et en l'onor Sainte Marie

amen, amen, chascuns en die.

Explicit li ordres de chevalerie.

Alchemy, the alchemical Grail and other teachings

In the manner of ancient lordships, which convened alchemical circles, we too follow this venerable tradition. Click here to access the alchemical section.

The Second Continuation of the Perceval

Click here fro the exegesis of the second continuation : an initiatic path for the western mind click here to access it

Visit the Lordship of Ivanhoe

The Lordship of Ivanhoe, another hereditary title held by Dr. Paret, is linked to the fief of Anneville. It serves synergistically as an additional reference for those interested in various facets of spiritual chivalry. click here

My engagement

The Grail as a way to Inner Transformation and energy development: A Synergy with the Seigneurie and fief of Anneville

As Lord of Anneville, I find myself deeply aligned with the mission and vision of the Seigneurie of Anneville, an institution that serves as a beacon for those interested in the Grail, Alchemy, and related traditions. As someone who has dedicated his life to the exploration of inner transformation through hypnotic fascination, neurolinguistics, and spiritual chivalry, I see a compelling synergy between our respective endeavors.

Secrets of the Grail: a Gateway to Higher Consciousness and mindfulness

While the Seigneurie of Anneville focuses on the historical and mystical aspects of the Grail, my work delves into the psychological and hypnotic techniques that can lead to Grail-like states of higher consciousness. The Grail is not just a relic or a symbol; it is a state of being that can be accessed through various means, including hypnotic fascination and techniques of Presence.

Victor Hugo and the Depths of the Human Soul

The island of Guernsey, home to the Seigneurie, was also the residence of Victor Hugo, a man deeply invested in exploring the human psyche. This adds a layer of intellectual richness to the island, making it a fertile ground for the exploration of inner transformation. My work in Magnetism and Mesmerismus, finds resonance in Hugo's exploration of the human soul.

The Chivalric Code and Modern Leadership

The Seigneurie's emphasis on the original chivalric tradition aligns well with my teachings on leadership and charisma. The knights of yore were not just warriors; they were leaders with a strong moral compass. This ancient form of leadership training holds valuable lessons for modern leaders, especially those interested in ethical and transformational leadership.

If you want to delve into the techniques, click here: Inner Teaching of the Grail - Awakening your energy

Embodying the Grail Tradition

Through our history and the work of the actual Seigneur, We are one of the most authentic guardians of the norman venerable tradition that has engendered the legend of the Grail, the chivalric code, and the heraldry. This chivalric tradition has not only left an indelible mark on European spirituality and culture, but it also established the foundational ethos for the later advent of the Knights Templar, to whom the early d'Annevilles were notable benefactors.

Indeed, while it was initially the understanding of only a few, it has become an increasingly accepted notion among scholars—confirming our long-held belief—that the Grail, from its very inception, is not merely a tangible or metaphysical entity. Instead, it's understood as a genuine state of existence, a goal towards individuals should enthusiastically strive. It brings us great joy to see the academic world aligning with this perspective.

Ancient knights, or 'chevaliers', are viewed in a dual light – firstly, demonstrating a code of conduct that epitomizes Grail virtues, and secondly, striving towards an esoteric state of consciousness. In this heightened mindset, they harbored a belief that divine energy emanating from higher realms would enable a direct connection to the quintessential essence of the Grail. Embodying the Grail. This perspective aligns well with Dante's contention made during a similar historical period, stating every piece of writing possesses three layers of interpretation - the literal, the moral, and the anagogical. The anagogical level refers to this same elevated state of understanding. Isn't it profoundly inspiring that right here in Guernsey, this timeless quest for spiritual and ethical excellence was actively promoted, particularly by the Seigneurs of Anneville? Such a pursuit undoubtedly imparts a measure of profound depth and pride to our community's distinctive lineage and history.

The esoterism of the Grail

If we read the 'Comte du Graal,' more specifically the second continuation by Wauchier de Denain, we find several symbolic elements:

We start in a forest, much like Dante, symbolizing the problems of life and a confused mind.
The various castles encountered represent inner struggles.
At the end, the broken sword is reforged, signifying the overcoming of dualism to find a renewed sense of oneness.

My life journey

This website serves as a living link to traditions of chivalric mysticism, esoteric wisdom, and an alternative lifestyle far removed from the frenetic pace of modern existence.

In my life journey, as if guided by some invisible force of fate, I have become the custodian of two legendary lordships in the world of chivalry. Anneville makes me the symbolic heir to those who once liberated the island from pirates. Ivanhoe, on the other hand, is intrinsically tied to Sir Walter Scott's epic novel and its romantic portrayal of chivalry. It is also to note that all past lords of Ivanhoe where in some way connected to secret traditions and passionated about esotericism.
My initial encounter with chivalry was fascinating. It started from a completely other side of life.

I was working with NLP, hypnotherapy and the mind. I had already been initiated into an unusual and very ancient tradition of hypnotic fascination by a mysterious individual called Virgilio that lived near Turin, and I had been to many places to learn more. So much I learnt that I could teach.

I sincerely believed to know a lot of stuff, I worked for very important companies as Ferrari and L'Oreal, but I learnt there was much more. As I was teaching the techniques learned from Virgilio and others, this fact brought me also in contact with one of the strongest depositary of information on french hermetic chivalric tradition. My courses piqued the curiosity of the aristocrat Count Jean Pierre de Giudicelli, who was a scholar and initiate in hermeticism.

He wrote no less than three letters before I could respond, requesting the dates of a course I was planning to deliver in Nice. Once there, he saw my courses as a fertile training ground for introducing new adepts to observe in order to check who could mostly fit to learn a very interesting genuine aristocratic hermeticism, a realm in which he was highly skilled and dedicated, where 'aristos' means "the best."

Remarkably, he was an active participant in numerous secret ancient traditions. He introduced me to the concept of "presence" - a mystery that I initially failed to grasp but later became deeply ingrained within my understanding. Presence refers to being fully aware and present in the here and now.

At first, like everyone else, I failed to comprehend the depth of this concept. I was enveloped in my own thoughts, metaphorically asleep in Gurdjeff's terms. He even introduced me to various organizations, distinguishing between an inner and an external form of chivalry. I reality the concept is simple but a guide is important.

Years later, during a course on NLP and magnetism in a Norman manor, Jean Pierre unexpectedly inducted me into the chivalric tradition using the potent ancient "accolade." As he briskly stroked the back of my neck following the ancient tradition, he proclaimed, "Awaken, valiant knight," and it occurred to me that I was experiencing the awakening of a new consciousness.

Initiations take place because they catalyze internal change. Presumably, that was a pivotal moment for me. Honestly, to begin with, I was more aware of the rough touch than any deep-seated transformation. Nonetheless, that contact seemed to trigger a profound shift deep within me, a sort of neural recalibration.

This initiation alone probably wouldn't have left a lasting impression. But as I continued working on "presence," and many parallel traditions, an unexpected inner transformation transpired. Steered as if by an unseen force and continually exploring the mysteries of "presence," I found myself acting with a newfound sense of ethics and the practice of "being present," central tenets of chivalry. This progression transcended ego, propelling me into a state of service and self-transcendence.

Through my journey and exploring, I discovered that the Grail is more than a myth or relic; it is in connection with a force and represents inner transformation, attainable through specific inner techniques. This state connected me to my inner being.
As I worked on presence, I believe I even established a connection to something far more ancient and profound, perhaps a past life linked to a Romanesque church. We are conducted by forces deeper than ourselves.

Mysteriously, as if guided by an enigmatic law of attraction, I found myself becoming the Lord of the lordships of Anneville and Ivanhoe. Anneville, a historical treasure, and Ivanhoe, previously owned by an Anglican bishop and lords interested in esoteric exploration, both exude immeasurable symbolic and historical significance. Thus, I am more than just a pioneer in hypnosis and neurolinguistics; I have unexpectedly become the custodian of ancient wisdom, bridging the gap between the past and the future, science and spirituality. The lordship of Anneville, recognized and honored by the State of Guernsey, connects me to the timeless force of the Grail. In my inner archives, I have amassed a wealth of knowledge about traditions of spiritual chivalry that I hope could benefit those who wish to work on themselves in this direction.

Some practices of chivalric presence

If you enter a Romanic or Norman church or a Cistercian abbey, you will experience a unique sensation. This feeling is conveyed through the architecture to anyone who enters such places and is reflective of the creators of these spaces. I am now attempting to elaborate further on the concept of 'presence' in the chivalric sense, which is the focus of my current work. While ancient texts on the Grail employ an approach that we refer to as 'alchemical,' the following eight progressive steps are designed to resonate with a modern mindset while steering in the same direction.

ALPHA PHASE

Stage 1: At least seven times a day, open your gaze.

like a "chevalier" in a large plane. It teaches you to open up progressively.

Stage 2 (and 1): At least seven times a day, breathe consciously, pay attention to the movement of your breath for a few minutes, when you breathe in, when you breathe out and in the intervals between breathing in and out, breathing out and breathing in. This is about controlling your horse, the body.

Note: 1 and 2 can be combined. You are going to be the knight on his horse (the body). You will take awareness of yourself

Stage 3 (and 1 and 2): At least seven times a day, watch your words. Reflect beforehand on what you are going to say. It teaches you to create an inner space. The "chevalier" is aware of his air and his words. Talking can be like a sword

Stage 4 (and 1-2-3): At least seven times a day, observe your thoughts for a few minutes, without judging. You learn to be less in the events as a chevalier observing the battleground.

DELTA PHASE

Stage 5: At least seven times a day, observe with completely new eyes what surrounds you, aware that what you are looking at is unique, and it appears the moment your gaze rests. Think to the begin of the Comte du Graal and the discovery of a new reality. Be aware that this object (human being, animal, thing, event...) is made of all that it is and will be until its disappearance. This object within your consciousness is of the nature of emptiness. You open up progressively to life. Our mind tends to economize thinking and don't see the new. But as a warrior you must instead be very alert

Stage 6: At night before going to bed, recap what you have done and thought about during the day in as much detail as possible, going back in time from the present moment. Everything you have done, said or thought just before the recap, just before and immediately until the moment you get up. Little by little you will know that the present contains the totality of the past, yours and that of all beings. You will understand that in reality time is a construction, your feeling will be more in the present

Stage 7: Seek what form of death, your own death, or sufference, absolutely anguishes you and three times a day voluntarily imagine that you die like this, physically and mentally feel all the horror of this feared death. But at the same time be aware of the state created before. Gradually, the deadly effect will decrease just when the fear stops affecting you. It means you must be present all the time and no element can give you problems.

Stage 7 bis: ask you what is the worst put away it's definition and understand is nothing

DELTA PHASE

Stage 8: Place your awareness, as often as possible, on the back of your head, approximately four inches behind and slightly above the back of the skull, where Christian iconography places the halo of the saints .

Observe the movements of your body and your psyche from that point, without judging. Be aware that your "person", your "I" is an addition of heterogeneous elements without continuity. You should notice that in reality opening the gaze put away thinking.

Stage 9: Associate stage 2 and stage 8 as often as possible. This stage can be prolonged indefinitely until you enter the Land of Silence. It means that your thoughts will be calm and you will be into stillness

Stage 10: Become aware, as often as possible, that everything that is present, as well as everything that is absent, is within your consciousness. Nothing will be outside of your consciousness. You are the only creator, producer, stage designer, actor and spectator of your consciousness, which is none other than the original and ultimate consciousness. You are.

Let us remember that the designated states, the place-states as Claude Bruley would say, are not states of the "person" of the body-mind system, but differentiated states of consciousness that grows in Silence. It is under the cloak of Silence that "the initiate seeks his Unknown in himself." On the way to the One, we will feel the initial importance of the will to unity, a will that one finds active after triumphant, throughout the initiation process. This chivalric way demands a daily practice, a practice of remembering oneself and oneself that can well take forms in the which we will always find the same keys. These are steps towards a quantum consciousness and tehy must be understood as steps towards the mindfulness.

Other points:

As a chevalier bring attention in the zone under your navel as you would do while going on a horse. It is your hara. Staying there will bring you in the center while your body is vertical seeing the plane.

Being a chevalier means understanding that you have a horse, symbol of your animal nature and it is not decision alone bringing results, but instead harmonious decision in respect of your body.

If you need help in these passages contact me , I like to help people working seriously.

Look also this page for further techniques

Grail and proto-templars

If such a society ever existed—one that connected the values of the Grail and, as some historians suppose, included the most important families of Normandy—everything suggests that the D'Anneville family was part of it.
The history of Anneville is intimately entwined with the enigmatic lore of the Grail, which some propose is connected to the formidable Berserker tradition. According to historical records, the founders of Anneville, William and Samson, were knights of extraordinary vitality, fueling speculation that they may have had access to secrets that enhanced their physical and spiritual prowess. Wace's chronicles lend weight to these claims, detailing their fearless charges that laid waste to enemy ranks. He told: "fearing neither stake nor fosse, and overthrowing and killing many a good horse and man."

Samson, likely the Eques Magnus or 'Great Knight' at King William's court, was potentially affiliated with a clandestine society devoted to Grail mysteries. Such a society has been posited by scholars to have been the precursor to the enigmatic Knights Templar and to collect the best knights of Normandy. These historical data make evident the critical roles both William and Samson d'Anneville played in their time, serving as proto-Templars, and possibly as early guardians of the Grail secrets.

The Anneville lineage stems from the Val-des-Saire canton, known by various names over the ages including Ansleville, Ansneville, Aundevyle, and Anneville. The patriarch, Samson d'Ansneville, was appointed by Duke William to expel pirates from the island of Guernsey. For his services, he was granted half of Guernsey along with the abbey of Mont-St-Michel. In the era of the Norman Conquest, an Anneville seigneur governed the Val-de-Saire, while Samson's sons, William and Humphrey, became sub-tenants in Hampshire and Hertfordshire respectively.

By weaving these historical threads, we endeavor to honor and extend the legacy of our forebears, elevating the spiritual and chivalric traditions that make Anneville unique. Indeed, every Guernseyman can take pride in this blend of historical richness and mystical allure that the Seigneurs of Anneville have been preserving for generations.

The Enigmatic Legacy of the d'Anneville Family: Exploring Ties to the Confrérie du Graal and the Templars in Normandy and Beyond

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Confrérie du Graal and Its Connection to Normandy

Sampson d'Anneville and the Fief d'Anneville

3.1 Contact with the King of England

3.2 Ties to the Abbey of Lessay and the Cistercians

The d'Anneville Family and Their Combat Prowess

4.1 The Berserker Theory and the Grail Cup

Notable Events in the d'Anneville Family History

5.1 Crusades and Imprisonment

5.2 Donations and Ties to the Templars

Architectural Elements and Symbolism

6.1 The Manor House of Anneville

6.2 The Chapel of St. Thomas

Conclusion

1. Introduction

The scholarly interest in the Confrérie du Graal and its ties to Normandy has been a topic of discussion for years. This article aims to explore the possibility that the d'Anneville family, particularly Sampson d'Anneville, the founder of the Fief d'Anneville, may have had affiliations with this esoteric brotherhood.

2. The Confrérie du Graal and Its Connection to Normandy

The Confrérie du Graal has long been associated with the highest lords of Normandy. Some scholars suggest that the novel "Comte du Graal" may serve as an outward aspect of this secret society, akin to Dante's Divine Comedy and the Fedeli d'Amore. Intriguingly, Guillaume le Marechal, a renowned Norman lord, was buried dressed as a Templar, hinting at a connection between the brotherhood and the Templar order.

The d'Anneville family had a longstanding relationship with the Abbey of Lessay, which was under the Cistercians, the precursors to the Templars. In 1106, William d'Anneville, likely a son of Sampson, made a substantial donation to the Abbey, thereby strengthening the family's ecclesiastical ties.

3.4 The Domesday Book and Subsequent Generations

Both William and Humphrey d'Anneville are mentioned as subtenants in the Domesday Book. William held lands under Earl Roger in Hampshire, while Humphrey was a sub-tenant of Eudo Dapifer in Hertfordshire. These holdings suggest that they were likely sons of Sampson. Their relatively modest holdings directly from the King have puzzled historians, leading to speculation that Sampson himself might have come to England and held lands directly from the King.

3.5 The Annevilles in the Reigns of Henry II and King John

The Annevilles can be traced in various counties like Hampshire, Bedfordshire, and Somersetshire up to the end of Henry II's reign. During this period, Alured d'Anneville was assassinated in Somersetshire. In the reign of King John, Jordan d'Anneville emerged, whose wife, Beatrice de Lacy, granted ten acres of land at Elmedon to the Knights Templars. This act further fuels the speculation regarding the family's ties to esoteric orders.

3.6 The d'Anneville Coat of Arms: A Heraldic Interpretation

The coat of arms of the d'Anneville family is described as "D'hermine à la fasce de gueules engrêlée en chef," which can be translated as "Ermine with a red fess engrailed at the top." Each element of this heraldic emblem carries significant meaning that may shed light on the family's history and values.

Ermine: Symbol of Purity and Virtue

The ermine is a heraldic symbol often associated with purity and moral virtue. In the context of the d'Anneville family, this could signify their baptismal purity and, by extension, their moral standing. Ermine is also worn by magistrates as a symbol of honesty that protects against corruption. Additionally, ermine spots adorn the mantles of kings and the robes of magistrates, as well as the hoods of canons and cardinals.

Gules: The Color of Combat and Mars

The red color, or "gules," in heraldry is often associated with military strength and valor. It is also linked to Mars, the Roman god of war, suggesting that the family has a history of combat or military service. This aligns well with the d'Anneville family's known prowess in battle, as recorded by Wace and other historical documents.

Engrailed Fess: A Possible Maritime Connection

The engrailed fess could potentially signify a connection to the sea, which would be fitting given Sampson d'Anneville's naval exploits in liberating Guernsey from pirates. The wavy, indented lines could symbolize the waters around the Normandy region, further tying the family to their maritime heritage.

The d'Anneville coat of arms, therefore, serves as a complex symbol that encapsulates various aspects of the family's history, values, and potential affiliations. While it doesn't provide definitive answers, it adds another layer of intrigue to the already enigmatic legacy of the d'Anneville family.

This Blazon is actually used as blazon of the town of Anneville-en Saire, once fief of the d'Anneville family

4. The d'Anneville Family and Their Combat Prowess

4.1 The Berserker Theory and the Grail Cup

One theory posits that the Confrérie du Graal could be a transformation of the earlier berserkers, the powerful Scandinavian fighters. This link is further strengthened by the association of the cups used by the berserkers with the Grail Cup.

4.2 Etymological ties

Our etymology further reinforces this bond. 'Anneville' is derived from 'Ansleic,' a term associated with 'sacred action.' The original territory in continental France hosted 'Domus Ansketilli' or 'House of Ansketil,' a name stemming from a Scandinavian term for 'sacred kettle.' This name is closely tied to the 'sacred bowl,' which further interweaves our legacy with a mystical tradition of physical and spiritual alchemy. It should be noted that the name "domus ansketilli" pertains to the name of the house, not the proprietor. This house has always been inhabited by a servant of the adjacent church, emphasizing the significance of this association. Therefore, when the Vikings settled here, it's conceivable that this was the site of the Sacred Bowl, and a church was eventually constructed nearby. The individuals serving the Sacred Bowl perhaps converted and began to serve the church instead.

5. Notable Events in the d'Anneville Family History

5.1 Crusades and Imprisonment

In 1096, Michel d'Anneville participated in the "journey to the Holy Land" with Robert Courtheuse and Godefroy de Bouillon. Around 1100, he was taken prisoner during a crusade. Geoffrey d'Anneville, in 1118, confirmed a donation made by his father to the Abbey of Lessay and received 10 silver marks for the ransom of another son taken prisoner in the Holy Land.

5.2 Donations and Ties to the Templars

In 1204, Guillaume II d'Anneville was cited in a donation deed to the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur-Le-Vicomte. Additionally, the wife of Jordan d'Anneville appears to have bequeathed land to the Templars, another clue pointing to the family's possible ties to the Confrérie du Graal.

6. Architectural Elements and Symbolism

6.1 The Manor House of Anneville

The Manor House of Anneville features a Norman arch identical to that of the Church of Saint Sampson, founded by the son of Sampson d'Anneville.

6.2 The Chapel of St. Thomas

The lord of Anneville's chapel is dedicated to St. Thomas, a saint who was subsequently closely tied to the Templars and later to Freemasonry.

7. Conclusion

This article has sought to explore the possible links between the d'Anneville family and the Confrérie du Graal. While the evidence is not definitive, the clues suggest a connection that warrants further investigation.

Guernsey - The Cup and the Cauldron

The vision of the cup as a symbol for a mystic level of evolvement is syncretic with ancient Celtic traditions based on cauldrons. The same is for germanic / scandinavian traditions. As we mentioned, in the continental part, there is a fief called the 'House of Anquetil' located near the church. The etymology of 'Anquetil' translates to 'sacred kettle.

In specific a tradition of Guernsey (cited in the book Guernsey folklore of Mc Cullough) is the "boiture": This charm is popularly called " Une boiture " or " boiling," and consists in setting certain ingredients to seethe in a large cauldron. The pot, duly filled, was accordingly placed on the hearth with all the prescribed ceremonial.

Some more informations we have in the same book here:

Various charms and ceremonies are resorted to on these occasions, whereof the most potent appears to be that known as " la bouiture," which consists in setting a number of ingredients to seethe together in a cauldron, of which the principal is the heart of some animal stuck full of pins. It is not easy to arrive at a correct knowledge of what is done, for great secrecy is generally observed, and the actors in these superstitious follies are afraid to divulge what takes place. The object of the charm seems to be either to avert the evil, or to discover the author of it. In the latter case, it often leads to serious misunderstandings between neighbours. There are, however, certain charms of a more innocent character,

THE SEIGNEUR OF ST. GEORGE AND THE DESORCELLEUR. It is related that towards the end of the eighteenth century a number of country people were assembled in a farm-house in the parish of Ste. Marie-du-Castel, for the purpose of putting into practice the counterspell described in the preceding paragraph, or one of a similar nature ; for it is believed that the same end may be attained by setting a cauldron on the hearth, and boiling the heart with certain herbs, gathered with some peculiar precautions, and known only to the " desorcelleurs" as the white-witches who generally conduct these ceremonies are called in the local dialect. The doors of the house, as is required in these cases, had been carefully closed and fastened, and the charm was, to all appearance, progressing favourably

It is curious how Guernsey itself is steeped in legend and lore, often said to be the land of fairies. This notion interwines sometimes with historical roots: for example in 1372, the island was invaded by Aragonese mercenaries led by Owain Lawgoch, who was under the employ of the French king. Over time, Owain and his dark-haired mercenaries have been mythologized into invading fairies from across the sea and telling they originated part of the people of Guernsey, enriching Guernsey's already vibrant tapestry of Celtic and Norman traditions.