The society attracted people by the strangeness of its initiatory rites, and the promises of happiness and wellbeing made by its founder to those who joined it.

Lodges were established in many countries, many disciples were obtained, great riches were amassed, and Cagliostro flourished exceedingly.
In his _Histoire du Merveilleux dans les Temps modernes_, Figuier, speaking of Cagliostro about this period of his career, says: "He proclaimed himself the bearer of the mysteries of Isis and Anubis from the far East....

He obtained numerous and distinguished followers, who on one occasion assembled in great force to hear Joseph Balsamo expound to them the doctrines of Egyptian freemasonry.

At this solemn convention he is said to have spoken with overpowering eloquence;...

his audience departed in amazement and completely converted to the regenerated and purified masonry.