Post by wren on Oct 19, 2006 18:38:59 GMT -5
The History of Rosicrucianism
The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is known internationally by its traditional and authentic title, the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis. Rosae Crucis from the Latin means "of the Rosy Cross". There is no religious connotation associated with this symbol; the Rosy Cross symbol predates Christianity. The cross symbolically represents the human body and the rose represents the individual's unfolding consciousness.
The Famous 'Fama'
The lineage of the Rosicrucian movement can be traced from its beginnings in the mystery schools of ancient Egypt founded by Pharaoh Thutmose III (1500 to 1477 B.C.), and more particularly from his grandson Pharaoh Amenhotep IV (also known as Akhnaton) - through to the Greek philosophers such as Thales and Pythagoras, the Roman philosopher Plotinus, and others, who journeyed to Egypt and were initiated into the mystery schools - through to the symbolism hidden in the love songs of Troubadours, the formularies of Alchemists, the symbolical system known as the Qabala, and the rituals of Orders of Knighthood during the dark and dangerous times of medieval Europe.
Fraternitatis
In 17th century Germany, a mysterious publication called the 'Fama Fraternitatis' written by 'Christian Rosenkreuz' was printed. This heralded a renewed interest in Rosicrucianism throughout Europe. As part of this great renewal, the renowned Sir Francis Bacon (1561 to 1626) English philosopher, essayist, and statesman, directed the Rosicrucian Order activities both in England and Europe. Rosicrucian history states that Sir Francis Bacon was actually the author of the Fama Fraternitatis and other works that brought about the revival of the Order in Germany.
Throughout history a number of prominent persons in the fields of science and the arts have been associated with the Rosicrucian movement, such as Leonardo da Vinci (1452 to 1519), Cornelius Heinrich Agrippa (1486 to 1535), Paracelsus (1493 to 1541), Francoiz Rabelais (1494 to 1553), Theresa of Avila (1515 to 1582), John of the Cross (1542 to 1591), Francis Bacon (1561 to 1626), Jacob Boehme (1575 to 1624), Rene Descartes (1596 to 1650), Blaise Pascal (1623 to 1662), Baruch Spinoza (1632 to 1677), Isaac Newton (1642 to 1727), Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz (1646 to 1716), Benjamin Franklin (1706 to 1790), Thomas Jefferson (1743 to 1826), Michael Faraday (1791 to 1867), Marie Corelli (1855 to 1924), Claude Debussy (1862 to 1918), Erik Satie (1866 to 1925) and Edith Piaf (1915 to 1963).
Crossing the Atlantic
The Order crossed the Atlantic in the late 17th century when a Rosicrucian colony was established in Philadelphia. Later such eminent Americans as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Paine were intimately connected with the Rosicrucian community.
Throughout history there have been periods of greater and lesser activity of Rosicrucianism around the world. While inactive in the Americas during the 19th century, the Order was very active in France, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Spain, and other lands during this time.
While Rosicrucianism is primarily a western phenomenon it is also eclectic and uniquely draws on the diverse mystical traditions of ancient Greece, China, India and Persia. Naturally enough, it also embraces the great explosion of human scientific and philosophical knowledge of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Is the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, a Religion?
No. AMORC, which stands for Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, is not a religion and does not require a specific code of belief or conduct. Rosicrucian students come from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds. Becoming a Rosicrucian student does not in any way require you to leave your church, join a church, or change your religious beliefs. Some Rosicrucian members do not subscribe to any specific religious beliefs at all. For students who do, we encourage them to participate in the religion of their choice. Therefore, Rosicrucian students come from every religious denomination, and through our teachings, many find a greater appreciation of the mystical principles underlying their individual religious and philosophical beliefs. Those who do not belong to any particular religion often discover a sense of connection with a higher intelligence that was missing in their lives before.
The Rosicrucian path incorporates both metaphysics and mysticism. Metaphysics is that which falls beyond the five physical senses; for example, intuition, visualisation, and healing techniques. Mysticism does not refer to anything mysterious. Mysticism is simply the process by which you may eventually experience direct, conscious union with the Absolute, Divine Mind, Universal Intelligence, or what some Rosicrucian students call the God of their Hearts. This is not done by adhering to specific tenets or beliefs, but by learning and applying natural laws which, over time, allow you to experience Divine or Cosmic Consciousness. The Rosicrucian Order does not attempt to define the nature of the deity. Rather, you will remain free to discover this through your own reflections. This same approach applies to everything that is presented through the Rosicrucian teachings.
We don't expect you to accept anything on faith. We want you to think for yourself, to learn how to draw upon the higher knowledge already within you. What we provide are simply the tools to enable you to accomplish this. The Rosicrucian teachings contain practical exercises and experiments that allow you to demonstrate for yourself the principles presented in the lessons and to access your own source of inner wisdom and guidance. As you do this, you'll begin developing natural abilities that may have been left dormant throughout your life. Almost immediately you'll begin to see your life in a different light.
How Is the Organisation Structured?
The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is a non-profit, educational organisation. Its activities and services are supported by dues and donations received from Rosicrucian students. After expenses are covered, all additional funds go back into the organisation to further benefit its students, allowing us to expand our services, develop new programs and other projects that will help us accomplish our humanitarian goals.
About other Rosicrucian groups
There are a number of web pages using the word "rosicrucian" in their name. Some are created by small groups who describe themselves as rosicrucian, while others are created by private individuals who simply have an interest in rosicrucianism. We're often asked if these other web sites are affiliated with the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC. The answer is: A few of them are, but most are not.
The word "rosicrucian" is so old it cannot be trademarked, so other groups cannot be prevented from using it. However, the term "AMORC" in our name, Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, identifies us as the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, and no other group can use the word "AMORC" in its name.
AMORC has been operating in its current format since 1915, and we have affiliated lodges and chapters all over the world. Many of the other "rosicrucian" groups appearing on the web have been created in just the past few years, and appear to have no physical headquarters or facilities. Further, their philosophies may vary widely from those of AMORC. It has long been AMORC policy to not comment on, judge or evaluate the concepts, techniques or claims of other organisations. Through your own investigation, you will come to evaluate for yourself the worthiness of an organisation.
Our international web site at www.amorc.org contains a list of official AMORC web sites in various languages. These are the only web sites associated with AMORC. Any other web sites are NOT affiliated with our organisation, even though their name may be similar, or the content of their web page may mimic ours.
The Journey into Self and The Mystical Path
The Lost Self
Is it any wonder the inner self becomes lost in the business of the outer world?
From childhood we begin hiding our inner self away. We learn to adapt and survive in the outside world. Our families and peers teach us socially acceptable behaviour. Our educational system teaches us the technical and social skills we need to sustain a material life. As adults we are thrust into a society geared towards materialism, and maintaining the status quo.
Rarely, especially in the early formative years, are we taught inner development; with an emphasis on intuition, the subconscious mind, independent thinking, self esteem, self-confidence, psychic or inner spiritual growth. Is it any wonder the inner self becomes lost in the business of the outer world?
Yet despite all this the inner self does remain alive in everyone, and many are ready to heed its call. That is why the Rosicrucian Order is in existence today and has been for centuries, offering people a way to realize their own infinitely powerful and divine nature.
Life is Difficult
Life is a constant challenge of overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of creating a better family life, developing a successful career, securing material needs, maintaining one's health and even coping with death. This eternal struggle should not be cause for despair because it is through successfully overcoming challenges in life that you evolve.
The purpose of the Rosicrucian teachings is to learn how to find the answers within yourself. Inspiration, energy, and even specific answers to all challenges of life are available when one learns the proper techniques.
The Path of the Mystic
As a Rosicrucian student, you will be walking along the path of the mystic. It is a path travelled by a relative few at any one time. Yet, it is the path that has given us many of our greatest minds, enriching the world with their physical inventions, scientific discoveries, beautiful works of art, music and books, but most importantly, their personal approach to life.
And it is the path each must travel in their own time if they are to reach their ultimate personal evolution.
Mysticism Demystified
Just what is meant when we use the word 'mysticism'. A proper definition has always been elusive or vague. For the record, mysticism can be defined as an experience where one personally knows, through direct knowledge, the source of all being. Many call this source God; others, the cosmic. The point is, the experience is noetic. We know, not believe through faith or know only through scientific observation, but we simply and truly know.
The art of mysticism can be learned. The work of the Rosicrucian Order is to initiate the student to the techniques where mystical knowledge can be readily attained. This knowledge when properly accessed is ultimately rational.
In the end mysticism isn't a belief. It is simply an art of knowing. The mystical experience transcends nature. Often the person will receive a feeling that far surpasses anything which could be conveyed by words. Furthermore, this insight, devoid of ego, is thoroughly comprehended as truthful.
The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is known internationally by its traditional and authentic title, the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis. Rosae Crucis from the Latin means "of the Rosy Cross". There is no religious connotation associated with this symbol; the Rosy Cross symbol predates Christianity. The cross symbolically represents the human body and the rose represents the individual's unfolding consciousness.
The Famous 'Fama'
The lineage of the Rosicrucian movement can be traced from its beginnings in the mystery schools of ancient Egypt founded by Pharaoh Thutmose III (1500 to 1477 B.C.), and more particularly from his grandson Pharaoh Amenhotep IV (also known as Akhnaton) - through to the Greek philosophers such as Thales and Pythagoras, the Roman philosopher Plotinus, and others, who journeyed to Egypt and were initiated into the mystery schools - through to the symbolism hidden in the love songs of Troubadours, the formularies of Alchemists, the symbolical system known as the Qabala, and the rituals of Orders of Knighthood during the dark and dangerous times of medieval Europe.
Fraternitatis
In 17th century Germany, a mysterious publication called the 'Fama Fraternitatis' written by 'Christian Rosenkreuz' was printed. This heralded a renewed interest in Rosicrucianism throughout Europe. As part of this great renewal, the renowned Sir Francis Bacon (1561 to 1626) English philosopher, essayist, and statesman, directed the Rosicrucian Order activities both in England and Europe. Rosicrucian history states that Sir Francis Bacon was actually the author of the Fama Fraternitatis and other works that brought about the revival of the Order in Germany.
Throughout history a number of prominent persons in the fields of science and the arts have been associated with the Rosicrucian movement, such as Leonardo da Vinci (1452 to 1519), Cornelius Heinrich Agrippa (1486 to 1535), Paracelsus (1493 to 1541), Francoiz Rabelais (1494 to 1553), Theresa of Avila (1515 to 1582), John of the Cross (1542 to 1591), Francis Bacon (1561 to 1626), Jacob Boehme (1575 to 1624), Rene Descartes (1596 to 1650), Blaise Pascal (1623 to 1662), Baruch Spinoza (1632 to 1677), Isaac Newton (1642 to 1727), Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz (1646 to 1716), Benjamin Franklin (1706 to 1790), Thomas Jefferson (1743 to 1826), Michael Faraday (1791 to 1867), Marie Corelli (1855 to 1924), Claude Debussy (1862 to 1918), Erik Satie (1866 to 1925) and Edith Piaf (1915 to 1963).
Crossing the Atlantic
The Order crossed the Atlantic in the late 17th century when a Rosicrucian colony was established in Philadelphia. Later such eminent Americans as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Paine were intimately connected with the Rosicrucian community.
Throughout history there have been periods of greater and lesser activity of Rosicrucianism around the world. While inactive in the Americas during the 19th century, the Order was very active in France, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Spain, and other lands during this time.
While Rosicrucianism is primarily a western phenomenon it is also eclectic and uniquely draws on the diverse mystical traditions of ancient Greece, China, India and Persia. Naturally enough, it also embraces the great explosion of human scientific and philosophical knowledge of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Is the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, a Religion?
No. AMORC, which stands for Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, is not a religion and does not require a specific code of belief or conduct. Rosicrucian students come from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds. Becoming a Rosicrucian student does not in any way require you to leave your church, join a church, or change your religious beliefs. Some Rosicrucian members do not subscribe to any specific religious beliefs at all. For students who do, we encourage them to participate in the religion of their choice. Therefore, Rosicrucian students come from every religious denomination, and through our teachings, many find a greater appreciation of the mystical principles underlying their individual religious and philosophical beliefs. Those who do not belong to any particular religion often discover a sense of connection with a higher intelligence that was missing in their lives before.
The Rosicrucian path incorporates both metaphysics and mysticism. Metaphysics is that which falls beyond the five physical senses; for example, intuition, visualisation, and healing techniques. Mysticism does not refer to anything mysterious. Mysticism is simply the process by which you may eventually experience direct, conscious union with the Absolute, Divine Mind, Universal Intelligence, or what some Rosicrucian students call the God of their Hearts. This is not done by adhering to specific tenets or beliefs, but by learning and applying natural laws which, over time, allow you to experience Divine or Cosmic Consciousness. The Rosicrucian Order does not attempt to define the nature of the deity. Rather, you will remain free to discover this through your own reflections. This same approach applies to everything that is presented through the Rosicrucian teachings.
We don't expect you to accept anything on faith. We want you to think for yourself, to learn how to draw upon the higher knowledge already within you. What we provide are simply the tools to enable you to accomplish this. The Rosicrucian teachings contain practical exercises and experiments that allow you to demonstrate for yourself the principles presented in the lessons and to access your own source of inner wisdom and guidance. As you do this, you'll begin developing natural abilities that may have been left dormant throughout your life. Almost immediately you'll begin to see your life in a different light.
How Is the Organisation Structured?
The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is a non-profit, educational organisation. Its activities and services are supported by dues and donations received from Rosicrucian students. After expenses are covered, all additional funds go back into the organisation to further benefit its students, allowing us to expand our services, develop new programs and other projects that will help us accomplish our humanitarian goals.
About other Rosicrucian groups
There are a number of web pages using the word "rosicrucian" in their name. Some are created by small groups who describe themselves as rosicrucian, while others are created by private individuals who simply have an interest in rosicrucianism. We're often asked if these other web sites are affiliated with the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC. The answer is: A few of them are, but most are not.
The word "rosicrucian" is so old it cannot be trademarked, so other groups cannot be prevented from using it. However, the term "AMORC" in our name, Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, identifies us as the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, and no other group can use the word "AMORC" in its name.
AMORC has been operating in its current format since 1915, and we have affiliated lodges and chapters all over the world. Many of the other "rosicrucian" groups appearing on the web have been created in just the past few years, and appear to have no physical headquarters or facilities. Further, their philosophies may vary widely from those of AMORC. It has long been AMORC policy to not comment on, judge or evaluate the concepts, techniques or claims of other organisations. Through your own investigation, you will come to evaluate for yourself the worthiness of an organisation.
Our international web site at www.amorc.org contains a list of official AMORC web sites in various languages. These are the only web sites associated with AMORC. Any other web sites are NOT affiliated with our organisation, even though their name may be similar, or the content of their web page may mimic ours.
The Journey into Self and The Mystical Path
The Lost Self
Is it any wonder the inner self becomes lost in the business of the outer world?
From childhood we begin hiding our inner self away. We learn to adapt and survive in the outside world. Our families and peers teach us socially acceptable behaviour. Our educational system teaches us the technical and social skills we need to sustain a material life. As adults we are thrust into a society geared towards materialism, and maintaining the status quo.
Rarely, especially in the early formative years, are we taught inner development; with an emphasis on intuition, the subconscious mind, independent thinking, self esteem, self-confidence, psychic or inner spiritual growth. Is it any wonder the inner self becomes lost in the business of the outer world?
Yet despite all this the inner self does remain alive in everyone, and many are ready to heed its call. That is why the Rosicrucian Order is in existence today and has been for centuries, offering people a way to realize their own infinitely powerful and divine nature.
Life is Difficult
Life is a constant challenge of overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of creating a better family life, developing a successful career, securing material needs, maintaining one's health and even coping with death. This eternal struggle should not be cause for despair because it is through successfully overcoming challenges in life that you evolve.
The purpose of the Rosicrucian teachings is to learn how to find the answers within yourself. Inspiration, energy, and even specific answers to all challenges of life are available when one learns the proper techniques.
The Path of the Mystic
As a Rosicrucian student, you will be walking along the path of the mystic. It is a path travelled by a relative few at any one time. Yet, it is the path that has given us many of our greatest minds, enriching the world with their physical inventions, scientific discoveries, beautiful works of art, music and books, but most importantly, their personal approach to life.
And it is the path each must travel in their own time if they are to reach their ultimate personal evolution.
Mysticism Demystified
Just what is meant when we use the word 'mysticism'. A proper definition has always been elusive or vague. For the record, mysticism can be defined as an experience where one personally knows, through direct knowledge, the source of all being. Many call this source God; others, the cosmic. The point is, the experience is noetic. We know, not believe through faith or know only through scientific observation, but we simply and truly know.
The art of mysticism can be learned. The work of the Rosicrucian Order is to initiate the student to the techniques where mystical knowledge can be readily attained. This knowledge when properly accessed is ultimately rational.
In the end mysticism isn't a belief. It is simply an art of knowing. The mystical experience transcends nature. Often the person will receive a feeling that far surpasses anything which could be conveyed by words. Furthermore, this insight, devoid of ego, is thoroughly comprehended as truthful.
