Society
of Rosicrucians (Rosenkreuzer) - the
Invisible Order, occult-cabalistic-theosophic,
possibly a form of mystical Christianity with connections
to Gnostic and Hermetic thought and alchemical
philosophy and history in Europe.
Name from Latin: ‘rosae’ (rose) and ‘crux’(cross).
First Rosicrucian manifesto Fama Fraternitatis (Cassel,
1615) by the theologian Johann Valentin Andrea (1586-1654). Also the Ailgemeine
und General-Reformation der Ganzen Weiten Welt (Cassel, 1614).
The writers seem to have been moral and religious reformers. They used
the media of alchemy and sciences to make known their ideas in a mystical
and occult way, difficult to penetrate. These publications caused immense
interest and excitement throughout Europe.
Foundation: The Brotherhood was founded in 1408 by a
German nobleman, Christian Rosenkreuz
(1378-1484). He travelled widely across the East (Damascus, Jerusalem,
Fez) and was initiated into Arabian secret learning and magic. His idea
of religion was antipapal Christianity blended with theosophy.
Aims: 1.
To guide humanity towards spiritual truth and personal enlightenment.
The published manifestos offered specific guidance for an educational,
moral and scientific reformation of society. In deepest secrecy
hidden nature forces were studied. The discoveries and inventions
were used for the benefit of humanity. Annual, secret assemblies
of the leaders (Edifice of the Holy Spirit), curing of the sick,
and procuring successors was part of the deal. 2. The pursuit
of psychic power to control the mind of one's self and others.
'Chymische
Hochzeit Christiani Rosenkreuz' (1459) by the Lutheran theologian
of Würtemberg, John
Valentin Andrea (1586-1654) may have been a satirical work. Andrea later
renounced Rosicrucianism and called it a ridiculous comedy and folly.
In the book the narrator, Christian Rosenkreuz himself, describes his
experiences as a guest - and not the bridegroom, as the title suggests
- at the wedding of a king and queen who live in a magnificent castle.
The text may be an alchemical allegory or initiation with many unusual
arcane symbols.
The
confusion of interpretations lead to what is called the 'Rosicrucian
Fraud'. Psuedo-Rosicrucian societies arose, falsely claiming
descent from the genuine fraternity of the 'Fama'. There are
controversial views that Rosicrucianism cooperated in the foundation
of modern Freemasonry in 1717.
Beliefs & values: 1.love, compassion and tolerance.
2. seeking the Truth within. 3. purity &
selflessness. 4. The Emotional Pendulum: there is no difference between
the poles of darkness and light. The roots of these ideas come from Eastern
Gnostic concepts of the dual energies of humans that are metaphysically
expressed through the act of copulation. The union of opposites is a
central alchemical idea. 5. The initiate seeks to gain magical powers
(as opposed to the Eastern idea of attaining Enlightenment.)
The
Rose Cross Symbolism: 1. enlightenment of the individual. 2.The rose
and cross are ancient
symbols of occultism.
Questions: 1. Did the 'Invisible College' become the oyal Society
of England? 2. Why is
Rosicrucianism connected to such illustrious figures as John Dee, Robert
Boyle, Elias Ashmole,
Robert Fludd and Sir Francis Bacon?
Society
of Rosicrucians (Rosenkreuzer) - the
Invisible Order, occult-cabalistic-theosophic,
possibly a form of mystical Christianity with connections
to Gnostic and Hermetic thought and alchemical
philosophy and history in Europe.
1614).
The writers seem to have been moral and religious reformers. They used
the media of alchemy and sciences to make known their ideas in a mystical
and occult way, difficult to penetrate. These publications caused immense
interest and excitement throughout Europe. 
Aims: 1.
To guide humanity towards spiritual truth and personal enlightenment.
The published manifestos offered specific guidance for an educational,
moral and scientific reformation of society. In deepest secrecy
hidden nature forces were studied. The discoveries and inventions
were used for the benefit of humanity. Annual, secret assemblies
of the leaders (Edifice of the Holy Spirit), curing of the sick,
and procuring successors was part of the deal. 2. The pursuit
of psychic power to control the mind of one's self and others. 
Chymische
Hochzeit Christiani Rosenkreuz' (1459) by the Lutheran theologian
of Würtemberg, John 
The
confusion of interpretations lead to what is called the 'Rosicrucian
Fraud'. Psuedo-Rosicrucian societies arose, falsely claiming
descent from the genuine fraternity of the 'Fama'. There are
controversial views that Rosicrucianism cooperated in the foundation
of modern Freemasonry in 1717. 
The
Rose Cross Symbolism: 1. enlightenment of the individual. 2.The rose
and cross are ancient