The Rosicrucian Order - Secrets Of The Illuminated Society

"When the human race learns to  read the language of symbolism, a great veil will fall from the  eyes of men." - Manly P. Hall The Rosicrucian Order is a mystical and esoteric  organization that claims to possess secret wisdom handed down from ancient times. The Order is named  after its alleged founder, Christian Rosenkreuz, and is often associated with the symbol of the  rosy cross, a cross with a rose at its center. Whether Christian Rosenkreuz actually existed or  not is a subject of ongoing

debate. According to legend, Rosenkreuz traveled through the Middle  East and North Africa, where he acquired secret knowledge and wisdom that were later synthesized  into the teachings of the Rosicrucian Order. But who are the real Rosicrucians? What are  their secret teachings that help them achieve immortality? And how has this secret brotherhood  transformed the course of human thought and spirituality over the centuries? We’ll find out  in this new episode of Secret Origins. Welcome! Over

the course of history, various mystery  schools have emerged with the mission of guiding humanity through spiritual evolution,  transitioning us from one astrological epoch to the next. As Manly P. Hall put it, these  mystery schools reignite the flame of wisdom, driving humanity towards further  advancement. And one notable example of such mystical schools is what we  now know as the Rosicrucian Order. The origins of the Rosicrucian Order are shrouded  in mystery and legend, making it difficult

to separate fact from fiction. However, it is  generally agreed that the Order came to public attention with the publication of three manifestos  in the early 17th century - "Fama Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis," "Confessio Fraternitatis," and  "The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreuz." These texts announced the existence of a secret  brotherhood of alchemists and sages who were preparing to transform the arts, sciences,  religion, and political landscape of Europe. Paracelsus, who was a Swiss

physician, alchemist,  philosopher of the German Renaissance and most probably a Rosicrucian, characterized these  mystical sages as individuals who had achieved a divine state and remained in it without dying,  their whereabouts unknown yet still present on Earth. Modern Rosicrucian groups propose that  the Order has been around since the Renaissance, influencing not only esoteric traditions but also  making its mark in literature, culture, ethics, politics, religion, and science through vario

us  figures, some of whom were also Freemasons. Prominent occult thinkers of the 17th  century, such as Michael Maier, Robert Fludd, and Thomas Vaughan, were deeply drawn to  the Rosicrucian brotherhood. In his 1617 work "Silentium Post Clamores," Michael Maier  vividly describes the essence of Rosicrucianism, saying: "Our roots reach back to the  Egyptian and Brahminic civilizations, intertwining with the profound mysteries  of Eleusis and Samothrace. We draw inspiration from the Persian Magi,

the  intellectual pursuits of the Pythagoreans, and the enlightened thought of the Arabs."  Modern organizations claiming Rosicrucian lineage often cite this passage to emphasize their  ancient roots. While there's no definitive proof, the idea that the Rosicrucian Order has its  origins in ancient mystery traditions—dating back to Egypt around 1500 BCE, can’t  be denied. The rituals, principles, and symbolism employed by Rosicrucians certainly  seem to keep these early mystical teachings. In th

e late 1700s, German Christian mystic  Karl von Eckartshausen described the true followers of the Rose Cross as: "These sages,  whose number is small, are children of light, and are opposed to darkness. They  dislike mystification and secrecy; they are open and frank, have nothing to  do with secret societies and with external ceremonies. They possess a spiritual  temple, in which God is presiding". We know that throughout medieval Europe, esoteric  wisdom was often veiled in symbolic language,

hidden within troubadour ballads, concealed in  alchemical texts, encrypted in the Kabbalistic system, or enshrined in the rites of chivalric  orders. Following that, in the early 20th century, Max Heindel, a Rosicrucian initiate, said  that tracking the roots of the Rosicrucian Brotherhood is challenging because their primary  mission has always been to foster human evolution, and they've been doing this work under  various disguises throughout history. Today, there are several organizations th

at  claim to represent the Rosicrucian tradition, the most well-known of which are the Ancient  and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) and the Confraternity of the Rose Cross (CR+C). Each  holds their own interpretation of Rosicrucian philosophy, and they all claim to offer  paths to deeper spiritual understanding. But now let’s go back in time and try to find  out the origins of the initial Rosicrucian brotherhood. What we know is that the Rosicrucian  Order first appeared in the 1600s when th

e three mysterious manifestos were published in Europe.  These manifestos were completely anonymous, although they referred to a figure  named Christian Rosenkreuz. This man, sometimes referred to as the Father  Brother CRC, allegedly founded the Rosicrucian Order in 1407 after studying  various teachings in the Middle East. The first manifesto was the "Fama  Fraternitatis RC," and it included six articles that Rosicrucians should follow: They should heal the sick. They should blend in with the

customs of local people. They  should meet once a year at the House of the Holy Spirit. Every Rosicrucian must find an  heir to take his place within the Order. All Rosicrucians are identifiable by the letter CR.  The fraternity should remain secret for 100 years. The second manifesto was the "Confessio  Fraternitatis." This manifesto was a declaration of the Rosicrucians mission to  transform the political and intellectual landscape of Europe. The Rosicrucians refer  to this as the "Reformation

of Mankind." The third and final manifesto was released in 1617  and was entitled "Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreuz Anno 1459." It tells the story how  Rosenkreutz encounters a number of symbolic characters and undergoes trials, before he was  able to enter a castle of miracles. The text is highly symbolic and figurative, and most of the  symbolism serves as metaphorical representations of the inner transformational journey. The  experiences of Rosenkreutz are emblematic of the initiate

's path to spiritual enlightenment  and the transcending of dualistic consciousness. Do we know who the original  Rosicrucians were? Well, some say that Rosenkreuz was a real man  descended from a Germanic royal family, while others claim that he is a purely symbolic  figure. Some also claim that the Rosicrucian Order was formed by members of the Knights  Templar. So claim that many prominent names such as Leonardo da Vinci, Cornelius Agrippa,  Paracelsus, Francis Bacon, Rene Descartes, Isaac Ne

wton have been part of the order or  have contributed to the Rosicrucian knowledge. Still, the question of who  founded the Rosicrucian Order is unclear. While Christian Rosenkreuz  is traditionally named as the founder, he's probably more of a symbolic figure than  a historical person. And the Rosicrucian manifestos are suspected to be the work of  a group rather than a single individual. Two prominent names that are often described  as possible authors are Johannes Valentinus Andreae and Sir F

rancis Bacon. Andreae, a German  theologian and writer of the late Renaissance, stands out as a particularly likely candidate.  His themes in other writings align closely with those in the Rosicrucian manifestos, both  focusing on spiritual enlightenment and societal reform. Intriguingly, Andreae later referred  to the Rosicrucian "Fama" and "Confessio" as a "ludibrium" or jest, which has led some  to speculate that he wrote these texts as intellectual exercises. Given the risky climate  of reli

gious persecution at the time—and remember, some view Rosicrucians as spiritual  descendants of the persecuted Knights Templar—it's plausible Andreae downplayed/masked  his involvement to protect his clerical career. The speculation around the authorship of the  Rosicrucian manifestos also extends to Sir Francis Bacon, the English philosopher  and advocate of the scientific method. Bacon's vision of an enlightened society  parallels the Rosicrucian principles, most notably in his utopian work, "

The New  Atlantis." Both Bacon's writings and the Rosicrucian texts share thematic and symbolic  overlaps, such as the pursuit of knowledge, the harmonization of science and religion,  and the transformative power of wisdom. “The job of the artist is always to deepen  the mystery.” “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness  must be present.” ― Francis Bacon While Johannes Valentinus Andreae and Bacon  present compelling cases as potential authors, the truth remains a mystery. So

me theories even  link the Rosicrucians to the Invisible College, considered the predecessor to the Royal  Society of London. Like the Rosicrucians, the Invisible College was conceived as a group  of enlightened individuals working secretly to better society. The Invisible College  later evolved into the Royal Society, a gathering of scientists that included Robert  Boyle and Isaac Newton. Boyle once stated, "The cornerstones of the Invisible, or as they  term themselves, the Philosophical Colle

ge, do now and then honor me with their company."  Newton, a member of the Royal Society, was also deeply interested in alchemy and  hermeticism—topics central to Rosicrucian belief. Did the Rosicrucians inspire other secret  societies? Even though no one was able to locate the original members of the  Rosicrucian Order back in the 1600s, that didn't stop them from starting their  own secret societies. A number of Masonic lodges were apparently heavily inspired  by the Rosicrucians. In the early

1700s, Samuel Richter founded the Gold-und Rosenkreuzer,  otherwise known in English as the Golden and Rosy Cross. Toward the end of the 18th  century two Rosicrucian-inspired Masonic rites emerged - the Rectified Scottish Rite,  widespread in Central Europe where there was a strong presence of the Golden and Rosy Cross,  and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, first practiced in France, in which the 18th  degree is called Knight of the Rose Cross. What about the Identity of Christian  Rose

nkreutz? Was he a real person? Or his name was more like an archetypal figure? According to the story told in the manifestos, Christian Rosenkreuz was the last descendant  of the Germelschausen, a German family which flourished in the 13th century. Their castle stood  in the Thuringian Forest, on the border of Hesse, and they had embraced Albigensian, or Cathar,  doctrines — combining Gnostic and Christian beliefs. The whole family was put  to death by Conrad von Marburg, except for the youngest

son, who was  only five years old. He was carried away secretly by a monk who was an  Albigensian adept from Languedoc. The young Rosenkreuz was taken to a monastery  influenced by Albigensian teachings, where he met the four other individuals who would later  join him in founding the Rosicrucian Brotherhood. According to legend, it was here that he prepared  for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. His travels took him first to Damascus, then to Egypt, and  eventually to Damkar, where he was initiat

ed into the alchemists' "Great Work." His journey led him  to Fez in Morocco, an intellectual hub home to the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, considered the oldest  continuously operating university in the world. In Fez, Rosenkreuz is said to have studied  under various sages—perhaps Sufis or Zoroastrians—deepening his understanding  of the universe and making contact with elemental beings. Manly P. Hall notes that  Rosenkreuz learned from Arab scholars about these elemental creatures and the ether

eal  realm they inhabit. He also studied astrology, talismanic magic, and other arcane  arts far removed from everyday society. Armed with these vast skills, including herbology,  alchemy, and even the secrets of eternal life, Rosenkreuz returned to Europe. He  established a "House of Wisdom," known as "Domus Sancti Spiritus," shrouded  in metaphorical clouds to conceal it from the public eye. These "clouds" symbolize the  rituals and symbols that hide deeper truths, the great unspeakable myster

ies sought after  by serious seekers. Over time, Rosenkreuz assembled eight like-minded individuals. Each  would journey to different parts of the world, learning from various cultures and traditions.  They would then return annually to the House of the Holy Spirit to share their  newly acquired wisdom and insights. According to the manifestos, when Rosenkreuz  passed away at the venerable age of 106, he was buried in a unique seven-sided chamber  within the House of the Holy Spirit. This vault

was not just a tomb but a sanctuary of mystical  symbols and allegorical art. At its heart lay an altar, upon which rested Rosenkreuz's  preserved remains. The discovery of this hidden chamber came 120 years after  his death, as described in the "Fama Fraternitatis." The vault was illuminated  not by natural light but by a crafted sun, casting its glow on the Book M—a repository  of Rosenkreuz's immense wisdom and knowledge. Uncovering the vault was considered a signal for  the Rosicrucian Order

to emerge from the shadows, marking a new phase of spreading its teachings  to a wider world. The symbolism and allegorical elements found within the chamber represented the  accumulation of esoteric wisdom by Rosenkreuz and his inner circle. Notably, figures like Rudolf  Steiner, Max Heindel, and Guy Ballard claim that Rosenkreuz was later reincarnated as the Count of  St. Germain, a mysterious figure who was also a courtier, an adventurer, and an alchemist,  said to have died on February 27,

1784. ** Here, it's important to recognize that this  narrative is rooted in the Rosicrucian manifestos and is often interpreted symbolically, in line  with the allegorical style common to Hermetic and alchemical texts of the time. For example,  the opening of Rosenkreutz's tomb is thought to be a way of referring to the cycles in nature and  to cosmic events, and as well to the opening of new possibilities for mankind, consequent on the  advances of the 16th and early 17th centuries. What are t

he beliefs and teachings  of The Rosicrucian Order? The Rosicrucian Order focuses on spiritual  wisdom, mystical Christianity, Kabbalah, and other forms of esoteric knowledge.  The teachings of the Rosicrucians are fundamental. Think of them as road  signs on your spiritual journey, helping you understand yourself better and  wake up to the presence of something greater, to the reality of the Divine. The purpose  of the order is often described as the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and  wisd

om, and the betterment of humanity. One of its foundational principles is the  belief in alchemy, not merely as a process for transmuting base metals into gold, but as  a metaphor for the spiritual transformation that each individual can undergo. This notion of  transformation coincides with their interest in mystical Christianity. Though not exclusively  a Christian organization, Rosicrucians often revere Christ as a high spiritual being who  offers guidance on the path to enlightenment. Howeve

r, if you wonder whether the Rosicrucian  Order is a religious organization, well, the Order generally considers itself a spiritual  rather than a religious organization. And while it incorporates elements of mystical  Christianity and other religious traditions, it does not require members to  belong to any specific religion. Central to the teachings of the Rosicrucian  Order is the concept of a Universal Spirit, a divine essence believed to be present  in all religious and spiritual paths. Thi

s universalism extends to the concept of the  Divine Word or Logos. In Rosicrucian belief, this Divine Word is not just a concept but  a fundamental aspect of existence itself. It suggests that everything that exists has  originated from this Divine Word, and therefore, it shares a primal connection with it. The Word is  associated with thought and is seen as being with God in the primal state of existence, emphasizing  the potent creative power of the Divine Word, which is responsible for the m

yriad forms  and expressions that make up our universe. Some members of the Order also explore Eastern  philosophies, incorporating beliefs in karma and the cycle of reincarnation as part of the  soul's journey towards spiritual evolution. Another cornerstone teaching of the Rosicrucian  Order is the concept of Unity in Diversity. This principle asserts that although our  world is incredibly diverse and complex, it is all a manifestation of  a single underlying reality, principle, or divine bein

g. While we see a  multitude of forms, colors, and experiences, these are all expressions of a unified essence,  Oneness. This foundational idea informs the Rosicrucian approach to life, illuminating the  interconnectedness and sacredness of all things. Further, Rosicrucianism values the act of  service and the notion of contributing to the collective good. This is because when you  recognize the underlying unity in all things, it naturally follows that you would want to  serve and uplift the wh

ole. In this context, Rosicrucians view themselves  as conscious co-creators in the intricate tapestry of existence, each  with a unique but interconnected role. Rosicrucians place significant emphasis  on "Corpus Hermeticum" and the Hermetic principles like "as above, so below,"  viewing the cosmos as an interconnected whole. The "Corpus Hermeticum" is a collection  of texts centered on philosophical, theological, and esoteric themes. These texts are  attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, a mythic

al figure considered to be a fusion of  the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. Hermes Trismegistus is portrayed as a wise teacher  imparting divine wisdom, much of it in the form of dialogues with his disciple, Asclepius. The  texts date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD and were compiled during the Renaissance,  although they likely have older origins. Hermeticism, the spiritual and philosophical  tradition derived from the "Corpus Hermeticum," explores topics such as the nature of

God, the  cosmos, humanity, and divine wisdom. The Hermetic tradition also touches upon practices related to  alchemy, astrology, and theurgy (ritual practices aimed at invoking the divine). One of the most  important beliefs is the interconnectedness of all levels of reality. The idea is that understanding  one level of reality—be it material, emotional, or spiritual—can provide insights into other levels.  This notion has had a significant influence on various esoteric traditions, including K

abbalah,  Gnosticism, and Renaissance Neoplatonism. The Order also believes in the power  of inner wisdom or the "Inner Light," accessible through spiritual practices  like meditation and contemplation. This ties into their larger belief in cosmic  consciousness—a higher state of awareness that transcends the ego and offers a connection  to the divine. All these teachings are designed to foster a sense of spiritual brotherhood  among members, reinforcing the idea that a universal brotherhood is

at work behind  the scenes for the betterment of humanity. The Rosicrucian journey is not linear but rather  a spiral, emblematic of life's inherent cycles. This path is filled with ups and downs, gains  and losses, but the goal remains constant: growth and evolution. It's a dynamic balance of  learning and unlearning, progress and setbacks, and is often described as a dance between  light and shadow, form and the formless. The Rosicrucian teachings are often shrouded  in secrecy, confined to a

system of initiation that guides members from basic principles  to advanced esoteric concepts. Rituals, symbols, and texts serve as  vehicles to impart this wisdom, each specifically created to assist the seeker  on their quest for spiritual enlightenment. Speaking of initiation, the question that  naturally occurs is how does one become a member of The Rosicrucian Order? And in fact, can  anyone be a Rosicrucian? Joining the Rosicrucian Order isn't a mere decision or something done for  persona

l gain. It's a deep spiritual commitment that calls for a certain level of inner growth.  But what does that really mean to be initiated? Inner growth, or "spiritual unfoldment," is  about the soul's journey toward becoming wiser, more loving, and more aware. The Rosicrucian  Order, like other spiritual schools, knows that everyone is at different  stages of this journey. Each person has their own unique path and grows  at their own speed. That's why the Order only accepts people who are ready 

to really get what they're teaching. This doesn't mean the Order's teachings  are just for an exclusive group. They actually say that everyone has the  ability to grow spiritually. But, they also stress that their deeper  teachings can only really be grasped by someone who's prepared on a spiritual  level. So how do you get ready to join? Getting ready isn't about learning a bunch  of facts or doing certain actions. The real goal is personal change. This involves  developing good qualities like

wisdom, kindness, and modesty. It's also about becoming  more aware and learning to understand and work with spiritual concepts. You're considered ready  for the Rosicrucian Order when you're willing to dig deep into life's big questions and can  handle the responsibilities that come with that understanding. .. At the core of the order, there  are 12 Masters led by a 13th, who remains unseen. This setup isn't random;  it reflects a universal pattern seen in various parts of the cosmos, where the

re  is a central figure surrounded by many, showing the idea of one core element and multiple  outer elements, some seen and some unseen. This pattern is also the backbone of the  Rosicrucian Order. It's not just about numbers or shapes; it's about how different elements  interact and balance each other. It's about many different things coming together to form one,  and that one thing showing itself in many ways. Within the Rosicrucian Order, this universal  idea comes to life. The 12 Masters, e

ach with their own roles, come together under  the guidance of the hidden 13th member. Together, they act like a small-scale version of the  universe. Through their collective efforts, they channel spiritual energy that helps  humanity grow and evolve. The structure of the Rosicrucian Order is more like a living  system than a strict hierarchy. Members, both seen and unseen, are constantly doing  spiritual work for both the order and the greater world. This setup mirrors cosmic laws  and shows h

ow individuals can collaborate for the common good under spiritual guidance. Among  the visible members, seven "brothers" actively engage with the world, serving people and helping  to raise collective awareness. On the other hand, five unseen members focus inwardly, providing  teachings to those who are spiritually advanced enough to visit their temple in a spiritual  form. They're like the hidden roots of a tree, providing stability and nourishment Now, back to the initiation. Usually, we are

used to associate initiation with secret  rituals, esoteric knowledge, and exclusive societies. But in the context of Rosicrucian  order, initiation has a deeper and more profound meaning. Being a Rosicrucian isn't about titles  or knowledge; it's about your state of mind and how you interact with the world. It means living  by the order's values and working for the greater good. Initiation isn't the end goal but a step in  a lifelong journey of growth and self-discovery. The first initiation is

a pivotal moment,  transitioning you from focusing on the outer, visible world to exploring the inner,  invisible realms. This isn't a physical trip but a shift in consciousness, revealing  new layers of perception and understanding. This inner world isn't separate from our physical  reality; rather, it's the underlying layer that shapes it. Learning to access this realm isn't a  supernatural feat but an untapped human potential, awakened through initiation. However, this  first initiation is j

ust the starting line. Like getting admitted to order, it opens  the door to learning but doesn't make you an expert. The real work—requiring  dedication and effort—begins afterward. So, are you ready to go on a deeper, inner journey  that awakens you to the spiritual side of life, setting the stage for an ongoing  adventure of self-discovery and growth? The Rosicrucian order isn't just a myth or legend.  It's a vital piece of the puzzle in understanding the roots of Western spirituality. The Ro

sicrucian  Order has made a lasting impact far beyond its inner circle, affecting Western thought,  spirituality, and even areas like science and art. Its teachings have served as a guide for personal  and societal change, and its principles have resonated with many, even those not formally part  of the order. Think of it as a river of wisdom, enriching all who are open to its insights. Its  influence has not only fueled individual spiritual growth but also broader shifts in consciousness  and s

ociety. Despite changing times, the order remains vibrant, its teachings timeless. Its  principles continue to offer hope and direction in a world that's increasingly complex. The  lasting impact of the Rosicrucian Order speaks to the enduring power of spiritual wisdom and the  human potential for growth and transformation. True Rosicrucianism calls for a soul-cleansing  journey filled with compassion, wisdom, and a commitment to spiritual growth. Only  when someone fully embraces these principl

es can they genuinely claim to walk the path of the  Rosicrucians. There's only one path, and it's always been the same. The secrets of our world are  hidden for a reason; they could overwhelm those who aren't ready for them. But if you're truly  looking for answers and your intentions are good, you'll find what you're searching for. Nothing can  stop someone who is genuinely seeking the truth. “They wander in darkness seeking light, failing to realize that the light is in  the heart of the dark

ness” ― Manly P Hall Now, do us a small favor, hit the like button  and subscribe. And for more secret knowledge, watch our related videos on the screen right now.  Keep your minds open and until we meet again.