Interview with a modern Rosicrucian

The following questions were answered by me in an interview on 06/30/2008


Q: What led you to, and when did you start on a traditional path in your search of Truth and Light?

Well, if you are referring to mysticism; as far back as I can remember. I was always interested in metaphysical things, the so-called paranormal, and would spend hours in deep contemplation of seemingly random and pointless things for example I used to sit and contemplate one word: W.H.Y.?
I was interested in many groups, practiced various esoteric teachings and traditions throughout the years however it all seemed soooo, well and I mean no disrespect here It all seemed very "hokey" and thrown together. There was never a WHY in the various practices, just simply this is how we do thus and so.. That is until I found AMORC……Things began to make scientific/philosophical/ and Mystical sense with a firm stance AGAINST superstition and so called "magic"
The Cosmic Laws make so much more sense than some ethereal non-knowingness that cannot be defined. I'm serious, once you discover the Natural Laws inherent in everything it becomes much easier to live in harmony with the Cosmic and our fellow human beings. Once you begin to search inward and discover that we have been given the greatest gifts from the Creator, God, or whatever you choose to call the Divine the next logical step is to learn how to use these gifts that we all have for the benefit our ourselves, our families, and for all of humanity. This may come as a great shock to you but we are ALL capable of such seemingly weird abilities that most people think of as "supernatural" and yet they are perfectly natural bestowed upon us by The Cosmic. Abilities such as telepathy, manifesting desires through visualization, healing, etc. We are ALL capable of these things however we have been taught from a small age in this present society to not acknowledge these things, to put them aside, they are "evil" , etc….However, and I must stress this point ALL of these things are not SUPER natural rather; they are quite natural indeed and all humans have these capabilities within themselves.

Q: How did you become a Rosicrucian?

Well, as I said I had been involved with various groups and practices and had come across the Rosicrucian Order in various texts. The Order was frequently mentioned however there was really no exact definition of what it was or if it still existed. Something about what little I did find out about the R+C spoke to me and I was determined to find out if there was any current activity or if this mysterious tradition his disappeared with the passage of time like so many others. In 1999 I made use of the internet and found the AMORC website & requested a copy of Mastery of Life. The brief history/timeline of the R+C Order went further back that I originally thought, all the way back to the Ancient Egyptian Mystery schools. I discovered that some of the greatest men and women throughout history have been, or were heavily influenced by the R+C. I had found what I was looking for and have been a Rosicrucian Frater from then on.

Q: Aren't you also a Traditional Catholic? Don't you find conflict in that?

Before I answer that question let me first make clear that AMORC is NOT a religion and in fact transcends religious dogmas and seeks to express the mystical aspects of all religions. Rosicrucians come from every religious persuasion and being a Rosicrucian does not in any way interfere with your religion.
With that being said, yes I am a Traditional Catholic; meaning that My family and I adhere to the Catholicism as it was practiced prior to the so-called "reforms" brought about by the Second Vatican Council. The Tridentine (Traditional) Latin Mass being the most easily recognizable aspects of being in the "Traditional" Latin Rite of The Church. At first glance one may find striking "contradictions" between the R+C teachings and that of Christianity however; these need not be the case. I consider myself to be a devout Catholic however a humble R+C student, for even our Imperator is first and foremost a student of the Cosmic.
The R+C teachings are NEVER to be blindly accepted because the Order simply says so and it is often heard of Rosicrucians that we are "walking question marks" always questioning everything. If there is however something in the Rosicrucian teachings which you find objectionable or contradictory to your personal faith then set it aside and worry about it no more. AMORC does not teach doctrine.
For me, being a Rosicrucian makes me a better Catholic, and being a Catholic makes me a more observant and compassionate Rosicrucian. Our Late Imperator Ralph. M. Lewis once said, "Rosicrucianism is not a particular subject but rather the furtherance of the spirit and application of knowledge."

Q: What is it that caused Rosicrucianism to survive as a living traditional culture through the last several centuries?

I wouldn't say that there is any ONE thing that has allowed the Rosicrucian Order to survive rather; the constant quest of man for "Light" and the dedication of R+C Fratres and Sorores to perpetuate the teachings of the Order throughout the centuries however; any discussion of the continuance of the Order must include our Late First Imperator of AMORC, Dr. Harvey Spencer Lewis who was initiated into the R+C in France and whose diligent task was to rebuild The Order in the United States in the 1920's. Every member of AMORC owes Frater Lewis a debt of gratitude.

Q: You also are a member of the Klnights of Columbus, and several other traditional intiatic organizations. Having such a deep traditional grounding, how do you view the future work of the esoteric traditions as they all strive to work towards the common objective?

Each tradition must be allowed chart their own respective course and the Rosicrucian Order AMORC, while being the only AUTHENTIC Rosicrucian Order currently operating in the world makes no claim for the other esoteric fraternities, orders, etc. AMORC is a complete philosophical and initiatic system that quite frankly is not "for everyone" and the statistics do indeed show that many students leave the Order after their first few monographs because they are informed from the very beginning of association with the Order that true mystic knowledge takes time and hard work, developing and training your many psychic abilities inherent within us all takes lots of study and many years of hard WORK and does not come automatically…..Like everything in life, the Rosicrucian is only as good as the work and effort that is put into the studies.

Q: Can you share a few thoughts about the teachings of AMORC, and what approach do they take to the student's spiritual quest?

Well, AMORC summarizes the course of study in the introductory pamphlet "Mastery of Life" which can be read online or a hardcopy may be ordered from the Supreme Lodge. Here is that info:

***Reads from Mastery of Life***

Neophyte Section
In ancient times, if you wished to study the great mysteries, you would travel to a temple and petition for admittance as a student. Once accepted as a beginning student, you would be known as a Neophyte, and you would enter the Atrium, or reception chamber of the temple. In the Atrium, you would receive preliminary instructions before being allowed to enter the main temple itself and study the higher teachings. Following the analogy of the ancient temples, the early lessons are called atrium lessons and beginning Rosicrucian students are called neophytes.
Introductory Lessons
Right from the start, the introductory monographs present basic Rosicrucian concepts that you can apply in practical ways. One of the first things you learn as a Neophyte is that you are a dual being. In addition to your five physical senses, you also have a psychic sense. The exercises in these introductory lessons are designed to gradually awaken and develop the psychic faculty. The exercises presented here and throughout the entire Rosicrucian system allow you to discover for yourself through direct experience how these principles work. Topics include:
Illusory Nature of Time and Space
Human Consciousness and Cosmic Consciousness
Rosicrucian Technique of Meditation
Development of the Intuition
Introduction to: Human Aura, Telepathy,
Metaphysical Healing,
Mystical Sounds, Spiritual Alchemy
First Atrium
In the introductory lessons you learned about fundamental principles of consciousness. The First Atrium goes further, exploring consciousness as the organizing principle of matter, and explaining the composition and structure of matter and its vibratory nature. You'll learn how the creative power of thought affects the material world. This power is demonstrated through exercises in the techniques of concentration, visualization, and mental creation. Topics include:
Structure and Composition of Matter
Power of Thought
The Creative Power of Visualisation
Mental Projection and Telepathy
Law of the triangle.
Second Atrium
Your understanding of the connection between mind and matter will now be expanded to include the connection between the mind and the physical body. The Second Atrium explores how your thoughts influence your health, the role of proper breathing in psychic development as well as health and vitality, and Rosicrucian healing techniques. As you develop your body's psychic centers, you gradually awaken your psychic faculties, such as the ability to perceive the aura. You will also experience the mystical effect of sounds on the psychic centers as well as on the physical body. Topics include:
Origin of Diseases
Influence of Thoughts on Health
Mystical Art of Breathing
Rosicrucian Healing Treatments
Perception of the Aura
Awakening of the Psychic Consciousness
Mystical Sounds
Third Atrium
The Third Atrium moves beyond the physical body and the psychic faculties into the realm of the mystical. As you become more attuned with your inner source of wisdom, you'll become more receptive to the subtle inner promptings of intuition, inspiration, and illumination. These lessons also explore the nature of soul and spiritual evolution, reincarnation and karma, and the cycles of the soul. Topics include;
The Great Religious Movements
The Nature of Soul
Purpose of our Spiritual Evolution
Reincarnation and Karma
Good and Evil and Free Will
Intuition, Inspiration, and Illumination
Temple Section
Having completed the lessons of the Neophyte section, you stand at an important milestone in your progress along the mystical path. No longer a Neophyte, you are now ready to leave the Atrium and enter the Temple. Your studies in the Neophyte section established the foundation for the lessons of the Temple Degrees. You have been introduced to the various elements of the Rosicrucian system and had the opportunity to practice many of the principles presented through simple experiments. Now the Temple Degrees will further develop these elements, providing additional depth and practical applications of the principles.
First Temple Degree
The First Temple Degree introduces the concept of polarity and its relationship to the subatomic world and its differing rates of vibration. It introduces the full spectrum of physical and nonphysical manifestation. An understanding of these subjects gives you an appreciation for the system and order of the universe, the interconnectedness of all nature, and how everything is governed by natural law. Topics include:
Structure of Matter
Positive and Negative as Vibratory Polarities
Rosicrucian Definitions of Electricity, Magnetism, and Electromagnetism
Rosicrucian Classification of Elements
Material Alchemy
Second Temple Degree
The Second Temple Degree explores the workings of the mind. You'll learn how to use your various mental faculties to strengthen your will, eliminate bad habits and establish good ones, tap into the levels of your subconscious, reason more effectively, and integrate principles of psychology and mysticism to achieve your personal goals. Topics include:
Cosmic Consciousness
Our Objective and Subjective Consciousness
Mental and Sensory Illusions
Imagination and Memory
Physical, Psychic, and Spiritual Influence of the Subconscious
Memory and Reasoning of the Subconscious
Psychology and Mysticism
Third Temple Degree
The Third Temple Degree explores the meaning of life on many levels, including living and “non-living” matter, life on the cellular level, the mysteries of death and rebirth, and the eternal nature of the soul. Topics Include:
Cosmic Purpose of Life
Rosicrucian Definitions of Living and Non-living Matter
Incarnation of the Soul
Transition of the Soul
Initiatric Aspects of Death
Fourth Temple Degree
The Fourth Temple Degree introduces Rosicrucian ontology (the study of the nature of being), and lays out the cosmological framework for all creation. It explores the meaning, understanding, and use of symbols as the language of the subconscious. Topics include:
Vital Life Force and the Living Soul
Cycles of Life and Constant States of Flux
Time, Space, Infinity and Eternity
Symbols—Natural, Artificial, and Mystical
Sacred Architecture
Fifth Temple Degree
A mystic, by nature, is fundamentally a philosopher. In the Fifth Temple Degree, you will study excerpts from the works of classical philosophers. Your exploration of the ancient roots of Rosicrucian philosophy will demonstrate the timelessness of these principles. Thoughts of the following philosophers are presented: Thales, Solon, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Democritus, Empedocles, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle.
Sixth Temple Degree
The Sixth Temple Degree presents the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components of health and disease. In this Degree, you’ll learn specific Rosicrucian healing techniques for restoring and maintaining vibrant physical health and psychic equilibrium. Topics include:
Spiritual Dimension of Food
Breathing and Respiratory Health
Cell Consciousness and Cellular Health
Rosicrucian Therapy and Self-healing
Personal Treatment to Restore your Psychic Equilibrium
Physical and Mental Prevention of Disease
Emotional and Spiritual Prevention of Disease
Seventh Temple Degree
The exercises and experiments of all the previous Degrees have contributed to your gradual development, providing you with the necessary foundation for the advanced techniques of the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Degrees. In the Seventh Degree you will learn how to accomplish psychic projection, how to develop your personal aura and perceive other people’s auras, and how to further develop your psychic centers and psychic perception. You will also receive a thorough explanation of the physiological, psychic, and spiritual influence of specific mystical sounds. Topics include:
The Psychic Body and Psychic Centers
Psychic Perception and Psychic Consciousness
How to Accomplish Psychic Projection
Nature and Symbolism of Dreams
The Physical, Psychic, and Spiritual Auras
Mystical Power of Vowel Sounds and Mantras
Eighth Temple Degree
The Eighth Temple Degree explores in depth the theme of immortality—the mysteries of birth and death, reincarnation and karma, and the evolution of the soul personality. Topics include:
Universal Soul and the Human Soul
Divine Consciousness and Self Consciousness
Spiritual Evolution of Humans
Mastery of Karma
Reincarnation of the Soul
Memory of Past Incarnations
The Mystery of Birth and Death
Help to the Dying, Before and After Death
Ninth Temple Degree
If you have conscientiously studied and practiced the exercises and experiments of the earlier Degrees, these techniques will by now have become second nature, and you'll be well prepared to successfully undertake the advanced experiments of the Ninth Degree. This Degree gives you the opportunity to utilize the highest metaphysical powers in practical ways to affect positive conditions in your environment and your life in accordance with the greatest good. Topics include:
Macrocosm and Microcosm
The Four Principles: Earth, Water, Air and Fire
Symbolism of the Cross, Triangle, Square, Circle, and Rose-Cross
Mental Alchemy
Telepathy, Telekinesis, Vibroturgy, and Radiesthesia
Cosmic Protection, Mystical Regeneration
Attunement with the Cosmic Consciousness
Beyond the Ninth Temple Degree
The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is not just a course of study, but a way of life. While the essential Rosicrucian teachings are covered in the first five years, the exploration of universal laws is truly a lifelong study. As long as we live, we never stop learning. Therefore, the Rosicrucian lessons continue for many years beyond the Ninth Degree, providing you with even greater insights and exploration of the Rosicrucian principles and techniques.

Q: It seems that the R+C Tradition is always expressing itself and adapting to the flow of time and existing conditions. Could you give us an example of this adaptability in Rosicrucian history?

Oh! Absolutely……The Monographs are a great example of this….Prior to the 1990's the original monographs written by Frater H. Spencer Lewis were used without much change however, as you pointed out the Order is always adapting to time and conditions so a more up to date approach to the monographs was taken including the new advancements in science and psychology not to mention former teachings that the R+C has always taught that have finally been proven correct by science or various other institutions, one example is the discussion and theory of using of atomic power loooooong before Einstein…The core teachings have not changed rather they are constantly kept current and relevant…

Q: On a final note, what do you see in the future of Rosicrucianism?
Hmmmm, as the 21st century progresses I foresee a time when mankind will hopefully begin to look within themselves and realize the gifts we have been given by the Cosmic. If each one of us today began the work of allowing the rose of our souls to fully bloom we would achieve in not only the world but within ourselves Life, Light, Love, and PEACE PROFOUND….The work of the R+C will continue as long as man is in search of LIGHT….

So Mote it be!!!

Initiation Report

The ***** **** Initiation was performed on 06/09/08 at 17:30 in the Sanctum with the following observations:

A strong sense of history and tradition was felt by me, as though I could see all those who took the same step forward that I made, the ***** ***** that I recited, the smell of the incense filling my nostrils and the sounds of the Master being spoken.

During my silent period of the ritual as I was gazing into the ***** an image of the ***** seemed to make itself known in the front of my consciousness and the connection to all Fraters and Sorores of the Order, past and present was felt by me.

The sound of the PW ******** evoked within me a sense of the smell of sandalwood and the ringing of bells…..Odd……

The ritual was completed with an overwhelming sense of connection to the R+C and of all Fraters and Sorores of the past and present, and happiness at progressing towards
******** ******


AD ROSAM PER CRUCEM
AD CRUCEM PER ROSAM!

In response to DANIELP

▼Salutem Punctis Trianguli ▼


As I am oft accustomed to doing; today I was online just surfing and observing some very interesting blogs, websites etc. when I came upon the following statements and I knew that I had to chime in my proverbial 2 Cents.

So please bear with me while I, a humble Rosicrucian student address the issues raised by an individual (danielp) on Gnosticweb. I will present his statements first and then respond from a Rosicrucian’s perspective.

----------------------------------------------------

(Sat, 03/03/2007 - 12:34)
“ I once joined the AMORC for a couple of years, though a very long time ago. I had to send a certain amount of money each month and then they would send me information, or lessons. It was a bit secretive in some ways as I had to agree not to share the information with anyone, similar to other groups I have studied with in the past. They were all very interesting, though what they all had in common is that they were ?pseudo esoteric? teachings, meaning they had elements of truth to them but were misleading and didn?t focus on or teach what is needed to begin the true esoteric path. Though to be fair to the Rosicrucians I don?t know what they teach in great depth, only that I found nothing particularly practical or useful as far as bringing about spiritual change, so this is just a personal point of view. I also went to a Rosicrucian seminar at a university once where the lecturer spoke beautifully, though while talking to him afterwards he told me that he had absolutely no experience of the things he spoke of despite very many years of following the teachings, though he was sure others did and he was just going off what he believed. I also talked to others similar, so I decided to leave because I really wanted something practical that would bring about inner change.”

Let me begin by stating that while I am sure DANIELP had no hostile intentions or overt malice towards AMORC, there were some very important points that he raised that are worthy of comment.

Firstly, the issue of dues…The majority of Fraternal Organizations including Freemasons, Elks, Oddfellows, Knights of Columbus, etc all require monthly or yearly dues to help said organisations in their respective workings...

“ they had elements of truth to them but were misleading and didn?t focus on or teach what is needed to begin the true esoteric path”

This statement would lead one to believe that DANIELP had already achieved the Rose Croix State and was in such a position as to declare what is or is not true, and what will “begin the true esoteric path.”

I find this somewhat amusing because clearly by joining AMORC at one point DANIELP whether knowingly or unknowingly conceded that he was, (as we all are) students in search of knowledge, Light, etc. And it is this simple yearning for LIGHT that sets one on the “true esoteric path.” After all the definition of the word esoteric is: “(of a philosophical doctrine or the like) intended to be revealed only to the initiates of a group)


“Though to be fair to the Rosicrucians I don?t know what they teach in great depth, only that I found nothing particularly practical or useful as far as bringing about spiritual change, so this is just a personal point of view.”

The preceding statement really says it all however; it is the second part of the aforementioned statement that I wish to address because it is of paramount importance to the individual be they mystic or average man/woman.

“I found nothing particularly practical or useful as far as bringing about spiritual change”

Spiritual change as DANIELP put it, or more correctly defined by we Rosicrucians as, the path to “Peace Profound” and “Self Mastery” is not something which happens in the blink of an eye nor is it something which is guaranteed. This Mastery of self is to be pursued throughout ones’ earthly manifestation by following the Natural Laws and Cycles put in place by the Cosmic (or Divine Will of God) if you will.

In all the world’s many volumes of mystic writings, arcane lore, & in all the Great Religions there is no one simple way. As Rosicrucians we must apply daily the teachings of our Order and thereby work towards such Self Mastery which then blooms within the soul into Peace Profound.
If DANIELP found nothing “practical or useful” perhaps it may be due to the fact that the principles taught early on in the Neophyte Monographs were not put into daily use, or the exercises were not carried out. This practice, practice, practice emphasis is very strong in the Monographs because you learn by doing, not by observing with ones’ objective consciousness only. The lessons must be applied and if there is fault to be found, it is in the one who does not work towards his goals.
It was Lord Jesus Himself who said: “How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it!” MATT 7:14 Douay Rheims Translation

“ I also went to a Rosicrucian seminar at a university once where the lecturer spoke beautifully, though while talking to him afterwards he told me that he had absolutely no experience of the things he spoke of despite very many years of following the teachings, though he was sure others did and he was just going off what he believed. I also talked to others similar”

Now while I have no knowledge of the Frater who gave the lecture or even what the topic was due to that information being left out, the complaint of not having personal experience of the things covered in the lecture again seems to point to the lack of knowledge of not only mystical principles but mundane everyday occurrences. Think for a moment and recall how often in daily conversations we speak of things the we “know about” having had no personal experience. For instance we might say in response to a soldier complaining about the horrid living conditions whilst fighting in a jungle theatre of combat, “Oh, I know what you mean. My uncle who fought in Vietnam……” and insert something that we have no experience whatsoever however; that knowledge about the subject matter was transmitted to us by our uncle. This is one of the interesting points in the human objective consciousness; we feel the need to be knowledgeable in everything and don’t like to admit when we are incorrect or lack sufficient knowledge to comprehend what one is talking about. Do not be ashamed to travel the course of this life as a walking question mark.

The second point of DANIELP’s comment also alludes to the fact that all Rosicrucians are indeed walking question marks, and all Rosicrucians are forever students. Even the Imperator himself is, after the title nothing more than a humble seeker and Rosicrucian student.

I truly hope DANIELP finds what he believes himself to be seeking after and that The Cosmic bestows Peace Profound upon him. In future however; before throwing out a system that one admittedly knows really nothing about, it would be better to study the teachings yourself and THEN make a decision as to the validity, authenticity, practicality, and benefits of the Rosicrucian Teachings. Rosicrucians ask you to BELIEVE nothing that we say, merely because we say a thing is thus and so, rather experiment for yourself and come to the conclusion by yourself….



▼SO MOTE IT BE▼

Initiation: A brief exposition.

▼Salutem Punctis Trianguli ▼

As my next initiation draws closer I’d like to discuss the inner meanings of initiation in my context and from the observations of my objective consciousness whilst contemplating the deeper mystical meanings and benefits from the process.

To begin, the word initiation derives from the Latin word “initium” ("entrance" or "beginning," literally "a going in.") And that is exactly what each initiation is, a “going in” symbolically.

Whether it be entering the Atrium, crossing the threshold to the Temple, etc. The symbolic progression of initiations impresses upon the psyche of the initiate the lessons learned in previous degrees and presumes to expound greater knowledge in future degrees and initiatory rites thereby fulfilling the request of more LVX. Which does not necessarily manifest on the earthly realm, rather within the Egregore and within the Soul Vibrations of the individual through direct communion with the Cosmic.

It is this LVX or Light that from the dawn of humanity has driven men and women through the ages to search after, recognise, and then follow the Laws of Nature and then apply them so as to achieve Self Mastery. This mastery of self and achieving unity with the Cosmic is the ultimate goal of all Rosicrucians throughout the centuries and by the many initiation rituals we solidify and make manifest on the material plane what is happening in the Cosmic.

Imperator or AMORC, Christian Bernard said of Initiation:
“Initiation brings into the realm of reason the purpose, and into the realm of emotion the spirit of one’s introduction to the mysteries.”

There is never a true end to initiation even when all the earthly degrees have been completed there will be more and wonderful mystical Degrees of the Soul awaiting.

So I am now nearing my next degree initiation and a sense of joy fills me, not because of passing another milestone in my studies rather; the benefits I have received from The Cosmic since my first becoming a Rosicrucian student and it is with that sincere debt of gratitude to the Order that I fulfill the Law of AMRA by writing this brief and humble exposition on a few small points about on subject of initiation.

▼SO MOTE IT BE▼

The Celestial Sanctum

How to Attune With the Celestial Sanctum:

At whatever hour we may wish to attune ourselves with the Celestial Sanctum and enjoy the contact and communion we shall proceed as follows:

First, we shall wash our hands in clean water and dry them well as a symbol of the cleansing of our bodies to enter the Sanctum.

Then we shall take a drink of cold water as a symbol of the cleansing of our mouths that they may be pure and free from any utterances that would be improper in the presence of the Masters and Spiritual Minds as assembled in the Sanctum.

Then we shall sit in silence in some place in the home where we may be alone, whether in the dark or in the light, and closing our eyes, we shall say this brief prayer in soundless words:

“May the Divine Essence of the Cosmic infuse my being and cleanseme of all impurities of mind and body, that I may enter the Celestial Sanctum, and Commune in pureness and worthiness. So mote it be!”

By this, we shall purge our minds and cleanse our thoughts of any ideas that would be unworthy within the sacred Sanctum.

Then we shall remain seated, and with eyes closed, visulize the consciousness within us rising higher and higher, above and beyond the limits of material existence, to that Cosmic World to which our consciousness will seem to be drawn by the very purity of its nature. We shall sit thus in desire to reach the Sanctum until we feel by a coolness of the atmosphere, by a peacefulness in the body, by a restfulness in the mind, and a sense of joy, that we have entered into the Holy of Holies—a place of quiet and peace, power and perfection.

We may remain in such contact for longer or shorter periods and meditate at this level for as long a we like, or we may withdraw when the definite period is over by simply closing the convocation with the following words:

“May the God of my heart sanctify this attunement of self with the Celestial Sanctum, so mote it be."

For more insturcion or information on the Celestial Sanctum, please read Liber 777 by AMORC..