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Rosicrucian Park
P R I N T E D i n T HE U . S . A .
r o s i c r u c i a n P r e s s
S a n J o s e , C a l i f o r n i a
l\ostmtcmuCatedjism
A M O R C
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OFFICIALLY PREPARED By the
ROSICRUCIAN ORDER(AMORC)
Rosicrucian Park
SAN JOSE, CALIFO RNIA , U. S. A.
INTRODUCTION
V V
Perhaps it is advisable to state that the word “cate*
chism" in the title of this booklet must be understood
in its true, broadest sense; that is, a brief series of in*
structions by questions and answers. The catechism, as
a means of interrogation and examination, is age-old,
from the time of ancient Greece until our modern day.
In its limited sense it has been commonly associated
with certain religious movements, because they havepopu larized it as a means of instru ction. It is entirely
erroneous, however, to associate the meaning of cate'
chism with any sect, creed, movement, or school.
The object of our Catechism is to make available to
every Rosicrucian certain concise, authoritative answers
to questions that may be directed to him. With the
expansion of Rosicrucianism through the efforts of its
loyal, sincere members and students, thousands are be'
coming acquainted with the name of the Order; through
curiosity or genuine interest they ask numerous direct
question s of Rosicrucian s. If the answer given is to do
jus tic e to th e Or de r, to th e mem ber , an d to sat isfy th e
interrogator, it must be simple and complete; it should
be in accordance with the statements made in officialRosicrucian literature and publications.
The questions set forth here are the ones most com'
monly asked of Rosicrucians about the Order. Every
Rosicrucian has had the answers given him either in the
public introductory books of the Order, or in his lee*
tures, and most likely he is thoroughly familiar with
them. The advan tage of this Catechism, however, is
that it does not oblige the student to refer to his papers
and books for the exact wording. Furthermore, when
the student replies to a question, such as is contained
in the booklet, he has for immediate verification this
official brochure of the Order. The in terrogator will
then realize that the student’s reply is exact and not
dependent on memory nor a possible erroneous personal
interpretation of statements made in other literature.
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The “Rosicrucian Catechism" is published in compact
form so as to be easily carried about and available at
all times; if it is not, its purpose is defeated. It is not
intended to supplant the complete public introductory
literature.
When replying to any questions that are contained
in this Catechism, the student should always secure the
name and address of the questioner and inform him
that he will have more complete literature sent. Thenhe should send the name and address of the questioner
or inquirer in to us and we will see that one of our
public introductory booklets is immediately forwarded.
The Rosicrucian student should, of course, give the
inquirer any of the little booklets or leaflets he may
have secured from the Rosicrucian Extension De'
partment.
In conclusion, the Rosicrucian Catechism is merely to
supplement all other literature and to provide the Rosi'
crucian student with direct replies to all ordinary ques'
tions pertaining to the Rosicrucian Order. This Cate'
chi sm is NO T INT E N DE D T O BE GIVE N T O NO N'
MEMBERS, but to be kept by the Rosicrucian student
so tha t HE CAN ANSW E R NO N'M E M BE RS’
Q UE STIO NS. It is not a secret publication, however,
and you may show it to anyone. The Catech ism is
divided into six general divisions, and each division is
number ed and named. In addition , each division is
subdivided into several questions pertaining to that sub'
ject wit h th eir br ief answ er s, ma kin g it simp le for th e
Rosicrucian student to reply to all general questions.
i.
WHAT ARE ROSICRUCIANS?
vWhat Are Rosicrucians?
A fratern ity in the truest sense. A brotherh ood of men and women studying the higher principles of life,
familiarising themselves with nature’s laws as expressed
in the arts and sciences. They do not deal with specula'
tive philosophy but search for such knowledge as will
help them HERE and NO W . The object of the frater'
nity is to perpetuate the wisdom of the sages and to
bring man closer to the Cosmic scheme of the universe
so that he may live a more useful, happy, and abundant
life. Th e Brotherh ood is non 'sectarian an d teaches such
truths of life as are necessary to free man from ignor'
ance, superstition, and mental bondage. The invest i'
gation of these profound mysteries results in greater
happiness, health, and individual progress to the mem'
ber, depending on the way he applies the knowledge tohis own life.
What Does the Name Mean?
The word “Rosicrucian” is Anglicized from the
ancient name of the Ord er, Rosae Crucis. Literally
tran slated this means, of the Rosy Cross,” or “the Rose
and Cross.” The rose and cross constitute the ancient
symbol of the Orde r. The cross is not to be confused
with any religious cross, as it was used as a symbol for
centuries before Christianit y. Allegorically, the cross
represents the body of man with arms outstretched.
The rose in the center of the cross represents man’s
soul in the process of unfoldment during its confinement
in the body.
What Does "AMORC" Mean?
The ancient name of the Order in its Latin form is
“Antiquae Arcanae Ordinis Rosae Rubeae et Aureae
Crucis.” Tran slations and abbreviation s of .this name
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are used in various jurisdictions to meet the different
tongues. In America and other English-speaking coun
tries t he name is shortened to “Ancient , Mystic Order
Rosae Cr u c i sF o r t he sake o f g rea t er b rev it y , the
initials of the w ords are u sed; thu s, A. M. O. R. C. (see
also question above).
Is It a Lodge?
The Rosicrucian Order is a fraternity organized simi'larly to all other n on'sect arian, education al lodges. Its
members, however, are students, and through their
affiliation they receive training in special knowledge
which aids them in their various vocations and assists
them spiritu ally as well. I t is duly charter ed and env
powered by the laws of the land to function as a lodge.
Thus, every Rosicrucian is an affiliate of the Rosicrucian
Order.
Is 1+ a Religi on ?
The Rosicrucian Order, AM OR C, is absolutely non'
sectarian in its teachin gs and practices. Th e Rosicrucian
Order is not attempting to promulgate a new religion
or to supplant those now in existence. With membersin every civilized land in the world who are followers
of every creed, the Organization could hardly be sec'
tarian without doing an injustice to the personal beliefs
of some of those members. Regard less of one s concept
tion of God, or his interpretation of sacred literature,
he can enthusiastically subscribe to the Rosicrucian
teachings. The teachings of Rosicrucianism will bring
man closer to his religion than ever before, so long as he
has an open mind and a sincere desire for further light.
Is It Christian?
If, by Christian you mean prescribing to some
Christian sect or religious movement, then the answer
is “N o.” The Rosicrucian Ord er is not associated with
any movement or organization other than its own. The
Rosicrucian teachings, however, do incorporate the pro'
found principles to be found in sacred Christian teach'
ings. The infinite truths of all sacred literature necessary
to man’s personal advancement and spiritual progress
are earnestly studied by the Rosicrucians, without pre'
6
jud ice or pr efer en ce. Th e spi rit ua l essen ce of Bu d'
dhism, Confucianism, Mohammedanism, is equally appre*
dated by the Rosicrucian who is tolerant and broad in
his viewpoin t. The Rosicrucians recognize the spiritual
mastership and all 'sublimity of the avatar, Jesus the
Christ. Many ou tstanding personages of the Christian
clergy and of other faiths are members of the Rosi'
crucian Order, AMORC, and find in its teachings
naught that conflicts with their faiths.
Can Men and Women Be Members?
The Rosicrucian Order, AM OR C, has always been a
tolerant body. It permits of no race or sex prejudice.
One of its fundamental tenets which has never been
altered is the equality of the sexes. Throu ghout phe
ages when, at different periods, sex inequality was pre'
dominant, like a shimmering ray of light in the dark'
ness was the induction of women into the Rosicrucian
membership on an equal status with men. Since the
object and purpose of Rosicrucianism is to develop a
civilization that will permit of greater knowledge and
ncedom to the individual, neither sex could logically
e denied membership or p articipation in the studies.
V VII.
THE HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS
vHow Old Is Rosicrucianism?
The history of the Order must be divided into two
distinct divisions: That wh ich we may call “tradi'
tional” , and that which is tru ly historical. The first
comes to us through the ancient symbology, rituals, and
by word of mouth. The second is that which is sup'
ported by actual writings and records to be found in
the various branches of the Order throughout the
world. The tr aditional history deals with the formation
of the present, physical body of the Order during the
reign of the Egyptian pharaoh, Thu tmose III. He be'
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came ruler upon the deposition of his father, Thutmose
II, in 1500 B. C. Traditional history further relates a
decided change in the doctrines of the Order during
the reign of Amenhotep IV, in 1355 B. C., who was
Grand M aster of the ancient body. Thus, traditionally,
the Ord er dates back to 1500 B. C. Th e complete
traditional and chronological history of the Order is to
be found in the book entitled. “Rosicrucian Questions
and Answers with Complete History of the Order, byDr. H. Spencer Lewis, Ph. D., which is available in the
main public libraries of any of the larger cities and
towns throughout the world.
When Did It Come to America?
The O rder first came to America in 1694. In the
fall of 1693 the first Rosicrucians started out in an
especially chartered vessel called, “The Sarah Maria,
under the leadership of Grand Master Kelpius who was
connected with the Jacobe Bohme lodge of the Rosi'
crucians in Europe. They reached the city now known
as Philadelphia, and to which they gave that name in
the first months of 1694, and built many buildings in
what is now known as Fairmont Park. The br ief facts
here are taken from the ^>ok by Mr. J. F. Sachse, who
was an heir and descendant of the first Rosicrucians to
establish an official branch of the work in the United
States of America. He was also historian of the Penn '
sylvania Grand Lodge of Freemasonry. The book was
published in 1895, under the heading of “The Ephrata
Manu script,” or “The Legend of the Wissahikon. This
information is to be authoritatively found in the Li'
brary of Congress, Washington , D. C. (also see ques'
tion above).
Is There a Complet e Hist ory ?
The complete history of the Rosicrucian Order is
available in all main public libraries of the larger cities
and towns throughou t North Am erica. The title of the
book is, “Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Com'
plete History of the Order,” by Dr. H. Spencer Lewis,
F. R. C. The h istory reads like a fascinating tale of
fiction, but it is woven with d etailed facts. Th is book
may also be secured directly from the Rosicrucian Sup'
ply Bureau in San Jose, California, for $2.00, postpaid.
11 contains, in addition to the history, a series of per'
tment questions on the Rosicrucian teachings and prac'
ticca. One may, however, write direct to the Rosicru'
i inn Order, AMORC, San Jose, California, and receive
a complete, fascinating, descriptive booklet, free and
w i t h o u t obligation, concerning the Rosicrucians for
me r e l y the sincere request.
Where Are the Rosicrucians Mentioned?
Eminent writers, philosophers, educators, and his'
t o r i a n s have for centuries referred to the organised
body of men and women known as the Rosicrucians.
In fact, many persons prominent in the advancement of
th e arts and sciences have been officers or members in
th e Ord er in their respective countr ies. A complete
bibliography of references to the Rosicrucians would be
an enorm ous volume in and by itself. It will suffice
lu-re, however, to give these few referen ces: The wr it'
intfs of Prof. Bolland; Richelieu’s “Memoirs of P.
G tin tier”; “Th e Rosary,” by Arnold De Villanova; the
numerous published works of Michael Maier and of
Robert Fludd; Thomas de Quincey’s “Historico'Critical
Inquiry Into the Or igin of the Rosicrucians”; C. W.
Heckethorn’s “The Secret Societies of all Ages andCountries.”
What Is the Extent of the Orde r?
The Rosicrucian Order is represented in all civilized
lands, either by the individual students or by a grand
l o d g e of some jurisdiction of the Order . The world is
divided into jurisdictions; over each jurisdiction there is
established a grand lodge recognized by its true name,
nymbol, and signs, and by all other affiliated grand
lodges . Each grand lodge may grant charters to sub'
ordinate bodies within the limits of its own jurisdic'
tion. The Ord er in the North American jurisdiction
has members in nearly every town or city in Canada,
United States, Mexico, and their possessions. Ther e
arc also subordinate lodges or chapters in the larger
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cities of these countries. The membership of the O rder
in North America numbers many thousands.
Where Is the Headquarters?
The headquarters for the Rosicrucian Order,
AM OR C, in the North American jurisdiction, is located
in San Jose, California, U.S.A. At San Jose, the Grand
Lodge of the Order presides over the administrative,
doctrinal, and ritualistic work of the Order for all
countries and possessions embraced in its jurisdiction.All matters pertaining to Rosicrucian membership,
studies, teachings, literature, or activities should be di'
rected to the Grand Lodge of AM OR C, the Rosicrucian
Ord er, at San Jose, California, U.S.A . This is the
established headquarters of the Order for North Amer
ica, and is so recognized by all the foreign jurisdictions
of the Order.
V V
III.
THE ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP
vWhat Benefits Are There?
Sooner or later, every man or woman realizes that
though they may be part of some vast Cosmic scheme,
they have somehow the right to direct their personal
lives, that they are possessed of life and an intelligence
and if they fail to exercise this inner intelligence they
become mere hum an puppet s. The one who fails to
realize this inner consciousness resigns himself to cir'
cumstances as he finds them; he calls the blunders of
his ignoran ce “fate ”. He accepts life as oxen chained to
a yoke, driven by a master he does not comprehend,
pulling a load imposed by his own servitude, and
traveling a road where salvation is death. Rosicrucianism
permits man to know of his dominant mental faculties;
it helps to quicken his consciousness. Through the help'
ful, personal, private teachings of the Rosicrucians, man
may better his position in life, no matter what it may
10
he. He can learn to master his destiny, to create his en'
vironment. A Rosicrucian does not await the treasures
that may be showered upon him by any fickle “Fate,”
but with his own mental powers and through the use of
his God'given inner, spiritual attributes creates in his
own life the things of which others dream. Through the
teachings of the Rosicrucians he comes to know that
wealth and personal power are but steps to an end.
That end is happiness and peace of mind, not at a
distant place or time, but in the immediate here $md
now. He is shown how to bring into his own life those
material, necessary things that afford him such comfort
as will result in his devoting further time to his spir'
itual unfoldment and to the solution of the mysteries
of the world aroun d him. This know ledge is revealed
to the Rosicrucians in lectures, manuscripts, charts,
special magazines, personal advice, guidance, and in'
struction. The student is shown how to maintain
health, prevent disease, and conquer the obstacles of
his daily life. (Also see second question below.)
Can I Get t he Same Infor mation Ou t of Books?
The profound knowledge contained in the archives
of the Rosicrucian Order has never been published inbooks. Though the Rosicrucian Or der, through its de'
partments of publication, publishes many books of an
interesting and instructive nature, these books DO
NO T C O NTA IN the private Rosicrucian teachings as
extended to the Rosicrucian student. There are no
books procurable anywhere with the complete Rosicru'
cian teachings and principles or spiritual law.s contained
in them. The Rosicrucian s have always held that before
the teachings can be extended to a seeker, he must
first indicate his worthiness and sincerity by test and
trial. Th at is, he must become duly initiated as a mem'
ber. The mere purchase price of a book would not be
sufficient indication of one’s right to such wisdom*
Furthermore, if the teachings were in book form,
publicly circulated, they could not be constantly im'
proved and kept in advance of the knowledge of the
times as are the private manuscripts received by the
Rosicrucian member and student.
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Besides the Studies, Wha t Privileges Are There?
There are numerous articles the student receives in
addition to his lessons, and there are certain unique
services he receives which are not available in any other
school or fratern ity. He receives a large, monthly
magazine containing copies of rare mystical paintings,
with inspiring articles as well as practical discourses on
subjects that he can use daily; he receives technical but
simply'understood charts on various subjects relating to
his studies and his life; he receives a series of personal
exercises and experiments to conduct, which demon'
strate the various principles of the teachings; he is put
in unique Cosmic contact with the congress of minds of
thousands of other men and women who are studying
as he is; he is under the guidance and direction of
capable teachers. The organ ization has, for his use,
various departm ents of service, such as the W elfare
Department, Advisory Department, Department of Re*
search, and others. The organization does not offer
social benefits or insurance benefits, as that does not
conform to its objects; nor does it charge large initia'
tion fees or dues to provide for such purposes.
How Ar e Its Advant ages Superior t o Those of Other Metaphysical Movements?
There are certain features about the Rosicrucian
Order, A MO RC, th at have always made it distinctive
among movements of higher thought. The following
are but a few of these virtue s: It is undoubtedly the
oldest movement for the betterment of man, culturally
and spiritually, from a non-sectarian viewpoin t. Its
teachings and principles are not the personal view-
points or dictates of any self-appointed leader or dicta
tor, but are prepared by a competent staff of teachers
after test and examination by thousands of members.
The organization, as an institution, is well established
with facilities available to every member alike, regard'
less of creed, sect, race, or sex. The m ember is at
liberty to retain his personal religious convictions, and
freely may sever his connections with'the Brotherhood
at will. The practice of Rosicrucianism means no devo' ,
12
tion to any form of fanaticism, nor does it mean extreme
chan ges in one’s mode of living. It means the actual
studying of a systematic presentation of nature’s laws
and principles. Rosicrucians must be studen ts, not mere
affiiliates by the purchase of a book or attendance at
occasional desultory lectures.
Is It All Spiritual or All Practical?
Rosicrucianism recognizes man as the dual function*
ing of two forces; namely, spiritual and mater ial. Thefirst expresses itself in soul, mind, and consciousness;
the second, in body and matter. To be balanced and
normal, man must not concentrate all of his efforts on
either of these two phases of his being; therefore, Rosi'
crucianism is not alone interested in the spiritual well'
being of man in some future realm, but is also con*
cerned about his health, his material happiness, and his
achievements h&re an d now, in this world. Rosicru'
cianism instructs its members and students in the
mastership of life and the fulfillment of their fondest
dreams. By the prop er use of the infinite laws on this
plane of reality, man may be assured of his spiritual
attainment on a higher plane. Thus, Rosicrucianism is
not a speculative philosophy or the idle discussion of theories, but is the learning and comprehension of
established Cosmic laws and their application to the
problems of life. Rosicrucianism is for the man and
woman of today as well as tomorrow.
How Do I Become a Member?
By first addressing a letter to the Rosicrucian Exten*
sion Department, San Jose, California, U.S.A., and ask'
ing for a free copy of the book, “The W isdom of the
Sages.” This book will explain in detail about the
Rosicrucian Order and how you may become a member
and student. Accompanying the book there will be an
invitation to affiliate with this world'wide body of
modern-day thinkers. Afte r reading the book, if you
still wish any further information, again write to the
above address. Any member of the Rosicrucian O rder,
AMO RC, will gladly explain h ow you may* affiliate
with the Order.
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IV .
WHAT DOES ROSICRUCIANISM TEACH—AND HOW ?
vWhat Are Its Teachings?
If you will read the free book, “The W isdom of the
Sages,” or other interesting, free, Rosicrucian literature,
this will be explained in detail to you. The followingare but a few of the many, many subjects included in
the inspiring, practical lessons and studies of the Rosi-
crucian Order, AM OR C: The control of forces in the
human body and around it through the proper use of
mind; explanation of dual forms of consciousness; the
functioning of the brain, mind, and soul in man; the
law of vibrations; thought formation; harmonics; the
direction of thought in connection with fundamental
laws of nature for health; the use of natural principles
to alleviate physical suffering; a review of the ancient
mystical and spiritual teachings of all ages; explanation
of false beliefs about black magic, hypnotism, and other
misleading principles; the duality of life; relationship of
mental and spiritual power; the false illusions of matter;
meth ods to master situations in life—bu siness, personal,
and otherwise.
Does It Require Str ange Metho ds of Living?
The Rosicrucian Order is not fanatical in any sense.
It enjoins no strange methods of living or thinking
upon its members, nor does it cater to the uneducated
or gullible. The Rosicru cian is known for his broad
view of life, his earnest investigation of nature’s laws,
and his happy and successful way of living. The Rosi-
crucian, from his first Mandamus to the last lecture he
receives, may live in a normal way, no different in
appearance from any other sane, intelligent, progressive
person in his community.
Are the Teachings Secret?
The Rosicrucian teachings are pri vat e. They are
intended alone for the member and student; they are
not to be publicly circulated. The m ember is at perfect
liberty to make known the fact that he is a Rosicrucian
and that he is studying the worthy principles of the
Or der. But the actual manuscripts received he is obliged
to keep pr iv ate. However, the Rosicrucian is obliged to
use the knowledge learned in aiding everyone he can.
The grips, passwords, certain tokens and symbols are
secret. The Order, however, as an institution and
organization, is well known and is not secret as far as
its general activities are concerned.
How and When Do You Receive the Studies?
The lessons are issued in private, typewritten form,
simply worde d, in large type. Accom pany ing the lessons
are the necessary charts and diagrams, and certain
exercises for the student to perform so as to demon-
strate the laws revealed. Thou sands of men and women
in all walks of life have found these lessons simple,
alluring, practical, and beneficial. The studies are
graded according to subject to make it easy for the
student. They ar e sent by first-class mail weekly in a
large, sealed envelope, postage paid, to the student in
a systematic manner. The stud ent sets aside a weekly
period for his “lodge night at home.” Ther e are alsohelpful examinations to determine the student’s stand
ing and progress in the studies.
Are the Teachings Contrary to the Church?
As Rosicrucianism is not a religion or the exposition
of a new creed or dogma, its teachings are not offensive
to any religious sect. In the ran ks of membership of the
Order throughout the world, every religious belief is
represented; prominent clergy and members of the out
standing religious denominations have been Rosicrucian
students for years without a lessened avowal of faith
in their religious affiliation (see Division 1— “Is it a
religion?”).
Who Prepares the Lessons?
The lessons are prepared by a staff of master teachers.
From month to month they are constantly improved to
keep them up to the minute with the findings, dis
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coveries, and elaborate experiments on the part of the
highest officers and members in this country and
throughout the w orld. The lectures at no time con'
stitute the personal belief, faith, or theories of any one
person, self-appointed teacher, or director. Thus the
student receives a symposium of tried and tested facts
and laws.
V V
v.
WHAT ROSICRUCIANISM IS NOT
vAre the Rosicrucians "Personality" Followers?
The Rosicrucian Order does not look forward to the
coming of world masters or personally-appointed
teacher s or leaders. The Rosicrucian is a studen t of
Cosmic principles and laws; his guide is his wisdom, his
under standing of God, and his personal faith. There
are no supreme personalities that Rosicrucians are asked
to recognize or blindly pay homage to. The lessons are
the preparation of many and not of one; therefore aRosicrucian is the studen t of principles— not the fol-
lower of an individual’s opinions or of a personality.
Wh at Is Its Relati on to Freemasonry, Theosophy, Chri stian Scie nce?
The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, has always been an
independent movement and is not the outgrowth of any
other school, movement, religion, or fraternity. Further-
more, it is not related to or associated with the honor
able Freemasonic body, the Theosophical movement, or
the Christian Science church. The fact that many Rosi
crucian students are members of these other bodies does
not in any way relate Rosicrucianism to those other
movement s, any more th an w ould the occupation of a
Rosicrucian member relate that occupation to Rosicru-
cianism. Rosicrucianism, however, is in harmon y with
every other organization that is legitimate in its activi
ties and constructive in its objects.
16
How Does One Know the True Rosicrucian Order?
There is but one Rosicrucian organization in America
which is part of the international body with representa
tion in the European Rosicrucian Congresses. That one
body is the A.M.O .R.C. It has a United States patent
on the name of the Order, “A.M .O.R.C .” It can al
ways be recognized by these initials and by the true
symbol of the Order— a cross with a SIN GLE red rose
in the center. Var ious so-called Rosicrucian bodies inAmerica use different names, and to avoid misrepre
sentation use a symbol consisting of a cross with several
roses or other simulations of the true, ancient, symbol.
Therefore, bear in mind that the Order never uses the
names Rosicrucian fellowship, Rosicrucian society,
Rosicrucian fratern ity, or Rosicrucian center. It has but
one name, The Ancient, Mystic Order Rosae Crucis
(Ord er of the Rosy Cross). The initials are, we
reiterate, A.M.O.R.C., which are used for brevity;
always watch for them.
Does Rosicrucianism Forbid Eating Me at ?
The Rosicrucian teachings do not forbid the doing of
anything that is decent, proper, and h ealthful. It is not
a reformative movement, nor an “anti” movement of
anything that is sane, sensible, and common to proper
society. Its teachings explain that the eatin g of meat
does not, as some fanatical sects claim, have any effect
upon the spiritual welfare of the student; nor does the
eating of anything else that does not disturb the har
mony of the body and cause ill health. So long as one
indulges conservatively in the eating of meat or any
thing else, he may be assured that it has no effect on
his spirituality. Jesus the Christ and other great avat ars
partook of flesh, as recorded in sacred writings.
Does Rosicrucianism Conduct Fortune-telling, Astrology, and Crystal-gazing?
The Rosicrucians conduct as part of their studies no
form of prognosticat ion or divination. Fortun e-telling,
crystal-gazing, and kindred practices have never been
advocated by Rosicrucian officers and masters, nor have
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they ever been suggested in any lesson, ritual, or litera-
ture of the O rder. A Rosicrucian realizes that the pres-
ent i^ NO W and the future is not predestined, but is
in MA N’S MAKI NG . Man is master of his life, not a
slave to a system of fatalism.
Is There Any Relationship to Spiritualism?
Rosicrucianism is not associated with any other
movement or school. Its students have naught to do with
spiritualism as a movement or a doctrine. A Rosicrucianmay be associated with any other system of study he
may wish; but the Order denies membership to those
practicing mediumship solely for commercialism. Sincere
investigators of spiritualism are not banned, but as far
as that is concerned, neither are investigators of
archaeology, biology, eugenics, Christian Science, or
any other subject which is not included in Rosicru'
cianism.
V V
VI .
WHAT IS THE ROSICRUCIAN METHOD OF OPERATION?
vHow Are the Rosicrucians Organized?
The Rosicrucians are organized as a lodge. The Order
is chartered under the laws of the state and country as
a non-profit corporation. As a fraternity it operates in
a manner that perpetuates the ancient Rosicrucian tra
ditions and teachings. The world is divided into various
jur isdi cti on s, an d in each jur isdi ct ion is a gra nd lod ge,
empowered to establish subordinate bodies. The subor
dinate lodges or chapters have their administrative and
ritualistic officers. Ther e is also what is kno yn in the
North American jurisdiction as the National Member
ship, permitting thousands of students to take the full
studies of the Order in their own home (see Division
1— “W hat are Rosicrucians?” ).
18
Is It a Commercial Organization?
Since the organization is chartered by the laws of the
country as a non-profit organization, it implies that it
has no stock-holders, share-holders, and pays no divi
dends. It furth er implies that the entire revenue re
ceived in the form of dues and fees must be used to
further the work of the Order, for the erection of
buildings, paying for printing, postage, and clerical
help, preparation of lessons, and numerous other extension expenses. Thu s, no one person or body of persons
can possibly derive any commercial advantage or per
sonal gain from the revenue of the Order (see answer
above).
Why Are Dues Charged?
The dues have nothing to do with the instruction
work. They ARE N O T PA YMEN TS for lessons, but
for membership with ALL OF TH E PR IVI LEGES IT
AFFO RDS. Some means must be devised for the pay
ment of monthly rent, electric lights, and general
operatin g expenses. In th e instance of those who desire
instructions in a personal way by correspondence, it isnecessary that some means be had to defray postage,
stationery, typewriting, printing of forms and literature,
and in addition to this there is the investment in auto
matic machinery for addressing envelopes and mailing,
there is the filing of reports, and a large staff of assist
ants necessary for the answering of correspondence.
Nominal monthly dues constitute the logical manner of
taking care of this. Since it is the stude nt wh o receives
the benefit of these numerous things, certainly it is
reasonable that he should proportionately share the
slight individual expense. Furth ermor e, one must realize
that the Rosicrucian student is not obliged, as in some
schools or fraternities, to make constant additional pur
chases to carry on his studies, because the Rosicrucian
membership includes everything needed, such as maga
zines, charts, and diagrams. On e may see, therefore,
that the dues are for the purpose of meeting the ex
penses, not of the teachings, but of sending them in all
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their complete form from the central source to the
student . Th us everyone, regardless of wealth or posi'
tion, shares alike and is not shown preference.
Why Is It Some Schools Claim a Voluntary-donation Basis?
There are numerous organizations throughout the
country who make pretentious claims as to their operat'
ing solely on a donation basis. However , an investiga*
tion by an unbiased student soon determines the obviousdifference between that system and the system of the
Rosicrucian Or der. One finds that for his voluntary
donation, which may be from 25c to $5.00 a month, he
receives nothing but affiliation with the organization,
with perhaps an occasional single'page mimeographed
monthly letter which, even at the donation of 25c a
month, would be all out of proportion as far as value
is concerned. Further investigation r eveals that the or*
ganizations claiming “voluntary donations” oblige the
students TO BUY, SEPARATELY, NUMEROUS
BOOKS W HICH CO NT AIN T H E L ESSON S. Also,
the student is obliged to subscribe extra for the maga'
zin e of the organization. In other words, the books,
magazines, and all necessary materials ARE NO T O NA VOL UN T ARY DO NAT IO N BASIS. T herefore ,
the claim of “voluntary donations” is entirely mislead'
ing and unfair. In the course of two years, a person
making voluntary donations merely to be affiliated with
an organization and then in addition obliged to pur'
chase separately all his books, charts and magazines,
finds that his studies have cost him considerably in
excess of the money spent by the student of the Rosi'
crucian Order, AM ORC , who pays nominal monthly
dues and has everything included.
What Is the Extent of the Headquarters and Its Activities?
At Rosicrucian Park, San Jose, California, the head'
quarters of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, for North
America, there exists a large administration building in
which there are numerous departments and a large staff
of assistants and secretaries. Some of these departm ents
20
are for recording, some for correspondence, and some
for executive and administrative work. The Or der con*
ducts one of the largest mailing departments on the
Pacific Coast, as it receives and sends out one of the
largest mails on the Coast. The organizat ion maintain s
what is known as the Rosicrucian Press, which is the
largest printing establishment between San Francisco
and Los Angeles. There is an unusually attractive
Egyptian and Oriental museum building containing
many rare relics; there is a large auditorium known as
the Francis Bacon Auditorium, seating hundreds of
persons. This auditorium is finished in beaut iful Moor'
ish design and is used for public lectures and for the
annual Rosicrucian Convention. The grounds are beau'
tifully landscaped, and there is erected on them a stone
replica of an Egyptian pylon and Temple. Perhaps the
most appealing of the structures at headquarters is the
magnificent Supreme Temple of the Order, in true
Egyptian arch itecture. It is here that all special and
mystical contacts are held. Ther e are in addition large
radio towers, radio equipment, art room, studio, library,
and reception r ooms. As to its physical structur es, it is
undoubtedly the most elaborate headquarters of any
organization of its kind, created solely for the benefit
of its members. The or ganization carr ies on a dignified
advertising campaign in the leading newspapers and
periodicals throughout the world. It broadcasts over the
better'dass radio stations throughout North America
with a program of beautiful music, instruction, and
mystical periods of meditation. It disseminates to the
four corners of the world over four million pieces of
attractively printed and interesting free literature, per'
taining to the organization yearly. The Rosicrucian
books and the monthly “Rosicrucian Digest,” as well as
other Rosicrucian publications, are presented fre e to
every large public library throughout the world. The
Headquarters is open daily to visitors, and receives
many thousands of persons each year. In all large cities
of the world it maintains subordinate bodies with read'
ing rooms and Temples.
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What Govern s the Offi cers and Meth ods of Activity of the Rosicrucians?
The Order pays allegiance to and observes the ancient
tradit ional principles of the Order . It is governed by
its constitution and statutes which all officers and mem'
bers are obliged to respect and uph old. All matters
within official cognizance and concern of the Order are
divided into three classes; namely, doctrinal, ritualistic,
and administrative. Furthermore, the Order operatesin accordance with the laws of the country under which
it is legally chartered. Copies of the constitution are
available to every member and may be seen by non-
members on proper request.
Wh y Is It Suggeste d That Rosicruci ans Study at Home?
Individual progress must come only through indi'
vidual ende avor and effort. Man kind , as a species, ma?
be gregarious and choose to be in large gatherings, but
the development of his character, the improvement of
his mind, and the betterment of his life must come
through personal preparation and study. There were
thousands in the past and there are thousands in the
present who are superficially interested in self-improve-
ment. The y go to public lectures and large gatherings
continually to hear another think, plan, and express
himself. But they, themselves, never put into private
practice the things they hear, nor do they ever advance
beyond the side-lines of life. Rosicrucianism develops
student s—-not in name but in practice. Like the mystic,
philosopher, and student of old, the Rosicrucian member
makes a corner of his home his sanctum, his study, his
Temple; and there, in an environment of his own mak
ing, he aspires to his fondest h opes. The stud ent who
studies at home is sincere and determined; he is not
swayed by personalities and external, inconsequential
impressions, nor is he confused by a myriad of opinions.
He is given the opportunity to exercise and express his
own inner self.
22 /