AMORC - The Rosicrucian Catechism (1930)

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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



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.

3



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

5



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'



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



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.

11



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.

13



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

15



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

17



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

19



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.

21



'▼ \/ 'r\/ v\/v\ %-\/'* rV'r\5^\/^\/ 'r\/ ’r\/'*r\%'\/*«\/-r\/<r\/'r\5^ry ’\ / 'r\ J^\ 5^

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 /

Documents

AMORC - The Rosicrucian Catechism (1930)