Rosicrucianism

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Rosicrucianism was something of a woo-peddling secret society based largely on alchemy that transformed into a New Age-y religion in modern times. It has its origins in two anonymously authored manifestos from the early 17th century called Fama Fraternitas RC and Confessio Fraternitas. The subject of these books was a doctor and philosopher called "Frater CRC," renamed to Christian Rosenkreuz (or "Rosy Cross") in a later, third book. The writings were widely dismissed as hoaxes, but attracted some alchemists, scientists, and Freemasons. Various pseudohistories have popped up around these books: their author(s) are the subject of speculation (Francis Bacon, according to some) and links for other organisations popular amongst the observant set.

The modern version of the movement came about largely due to the founding of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) in 1915. It was co-founded by Harvey Spencer Lewis and May Banks-Stacy. Lewis was less well known for pseudonymosly claiming that Lemurians were living under Mount Shasta, California.[1] AMORC and other various sects of the religion exist today and operate in a milk before meat fashion.[2] You send away for their "lessons" and receive booklets that include information on Rosicrucian theology as well as how-to guides on all sorts of woo like "mental alchemy," telekinesis, telepathy, regeneration, and "attuning" with the "Cosmic Consciousness."

Rosicrucian theology had a great amount of influence on the Law of Attraction and, thus, The Secret.

The San Jose, California branch operates the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, perhaps the main source of funding.

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[edit] Footnotes

  1. Melton, J. Gordon (March 1999). Religious leaders of America: a biographical guide to founders and leaders of religious bodies, churches, and spiritual groups in North America (2nd ed.). Cengage Gale. p. 332. ISBN 978-0810388789.
  2. Though the "meat" seems to be of the tofurkey variety according to some ex-members.
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