The term Rosicrucian (symbol: the
Rose Cross) describes a secret society of mystics,
allegedly formed in late mediaeval Germany, holding a doctrine
"built on esoteric truths of the ancient past", which,
"concealed from the average man, provide insight into
nature, the physical universe and the spiritual realm. "
[1]
Between 1607 and 1616, two anonymous manifestos were
published, first in Germany and later throughout
Europe.
[2] These were Fama
Fraternitatis RC (The Fame of the Brotherhood of RC)
and Confessio
Fraternitatis (The Confession of the Brotherhood of
RC). The influence of these documents, presenting a "most
laudable Order" of mystic-philosopher-doctors and promoting
a "Universal Reformation of Mankind", gave rise to an
enthusiasm called by its historian Dame Frances
Yates the "Rosicrucian Enlightenment".
[3]
In later centuries many esoteric societies have claimed to
derive their doctrines, in whole or in part, from the original
Rosicrucians. Several modern societies, which date the
beginning of the Order to earlier centuries, have been formed
for the study of Rosicrucianism and allied subjects.
|