Rosicrucians
Rosicrucianism takes its name from the fraternity of the Rose Cross described in early seventeenth-century publications. Those writings announced a brotherhood possessing knowledge that could reform religion, learning and medicine. Their account of Christian Rosenkreuz belongs to the movement's founding literature; it is not an independently established biography of a medieval founder.[1]
The early publications
Three works provide the starting point for the subject:
| Work | Publication | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fama Fraternitatis | 1614 | An account of the brotherhood's origins and a call for reform. |
| Confessio Fraternitatis | 1615 | A defence and explanation of the fraternity's religious and philosophical programme. |
| Chymical Wedding | 1616 | An allegorical narrative associated with Johann Valentin Andreae. |
The Fama circulated in manuscript before publication. The Confessio developed its appeal to Europe's learned readers. The Chymical Wedding uses a different literary form: Rosenkreuz narrates his attendance at a royal wedding.[1][2][3][4]
The manifestos appeared amid Protestant religious controversy and hopes for a reformation of knowledge. Their claims prompted readers to seek the supposed brotherhood and to publish responses. The existence of this debate is well documented; it does not establish that the hidden fraternity existed as described. Stevenson treats the early texts as allegories combining Lutheran and Hermetic ideas.[1]
Connections with Freemasonry
Rosicrucian literature interested some early Freemasons, including Elias Ashmole. Stevenson discusses translations preserved in Britain and possible connections with Robert Moray. He argues for Rosicrucian influence on the cultural setting of early Scottish Masonry, while acknowledging that direct evidence is limited. This is an argument about influence, not proof that one institution descended from the other.[1]
The rose and cross have acquired different meanings in different organisations. Shared imagery does not by itself establish a common constitution, membership qualification or line of succession.
Later societies
The SRIA developed in London in 1867. Its published qualifications require subscribing Master Masons from recognised jurisdictions who profess Trinitarian Christianity. It describes itself as an independent society outside ordinary Masonic degree progression.[5][6]
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was founded in 1888 by William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and William Robert Woodman. It admitted women as well as men.[7][8]
For the distinctions between these traditions and the Ancient and Accepted Rite, see Memphis-Misraim, Martinism, Rosicrucianism and the Scottish Rite.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 David Stevenson, The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland's Century, 1590–1710 (Cambridge University Press, 1988), pp. 97–104.
- ↑ Confessio Fraternitatis, early English translation and publication note, Alchemy Website.
- ↑ The Chymical Wedding, First Day, E. Foxcroft's 1690 English translation, reproduced by the Confraternity of the Rose Cross.
- ↑ Volkhard Wels, ‘The Chymische Hochzeit as Mystification’, Freie Universität Berlin, research project description.
- ↑ Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia, ‘History of the Rosicrucian Society of England 1867’, including the list of Supreme Magi.
- ↑ Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia, ‘About the Society’, published membership qualifications and purpose.
- ↑ Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, ‘William Wynn Westcott’, biographical entry.
- ↑ Susan Snell, Museum of Freemasonry, ‘The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn — secrets at the Museum of Freemasonry?’, Explore Your Archive.
| Rosicrucian history and related societies | |
|---|---|
| Overview | Rosicrucians · Christian Rosencreutz · SRIA · Golden Dawn |
| Early texts | Fama · Confessio · Chymical Wedding |
| People | William Wynn Westcott · Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers · William Robert Woodman · Arthur Edward Waite · Pamela Colman Smith |
| Related reading | Comparing the traditions · All articles in this section |