FigLeafe

From across this grey land...

(Dead but dreaming)

CHAPTER IV

PHILOSOPHY OF THE ROSE CROSS ^{1, 2, 3}

    Remaining a silent, yet powerful, force,  true Rosicrusianism exists very much as it did in the early 17th century. In defining Rosicrucian ideology, The Encyclopedia of Religion (Fogarty 1987, 477) states that it is "comprised [of] a system of mathematics and mechanics for the lower world, celestial mathematics for the higher world, and angelic conjuration for the supercelestial world." This description, however, does not reveal the pragmatic picture of Rosicrucian philosophy. The question remains "What is a Rosicrucian?"

Rosicrucians are Practical Men. 

According to Dr. Clymer (1965, 79-81): 

Rosicrucians "... are  practical men who believe in progress, law and order and in self-development. ... [They] frown ... on all wrong-doing, seek ... to elevate man in his own esteem, [and] teach ... due and loyal respect to woman, the laws, society and the world" (as do the Knights of Chivalry C note Clymer 1917a; 1917b, 13-54). 

      These spiritually minded men seek to obey God's will and the Divine Law (Clymer 1946, I, xxvi-xxvii).  Beyond this, the Rose Cross (or Philosophic InitiateCone who has traveled the Path of  the Great Work) must possess three  virtuesCvirtues which the Neophyte or seeker does not yet possess. These, according to Clymer (1946, I, 17) include: possessing a pure life, virile and strong but unsullied;  desiring to penetrate the mysteries of Nature; and be willing to sacrifice for one's development while helping others along the Path.

A true Rose Cross does not indulge in secret hand signs or shakes, celebrations, vain displays of wealth (i.e., temples, tours, etc.) or meaningless rituals. Rather, a Rose Cross is a person (male or female) who is silent in his work and discreet in his speech (no bragging, "I am a Rose Cross"). He also performs good works, is a servant to all and remembers that "goodness, not knowledge, is power" (Clymer 1916). Today's Rosicrucians, like those of the 17th century, do not wear special costumes or garb. Unlike Masons, Rosicrucians have no special rings, nor do they (like some clandestine orders) wear rose crosses or possess any items which stand out in society. "True Rosicrucians do not care to be known as such. They prefer to study and work, rather than be paraded before the curious mass. A gold coin passes very quietly through the world, but your counterfeit makes a great noise wherever it may chance to be; so with the pseudo-Rosicrucians" (Clymer 1928-29, 50).

The Brotherhood of the true Rosy Cross is known only for their good deeds and ministering spirit.  Religion is not of mansions or prisons, not of clergymen or monarchs, not of cathedrals, or costly ceremonials, butCmarked by the simplicity of the Carpenter's SonCin Loving one another (Clymer 1935, I, 42). 

     Does a Rosicrucian bear false witness? The answer is a resounding NO! A Rose Cross's word is his bond. If a Rosicrucian makes a vow or oath or gives his word, it is a sacred trust. Although, a Rosicrucian provides assistance and guidance, he doesn't interfere in another's personal life.  He is taught the Law of Non-Interference in the rights of others.

Finally, "the only true aim which should be pursued by a mystic brotherhood is the moral and spiritual regeneration, first of separate individuals and, ultimately, of the whole human race" (Clymer 1932-1941, V, 65) (note ch. on Spiritual Development, Clymer 1955, 59-70). This is the overall goal of the Brotherhood of the Rosy Cross.  

Becoming a Rose Cross. 

Unlike many clandestine groups which offer immediate membership as a Rosicrucian, in the true Order, man becomes a Rose Cross (achieving spiritual initiation) only after transmuting all unworthy desires and evils into that which is good.  This process, consisting of introspection, refinement, purification and separation, is slow and at times physically and emotionally painful ("Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life"). Many orders, fraternities and societies are composed of members who were elected into membership through paying of some fee, reciting of some words or enacting of some ceremony. The Rose Cross is much more. The words "many are called but few are chosen" are by-words of this brotherhoodCa brotherhood more interested in man's Soul than his money. As with the Fraternitas of the 17th century, so too, today's Rosicrucians reiterate "not all who knock can be permitted to enter. Before one can become a member of the visible Fraternity, he or she is already enrolled among the invisibles" (Clymer 1965, 124).

Only by living in understanding and harmony with the principles of Christ, and  the development of a Christ-like nature can one become a Rose Cross (Clymer 1916). All that is asked of any man who enters the Path "is HONOR, HONESTY and AMBITION to KNOW MORE AND BE BETTER" (Clymer 1935, I, 230). It must be understood, however, that "neither stoic, agnostic, atheist, nor egotist can become a brother of the Rose Cross" (Clymer 1965, 16).

Many who enter the Royal Path fall by the wayside. This straying from the Path happens for several reasons. The most prevalent are impatience, "gabbleism," lack of order and abiding by the absurd concept of equality.⁴ Many more lose interest, when they expect to gain supernormal or superhuman powers overnight (i.e., healing all diseases, living forever and transmuting base metals into gold). The true Rosicrucian (i.e., Rose Cross) makes no claims of possessing the power of changing base metals to gold (Clymer 1947, II, 124). Rosicrucians scoff at such absurdity, realizing the task of the true alchemist consists of transmuting the Soul from base medal to finer gold  - gold being an occult symbol for everything pure and holy or the perfect Soul (Clymer 1947, II, 125; Jones 1928, 857; also note Trowbridge 1961, 81). This consists NOT of destroying, but rather using the factors of the profane (coarse or evil) for the intention of bringing about good. Through good works, such as kindness, gentleness, love, graciousness and for­giveness, one is able to transmute evil desires, such as hate, carnal passions and unclean thoughts into goodness (Clymer 1947, II, 257). In achieving these goals, Rosicrucians DO NOT teach asceticism. Rather these goals are achieved through a constant harmonious development of the physical, mental and spiritual bodies.⁵ Development, in part, consists of proper diet, control of thoughts, self-control of behavior and sexual-forces, and breathing exercises (Clymer 1932-1941, V, 72-73). 

Through this "quickening" of the Soul, the indwelling Christos is awakened, transforming man into a spiritual being. Man, therefore, has the potential of becoming a son of God, a microcosm, a personification of the macrocosm.  This is in accord with the Rosicrucian philosophy that man's duty in life is to glorify God and perfect his own being (Clymer 1948, 99-112).

A work stated to have been written by Alipili (Centrum Naturæ Concentratum) says:

      The highest wisdom consists in this, for Man to know Himself, because in him God has placed his eternal Word, by which all things were made and upheld, to be his Light and Life, by which he is capable of knowing all things both in time and eternity ... Therefore let the high inquirers and searchers into the deep mysteries of nature learn first to know what they have in themselves, before they seek in foreign matters without them; and by the divine power within them let them first heal themselves and TRANSMUTE their own souls; then they may go on prosperously, and seek with good success the mysteries and wonders of God in all natural things (Hitchcock 1857, 34-35). 

The Life of a Rose Cross.

As stated in Clymer's (1928-29, 23), Dr. Paschal Beverly Randolph and the Supreme Grand Dome of the Rosicrucians in France, "A bad man cannot become a true Rosicrucian.  ..." Neither does a Rose Cross, attempt to punish an evil doer since he/she realizes that those who betray the LAW punish themselves (Clymer 1916, 190).  It is also well understood by the Rose Cross that money, power and "the finery of life" will soon pass away, while truth, love and providing for the sick and needy will endure. Dr. Randolph stated, "I am a Rosicrucian and cannot accept money I have not earned. All I want will come as I need it" (Clymer 1965, 74). Since early times, the Rosicrucian has ministered to the sick and those in distress (Jones 1928, 857).

In providing assistance, brotherhood and love to humanity, the Rose Cross does not BRAG, rather he works in silence. His command is "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." Assistance is given to all who are worthy of help (i.e., they who have done all they can for themselves through their endeavors, works and striving and still earnestly need assistance). Unto those unworthy, only silence is given. The Rose Cross looks at the heart of a man, not merely his outward appearance (Clymer 1916, 190). As Dr. Clymer (1965, 79; also note 1935, I) stated, "God helps those who help themselves." The eternal motto of the Fraternitas  is "TRY!" (Clymer 1965, 79). Nearly fifty years before, Randolph (1868, 22) stated. "God helps him who helps himself! and he who does it not will wither and decay; for even souls grow thin and slim, or else wax fat and strong. ... In what else than self-effort can redemption consist? ... let the motto be 'Excelsior!' 'Try!'"

Labor, the Rosicrucians understand, is an essential, noble and dignified experience. It is further understood that neither the government, the people nor society owes any man or woman a living (Clymer 1965, xxiii). Such beliefs make man weak, dependent and ultimately helpless. The one who provides is just as guilty of committing a sin against the Law as the receiver. Only by standing on his own, providing food and shelter for himself and loved ones, can one truly be called a man. One who denies this is ignorant of the Law of Compensation.

The Law of Compensation also applies to all rights and responsibilities. In all cases, rights are the rewards citizens receive for productive effort. Those who provide no effort or work merit no reward or compensation. However, in today's society we hear much about sexual, civil and personal rights.  Many, at the foreground of these movements, who are blaming others and constantly demanding, are uneducated and ignorant as to the Law of Compensation.  These individuals, being under the Law, are due to their lack of effort unworthy of receiving these rights. All true Rosicrucians theorize, "Man possesses neither rights nor privileges unless he is willing to be responsible for his every act." (Clymer 1965, xxiii). Rosicrucians believe, as the American Declaration of Independence states, "that all men are equal,⁴ that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights [privileges], that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Rights must, however, be earned through hard work, dedication, honesty and responsibility. To reiterate, without responsibility, there can be no rights or freedom.

As Randolph states (1868, 104-05) "All freedom must be self-achieved, or it is not freedom." In many ways the concepts of hard work (Soul transformation), self-achievement and eventual freedom are the cornerstone of all Rosicrucian philosophy. While the true Neophyte is searching, striving and transmuting, the Initiate has achieved Philosophic Initiation. Both, however, are on life's Path of the Great Work. Although the Initiate or Master has obtained Soul Consciousness, Illumination or Christification, the Great Work continues daily as one strives to OBEY THE DIVINE LAW.⁶

It should be remembered, states Clymer (1928-29, 52) that: 

The saying of prayers, the repetition of mantras, is highly desirable, the influence created and the impression made on both the supplicant and the Universal Ether (Father or God) is potent for good. However, it is ten thousand times more important for the acolyte to live the thought, prayer or mantra than it is for him to repeat it, even though that repetition be in the deepest humility and most sacred passion. 

Notes

The opinions, comments and historical/philosophical documentation are taken from other sources and do not necessarily  represent the opinions of the writer or researcher.

       1.     Much of the information used in this section is contained in the over seventy books written by the late Rev. Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer, Supreme Grand Master, Fraternitatis Rosæ Crucis. Clymer, besides having been Supreme Grand Master of the Fraternitas, was also the Most Venerable Grand  Master of the Supreme Council Brotherhood of America; Mason (Scottish and York Rites), Shriner; mem., Royal Order of Scotland; hon. mem., Orden Constructores Masones (Pan-Am); Respectable Logia, Rosa de America (Panama); etc. 

2.  It should be understood that the Fraternitas Rosae Crucis (Fraternity of the Rosy Cross) denotes the Fraternity founded in 1616 while the word Rosicrucian designates the individual  who belong to this Fraternity and have received Soul - Consciousness. The Rose Cross has several meanings. In this text, it refers to that person who, after having entered the Path of Transmutation (a "seeker after the truth"), has been found worthy of being called a follower of the Rose Cross (obtaining Philosophic Initiation).  

3.  The Rose Cross is not a religious order, rather it is a Christian society, teaching the Ancient Wisdom according to the Christian Dispensation (Clymer 1935, II, 861). 

4.  To understand the various meanings of the word "equality," refer to Clymer (1965, 93-94). 

5.  Perhaps one of the best guides regarding Rosicrucian development (philosophical) is Clymer's work, The Philosophy of Immortality (1960). Based on a 1749 booklet (author unknown), this book was expanded and revised  by Clymer to aid Neophytes in their transformation. The book contains chapters on anger, hope and fear, joy and grief, desire and love, vanity, inconstancy and many other topics which will aid in guiding and fortifying the Soul.

6.  A sense of right or justice, "is what the Alchemists call an immaterial, incorruptible and inextinguishable Fire, which, Pontanus says, 'is a matter mineral, equal, continuous, vapors or fumes not, unless too much provoked; partakes of sulphur [as the jargon runs, meaning a celestial spirit], and is taken otherwise than from matter; it destroys all things, dissolves, congeals, coagulates, and calcines,Cis adapted to penetrate,Cand is a compendium without any great cost.' It transmutes, but 'is not itself transmuted with the matter, because it is nothing of the matter.'"

"Now, when the conscious, wherein the sense of right and justice has existence, becomes active under the idea of God, it is endowed with supernatural force ... " (Hitchcock 1857, 52-53). 

"Man first hears the voice of God in the conscious, the still, small voice, which, though often unheeded, is in Alchemy, as well as in the Scriptures, compared to a fire;CIs not my word like a fire, saith the Lord. Jer. xxiii. 29. This prepares the way for what many of the writers speak of as a Light, ... " (Hitchcock 1857, 239). 

For an unusual interpretation of the Rose Cross and the Rosicrucian Order, regarding history and philosophy, note V. Ills. Bro. C.W. Lead-better, 33° Ancient Mystic Rites.

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