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The Rosicrucian Mysteries
Max Heindel (1865-1919), born Carl Louis von Grasshoff in Denmark, was a Christian occultist, astrologer, and mystic. In 1903, he moved to California and after attending lectures by the theosophist C. W. Leadbeater, he joined the Theosophical Society of Los Angeles, of which he became vice-president in 1904. He also became a vegetarian, and began the study of astrology, which gave him the key to unlocking the mysteries of man's inner nature. In 1907, during a successful period of lectures in Minnesota, he travelled to Berlin. It was then that he reported to have been visited by a spiritual being. The highly evolved entity that visited Heindel eventually identified himself as an Elder Brother of the Rosicrucian Order. Heindel returned to America in the summer of 1908 where he at once started to formulate the Rosicrucian teachings, the Western Wisdom Teachings, which he had received from the Elder Brothers, which he published as a book entitled The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception in 1909.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1911
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 17, 2018
I've found myself obsessed by Rosicrucianism. I can't remember when I first heard the term "Rosicrucian", but it seems like I've had an awareness of it since early adulthood. But I never knew anything about it. Then, as I got into Anthroposophy 20 years ago, I came to learn more about the founding of the Rosy Cross movement, the biography of Christian Rosenkreutz, the Rose Cross meditation exercises, and the secret history of the Rosicrucian movement. But what I learned was always in relation to Anthroposophy, generally in a book or series of lectures about Anthroposophy.
So I've taken up the question of learning about Rosicrucianism in its own right. This came not only as a result of my Anthroposophy studies, but also from my Christian theology studies that may or may not lead to taking courses at the seminary. My theological study so far has centered on the first 500 years after Christ, and how theology and religion were propelled in large measure by figures known today as the church fathers. Most of the writings of the church fathers have always been available for public consumption. But what about secret teachings? Were there esoteric teachings taking place in parallel of the exoteric teachings of the church fathers, but revealed only to a select few? That's what Rudolf Steiner says, and that's what the Rosicrucian movement was about--revealing the mysteries to a select few. Part of the original goal of Rosicrucianism was to preserve and protect sacred knowledge in light of the dogmatism of the church (note that the Rosicrucian Trilogy, in effect their founding documents, were developed in the height of the reformation in the early 1600s). In fact, it can be said that Anthroposophy is to some extent the "modern" (post 19th century) equivalent of Rosicrucianism, and that as of the 20th century the true Rosicrucian movement entered into decadence (a 20th-century form of Rosicrucianism came into being, loosely based on Steiner's teachings, adapted for America, was founded and is headquartered in southern California).
So I have questions, and I'm focusing my research on determining to what extent does Rosicrucianism inform or relate to:
* Corpus Hermeticum, by Hermes Trismegistus, referenced by leaders of the renaissance & enlightenment (e.g. Paracelsus, Isaac Newton)
* Apostle Mark, 46 CE in Egypt and possibly first reference to Rosy Cross
* Cathars/Albigensian crusades and the gnostic stream
* legendary Christian Rosenkreuz, 1378-1484
* Rosicrucian trilogy/founding documents in 1614-1616
* Rosicrucian relationship to Francis Bacon
* Rosicrucian influence on famous figures such as Goethe, Kepler, et al
* Secret lodges of the 18th and 19th centuries
* Masonic Lodges and Freemasonry and how they relate to Rosicrucianism
* Rosicrucianism as a path to enlightenment
* Rosicrucian themes, e.g. Rosicrucian novel (Zanoni), Rosicrucian leadership (Finser Torin), fairy tale (The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily), etc.
* Present day Rosicrucianism
So, this book, The Rosicrucian Mysteries, is one of my books on this topic. The author, Max Heindel, born in Aarhus, Denmark, was a Rosicrucian initiate in America who founded the Rosicrucian center in Oceanside, CA in the early 20th century. Heindel was aware of Steiner and felt that what Steiner was doing was not appropriate for America where "pragmatism and clear linear thinking is predominant." In Heindel's book many of the concepts described are similar if not identical to what is taught in Anthroposophy: the four-fold nature of the Human Being, reincarnation and karma, cosmic history, a deep reverence for the Christ, the guidance of humankind by exalted spiritual beings, and a concern over dogma of the established church. The reason for that similarity could be due to the fact that Heindel attended Steiner's lectures in Europe, took what he could from Anthroposophy, and repackaged that knowledge as Rosicrucianism for America.
Other books I've recently read include the Rosicrucian Trilogy from 1614-1616 (Fama Fraternitatis, Confessio Fraternitatis, and The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz) and True Knowledge of the Christ (by Steiner, with a focus on Rosicrucianism).
I have created a public wish list on Amazon, Rosicrucian Study List, that includes my initial set of books for study. I think I may write about what I learn, but I'm not sure what format it should be in. I'm used to blogging, so I'll probably start with that.
So I've taken up the question of learning about Rosicrucianism in its own right. This came not only as a result of my Anthroposophy studies, but also from my Christian theology studies that may or may not lead to taking courses at the seminary. My theological study so far has centered on the first 500 years after Christ, and how theology and religion were propelled in large measure by figures known today as the church fathers. Most of the writings of the church fathers have always been available for public consumption. But what about secret teachings? Were there esoteric teachings taking place in parallel of the exoteric teachings of the church fathers, but revealed only to a select few? That's what Rudolf Steiner says, and that's what the Rosicrucian movement was about--revealing the mysteries to a select few. Part of the original goal of Rosicrucianism was to preserve and protect sacred knowledge in light of the dogmatism of the church (note that the Rosicrucian Trilogy, in effect their founding documents, were developed in the height of the reformation in the early 1600s). In fact, it can be said that Anthroposophy is to some extent the "modern" (post 19th century) equivalent of Rosicrucianism, and that as of the 20th century the true Rosicrucian movement entered into decadence (a 20th-century form of Rosicrucianism came into being, loosely based on Steiner's teachings, adapted for America, was founded and is headquartered in southern California).
So I have questions, and I'm focusing my research on determining to what extent does Rosicrucianism inform or relate to:
* Corpus Hermeticum, by Hermes Trismegistus, referenced by leaders of the renaissance & enlightenment (e.g. Paracelsus, Isaac Newton)
* Apostle Mark, 46 CE in Egypt and possibly first reference to Rosy Cross
* Cathars/Albigensian crusades and the gnostic stream
* legendary Christian Rosenkreuz, 1378-1484
* Rosicrucian trilogy/founding documents in 1614-1616
* Rosicrucian relationship to Francis Bacon
* Rosicrucian influence on famous figures such as Goethe, Kepler, et al
* Secret lodges of the 18th and 19th centuries
* Masonic Lodges and Freemasonry and how they relate to Rosicrucianism
* Rosicrucianism as a path to enlightenment
* Rosicrucian themes, e.g. Rosicrucian novel (Zanoni), Rosicrucian leadership (Finser Torin), fairy tale (The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily), etc.
* Present day Rosicrucianism
So, this book, The Rosicrucian Mysteries, is one of my books on this topic. The author, Max Heindel, born in Aarhus, Denmark, was a Rosicrucian initiate in America who founded the Rosicrucian center in Oceanside, CA in the early 20th century. Heindel was aware of Steiner and felt that what Steiner was doing was not appropriate for America where "pragmatism and clear linear thinking is predominant." In Heindel's book many of the concepts described are similar if not identical to what is taught in Anthroposophy: the four-fold nature of the Human Being, reincarnation and karma, cosmic history, a deep reverence for the Christ, the guidance of humankind by exalted spiritual beings, and a concern over dogma of the established church. The reason for that similarity could be due to the fact that Heindel attended Steiner's lectures in Europe, took what he could from Anthroposophy, and repackaged that knowledge as Rosicrucianism for America.
Other books I've recently read include the Rosicrucian Trilogy from 1614-1616 (Fama Fraternitatis, Confessio Fraternitatis, and The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz) and True Knowledge of the Christ (by Steiner, with a focus on Rosicrucianism).
I have created a public wish list on Amazon, Rosicrucian Study List, that includes my initial set of books for study. I think I may write about what I learn, but I'm not sure what format it should be in. I'm used to blogging, so I'll probably start with that.
March 16, 2021
There is a word in Hindi language “JIGYASU” probably derived from Sanskrit. It means “Seeker of Knowledge” or “Enquirer of Knowledge”. For the past many years I have been a Jigyasu.
I have perused the scriptures of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and the Holy Bible as well as the English Translation of the Holy Koran, and I have sought clarifications from the Hindu Scholars, Muslim Peers and Christian Padres, whenever possible. Irrespective of their interpretations and views, I felt that all these three religions spouse the same philosophy, though interpreted varyingly.
I have always believed in giving – charity – to the extent I could afford. For more than twenty years, I was associated with Lions International and also a freemason. And to these associations I have contributed generously. Till three four years ago I have contributed for WWF, Greenpeace, CRY and various other institutions. But from 2017, I am retired and now live on income from investments and hence, even though God has blessed me with sufficient to maintain me and my wife – my children having settled well and married – my charitable contributions have almost ceased.
In perusing the history and work of Freemasonry, I have come across references to the Knights Templar and the Rosicrucians. So when the site Scribd.com to which I am a subscriber flashed a book on “THE ROSICRUCIAN MYSTERIES” by Max Hiendel, I saved it for future reading.
Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) states that the soul which inhabits each body is immortal. It cannot die. Fire cannot burn it, nor can water wet it. So what happens to the soul when the body dies. The soul flies to the upper reaches and in due course after it enjoys the fruits of its good acts and pays the penalty for its wrong acts, it migrates into a new body to live life anew. This cycle of birth and death goes on till the soul ultimately lives a life of piety and goodness and it will merge with the Supreme Being.
The Rosicrucian Philosophy is also similar. As per this school of thought various religions have been given to each group of humanity by the exalted beings whom in the Christian religion are known as the Recording Angels, whose wonderful prevision enables them to view the trend of even so unstable a quantity as the human mind, and thus they are enabled to determine what steps are necessary to lead our unfoldment along the lines congruous to the highest universal good.
To achieve this goal the Spirit that inhabits the mortal body after death initially enters the Purgatory to cleanse itself of the evil effects of its bad deeds. Then it moves to the Desire World or the First Heaven. In the First Heaven it relives it life panaromically and then moves on to the Second Heaven. Later it moves to the Third Heaven and with the help of the Guiding Spirits it starts to plan for its rebirth.
The lower regions of the Desire World constitute what the Catholic religion calls PURGATORY, a place where the evil of a past life is transmuted to good, usable by the Spirit as conscience in later lives. The higher regions of the Desire World are the FIRST HEAVEN where all the good a man has done is assimilated by the Spirit as SOUL power. The Region of Concrete Thought is the SECOND HEAVEN, where, as already said, the Spirit prepares its future environment on Earth, and the Region of Abstract Thought is the THIRD HEAVEN, but as Paul said, it is scarcely lawful to speak about that.
Some will ask: Is there then no hell? No! THE MERCY OF GOD tends as greatly towards the principle of GOOD AS THE INHUMANITY OF MAN towards cruelty, so that he would consign his brother men to flames of hell during eternity for the puerile mistakes committed during a few years, or perhaps for a slight difference in belief.
The Law of Conservation of Energy is not confined to the Physical World, but operates in the spiritual realms also. There is nothing in life that has not its purpose. We do wrong to rail against circumstances, no matter how disagreeable. We should rather endeavour to learn the lessons which are contained therein, that we may live a long and useful life.
We have all been here many times and in different families, we have had relations of varying nature with many different people, and usually there are several families among whom we may seek re-embodiment to work out our self-generated destiny and reap what we have sown in former lives. If there are no special reasons why we should take birth in any particular family among certain friends or foes, the Spirit is allowed to choose its own place of birth. Thus it may be said that most of us are in our present places by our own prenatal choice.
In order to assist us in making that choice the Recording Angels call up before the Spirit's vision a panorama in general outlines of each of the offered lives. This panorama will show what part of our past debts we are to pay, and what fruits we may be expected to reap in the coming life.
The Spirit is left free to choose between the several lives offered. But once a choice has been made no evasion is possible during life. We have free will with regard to the future, but the past MATURE destiny we cannot escape.
When the Spirit has made its choice, it descends into the Second Heaven where it is instructed by the Angels and Archangels how to build an archetype of the body which it will later inhabit upon Earth. Also here we note the operation of the great Law of Justice which decree that we reap what we sow. If our tastes are coarse and sensual, we shall build an archetype which will express these qualities; if we are refined and of aesthetic taste, we shall build an archetype correspondingly refined, but no one can obtain a better body than he can build. Then, as the architect who builds a house in which he afterwards lives, will suffer discomfort if he neglects to ventilate it properly, so also the Spirit feels disease in a poorly constructed body. As the architect learns to avoid mistakes and remedy the shortcomings of one house when building another, so also the Spirit which suffers from defects in its body learns in time to build better and better vehicles.
In the Region of Concrete Thought, the Spirit also draws to itself materials for a new mind. As a magnet draws iron filings but leaves other substances alone, so also each Spirit draws only the kind of mind-stuff which it used in its former life, plus that which it has learned to use in its present post-mortem state. Then it descends into the Desire World where it gathers materials for a new desire body such as will express appropriately its moral characteristics. Later it attracts a certain amount of ether which is built into the mould of the archetype Constructed in the Second Heaven and acts as cement between the solids, liquids, and gaseous material from the bodies of parents which form the dense physical body of a child, and in due time the latter is brought to birth.
The Sun in course of its journey covers all the twelve signs of the Zodiac in a period of 25,865 years. It is determined by the movement of the Sun known to astronomers as PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOX, by which the Sun moves through one of the signs of the Zodiac in about 2,100 years. During that time the conditions upon Earth have changed so much that the Spirit will find entirely new experiences here, and therefore it returns.
The average interval between two Earth-lives is about a thousand years. The Great Leaders of evolution always obtain the maximum benefit from each condition designed by them, and as the experiences in the same social conditions are very different in the case of a man from what they are for a woman, the human Spirit takes birth twice during the 2,100 years measured by the precession of the equinox, as already explained: it is born once as a man and another time as a woman.
The Rosicrucian Philosophy was expounded mainly for the Westerners and followers of Christian Faith. It definitely comes across as a big surprise, that the Christian Faith also believes in rebirth. This is supported by many passages ion the Old as well as New Testaments. An eye opener indeed and those followers of Christian faith, who are not well informed about their faith should start to think anew and respect the teachings of the so called Pagan religion of Hinduism worshipping many gods and goddesses.
An important adjunct, the Hindu after his daily prayers / rituals recites a stanza which states “As the waters that fall from the skies, ultimately flow into the sea, the prayers and obeisances offered to all gods go to Kesava – the Supreme Godhead.
A very informative book , short and sweet. I liked it very much.
I have perused the scriptures of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and the Holy Bible as well as the English Translation of the Holy Koran, and I have sought clarifications from the Hindu Scholars, Muslim Peers and Christian Padres, whenever possible. Irrespective of their interpretations and views, I felt that all these three religions spouse the same philosophy, though interpreted varyingly.
I have always believed in giving – charity – to the extent I could afford. For more than twenty years, I was associated with Lions International and also a freemason. And to these associations I have contributed generously. Till three four years ago I have contributed for WWF, Greenpeace, CRY and various other institutions. But from 2017, I am retired and now live on income from investments and hence, even though God has blessed me with sufficient to maintain me and my wife – my children having settled well and married – my charitable contributions have almost ceased.
In perusing the history and work of Freemasonry, I have come across references to the Knights Templar and the Rosicrucians. So when the site Scribd.com to which I am a subscriber flashed a book on “THE ROSICRUCIAN MYSTERIES” by Max Hiendel, I saved it for future reading.
Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) states that the soul which inhabits each body is immortal. It cannot die. Fire cannot burn it, nor can water wet it. So what happens to the soul when the body dies. The soul flies to the upper reaches and in due course after it enjoys the fruits of its good acts and pays the penalty for its wrong acts, it migrates into a new body to live life anew. This cycle of birth and death goes on till the soul ultimately lives a life of piety and goodness and it will merge with the Supreme Being.
The Rosicrucian Philosophy is also similar. As per this school of thought various religions have been given to each group of humanity by the exalted beings whom in the Christian religion are known as the Recording Angels, whose wonderful prevision enables them to view the trend of even so unstable a quantity as the human mind, and thus they are enabled to determine what steps are necessary to lead our unfoldment along the lines congruous to the highest universal good.
To achieve this goal the Spirit that inhabits the mortal body after death initially enters the Purgatory to cleanse itself of the evil effects of its bad deeds. Then it moves to the Desire World or the First Heaven. In the First Heaven it relives it life panaromically and then moves on to the Second Heaven. Later it moves to the Third Heaven and with the help of the Guiding Spirits it starts to plan for its rebirth.
The lower regions of the Desire World constitute what the Catholic religion calls PURGATORY, a place where the evil of a past life is transmuted to good, usable by the Spirit as conscience in later lives. The higher regions of the Desire World are the FIRST HEAVEN where all the good a man has done is assimilated by the Spirit as SOUL power. The Region of Concrete Thought is the SECOND HEAVEN, where, as already said, the Spirit prepares its future environment on Earth, and the Region of Abstract Thought is the THIRD HEAVEN, but as Paul said, it is scarcely lawful to speak about that.
Some will ask: Is there then no hell? No! THE MERCY OF GOD tends as greatly towards the principle of GOOD AS THE INHUMANITY OF MAN towards cruelty, so that he would consign his brother men to flames of hell during eternity for the puerile mistakes committed during a few years, or perhaps for a slight difference in belief.
The Law of Conservation of Energy is not confined to the Physical World, but operates in the spiritual realms also. There is nothing in life that has not its purpose. We do wrong to rail against circumstances, no matter how disagreeable. We should rather endeavour to learn the lessons which are contained therein, that we may live a long and useful life.
We have all been here many times and in different families, we have had relations of varying nature with many different people, and usually there are several families among whom we may seek re-embodiment to work out our self-generated destiny and reap what we have sown in former lives. If there are no special reasons why we should take birth in any particular family among certain friends or foes, the Spirit is allowed to choose its own place of birth. Thus it may be said that most of us are in our present places by our own prenatal choice.
In order to assist us in making that choice the Recording Angels call up before the Spirit's vision a panorama in general outlines of each of the offered lives. This panorama will show what part of our past debts we are to pay, and what fruits we may be expected to reap in the coming life.
The Spirit is left free to choose between the several lives offered. But once a choice has been made no evasion is possible during life. We have free will with regard to the future, but the past MATURE destiny we cannot escape.
When the Spirit has made its choice, it descends into the Second Heaven where it is instructed by the Angels and Archangels how to build an archetype of the body which it will later inhabit upon Earth. Also here we note the operation of the great Law of Justice which decree that we reap what we sow. If our tastes are coarse and sensual, we shall build an archetype which will express these qualities; if we are refined and of aesthetic taste, we shall build an archetype correspondingly refined, but no one can obtain a better body than he can build. Then, as the architect who builds a house in which he afterwards lives, will suffer discomfort if he neglects to ventilate it properly, so also the Spirit feels disease in a poorly constructed body. As the architect learns to avoid mistakes and remedy the shortcomings of one house when building another, so also the Spirit which suffers from defects in its body learns in time to build better and better vehicles.
In the Region of Concrete Thought, the Spirit also draws to itself materials for a new mind. As a magnet draws iron filings but leaves other substances alone, so also each Spirit draws only the kind of mind-stuff which it used in its former life, plus that which it has learned to use in its present post-mortem state. Then it descends into the Desire World where it gathers materials for a new desire body such as will express appropriately its moral characteristics. Later it attracts a certain amount of ether which is built into the mould of the archetype Constructed in the Second Heaven and acts as cement between the solids, liquids, and gaseous material from the bodies of parents which form the dense physical body of a child, and in due time the latter is brought to birth.
The Sun in course of its journey covers all the twelve signs of the Zodiac in a period of 25,865 years. It is determined by the movement of the Sun known to astronomers as PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOX, by which the Sun moves through one of the signs of the Zodiac in about 2,100 years. During that time the conditions upon Earth have changed so much that the Spirit will find entirely new experiences here, and therefore it returns.
The average interval between two Earth-lives is about a thousand years. The Great Leaders of evolution always obtain the maximum benefit from each condition designed by them, and as the experiences in the same social conditions are very different in the case of a man from what they are for a woman, the human Spirit takes birth twice during the 2,100 years measured by the precession of the equinox, as already explained: it is born once as a man and another time as a woman.
The Rosicrucian Philosophy was expounded mainly for the Westerners and followers of Christian Faith. It definitely comes across as a big surprise, that the Christian Faith also believes in rebirth. This is supported by many passages ion the Old as well as New Testaments. An eye opener indeed and those followers of Christian faith, who are not well informed about their faith should start to think anew and respect the teachings of the so called Pagan religion of Hinduism worshipping many gods and goddesses.
An important adjunct, the Hindu after his daily prayers / rituals recites a stanza which states “As the waters that fall from the skies, ultimately flow into the sea, the prayers and obeisances offered to all gods go to Kesava – the Supreme Godhead.
A very informative book , short and sweet. I liked it very much.
October 28, 2012
If you are interested in the Rosicrucians, this book will provide some insight into the study of ancient mystical, philosophical, and religious doctrines and concerned with the application of these doctrines to modern life.
I found the book to take some familiar Christian teachings, and expand on them to a level that I never considered. I expected that this book would also be filled with references and annotations to substantiate many of the "teachings", but that was not so. It took some time to digest and in the end I found it to be interesting, although unprofitable.
I found the book to take some familiar Christian teachings, and expand on them to a level that I never considered. I expected that this book would also be filled with references and annotations to substantiate many of the "teachings", but that was not so. It took some time to digest and in the end I found it to be interesting, although unprofitable.
March 12, 2023
I asked AI to give me a summary of what Rosicrucian is all about to check if i agreed with what I read in this book. The answer:
Rosicrucianism is a spiritual and mystical movement that emerged in the early 17th century in Europe. It is based on a series of anonymous manifestos that were published in Germany in the early 1600s. The Rosicrucian teachings emphasize the attainment of spiritual knowledge and the transformation of the self through meditation, contemplation, and mystical practices.
The movement's philosophy draws on a variety of sources, including Hermeticism, Gnosticism, and Christian mysticism. Rosicrucians believe in the existence of a spiritual dimension that underlies the physical world and that it is possible to attain a higher level of consciousness through spiritual practices.
Central to the Rosicrucian teachings is the idea of the "divine spark" that resides within each person and that can be awakened through spiritual practices. The goal of the movement is to help individuals transform themselves and the world around them through the cultivation of spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
The Rosicrucian movement has gone through several revivals throughout history, with different groups and organizations promoting their own interpretations of the teachings. Today, there are several Rosicrucian organizations around the world, including the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) and the Rosicrucian Fellowship.
I actually agree with the above summary, but more specifically, I slightly disagree with them on the interpretation of the Genesis starting words:
In King James' translation
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In Original Greek
Εν αρχή ην ο Λόγος, και ο Λόγος ην προς τον Θεόν, και Θεός ην ο Λόγος
Since they knew Greek, they understood that Logos can be translated into Logic (thought) hence at the start there was a Thought and then there was a speech, something that humans do, meaning that first, we speak and then we talk. Here is the anthropocentric view of God. Could be that he just do it just for fun as Linus made Linux, without thinking, a random event.
Beyond that point, the book is full of Ether of Aristotelian logic, a bit better explanation of why Astrology is in some points the accurate way to choose a life that is deterministic. As nothing is black and white, I want to believe that multiple states exist (deterministic and non-deterministic) and are defined by Logos (the thought). There at that point, I think I agree with them but not in their full interpretation of the Bible.
Rosicrucianism is a spiritual and mystical movement that emerged in the early 17th century in Europe. It is based on a series of anonymous manifestos that were published in Germany in the early 1600s. The Rosicrucian teachings emphasize the attainment of spiritual knowledge and the transformation of the self through meditation, contemplation, and mystical practices.
The movement's philosophy draws on a variety of sources, including Hermeticism, Gnosticism, and Christian mysticism. Rosicrucians believe in the existence of a spiritual dimension that underlies the physical world and that it is possible to attain a higher level of consciousness through spiritual practices.
Central to the Rosicrucian teachings is the idea of the "divine spark" that resides within each person and that can be awakened through spiritual practices. The goal of the movement is to help individuals transform themselves and the world around them through the cultivation of spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
The Rosicrucian movement has gone through several revivals throughout history, with different groups and organizations promoting their own interpretations of the teachings. Today, there are several Rosicrucian organizations around the world, including the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) and the Rosicrucian Fellowship.
I actually agree with the above summary, but more specifically, I slightly disagree with them on the interpretation of the Genesis starting words:
In King James' translation
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In Original Greek
Εν αρχή ην ο Λόγος, και ο Λόγος ην προς τον Θεόν, και Θεός ην ο Λόγος
Since they knew Greek, they understood that Logos can be translated into Logic (thought) hence at the start there was a Thought and then there was a speech, something that humans do, meaning that first, we speak and then we talk. Here is the anthropocentric view of God. Could be that he just do it just for fun as Linus made Linux, without thinking, a random event.
Beyond that point, the book is full of Ether of Aristotelian logic, a bit better explanation of why Astrology is in some points the accurate way to choose a life that is deterministic. As nothing is black and white, I want to believe that multiple states exist (deterministic and non-deterministic) and are defined by Logos (the thought). There at that point, I think I agree with them but not in their full interpretation of the Bible.
February 13, 2024
Loved listening to this audiobook while snowboarding blue bird days in Tahoe.
I get recommended a lot of occult audiobooks on YouTube … probably because I listen to a lot of astrology videos and sleep hypnosis videos.
This was one I clicked on and listened to before falling asleep. The next week a guy I met on tinder told me to listen to it…
I get recommended a lot of occult audiobooks on YouTube … probably because I listen to a lot of astrology videos and sleep hypnosis videos.
This was one I clicked on and listened to before falling asleep. The next week a guy I met on tinder told me to listen to it…
November 17, 2022
good starter
This book is good for starter, it’s gives a key point to the deeper knowledge on what many doesn’t know. Once you you decide to walk this path (Path of the Rosicrucians), one will know much more.
This book is good for starter, it’s gives a key point to the deeper knowledge on what many doesn’t know. Once you you decide to walk this path (Path of the Rosicrucians), one will know much more.
January 23, 2021
Loved it, I believe it filled in some of my spiritual gaps.
July 16, 2021
Mystical racist bs.
August 31, 2021
At least it wasn't bigoted, hateful, fundamentalist Christianity.
Nothing resonated with me.
Nothing resonated with me.
February 24, 2022
Great!
The third of Max Heindel books that I have read, & I've also bought myself his Simple Astrology book, which I'm looking forward to reading & studying too.
The third of Max Heindel books that I have read, & I've also bought myself his Simple Astrology book, which I'm looking forward to reading & studying too.
October 8, 2023
Opening the mind.
The. Lessons taught here are for all who are willing to open their minds to learning more then religion can teacn
The. Lessons taught here are for all who are willing to open their minds to learning more then religion can teacn
September 27, 2024
Wow. Very thought provoking
Read
May 20, 2019A very interesting perspective on Christianity. Though I do not agree with many of the statements made by the author concerning Christianity, I do believe Heindel brings to light an interesting perspective concerning the supernatural. Rosicrucians, however, have merged Christianity and witchcraft which the Bible is very clear cannot be mixed and maintain the integrity of the gospel message.
February 21, 2014
A good book with interesting philosophy built on Hermetic tenets. The main body surrounds the subtle body and life after death. A MUST read. Will learn more of the philosophy in Cosmo conception. Not keen on the Christian bent, but Heindel posited what he knew, and really can be applied regardless of religious leaning.
June 10, 2014
An interesting view on death and reincarnation
Heindel uses what is essentially M-Theory as the proof of the possibility of clairvoyance roughly 100 years before M-Theory is even developed. He then goes into great detail the process of death and reincarnation, explaining every step of the process.
Heindel uses what is essentially M-Theory as the proof of the possibility of clairvoyance roughly 100 years before M-Theory is even developed. He then goes into great detail the process of death and reincarnation, explaining every step of the process.
September 23, 2021
This book is interesting, it presents a good overview of Rosicrucianism however after reading it, the Rosicrucian mysteries will still be mysterious unless you had some prior knowledge. But as I said, it's a good overview...
January 28, 2012
Meh. If you want to get a solid dose of Rosicrucianism, read the Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception.
April 14, 2013
Its starts off seeming profound, only in the end to decay into a schizophrenic like diatribe. Entertaining none the less; I couldn't put it down.
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