The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order: The Original Edition

by Paul Foster Case, Pat Zalewski (Foreword), Tony DeLuce (Introduction)

The "Original Edition" of The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order was first published in 1927 with a limited print run of 64 copies. It was followed almost immediately by a second edition in 1928. The second edition was only a moderate revision but Paul Foster Case removed much of the sound and color practices that were presented in the original edition. These practices can now be found in slightly altered form relatively far along in the Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.) curriculum (approximately during the fourteenth and fifteenth years of the coursework). The fourth edition which is the most expanded edition represents Paul Foster Case's most complete thought on this subject is still in print currently published by Weiser and is highly recommended to the readers of this edition on its own merits. The "Original Edition" provides content not present in the fourth and final edition and contains valuable insight into the Work of Paul Case during an earlier and more formative period of his life. "The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order is a book by Paul Foster Case that unites the Kabbalah with Hermetic ranks or grades of attainment, as seen through a Rosicrucian lens. It is one of the first major attempts at reducing a vast body of esoteric teachings into an understandable format. The Golden Dawn philosophy is very evident throughout this text, plus many of the new innovations that Case developed. "The value of this book is that it presents an American A.O. window of how the rungs of the ladder in the Golden Dawn learning system were viewed. Case wanted more structure from the Golden Dawn and what it did not supply, he developed. This work tries to explain the Rosicrucian philosophy from a Golden Dawn and Kabbalistic perspective and goes further than many of the early order papers did. This was one of the catalysts that helped Case work out his B.O.T.A. philosophy. In many respects this work reflects the cross-over point between the Golden Dawn and the formation of Case's B.O.T.A philosophy and as such has a foot in both realms of Hermetic thought. It is a book that should be on the shelf of those interested in modern hermetic literature." - from the foreword by Pat Zalewski, author of the best selling modern classic Alchemy and Golden Dawn Ritual

Genres: Spirituality, Occult, Esoterica, Philosophy, Magick, Religion

132 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1989

Reviews

[Stefan Emunds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order by Paul Foster Case is a biblical work on the subject and a must-read for all interested in the Rosicrucian tradition.

Rosicrucianism is the first Christian enlightenment tradition that emerged from the Dark Ages, in 1615, with the publication of the Fama Fraternitatis – the Story of the (Rosicrucian) Brotherhood.

The Rosicrucian Order is probably not what you expect. Put aside everything you heard about the Rosicrucians and let Paul unravel the unexpected mystery for you. Spoiler alert: The Rosicrucian Order is a model of the enlightenment network, also called the Hierarchy of Light, which is the enlightenment network of incarnate and discarnate souls.

The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order has two major parts. In the first part, Paul interprets the two Rosicrucian manifestoes, the Fama Fraternitatis and the Confessio Fraternitatis. In the second part, Paul elaborates on the ten Rosicrucian grades of initiation and how they correspond to the ten spheres of the Tree of Life.

The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order is a masterpiece of Hermetic Qabalah and a demonstration of Paul’s superb grasp of the European enlightenment traditions – Qabalah, Tarot, Alchemy, and Astrology.

Throughout the book, Paul treats the reader with exquisite examples of Gematria, the secret code of the prophets. Examples: the (enlightenment) arcana of the Pythagorean triangle, the true nature of Brother C.R., the founder of the Rosicrucian Order, and the Rosicrucian vault, and the sanctuary in our body-mind vehicle where we can realize the higher self and discover those enlightenment enigmas that have never been put in writing.

The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order is not the easiest read, but it’s one of those books you can read ten times and still discover something new.

[Catherine]

amazing book

[Alex Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent Kindle Version

If you know that this book is deeply worthwhile, you already know that. What you *need* to know is that this Kindle version is extremely well-put-together. There are proper chapter links, and indeed headings for all of the Grades and Paths in the second half of the book. There are some typos, but certainly not enough to be a problem. Overall, a wonderful investment, even if you have a physical copy.

[Christian Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of the Rosicrucian doctrines. A challenging read at times but perseverance is rewarded. The best book I have found so far that deals with the paths of return as much as the sephiroth themselves.

[Barbelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Damn this book, another authorized and pompous facade to said same organization.