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Rosicrucian Manual
This practical book contains not only extracts from the Constitution of the Rosicrucian Order, but a complete outline and explanation of all the customs, habits, and terminology of the Rosicrucians, with diagrams and explanations of the symbols used in the teachings, an outline of the subjects taught, a dictionary of the terms, a complete presentation of the principles of Cosmic Consciousness, and biographical sketches of important individuals connected with the work. There are also special articles on the Great White Lodge and its existence, how to attain psychic illumination, the Rosicrucian Code of Life with twenty-nine laws and regulations, and a number of portraits of prominent mystics including Master K.H., the Illustrious. The technical matter in the text and in the numerous diagrams makes this book a real encyclopedia of Rosicrucian explanations, aside from the dictionary of Rosicrucian terms.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
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About the author
Rosicrucian Order AMORC
42 books10 followersThe Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC), also known as the Rosicrucian Order, is the largest Rosicrucian organization in the world. It has various lodges, chapters and other affiliated bodies throughout the globe, operating in 19 different languages. It operates as a fraternal order in the mystical tradition, and supports secular research and learning in the arts and humanities.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. It's sort of a tour of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC,from the perspective of it's founder. It gave me a really strong sense for the vision and the spirit of the Order, and a solid understanding of what I can expect as I study with them over the next several years.
It was written in the early part of the twentieth century, though, so a lot of the information seems to be a little outdated and the writing style is antiquated.
What I gained most from this book is an understanding of the high level of compassion that is at the heart of AMORC's teachings. The focus on self mastery and service to the community runs throughout the book. Such a spirit gives me faith that, with people like this in he world, there may be hope for humanity yet.
It was written in the early part of the twentieth century, though, so a lot of the information seems to be a little outdated and the writing style is antiquated.
What I gained most from this book is an understanding of the high level of compassion that is at the heart of AMORC's teachings. The focus on self mastery and service to the community runs throughout the book. Such a spirit gives me faith that, with people like this in he world, there may be hope for humanity yet.
April 24, 2022
DOES THE ROSICRUCIAN ORDER (AMORC) POSSESS THE ONLY VALID INFORMATION ON JESUS AND HIS LIFE?
I wanted to read this book The Rosicrucian Manual (and before everything else I’m reading concurrently, at that!) because I wanted to determine just how much the Rosicrucian order (AMORC) knows – truthfully – about what happened with Jesus and his ministry. And from what I’ve determined so far, what they know – what has been passed down to them or what they’ve inherited – seems to be far more truthful than anything written by any other organization or individual. Including the Roman Catholic Church.
How do I know that? Aside from a massive amount of divergent research...just an intense feeling….
First, what led me to look for this source is the fact that I’ve also been reading two (of many) books in particular about Jesus, one entitled The Mystical Life of Jesus and another entitled The Secret Doctrines of Jesus, both of which were written by H. Spencer Lewis – IMPERATOR, a.k.a. Grand Master of AMORC, the Ancient Mystical Order of the Rosae Crucis (Rosy Cross) also known as The Rosicrucians or the Rosicrucian Order.
And in both of these books Lewis – numerous times – states: “based on the ancient records of the order…” or similar phraseology. At any rate, he not only intimates that AMORC is in possession of documents or some other form of verification that validates what is being stated or postulated, but in a few cases, has blatantly stated such, especially where information on Yehoshua (Jesus) is concerned.
Of course, none of this makes what AMORC is saying true….
Yet, interestingly, I’ve continued to sense as I’ve read all of these books, that there was a much higher level of … TRUTH … to the information found in their collective pages, especially in comparison to books by authors outside AMORC. And based on what I’ve read, also, I understand that there may be other books which were written about Yehoshua based on this inherited information.
HOWEVER, I’ve also come to the conclusion – of course, based on the information I’ve read so far in the Rosicrucian Manual as well as THE MYSTICAL LIFE OF JESUS and THE SECRET DOCTRINES OF JESUS – that it is quite probable that the Rosicrucians are another ‘descendant arm’ of … the Knights Templar.
Having said that though, I must emphasize that I don’t sense that the Rosicrucian Order is descended from the Freemasons, to whom they actually seem to be older siblings, but rather they are an offshoot, in a sense, of the Knights Templar themselves. And thus is/are the ‘modern’ incarnation of the Rosicrucian Order which ‘appeared’ in approximately 1614 in Germany, France and England ‘simultaneously,’ with the publication of their Manifesto, Fama Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis. And this, even though they count individuals such as Roger Bacon – who lived from 1219/1220 to approximately 1292 – as part of their Order. Strangely, this only seems to strengthen my postulation that the Rosicrucians are actually connected to – descended from – the Knights Templar.
Regardless, while I wouldn’t dispute any of the foregoing, to my knowledge, there is no evidence of the name ‘Rosicrucian’ extant any earlier – from what little my research has produced so far – than 1614.
Which is not to say that some group of the Knights Templar did not purposely form this offshoot group at some point around 1307 (or before, which actually would make more sense), rename themselves the ‘Rosicrucians’ or Rosicrucian Order, remain out of sight of the Catholic Church et al, for approximately 307 years, then re-emerge in approximately 1614 with a fresh new name, some old ideals, many “ancient traditions” and possibly lots of new ones.
Still, something else stands out as being significant (for me, anyway), and that is that the term ‘subrosa’ or ‘under the rose’ was also utilized by the Templars. But then, if I’m not mistaken based on old research, it was also utilized by the Freemasons, especially at Roslyn Chapel in Scotland, where Scottish Rite Freemasonry was born.
Could it be that after 1307 (actually, more likely before) – before Pope Clement and King Philip of France had a chance to seemingly destroy the Templar Order – the Templars made arrangements for their knowledge, secrets and assets to remain intact … under another name… such as … the Rosicrucian Order (the Ancient Mystical Order of the Rosae Crucis or AMORC), that is, sub-rosa or behind the scenes, under the rose/rosa oculto, or … hidden?
Brings to mind the saying that humans, when they are born in each incarnation, are considered tabula rasa, or a blank slate, although the very idea of reincarnation negates that statement. Is it likely that, etymologically, this is a likely somewhat corrupted version of ‘under the rose’?) Actually, what better name to give their fledgling order, than a name that alluded or outright referenced the Templar motto of ‘under the rose’? Or is “under the rose” actually attributable to the Freemasons? Confusing.
BUT, although that may be the case, it is also quite interesting that – like both the Templars and the Freemasons – the Rosicrucians use terminology that is identical to both the Templars and the Freemasons: Grand Master, the Grand Lodge and several other terms which seem to be primarily connected with the Templars or Freemasons.
Additionally, another of their famous alumni was Isaac Newton, who claimed to be a member of the ‘Invisible College’ with several others. Is it possible that this ‘Invisible College’ was actually the Rosicrucians, formerly known as the Knights Templar?
As for the ROSICRUCIAN MANUAL itself, although this is more akin to a syllabus to all the lessons and courses which are offered by the organization, it is a thrilling read. Lots of excellent information, in my opinion, allusions to and inclusions of possibly heretofore unknown history and teasers should one decide to submit an application for study. Even this one small book went into more detail than most other mystery schools, though obviously it was significantly shortened.
So, to answer the question that heads this review: DOES the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC) possess the ONLY valid information on Jesus and his life? In my opinion and based on my own research as well as on the research of many others, I would say that there may likely be a few others out there who may have valid information, although I stress the word ‘few.’ Whether or not that information actually makes its way into the public sector is another issue altogether. But as for the Rosicrucian Order or AMORC, I would say that the information presented by this organization is quite likely the real deal. It certainly feels that way.
Excellent information. Page turner.
I wanted to read this book The Rosicrucian Manual (and before everything else I’m reading concurrently, at that!) because I wanted to determine just how much the Rosicrucian order (AMORC) knows – truthfully – about what happened with Jesus and his ministry. And from what I’ve determined so far, what they know – what has been passed down to them or what they’ve inherited – seems to be far more truthful than anything written by any other organization or individual. Including the Roman Catholic Church.
How do I know that? Aside from a massive amount of divergent research...just an intense feeling….
First, what led me to look for this source is the fact that I’ve also been reading two (of many) books in particular about Jesus, one entitled The Mystical Life of Jesus and another entitled The Secret Doctrines of Jesus, both of which were written by H. Spencer Lewis – IMPERATOR, a.k.a. Grand Master of AMORC, the Ancient Mystical Order of the Rosae Crucis (Rosy Cross) also known as The Rosicrucians or the Rosicrucian Order.
And in both of these books Lewis – numerous times – states: “based on the ancient records of the order…” or similar phraseology. At any rate, he not only intimates that AMORC is in possession of documents or some other form of verification that validates what is being stated or postulated, but in a few cases, has blatantly stated such, especially where information on Yehoshua (Jesus) is concerned.
Of course, none of this makes what AMORC is saying true….
Yet, interestingly, I’ve continued to sense as I’ve read all of these books, that there was a much higher level of … TRUTH … to the information found in their collective pages, especially in comparison to books by authors outside AMORC. And based on what I’ve read, also, I understand that there may be other books which were written about Yehoshua based on this inherited information.
HOWEVER, I’ve also come to the conclusion – of course, based on the information I’ve read so far in the Rosicrucian Manual as well as THE MYSTICAL LIFE OF JESUS and THE SECRET DOCTRINES OF JESUS – that it is quite probable that the Rosicrucians are another ‘descendant arm’ of … the Knights Templar.
Having said that though, I must emphasize that I don’t sense that the Rosicrucian Order is descended from the Freemasons, to whom they actually seem to be older siblings, but rather they are an offshoot, in a sense, of the Knights Templar themselves. And thus is/are the ‘modern’ incarnation of the Rosicrucian Order which ‘appeared’ in approximately 1614 in Germany, France and England ‘simultaneously,’ with the publication of their Manifesto, Fama Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis. And this, even though they count individuals such as Roger Bacon – who lived from 1219/1220 to approximately 1292 – as part of their Order. Strangely, this only seems to strengthen my postulation that the Rosicrucians are actually connected to – descended from – the Knights Templar.
Regardless, while I wouldn’t dispute any of the foregoing, to my knowledge, there is no evidence of the name ‘Rosicrucian’ extant any earlier – from what little my research has produced so far – than 1614.
Which is not to say that some group of the Knights Templar did not purposely form this offshoot group at some point around 1307 (or before, which actually would make more sense), rename themselves the ‘Rosicrucians’ or Rosicrucian Order, remain out of sight of the Catholic Church et al, for approximately 307 years, then re-emerge in approximately 1614 with a fresh new name, some old ideals, many “ancient traditions” and possibly lots of new ones.
Still, something else stands out as being significant (for me, anyway), and that is that the term ‘subrosa’ or ‘under the rose’ was also utilized by the Templars. But then, if I’m not mistaken based on old research, it was also utilized by the Freemasons, especially at Roslyn Chapel in Scotland, where Scottish Rite Freemasonry was born.
Could it be that after 1307 (actually, more likely before) – before Pope Clement and King Philip of France had a chance to seemingly destroy the Templar Order – the Templars made arrangements for their knowledge, secrets and assets to remain intact … under another name… such as … the Rosicrucian Order (the Ancient Mystical Order of the Rosae Crucis or AMORC), that is, sub-rosa or behind the scenes, under the rose/rosa oculto, or … hidden?
Brings to mind the saying that humans, when they are born in each incarnation, are considered tabula rasa, or a blank slate, although the very idea of reincarnation negates that statement. Is it likely that, etymologically, this is a likely somewhat corrupted version of ‘under the rose’?) Actually, what better name to give their fledgling order, than a name that alluded or outright referenced the Templar motto of ‘under the rose’? Or is “under the rose” actually attributable to the Freemasons? Confusing.
BUT, although that may be the case, it is also quite interesting that – like both the Templars and the Freemasons – the Rosicrucians use terminology that is identical to both the Templars and the Freemasons: Grand Master, the Grand Lodge and several other terms which seem to be primarily connected with the Templars or Freemasons.
Additionally, another of their famous alumni was Isaac Newton, who claimed to be a member of the ‘Invisible College’ with several others. Is it possible that this ‘Invisible College’ was actually the Rosicrucians, formerly known as the Knights Templar?
As for the ROSICRUCIAN MANUAL itself, although this is more akin to a syllabus to all the lessons and courses which are offered by the organization, it is a thrilling read. Lots of excellent information, in my opinion, allusions to and inclusions of possibly heretofore unknown history and teasers should one decide to submit an application for study. Even this one small book went into more detail than most other mystery schools, though obviously it was significantly shortened.
So, to answer the question that heads this review: DOES the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC) possess the ONLY valid information on Jesus and his life? In my opinion and based on my own research as well as on the research of many others, I would say that there may likely be a few others out there who may have valid information, although I stress the word ‘few.’ Whether or not that information actually makes its way into the public sector is another issue altogether. But as for the Rosicrucian Order or AMORC, I would say that the information presented by this organization is quite likely the real deal. It certainly feels that way.
Excellent information. Page turner.
July 31, 2021
Returned
Did not read it Thanks as always all things that are free have a hidden purpose behind being free and there is always a hidden cost .Well I am not paying any hidden cost.
Did not read it Thanks as always all things that are free have a hidden purpose behind being free and there is always a hidden cost .Well I am not paying any hidden cost.
March 7, 2017
First off one important thing is the date of publication which was 1918. There are other copyrights noted but there is nothing about whether the book was updated or not and that's important as knowledge grows and later years could easily have caused a change in the contents of the book.
My first problem with the book is that it tries to cover too much. It starts out with basically listing things about the AMORC which is fine, but then it goes into detail about certain other things which should have been left to a separate publication.
Also, I noted that the book talked about people studying lessons which is fine. The problem arises for at least some people that they don't know any others in the AMORC and might not be anywhere near any of their centers so if they run into a problem with their studies they might not be able to figure things out. Since the AMORC program can take years to work on then this becomes even more of a problem for those trying to understand the later lessons.
I've had a personal (non AMORC) experience with such a problem. When I took Sociology in college the professor had us use a book but almost never addressed what was in the book. When it came time for a test, though, even minute details in the book could be found on the test.
He also wouldn't answer questions directly. If a student asked him something he would reply 'what do you think about it?' He eventually drove a girl to tears and I ended up organization a group of people taking the course. We would meet frequently and discuss among st ourselves what was in the book. I also made sure we talked about any personal examples in our lives of what was in the chapter. By this personal interaction all of us raised our grades in the class by doing something the teacher should have done.
It's like reading a book from the library about quantum mechanics and trying to figure out what it's saying when your own understanding is minimal. Talking to someone who knows the subject would help.
I do not know if they have any kind of system now where people can email questions which would help solve the problem but, at least as far as this book goes, there's a potential major problem for those studying on their own.
They spend some time talking about John Dalton. Then they somehow make a major mistake, writing at least twice that water has one atom of hydrogen and one of oxygen yet it's really two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.
They devote some tame talking about Sir Francis Bacon and claim he wrote Shakespeare's plays. There's also a section by D. H. Spencer.
In another section they are talking about their lessons AND CONTINUE TO USE CAPS when they want to emphasize something which, to me, is annoying. Very annoying.
There's also a dictionary (which is a good idea) and a section answering some typical questions about the AMORC.
The one thing I really found good about the book was the Rosicrucian Code of Life which consisted of a bunch of concepts which, except for one, were really, really good. The only one I didn't like was one dealing with basically what I would consider evangelism which I don't like in any spiritual system .
Again, though, I'll point out that the book is very old and its contents could have been vastly redone and the objections I noted above addressed.
My first problem with the book is that it tries to cover too much. It starts out with basically listing things about the AMORC which is fine, but then it goes into detail about certain other things which should have been left to a separate publication.
Also, I noted that the book talked about people studying lessons which is fine. The problem arises for at least some people that they don't know any others in the AMORC and might not be anywhere near any of their centers so if they run into a problem with their studies they might not be able to figure things out. Since the AMORC program can take years to work on then this becomes even more of a problem for those trying to understand the later lessons.
I've had a personal (non AMORC) experience with such a problem. When I took Sociology in college the professor had us use a book but almost never addressed what was in the book. When it came time for a test, though, even minute details in the book could be found on the test.
He also wouldn't answer questions directly. If a student asked him something he would reply 'what do you think about it?' He eventually drove a girl to tears and I ended up organization a group of people taking the course. We would meet frequently and discuss among st ourselves what was in the book. I also made sure we talked about any personal examples in our lives of what was in the chapter. By this personal interaction all of us raised our grades in the class by doing something the teacher should have done.
It's like reading a book from the library about quantum mechanics and trying to figure out what it's saying when your own understanding is minimal. Talking to someone who knows the subject would help.
I do not know if they have any kind of system now where people can email questions which would help solve the problem but, at least as far as this book goes, there's a potential major problem for those studying on their own.
They spend some time talking about John Dalton. Then they somehow make a major mistake, writing at least twice that water has one atom of hydrogen and one of oxygen yet it's really two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.
They devote some tame talking about Sir Francis Bacon and claim he wrote Shakespeare's plays. There's also a section by D. H. Spencer.
In another section they are talking about their lessons AND CONTINUE TO USE CAPS when they want to emphasize something which, to me, is annoying. Very annoying.
There's also a dictionary (which is a good idea) and a section answering some typical questions about the AMORC.
The one thing I really found good about the book was the Rosicrucian Code of Life which consisted of a bunch of concepts which, except for one, were really, really good. The only one I didn't like was one dealing with basically what I would consider evangelism which I don't like in any spiritual system .
Again, though, I'll point out that the book is very old and its contents could have been vastly redone and the objections I noted above addressed.
December 26, 2018
Got really boring really quick; though it was interesting to read about the inside of meeting places of secret societies.
November 4, 2020
Enlightened
Very insightful, detailed. A must read for anyone on a path of knowledge. I highly recommend this book to all true free thinkers.
Very insightful, detailed. A must read for anyone on a path of knowledge. I highly recommend this book to all true free thinkers.
March 25, 2022
This manual is no longer the manual of AMORC (the order it was written for), so it's really only good for historic and reference purposes. It includes a variety of very weird illustrations which are pretty cool.
November 11, 2024
Reference book for the Spiritual
To acquire understanding we read many things to define our concepts about different subjects. This is one of those reads that provides definition as we look to enlarge our understanding.
To acquire understanding we read many things to define our concepts about different subjects. This is one of those reads that provides definition as we look to enlarge our understanding.
December 23, 2008
garbage....I felt like I was reading material that was stolen then presented as someone else's work. Four days of my life I'll not get back
June 14, 2016
Basic outline of AMORC practices and philosophy. Written in the first half of the last century some of the information is a bit dated.
Read
October 10, 2011The 1965 8th edition
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews