The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC), also known as the Rosicrucian Order, is the largest Rosicrucian organization in the world. It operates as a fraternal order in the mystical tradition and has various lodges, chapters, and other affiliated bodies throughout the globe, functioning in 19 different languages. The order supports secular research and learning in the arts and humanities. AMORC claims a connection with a “perennial philosophy” and believes it is the heir and custodian of the ancient “Rose-Croix” tradition.
This tradition is thought by some to have its roots in the Ancient Egyptian Mystery schools. The ancient Mysteries are believed to have been preserved through secret societies until the 17th century in Europe. At that time, the knowledge was revealed to the world in the form of the Rosicrucian manifestos.
History
The Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) has its origins in the early 20th century when Harvey Spencer Lewis visited France in 1909, seeking the Rosicrucians. Initiated in Toulouse, France, he was tasked with establishing a North American Rosicrucian order. The first Manifesto in the United States emerged in 1915, marking AMORC’s presence.
May Banks-Stacy, a co-founder, was believed to be one of the last successors of the original American Rosicrucian colony from the late 17th century. Initially, AMORC headquarters shifted across cities like New York City, San Francisco, and Tampa before settling in San Jose, California, in 1927. Leadership passed to Ralph Maxwell Lewis after Harvey Spencer Lewis’s passing in 1939, followed by other notable Imperators.
AMORC’s roots extend to ancient Egypt around 1500 BCE, spreading to Greece and Rome. The tradition remained hidden during the Middle Ages and is mentioned in Germany as early as 1115 CE. Rosicrucianism gained prominence in 17th-century Europe with the publication of the Fama Fraternitatis pamphlet. It’s believed Rosicrucians arrived in America during the 1602–1603 Vizcaíno Expedition and later in the 1694 colony led by Johannes Kelpius in present-day Philadelphia.
Structure and Organization
The Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) is a global organization with a hierarchical structure that ensures the smooth dissemination of its teachings and the administration of its various lodges and chapters. At the pinnacle of this structure is the “Imperator,” the global leader responsible for guiding the spiritual and administrative direction of the Order. The Imperator is supported by a board of directors and other high-ranking officials.
Beneath the global leadership, the world is divided into jurisdictions, each overseen by a “Grand Lodge.” The Grand Lodges are responsible for the activities and administration of AMORC within their respective regions. Each Grand Lodge is headed by a “Grand Master,” who ensures that the teachings and practices remain consistent with the Order’s traditions.
Within these jurisdictions, local groups are organized into “Lodges” and “Chapters.” Lodges are larger and serve as regional centers for members, while Chapters are smaller, more localized groups. Both provide members with opportunities for fellowship, study, and ritual work. Additionally, there are “Pronaos” and “Atrium” groups, which are preliminary stages before a group becomes a full-fledged Chapter or Lodge.
The teachings of AMORC are structured into degrees, with each degree offering specific lessons and insights. As members progress, they delve deeper into the mysteries of life, the universe, and the self. This organized approach ensures that members receive teachings in a systematic and comprehensive manner, allowing for personal growth and spiritual development.
Functions and Operations
The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC), also known as the Rosicrucian Order, is the largest Rosicrucian organization worldwide. It operates as a fraternal order in the mystical tradition and supports secular research and learning in the arts and humanities. The organization claims an association with a “perennial philosophy” and sees itself as the modern-day manifestation of ancient Rosicrucian traditions.
AMORC presents itself as a global philosophical and humanistic, non-sectarian, and apolitical fraternal order. Its mission is to study the mysteries of life and the universe. The organization is open to both men and women of legal adult age, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
Many of AMORC’s activities are open to the public. They offer online classes on various subjects, open classes in different locations, and ceremonies like the Meditation for Peace and the Autumn Equinox Memorial Ceremony. The Council of Solace Ritual, a meditation ceremony, is also open to both members and the public.
AMORC organizes various conferences globally, with many sessions open to the public. They also have an International Research Council, a group of AMORC members with expertise in areas like physics, biology, philosophy, and music, dedicated to advancing their professions for humanity’s benefit.
The organization also has a significant online presence, with websites for international jurisdictions, podcasts, Rosicrucian TV on YouTube, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. They publish several publications, including the Rosicrucian Digest, the Rose-Croix Journal, and books on metaphysics, mysticism, and Egyptology.
Controversy
The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC) has not been without its share of controversies:
- Leadership Disputes: In 1990, a significant dispute arose over the leadership of AMORC, which was then under the leadership of Imperator Gary L. Stewart. Allegations of embezzlement were made against Stewart by members of the board of directors. As a result, a Temporary Restraining Order prevented Stewart from accessing AMORC properties until the trial. The board then voted for Christian Bernard, the Vice President of the Board of Directors, to assume Stewart’s roles. The lawsuit dragged on for three years, with AMORC eventually seeking an out-of-court settlement due to the financial strain of legal costs. On 10 August 1993, AMORC dismissed their case against Stewart with prejudice, marking the end of Stewart’s association with AMORC.
- Formation of New Groups: After his removal from AMORC in 1990, Gary L. Stewart founded the Confraternity of the Rose Cross. He used the original version of H. Spencer Lewis’ monographs and added his own. Stewart also founded the Order Militia Crucifera Evangelica and assisted with the formation of the British Martinist Order. Other organizations using the Rosicrucian name formed after Stewart’s removal, including the Ghanaian Order of the Rose Cross led by Benjamin Quaye, and the Norwegian Order of the Rose Cross led by Robert Aarberg. These organizations are closely allied with Stewart’s Confraternity of the Rose Cross.
- Claims and Counterclaims: AMORC’s claims about its ancient origins and lineage have been disputed by other organizations. For instance, the Fraternity of the Rosy Cross, once headed by Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer, disputed AMORC’s claims about Johannes Kelpius leading German Pietists to America and the connection to the Ephrata Cloister. The two organizations have long been in contention over their respective claims to Rosicrucian authenticity.
- Public Perception: Some view AMORC as a genuine esoteric order, while others perceive it as a modern creation without ancient roots. The organization’s claims of tracing its origins back to ancient Egyptian mystery schools and other ancient traditions have been met with skepticism by some historians and researchers.
Impact on Ufology
The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC) has had an intriguing relationship with the field of Ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). While AMORC itself primarily focuses on spiritual and esoteric teachings, its influence has indirectly shaped some aspects of Ufology.
- H. Spencer Lewis: The founder of AMORC, H. Spencer Lewis, showed interest in extraterrestrial life. He suggested that advanced beings from other planets might have visited Earth in ancient times, influencing early civilizations. This idea, though not unique to Lewis, contributed to the ancient astronaut theories popular in Ufology.
- Esoteric Teachings: AMORC’s teachings touch upon cosmic consciousness and the idea that humans are not alone in the universe. Such beliefs, while not directly about UFOs, create a conducive environment for open discussions about extraterrestrial life and its potential spiritual significance.
- Publications: AMORC’s publications have occasionally delved into topics related to Ufology. Articles discussing the possibility of life on other planets, the nature of UFOs, and their potential spiritual implications have appeared in their official publications, bridging the gap between esoteric spirituality and Ufology.
- Influence on Ufologists: Some Ufologists have been members of AMORC or have been influenced by its teachings. The blend of spirituality and open-mindedness towards cosmic phenomena found in AMORC can be seen reflected in their works.
Conclusion
The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC) stands as one of the world’s most prominent and enduring Rosicrucian organizations. Rooted in esoteric traditions, it claims a lineage that traces back to ancient Egyptian mystery schools. Operating as a fraternal order, AMORC offers teachings that delve into the mysteries of life, the universe, and the self. With a global presence, the organization has lodges and chapters in various countries, disseminating its teachings in multiple languages. While it has faced controversies and challenges over the years, AMORC continues to influence the realms of spirituality, philosophy, and even areas like Ufology. Its mission to provide spiritual enlightenment and foster a deeper understanding of the cosmos ensures its relevance in contemporary society.