Akhenaten and Nefertiti, the royal couple of the Eighteenth Dynasty that revolutionized this period by worshiping Aten or the sun-disk. They renounced the old religious ideas and embraced a monotheistic concept of only one God, symbolized by the sun-disk. This period or Dynasty is very important to Mysticism. The Mystery Schools of Egypt are of great interest to RC and Hermetic Mystics because of the traditions of these organizations.
The Rosicrucian method of preparing a Mystic is now the standard in the Western Esoteric Tradition. Dr. H. Spencer Lewis de-mystified Mysticism and made it more understandable to the the average person. This took place during the Imperatorships of Dr. H. Spencer Lewis during the years of 1914 to 1939; and continued, by his son, Ralph Lewis during the years of 1939 to 1985, and continuing to the present time by Gary Stewart. He served in AMORC until the reorganization in 1990, and is serving in the CR+C since that time to the present day. After the reorganization of AMORC in 1990, Christian Bernard was elected as Imperator by the world Grand Masters of AMORC. The system adapted by these Imperators is so unique and successful that it is now used, except for the actual monograhs, by all present day Mystical Organizations. Although the monographs are not actually used, much of the material can be found in libaries and the internet, and is available to all. It is not the material, but the way that it is presented, that makes the monographs so successful. Many might ask: What makes the Rosicrucian method so successful? Although Mysticism was imported from Europe, it was made more palatable to the American and eventually to the entire world. The fundamental truths remained the same, but many changes were made to make it more available, practical and comprehensible today.
I will try to show the reasons why this system has been so successful and is now considered the best method to study Mysticism. Remember, however, that the actual monographs used by the organizations connected with the four Imperators mentioned above, are not used by any of the new Rosicrucian organizations. Most of the same teachings are generic and obtainable on the internet or in any library, of course such things as passwords, initiations, rituals, etc, are not available; each organization has to devise there own. The following are the factors, in my estimation, that have made the system so successful. Remember, that this is directed to the student that does not want to join one of the three organizations, but wants to study Mysticism as classified under the Western Esoteric Tradition, or can also be classified as "Rosicrucian Hermetic Tradition".
 This is a depiction of Christian Rosencreutz or also known as Frater CRC, a mythical figure with composite ideals as found in many Mystics. FRATER CRC AND THE ROSICRUCIAN HISTORY IN EUROPE. The history of the Rosicrucians during the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th century is very important to Rosicrucianism as well as Mysticism in general. While Frater CRC is definitely Rosicrucian history, it has also been adopted by almost all of the various Mystical systems. While Frater CRC is an attempt at story telling; it attempts to send a very important message to the European community. It explains exactly what Rosicrucianism really is and where it originally came from. It also acknowledges that the teachings have been collected from many countries and religions of the world. The Rosicrucian system is new, but the teachings are collections of various truths known throughout the world. The documents published in Europe to create interest in Rosicrucianism are known as RC Manifestos issued in Europe in the sixteenth century. To view these documents now, click here.  A depiction of Hermes Trismegistus. A mythic figure - a Hellenistic fusion of the Greek and Egyptian culture. HERMETICISM AND ROSICRUCIANISM: You should familarize yourself with all the divisions of Mysticism after you complete "What is Mysticism, Part One and Part Two". The two most important divisions are Hermeticism and Rosicrucianism. Links to these pages are located on the Homepage Index. Each page will have all the directions necessary. To compensate for the lack of Rosicrucian Monographs, I strongly recommend that you read and study the text "Wisdom of the Mystic Masters", by Joseph J. Weed. Publisher: Parker Publishing Co., Inc. This is the only text that I know of, that has been taken directly from the monographs. To check for other recommended textbooks, please click here. Hermeticism is very important to Rosicrucianism, in fact, in substance, Rosicucianism is selected Hermeticism. Rosicrucianism is the unique system and Hermeticism is the Knowledge. This is not to say that Rosicrucianism has not accumulated some knowledge of it's own, but mostly using basic Hermeticism as well as other divisions of Mysticism such as Alchemy, etc. To view the original 17 books of the Corpus Hemeticum by Hermes click here. The original Corpus Hermeticum knowledge has grown through the years to many volumes of material. When Rosicrucian Mystics have a difficult didactic problem to solve, they almost always consult the "Complete Corpus Hermeticum". REINCARNATION The study of reincarnation is an important part of the study. Reincarnation is the only way to explain many things in the study of Mysticism. It is true that this subject is a part of the eastern religions, but it was also a part of Christianity until it was removed. Mystics frown on doctrine, but most will agree that this should be an exception, however they do not require that it be a must for all students. It should be studied, but does not have to be accepted at the time. In most cases, it will be considered later, when the student mystic is more advanced and feels that it should become part of his reality. Dr. H. Spencer Lewis has prepared an excellent text that is approached from the Mystical standpoint, and less from a religious point of view. To find out more about this subject go to our page on Reincarnation, click here. GOD OF OUR HEARTS Mysticism is the study of God and the Cosmic. Each persons reality of God is different. While the Mystics come closer to similar realities, even they differ as to the understanding of God. As we advance spiritually our idea of God changes. This is a very important study for all students of Mysticism. To find out more about God; go to our page on the subject, click here. One very important point to consider is that God created man/woman in his own image making man/woman his children and making them divine. One of the gifts he imparted was that his children are also creators in their life and in their environment. We are much more important than many realize, we are co-creators with God our Father. I realize that this may seem like a fantasy to many readers of this page, but remember that after you study Mysticism for a while, this will also become your reality. Of course, it is one thing to read this statement and think it is a nice idea; and another to accept it as your reality where you will be able to use it in a practical way in your life. This is stated in many of the writings of the various religions of the world. It has been modified in some religions including Christianity so that we will not feel that we are as important as we are. By minimizing this in the religious writings, the church was trying to make us dependant on the church for our salvation. In the field of Mysticism this premise is very pronounced, especially in Rosicrucianism. These ideas will seem very sacrilegious to many religionists, but it is very important to the student Mystic to become part of your reality. Remember that Mysticism is actually the basis of all religions. RITUALS, INITIATIONS, PASSWORDS, ETC. Rituals, initiations, and secret words are an important part of Mysticism (emotional). We have added some links to rituals on The Sanctum Page and also on the Meditation Page. The Meditation Page will recommend some recorded meditations for a fuller experience in this area. For the Sanctum Page, click here. For an interesting page on "Ritual, Initation, and Common Sense" please click here. For further information on meditation, see next item below. MEDITATION After you have your basic knowledge of Mysticism, the next step is Meditation. If we do not have meditation, the study of Mysticism would become mostly an academic pursuit with slow and limited spiritual development. Meditation is the "glue" that brings everything together and allows you to eventually contact the Master Within. There are various types of Meditation. You will have an opportunity to explore the various types. Eventually you will choose the type you like, or you will end up using a composite of several types of meditation - your own unique method that works for you. Read our "Meditation For Beginners" page for further information, click here. CELESTIAL SANCTUM The Celestial Sanctum is a very important attunement exercise. It is the basis for all other Cosmic Attunement techniques that are used in Rosicrucianism. It usually takes several trials to be fully successful. When this technique is mastered, all other experiments will be easy to perform with slight differences in performance. This technique can be modified to conform to most all other Rosicrucian techniques, and should be a priority in your studies and exercises after you master Meditation. An article can be viewed on this important technique by clicking here.  Dr. Harvey Spencer Lewis, Imperator of AMORC:1914 to 1939. He converted the teachings into Monographs for home study with the help of his son Ralph M. Lewis. Later in 1939 on his transition, Ralph Lewis became Imperator and continued until his trasition in 1987. It is very important for you to study this code well and start putting as much of it, as a commitment, in your life. It would be difficult to do it all at once, but you should do it as soon as you can. I would say give yourself possibly one year, or less to put it totally in affect. The study to become a Mystic is one thing, but commitments are necessary for spiritual evolution. This Mystical Code and further instructions are found on the following page, click here. COMPARATIVE RELIGION It is highly recommended that the student have a basic understanding of this subject. It will make it easier to study Mysticism. You will not have to necessarily complete these studies first, but you can study both at the same time. We have a very good link for Comparative Religion on our Virtual Library Of Mysticism and Comparative Religion at the bottom of this page. 
Attention to the Greek Philosophers is important to the student of Mysticism. Familiarize yourself with the following philosophers in order to have a basic knowledge of how philosophy evolved. Use our Virtual Library of Mysticism and Comparative Religion. The link is found at the bottom of this page. Look up the following Philosophers and study the basic teachings of each: Aristoteles, Plato, Democritus, Empedoctle's, Heraclitus, Thales, Pythagoras, Socrates. Please read the preliminary article on Greek Philosophy before you look up these Philosophers, click here. This study can proceed at your own speed as you study Mysticism. ROSICRUCIAN EGREGORE As you study about Rosicrucianism and Hermeticism you will be entering the mystical, (friendly-deliberate), egregore. Your knowledge of the history and tradition of Rosicrucian/Hermetic Sciences, together with Meditation will make this possible. Eventually with much preparation, you will become a member of the "Invisible Fraternity" and possibly later, even the "The Great White* Brotherhood". (*white refers to "light" and does not have any racial meaning). For more information on the egregore, you can read our Egregore Page, click here. IN CONCLUSION The purpose of this page has been to show, in my estimation, that this system of learning Rosicrucianism and Hermeticism; is the superior system of studying these subjects, preparing you for the Spiritual Path of a Mystic. After studying for a while and getting a good foundation, the average student will launch into his own personal Spiritual Path, unique to his/her own calling and talents. The Student will have a good foundation and is now ready to pursue his/her own Spiritual Path. The path should also include benefits to Humanity. These studies will have served a good purpose, if they can serve as "guidance" to a greater Spiritual Mission. Some students might even change their mind and join one of the three Rosicrucian fraternal orders. This would be highly recommended to facilitate your studies and your spiritual path. An excellent idea would be to follow the teachings of the four Imperators. If you have not read the page: "The Four Imperators", please do it now, click here. Make sure you check the three fraternal organizations where the monographs continue traditionally, but remember there is some difference between these three organizations. Make sure you understand this after reading the article recommended. Contact me if you need further assistance. 
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