The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is known internationally by its traditional and authentic title, the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, from which is derived the acronym "AMORC." The Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis is the Latin form of the organization’s name, which literally translates into Ancient Mystical Order of the Rosy Cross. There is no religious connotation associated with this symbol; the Rosy Cross symbol predates Christianity. The cross symbolically represents the human body and the rose represents the individual’s unfolding consciousness. Together, the rose and cross, among other things, represent the experiences and challenges of the thoughtful life well lived. Thus, by our name and symbol, we represent the ancient fraternity of Rosicrucians, perpetuating the true traditions of Rosicrucian movements from centuries past to the present day.

The history of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, may be divided into two general classifications: traditional and chronological. The traditional history consists of mystical allegories and fascinating legends that have been passed down for centuries by word of mouth. The Rosicrucian Order’s chronological accounts are based on specific dates and verifiable facts.

Our Roots In The Ancient World

The Rosicrucian movement, of which the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is the most prominent modern representative, has its roots in the mystery traditions, philosophy, and myths of ancient Egypt dating back to approximately 1500 B.C. In antiquity the word "mystery" referred to a special gnosis, a secret wisdom. Thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, select bodies or schools were formed to explore the mysteries of life and learn the secrets of this hidden wisdom. Only sincere students, displaying a desire for knowledge and meeting certain tests were considered worthy of being inducted into these mysteries. Over the course of centuries these mystery schools added an initiatory dimension to the knowledge that they transmitted.

It is further traditionally related that the Order’s first memberstudents met in secluded chambers in magnificent old temples, where, as candidates, they were initiated into the greater mysteries. Their mystical studies then assumed a more closed character and were held exclusively in temples which had been built for that purpose. Rosicrucian tradition relates that the great pyramids of Giza were most sacred in the eyes of initiates. Contrary to what historians affirm, our tradition relates that the Giza pyramids were not built to be the tombs of pharaohs, but were actually places of study and mystical initiation.  The mystery schools, over centuries of time, gradually evolved into great centers of learning, attracting students from throughout the world.

Pharaoh Thutmose III, who ruled Egypt from 1500 to 1447 B.C., organized the first esoteric brotherhood of initiates founded upon principles and methods similar to those perpetuated today by the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC. Decades later, Pharaoh Amenhotep IV, was initiated into the secret brotherhood. This most enlightened pharaoh — history’s first monotheist — was so inspired by the mystery teachings that he gave a completely new direction to Egypt’s religion and philosophy. He established a religion which recognized the Aton, the solar disk, as being the "symbol" of the sole deity — the foundation of life itself, the symbol of Light, Truth, and Joy — and changed his name to Akhnaton to reflect these new ideas. And, although the earlier religion was later reestablished, the mystical idea was put forth in human consciousness, and its flame never died.

Centuries later, Greek philosophers such as Thales and Pythagoras, the Roman philosopher Plotinus, and others, journeyed to Egypt and were initiated into the mystery schools. They then brought their advanced learning and wisdom to the Western world. Their experiences are the first records of what eventually grew and blossomed into the Rosicrucian Order. The name of the Order, as it is now known, was to come much later. However, the Rosicrucian Order always perpetuated its heritage of ancient symbolism and principles.

Early European Beginnings

It was in the time of Charlemagne (742-814) that the French philosopher, Arnaud, introduced the mystical teachings in France, and from there they spread to much of Western Europe. Throughout medieval Europe mystical knowledge was often necessarily couched in symbolism or disguised and hidden in the love songs of Troubadours, the formularies of Alchemist, the symbolical system known as the Qabala, and the rituals of Orders of Knighthood.

While much of medieval Europe lay in darkness, the highly advanced Arab Civilization preserved a large body of the mystical teachings through texts translated directly from the great libraries of the ancient world, such as Egypt’s Alexandria Library. Philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and alchemy were all important subjects preserved in these libraries and later transmitted to Europe by way of the Arabs.

Alchemy — art of transmutation — came into prominence with the Alexandrian Greeks. It was then introduced to the Arabs who then transmitted this art and forerunner of chemistry to Europe. The Alchemists played a tremendous part in the early history of the Rosicrucian Order. While many alchemists were interested in making gold, some were more concerned with the transmutation of human character. European Alchemists and Knights Templar, in contact with the Arab Civilization at the time of the Crusades, brought much of this wisdom to the West.   In Europe the transcendental alchemists, mystics and philosophers, sought to transmute the base elements of human character into the more noble virtues and to release the wisdom of the divine self within the individual. Some of the renowned alchemists who were also Rosicrucians were Albertus Magnus, Roger Bacon, Paracelsus, Cagliostro, Nicholas Flame, and Robert Fludd.

As the old saying goes, “The Truth Shall Make You Free.” Consequently, those who sought Truth and attempted to expound it to their fellow humans became the objects of persecution by tyrannical rulers or narrow religious systems. For several centuries, due to the lack of freedom of thought, the Order had to conceal itself under various names. However, in all times and places, the Order never ceased its activities, perpetuating its ideals and its teachings, participating directly or indirectly in the advancement of the arts, sciences, and civilization in general, and always emphasizing the equality of the sexes and the true brotherhood of all humanity.

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