foOSICRUCIAN

, 1947 ■ 25c per copy DIGEST £tuc)ent Supplies

Rose-Scented Candles

\ \ AID l<» meditation . . . tlie scent of roses com bined witli the soothing vibrations of candlelight! For sanctum use . . . for rest and attnnement . . . for psychic experiments . . . or merely as a pleasant table adornment. W hile burning, these candles give forth the inspiring, sweet fragrance ol a rose garden. T h e symbology of the rose is well know n to all phi­ losophers an d mystics. It is the universal hieroglyph that has linked the East and W est . . . the symbol of the Path to Divine Attainment . . . an emblem en­ shrined in the hearts of men and women everywhere. I ry these candles for contacts with the Cathedral of the Soul . . . for closer, deeper attunement. I he Rosi- crucian Supply Bureau was able to contract for their manufacture in huge quantities. This makes it possible to effect a low price to members and friends. Ideal for ( hrislmas c/ifls! Each attractive box contains four 12-inch candles.

Per box of 4 candles, postpaid...... $1.25 Two boxes (8 candles) for...... 2.20 ROSICRUCIAN SUPPLY BUREAU SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

THE INSTITUTION BEHIND THIS ANNOUNCEMENT THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE The quintessence or philosopher’s stone was sought by medieval alchemists as the medium by which the transmutation of matter could be accomplished. The transcendental alchemists also sought the philosopher’s stone as the mystical element to bring about a transmutation of man’s spiritual nature. In the above scene from the Sacred Heritage, a color motion picture recently produced by AMORC, Ralph W. Kerr, professor of chemistry at Rose-Croix University, portrays the medieval alchemist in his early laboratory. The set for the film was erected at Rosicrucian Park by the AMORC Technical Department. (AMORC Photo) $eace €>n Cartl)

Js^ever before in the world’s history has the ancient precept, “Peace on Earth,” been of such vital concern to the whole of mankind.

Peace is no longer interpreted by intelligent men and women as a region secure from invasion and the transgressions of an unwanted people. There are now no mountain chains lofty enough, or oceans wide enough, to isolate a region from perverse, human conduct.

It is all too apparent that the genius of science is a monopoly of no nation. The wizardry of offensive measures can always match the ingenuity of defensive ones. Therefore, external compulsions, no matter what their nature, are as fickle as the winds. Today, they may compel men to build a wall of armaments against aggression . . . tomorrow, such compulsions may influence them to further it.

Real Peace has its seeds in the spirit of good will toward all men. This good will is nurtured within the individual. Teach a man to recognize his weaknesses, and to experience the strength and the pleasure of virtue, and you have made a real contribution to Peace. The power of Peace, therefore, must be an internal motivation; while racial and religious hatred and avarice prevail, the word Peace must remain but a hollow mockery.

Twenty centuries ago, the Prince of Peace, whose nativity we now celebrate, left these thoughts as a guide for mankind.

W ith these few words, we, the Staff of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, wish our many members and friends a

jWerrp Cljnstnms ROSICRUCIAN DIGEST COVERS THE WORLD

THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL ROSICRUCIAN MAGA­ ZINE OF THE WORLD-WIDE ROSICRUCIAN ORDER

DECEMBER, 1947

The Philosopher's Stone (Frontispiece)...... Thought of the Month: Fate and Free Will ... The Mystic Path of Alchemy...... Star of the M a g i...... The Unknown Philosopher: Part I...... The "World-Master" Bugaboo Temple Echoes...... Is there a Shangri-La in Tibet? ...... Cathedral Contacts: The W eight of Prejudice Real Mysticism ...... Sanctum Musings: The Christmas Spirit . As Science Sees It...... G e t Rid of Those Fears What Men Thought...... The House of Mystery (Illustration) ......

Subscription to the Rosicrucian Digest, Three Dollars per year. Single copies twenty-five cents. Entered as Second Class Matter at the Post Office at San Jose, Cali­ fornia, under Section 1103 of the U. S. Postal A ct of O c t. 3, 1917. Changes of address must reach us by the tenth of the month preceding d ate of issue. Statements made in this publication are not the official expressions of the organization or its officers unless stated to be official communications.

Published Monthly by the Supreme Council of THE ROSICRUCIAN ORDER— AMORC ROSICRUCIAN PARK SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA EDITOR: Frances Vejtasa Copyright, 1947, by the Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC. All rights reserved. m m . THE THOUGHT OF THE MONTH FATE AND FREE WILL

By THE IMPERATOR

t is perhaps not too pre­ mountainside crossing his path. What sumptuous to say that all is the difference between the two oc­ religions and philosophies currences? In the former, man is con­ of life fall somewhere scious that he was the cause; in the between the two ex­ latter, something else must have been. tremes of fate and free There is no absolute assurance that the will. After a summation faculties of thought and will are solely of his life’s experiences human. A thinking being that was almost every man would superhuman could have willed the invent words to mean fate and free power to loosen the boulder. will, even if he had not heard of them. Such reasoning as the above is based Our every act—or the circumstances in upon the premise that behind all phe­ which we find ourselves—is the conse­ nomena there is a supernatural mind quence either of our own thoughts or of or a thinking deity. It is the attributing a cause which we did not institute. The of human characteristics, thought and power of thought to motivate our own will, to intangible causes. From this bodily action or to influence things point of view, there are two spheres of apart from us seems self - evident. purpose: human and Divine—God acts Though most of us could not accurately and man acts. Religion seeks to define trace out the mechanics by which our the relationship between the two thoughts are transformed into kinetic spheres; for example, when are human force to affect objects in our surround­ purposes consistent with those which ings, we admit that such thoughts are theology expounds as being Divine? an intentional cause. There is yet another probable ex­ Far more disconcerting and mys­ planation for those causes, apart from terious are those influences which sub­ our thoughts, which affect us. The tly and otherwise shape our lives and mind can and has been attributed to appear beyond our absolute control. In an organic process such as is our respi­ considering them, man is commonly ration, digestion, and the circulation of confronted with two probable explana­ the blood. In a complex organ, such as tions. Admitting that there exist ex­ the human brain, thought processes are ternal forces and agencies, to which we an inevitable consequence—just as, for are involuntarily subject, what kind of example, a prism cannot fail to dis­ causes are they? It is consistent with perse a beam of sunlight, that falls common experience that man should upon it, into the colors of the spectrum. first consider all causes as thinking The fact that the human may appear ones. Man is causative. He brings to exercise choice is no conclusive argu­ T h e about changes in himself and in his ment against those that contend that mind is strictly a functional process. Rosicrucian environment, which he realizes. It is simple to conclude that there are simi­ It can be contended that every percep­ Digest lar causes behind similar effects. Man tion, everything seen, heard or felt, December kicks a stone and it rolls along before every experience, in fact, engenders 1947 him. He sees a boulder crash down the certain sensations within us. These we individually evaluate according to our thinking causes which we cannot es­ habits and the particular constitution of cape. We have said that religion tries our beings. We cannot escape prefer­ to reconcile human purpose—the ends ences. In other words, our experiences we w ill for ourselves—with the Divine cause us to follow the channels of our purpose. The principle behind this referred inclinations which have been ractice is, that man escapes suffering uilt up from out of our individual y coinciding his acts with the high natures and the exigencies of our en­ functions of the Divine. Here theology vironment. We are conscious, each of is confronted with serious pragmatic us, of many alternative actions and problems. If the initial mind, as a responses to stimuli, which we could Divine cause, is omniscient, why does choose, but we cannot escape the com­ it not influence human acts along the pelling preference for one or the other right course? In fact, in advocating to which we are mentally and physi­ the all-wisdom of the Divine, it is en­ cally adapted. couraging a faith in it that develops If man can appraise himself as a into fatalism. Men subsequently reason mechanical function, then so can he what folly it is, in our finite reasoning, adjudge nature—and this he has often to plot our ways in life, if God knows done. So, many have taken just the what is best for us. This sort of think­ opposite view from those who hold that ing amounts to relying upon premedi­ there is a teleological or mind cause in tated causes for our own actions. the universe. They declare all nature The sensibilities of man are fre­ to be a series of actions and reactions of quently shocked at what appear as in­ forces and energies which act in and justices in life. They especially seem so upon themselves. An active agent acts if man has come to believe that a Di­ upon a lesser one and the consequence, vine mind guides his daily way. The as an effect, may itself become still an­ vicissitudes of life incline him to believe other cause. These have no purpose. that the course of humans is predestined What follows from them is by neces­ to conform to some inconceivable pur­ sity. They are of a nature from which pose. He concludes that it is, therefore, something must occur and, whatever is useless for man to dictate his affairs perceived, that is it. Some of these phe­ and to pit his judgment against events nomena persist in time, that is, they from which he cannot escape. recur frequently in the interval of We have cited these examples to human experience, suggesting to mor­ show how the experiences of life con­ tals that their frequency is an intent in tribute to fashioning the idea of fate itself. But these persons who inveigh and that religion, most times, unwit­ against intent in nature could use the tingly strengthens the conviction. The analogy of a bouncing ball to show that dangers latent in the conception of fate recurrence is no proof of intent. Each are obvious to anyone who seriously time a ball is dropped under identical contemplates it. There is no greater conditions, it will bounce the same thief of initiative than a doctrine or number of times. This repetition oc­ belief in fatalism. It inculcates resig­ curs, regardless of whether a mind has nation to external factors in one’s en­ predetermined the circumstances for vironment. It stifles the imagination dropping the ball or not. Those who which is a stimulus to plan, to create, think this way say that the natural to contemplate, a tomorrow or a future causes which we direct or evade are moment. Although no normal person, those of which we can discern the fre­ even though addicted to fatalism, will quency. This is accomplished by exert­ become absolutely mentally and physi­ ing our own mental and physical forces cally inert, he does put aside those safe­ as causes to attract or repel those apart guards and long-range plans which from us. We remain pitifully subject might otherwise have a beneficial effect to the great majority of the natural upon his life. The fatalist puts aside causes. good judgment and suppresses instinc­ Fate, then, to most men is one of two tive precautions. Where another would conceptions: a series of premeditated hesitate to precipitate circumstances po­ causes to which we are purposely ex­ tential with danger, he complacently posed or an inexorable series of un­ ignores them with the belief that the results which follow were predeter­ ideals to the attraction of which the mined anyway and any decision of his will is bound to submit. could not alter them. By such reason­ The acts of volition are always those ing, the fatalist invites catastrophe and which we conceive to be the best pos­ disagreeable living and, as a result, be­ sible. We choose what gratifies us comes further convinced that his life most. Even when we do that which is was ordained as he experiences it. physically painful to us as a duty, it The Middle Course is because a moral or ethical desire transcends the physical one in its ap­ The middle course between fate and peal. Will, consequently, is subordinate free will seems to me the most cogent as a human virtue to the faculty of con­ one. This requires not only a denial ception and reflection. If I think right, of fate but of free will as well. If man I can do no other than make the right is not a puppet, absolutely subject to a choice of what is best for me. higher arbitrary whim, neither is he so As organic beings, we are part of a free that he can successfully deviate greater organic being, the Cosmic. from the nature of his being. Human Nothing that occurs as a result of thought, as we have said, is causative. change in the Cosmic is an aberration. Human will is the preferred thought, There are no fixed objectives toward the one that is given domination in the which Nature’s forces, as causes and mind. It draws to itself the full force effects, are moving and from which of mental energy which the willing be­ they could deviate. If something which ing is able to command. As such the we perceive as an object dissolves into human is an active cause. He is capa­ something else, neither is cosmically ble of exerting force on relatively pas­ the more or the less important. Natu­ sive causes such as the objects and con­ ral causes, even those which bring ditions of his environment. If a human about our demise, are not catastrophic functions normally, he is obliged, by in the Cosmic sense. All is change and the necessity of his nature, to think, who can say with certainty which ex­ to reason, and to exercise will. No one, pression is Cosmically the exalted one? then, is free, if he is obliged to do what he does. For analogy, an automatic The consciousness of life is a grati­ vehicle, traveling along a prepared fying sensation to living things. To thoroughfare m ust turn, when it ap­ man, therefore, it becomes a preferred proaches a fork in the road, either to desire and he normally wills to live. the left or the right if the road is so Whether such a desire remains domi­ banked that it will be influenced in nant depends upon man’s ability to one or the other direction. Man is in sustain the pleasure which it affords. a similar position but with one excep­ This can be accomplished only by com­ tion. We are conscious of possible bining and recombining the experiences alternatives. When we turn right, we of existence into ever new ideals which realize that a left turn could have been further one’s own being. We must made. draw from the world outside and from the depths of our own consciousness Some may say, “And what is the impressions of the Cosmic. These, then, difference between a fate that predeter­ our meditation and reasoning evaluate. mines each human act and a will From our estimate of them, we cause whose choices are inescapable?” There ourselves to become better adapted to is a distinction. It is reason; that is, the influence of existence. We impose the processes of thought, which provide our thought to direct the natural forces, w ill with the substance of her prefer­ the major Cosmic causes, to create ef­ ences. Through ideation, man can fects that will complement our being build up ideas whose content becomes and put us more and more in harmony T h e most appealing. The desires these ideas with the whole of existence. Rosicrucian engender within us become the prefer­ ences of will. Reason can vary the There is no freedom in will. Choose Digest desires. The thinking, imagining mind one must, but let your choices always D ecem ber can gradually raise its level of con­ represent the best of your human capa­ 1947 sciousness; it can create transcendent bilities. T h e Mystic Path of Alchemy B y V ictor Scherbak, M.D.

The following article, dealing with the spiritual aspects of Hermetic chemistry, was received from Hungary. It consists of abstracts prepared from a more extensive manuscript by Dr. Scherbak, a Rosicrucian. —T h e E d i t o r

m o n g all esoteric sciences is in its ultimate essence a synthesis one of the most weird of science and religion. It is a sort of and cryptic branches is practical metaphysics, which can give alchemy. The material experimental proofs of the fact that in A published about it thus creation of objects of our Universum, far—with some distin­ Immortal Ideas play a leading role. guished exceptions—dis­ The alchemist repeats the work of guises the essentials of creation in his laboratory, he composes this unfathomable sci­ matter, builds up form, constructs elec­ ence, which has been given the name tronic systems, unfolds the analogy of “The Divine Art,” by its adepts. Descent of Spirit into matter, experi­ Whereas kabala, astrology, magic, and ences also the mystery of Ascent and other occult faculties gave out some of Salvation—all this within his lesser in­ their secrets to exoteric circles, those finity of a retort. Alchemy is there­ corresponding real keys of alchemy fore practical cosmogony, being the have never been divulged by adepts. compound of magic and arcane genesis And whenever some communication of World and Life. was made, the text had been rendered In order to have results in alchemy, almost unintelligible by the use of Her­ the alchemists must have had profound metic Symbols, which could not be un­ preparatory training to attain mastery derstood by the layman. That strange in the projection of ideas. terminology, used by the members, and Primal matter is the magic starting within the guilds of alchemists, was point which leads to the composition not accessible to outsiders. Its three­ of matter in general. As I have for­ fold hidden sense could be deciphered merly stated, the neophyte of alchemy only by the neophytes of a master in must experience the mystical proces­ Hermetism. sion of the descent of energizing forces For publicity in ancient days, al­ into matter and the equally strange chemy had no other meaning than that mystery of ascension. This is practi­ it consisted of the making of gold and cally one of the greatest tasks of which the discovering of the Elixir of Life. a human brain is capable. But these two items were of course only The origin of cosmic matter is the well-painted decorations on the curtain great unknown of all cosmogonies. The of a loftier mysteiy play of immense alchemist by means of his operations Cosmic significance. penetrates to this hidden root; he ex­ Alchemy, as well as Hermetism— plores the nature of pre-existent states, for these constitute an organic whole— invokes the secret of cosmobiological revolution in himself and in his re­ the alchemistic activity. Laboratory tort, to gain answers upon concealed work was carefully observed, the opera­ doctrines of cosmic existence, directly tions with chemicals were keenly spied from the spirit, or energy, involved in out by wealthy dilettanti, but these an unrelenting grasp with impure good men remained in entire darkness m atter. about the more significant mystical Sublimation of the Creative Idea, operations; they had not even an idea just as discernment of being and non- that such work was going on. being, connected with the transmuta­ Famulus, Alchemist9 Adept tion of mortal into immortal, can be attained only by the Higher Self. The art of alchemy has three degrees, The realization of this gigantic outer or grades: and inner practice is called Opus The first grade is that of the Famulus Magnum. —who must learn technical details of The Twofold Way the art. He gets acquainted with pos­ sible bases, chemicals, principles of the The effectuation of the Opus Mag­ ordinary chemistry, and acquires prac­ num has special conditions. The neo­ tical finesses in the use of the guild. phyte cannot come to good results un­ The second grade is, strictly speak­ less he has pierced to those strata in ing, that actual alchemist’s degree his soul which, in unthinkable depths where the scholar commences to un­ of the past, were present at the begin­ veil the hidden meaning of Hermetic ning of the great tragedy of involution. symbols and hieroglyphics. A real For man’s Higher Self, the core of his mystic practice is begun here, covering being, this enigmatic unit, has known the whole field of scientific erudition the ordeal of Spirit’s Fall. as well as a most profound prepara­ On the physical plane, cells com­ tory training in Kabalistic yoga, magic, prise the whole phylogenesis of man’s astrology, and Hermetic cosmogony. evolution. Science calls this the mem­ The knowledge and personal attain­ ory of cells. Hermetic science knew and ment of psychic power is of particular applied this principle on a much larger importance to the alchemist, because scale. It not only culled fragments of this type of magic is the connecting the phylogenetic sector from the cells link leading to activation of the creative of the brain but also brought to light will, without which the key operation the more important cosmic background, of mystical projection, or idea-transfer, as that of the formation of galaxies, is not possible. The great formula of sun systems, planets, and lastly, the transmutation is magic will in a grade greatest mystery, the condensation of of strength that is unknown under ordi­ matter itself. All these engrams, im­ nary circumstances. Therefore this de­ manent latent tendencies, can be trans­ gree takes years and requires the great­ formed. Deciphering of the cosmic est mental seclusion together with engram-glyphs constitutes the first seri­ utmost effort to collect powers neces­ ous task of an alchemist-neophyte. sary for a successful transmutation. The work is double: first comes the This strictly retired and almost mi­ microcosmic investigation of the intel­ nutely regulated and conducted life is lect, the soul, and the subconscious important, for even the smallest negli­ mind; this is followed by a unique sort gence in the initial mental training of Yoga, the so-called mental-alchemy. endangers the outcome of the Opus Second come practical operations with M agnum . a specially prepared substance, physico­ The exoteric operations are identical chemical demonstrations in connection with those of the Famuli, but at this with the prima materia—hence exist­ point the alchemist makes Faustian The ence of mental-magic and a synchro­ attempts to influence the purified and nistic chemical process. Both courses distilled primal matter by volition! Rosicrucian are continually led and at the last etape If all the preparations and training Digest unified. gained in mental chemistry and Kab­ December The layman in the outer world could alistic yoga were perfect, then chemi­ 1947 see, of course, only the exoteric part of cal matter would be an obedient serv­ ant to the orders of the alchemist. For acy over matter. However, not all primal matter, this odd proteus, takes kinds of matter can be influenced. The on every form that is projected toward universal substance, purified from spe­ it by the casting force of a mighty cific attributes, in its original clarity, is creative will. A powerful personality, inclined to submit to directives of the the owner of extraordinary psychical mind. All other specially differentiated faculties, is called a magician, and a mediums carry numerous dispositions, successful alchemist can be only that tendencies of some sharply determined one who previously had become a order, which when mingling with ideas magician! of the mental projection are liable to The third grade is that of the adept. deviate from the right path. Therefore An adept or magister spiritualis of H er­ alchemy is searching after a not-differ- metic sciences is occupied with the real­ entiated matter, called prima materia. ization of final conceptions in arcane Primal matter is the first great mys­ cosmogony. His retort is changing tery of alchemy, the real name of which into a symbol of the Universe, and the had never been divulged by adepts of prima materia lying in it goes micro- the ancient Hermetic science. The test cosmically through all the variations of a neophyte’s talent was this very which led to the objectivation of our item. It had to decide whether he had present world. At this third and last made satisfactory progress in reading step the adept tries to release spirit, Nature’s secret glyphs. He had to find or energy, from under the shackles of out for himself what was primal matter. matter! The contrary current, that antago­ In a higher sense of the term, primal nistic spiral movement, which balances matter is the Soul. Its astral and physi­ samsara and works against the current cal analogies are: Psyche and Intel­ leading into incarnation, or the forma­ lect. But the chemical base was never tion of matter, is started at the point permitted to be named and this inter­ where the brain flares up in finding of dict is even today in power. Neverthe­ the idea of salvation. At the same time, less, if direct revelation cannot be when a right directed cosmic spiral, made, the pupil trained in analyzing drawing spiritual substances into the Hermetic symbols will very soon find whirlpool and materializing them, is out what is understood under the cover changing into the left directed cosmic name of prima materia. spiral of liberation, a great possibility The Mystic Operations presents itself. Now the practising adept, by expedient of a sort of mysti­ The operations of Hermetic chem­ cal union with the primal matter in istry are analogies to the seven degrees the retort, and through maximal con­ of Eastern yoga; that is, they are syn­ centration of his will upon the sub­ chronistic processes. Thus, in coordi­ stance, can transfer this previous idea nation with physical practice, mystical upon the substance. By this time, oper­ phases of Hermetic yoga must be at­ ations must be completely finished and tained. The traditional operations are: our prima materia must have reached Calcination a state of utmost purification. The tra­ Solution ditional operations when consequently Distillation carried out, lead to the accomplishment Putrefaction of the philosopher’s stone. Sublimation In all of the three alchemistic grades, Multiplication exoteric operations are the samel In Projection reality, however, these operations are These procedures do not always ensue conducted in the same manner as in the in the order as given above. Supreme Famulus degree. Hermetic instructions simplify opera­ tions into root words of the Esoteric Poiver of Mind over Matter algebra, and at its ultimate definition Practical results in spiritual chem­ reduce everything essential into the istry are made possible by the recog­ sublime processes of solution and coagu­ nition that mind has a primal suprem­ lation. The operations must not be regarded The Philosopher’s Stone as single ones; for instance, distillation The fixation of matter, the arresting (and also other operations) comprises of the Elixir of Life, allows another use a series of repeated procedures, which of this Great Magisterium. The elixir, represent whole cycles of chemical and fermented with gold, becomes multi- psychochemical action. Laboratory plicable, and the arcanum condensed work is always adapted to the syn­ into a red powder can catalyze metals chronistic mental progress, while de­ of lower order into gold. This property velopment of the prima materia is in­ of the panacea secretorum caused many dividual and the number of repetitions, troubles in the middle ages. It is be­ just as their succession, depend upon cause of this possibility that interest personal qualities. and thirst, greed and passion, charla­ The Elixir of Lite tanry and crime were turned toward alchemy. An impatient horde of fa­ In the course of alchemistic work, the natics and villains succeeded in invad­ Adept arrives at a point where primal ing the outer sanctum of alchemy. matter assumes a maximal concentra­ Fools had followers and so did im­ tion. This is the degree of the Quintes­ postors. Pitiful, ridiculous, and tragic sence, which represents the highest po­ episodes came forth from the grotesque tency that the tendence of will for life dance and wild pursuit of the phantom can bring about. This preparation pos­ of gold. sesses wonderful qualities. It starts re­ Those who were in possession of the generation in organisms where atrophy secret did not make gold. They strictly has already begun its devouring work. guarded their incognito and confined Worn out and exhausted tissues are re­ themselves to the role of esoteric teach­ vitalized and strengthened by it. Bio­ ers, now and then fulfilling a supreme logical systems are restored to such an mission in presenting a small fragment extent that the autonomic reparatory of the stone to some dignitary or talent, functions of the organism eliminate ill­ to keep alive the belief in transmuta­ ness—hence, its rejuvenating and life- tion, the possibility of which was to be prolonging effect. made evident throughout generations— The traditions of Hermetism allege for this is the only passable way to the numerous cases, when adepts have pro­ Sanctum of the Mysterium Magnum. longed their lives to centuries. We After the bestowal of the “Red Lion” know th at so long as the elixir works, they always disappeared, knowing man the organism cannot grow old; how­ and sin; but they managed to keep on ever, the application of this omnipo­ fire the sacred light of Hermetic tent essence goes with great danger. wisdom. For instance, in a wrong dose it may Sometimes vanity of the pseudo­ have an effect contrary to what is ex­ adepts did not permit to acknowledge pected; it may kill an unprepared the origin of the wonderful essence. organism! As a rule, such unethical conduct, re­ Another risk is, that it increases all sulted in a shameful end in jail, or animal functions to an unprecedented much more often on the gallows or grade, and the neophyte drifts very far scaffold. away from the actual aim of his pres­ With regard to historically proved ent incarnation. cases of real transmutation, many docu­ Therefore great adepts did not stop ments have been recorded. Even very at the gradus quintessentiae in their skeptical critics of the past century operations, but led it over into the could not question that on several oc­ loftier mystery of Cosmic salvation of casions the alchemists made gold. Ex­ the prima materia! They brought amples of this kind can be found in The about and produced the panacea but Bischoff’s excellent Victory of Al­ R ndm irisin not employ it. Their real aim was chem y* and Sc.hmieder’s profound His­ ry. not to keep up an actually unbearable tory of Alchemy.* 5 l physical immortality, but to cure Spirit D ecem ber from the sickness of Matter, and re- ‘These books are not available at this time. 1947 move forever the illusion of Death. (Continued on Page 414) Star of the Magi

By M i k a e l , F.R.C., A.F.R.A.S.

The author, a Rosicrucian and a university professor of astronomy in one of the capital cities of Europe, cannot reveal his true identity, for his country is still under restriction by the forces of the occupying government.

h e marvelous phenome­ as well as other little understood phe­ non of the Bethlehem nomena, ought to be at last properly Star will remain united understood in the light of what we forever with the most know today. The earth-shaking tumult important event in the which we are now experiencing char­ history of mankind— acterizes the end of the Piscean era and that is, with the moment the beginning of the new Aquarian era. of the coming of Christ The new period in our history will to the world. Its echo bring justice and the Holy Spirit to resounds in the hearts of Christian be­ mankind. The commencement of this lievers as well as in the minds of era, which is leading to a higher plan scientists who endeavor to explain this for man, took place about 1880 A.D. phenomenon in a natural way. The according to the Olahm Ha-Yetzirah amount of literature concerning the (world of formation). But there must Bethlehem Star is enormous indeed. pass some period before “the Word be­ Notwithstanding such information, comes flesh.” In the physical plan, the from time to time there still appear beginning of the Aquarian era will ar­ new articles in special astronomical rive, according to the author’s re­ periodicals. This article endeavors to searches, about 1950 A.D. This mo­ explain the apparition of this star from ment agrees very well with the one the astronomical point of view, even given by Hindu astrologers. Other au­ to the point of computing the exact thors, however, give quite different moment of the phenomenon. dates; for instance, Budolph Steiner From the other side, theologians, too, gives the date 3573 A.D. Such a great continue to investigate this phenome­ difference results partially from the im­ non,- they insert their results in special possibility of an exact definition of periodicals as well as in publications limitations of the constellations, such as for the general reader. Theologians, Aquarius and Pisces, which enter far with very few exceptions, do not have into one another. As to Steiner, we find sufficient knowledge of even the most that he defines the commencement of fundamental laws of astronomy. On the Aquarian epoch without grounding the other hand, astronomers who pub­ himself on an astronomical basis. lish their own theories on this matter Briitgc In Formation do not seem to take into consideration the text of St. Matthew, particularly There are times approaching when Chapter 2: Verses 2, 9, and 10. the Realm of the Spirit will be under­ Now the time is approaching when stood in the proper way by all man­ the phenomenon of the Bethlehem Star, kind. Already eminent representatives of mathematics and science, such as A. Consequently, they could in no way Eddington, J. Jeans, and others, are stop above the place where the infant separating themselves quite clearly Jesus was bom. from the materialistic views which were But there arises here another diffi­ predominant in these sciences in the culty. Suppose that the Bethlehem Star second half of the nineteenth and in stopped above the place where the child the beginning of the twentieth centu­ was born. It then had to be in the ries. There are arising new branches of zenith of that place. Since the geo­ knowledge forming a bridge between graphical latitude of Bethlehem is plus the terrestrial and Cosmic life. The 31°.8 and the declinations of Jupiter first general Congress of Cosmobiology w ith respect to Saturn at the moment was arranged in France in 1937 under of conjunction were 4°.7 and 6°.0, it the auspices of the Paris National Ob­ follows from there th at at the moment servatory and Academy of Medicine. of their culmination, the mean zenith It shows that so-called mundane science distance of these planets was 37°.2. has come at last to understand the rela­ Consequently they were far from the tion of the human life to that of the zenith of Bethlehem and in no way Universum. On the other hand, para­ the place where the Baby was lying. psychology, or the new metaphysics, is N one of the astronomical conceptions— announcing the uniting of the bridge that is, the possibility of a nova which which will join phenomena of the might have appeared just then, a cer­ material world with that which is tain comet, or the planet Mars—are to purely spiritual. be accepted. First, no nova or comets An AstronownieaI Picture are noted in the history of astronomy for those times, but if they were, they It is not the author’s intention to had to have their declination at plus consider critically astronomical theo­ 31°.8 and be bright enough to be able ries inferring that the Bethlehem Star to guide the Magi to Bethlehem. Not­ might be a comet, a star which may be withstanding, they, too, like celestial described as a Nova, the planet Mars stars, could not in any way pause over or, finally, a special conjunction of the place where the child lay, because Jupiter and Saturn in 7 B.C. This the rotating motion of the terrestrial latter view is now adopted by most globe cannot be stopped. astronomers. All of these conceptions From the above we see that in as­ must submit to criticism. This follows tronomy conceptions concerning the from the careful consideration of the Star of the Magi cannot resist criticism. astronomical picture of the above-men­ Consequently the appearance of celes­ tioned planetary conjunction. One may tial bodies may not indicate the child’s see that the conjunction of Jupiter and birthplace. Saturn in 7 B.C. was indeed peculiar. As a result of the combined motions of The Astral Viewpoint the earth with Jupiter and Saturn trav­ Adherents of the above conceptions, eling in their respective orbits around who persist in the astronomical nature the sun, there arise some apparent loops of this Star, should accept the astral in the celestial pattern of movements point of view. This branch of science described by the latter two planets. In endeavors to explain the origin of many consequence, a geocentric conjunction myths, legends, and heroic epochs by took place three times during that year corresponding actions which take their —29 May, 30 October, and 5 Decem­ place on the celestial sphere. Heroes of ber. Afterward there seemed to be no such actions are the sun, the moon, and relationship of these planets; however, constellations. Such actions are mostly this event recurs every 854 years. zodiacal. According to the views of The conjunctions of Jupiter and Charles Dupuis, the birth of the Infant T h e Saturn are not exceptional phenomena Jesus must be understood from the as­ Rosicrucian because they are repeated exactly every tral point of view. Now, one cannot 854 years and approximately every 238 deny the great beauty of the stellar sky iv l years and nearly every 60 years. These toward the end of December. At mid­ December planets participate in the apparent di- night on the 25th of December we 1947 umal motion of the celestial sphere. see, high in the meridian, the constel- lation of the Crib (Orion), and on two Orient incidents of such an importance of its sides are standing those constel­ to the earth as the incarnation of God’s lations known as Taurus (Bull) and Word. They did not need to for, after Aselli (Ass). In the Crib lies a Baby all, being initiated in the mysteries, (the Sun) who was born after nine the Magi knew about it from other months, counted from Annunciation sources. The knowledge of the coming Day—the 25th of March. In this con­ of a Savior to the earth had been ac­ stellation we see three Magi, and they cepted for many ages. The Star for are the three bright stars in the belt of this arrival radiated upon the spiritual Orion. They are situated to the left of eyes of the Magi and, being obedient the meridian toward the east. They to its sacred character, they set forth seem to pay their homage to the New­ in order to pay homage to the Newborn. born. We also find here a Herd (Milky In searching for such a method we Way) and Shepherds—the Great and apply parapsychology, or the new Little Dogs. These, together with the metaphysics, a science which concerns Magi, seem to adore the Baby. little hitherto known phenomena of the But even if we accept this concep­ human spirit. It is a gateway which tion, we cannot find a proper place on leads from the heart of matter to the the sphere for the Bethlehem Star. It spiritual world and is being examined should have been standing over the by the Mundane and Hermetic sciences Baby lying in the Crib, for Jupiter and alike. Saturn were situated, as it was shown, A Luminous Phenomenon in the proximity of Pisces far in the The Star of the Magi could not have west. been a celestial body, but must have Now, can the pure astral conception consisted of a certain luminous phe­ be accepted? We come to the conclu­ nomenon which was moving in the sion that the luminous phenomenon, proximity of the earth’s surface. The which in the Greek text is called Aster strange behavior of this Star seems to and in the Latin, Stella, should have show that this luminous phenomenon been in immediate proximity to the was especially created Ad Hoc for this earth in order to enable the Magi, who occasion. This Star was on the border were following this phenomenon, to be of visible and invisible worlds. It had led to the Baby w ithout further diffi­ attained a historical moment, which culties when the Star stopped above we may call the moment of the Incar­ the Grotto in Bethlehem. At that time nation of God’s Word. This act was it had to move above the earth’s sur­ accomplished in majestic calm with the face at the maximum height of a few accompaniment of the chorus of Higher hundred meters. It was, therefore, a Hierarchies that then descended to the peculiar star. earth, adoring God with the marvelous We have seen the conjunctions of words: Gloria in excelsis Deo. Et in Jupiter and Saturn every few hundred terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. years. Consequently they could not (Glory be to God on high and on earth have announced to the Magi of the peace to men of good will.)

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TJU-LTLTj $ ROSICRUCIAN SUPPLY BUREAU £ m Rosicrucian Park San Jose, California £ m V THE MYSTIC PATH OF ALCHEMY (Continued from Page 410) T he m ain argument against the ning he must meditate over elementary probability of transmutation, that false phenomena of chemistry, such as com­ doctrine of the stability of elements, bustion, fire, attraction, repulsion, mag- has been completely refuted in our netism, electricity. ITe contemplates days. And to make it more interesting, upon these subjects and tries to experi­ quicksilver (in alchemistic terms, mer- ence spiritual analogies in his mind and curius) was the element from which to realize the connecting links between Professor Miethe, the famous photo­ the two aspects of reality. He probes chemist, produced gold quite accident­ into various strata of nature, descends ally. to the m ineral, botanic, zoologic king­ It is known that hydrargyrum was doms, achieves direct insight, and fi­ the substance in which most middle age nally merges into the fathomless depths alchemists sought the prima materia of of his subconscious self. the philosopher’s stone. As matters To make Hermetic meditation easier, stand, the fact is that although gold teacher-adepts compiled tablets, or can be made of mercury, yet the prima sheets, for use of the neophytes, con­ materia of the Wise is not hydrargy­ taining the most im portant particulars, rum; that denomination of mercury as mystic illusions, of those dark and initial base is merely symbolic and sig­ often uncanny regions, through which nifies the distillate of the original mat­ leads the path of future adepts, when ter, a gaseous state. However, this w andering to reach the final perfection deeper recognition led several explorers of the Opus Magnum. to the equally false inference that the Experiences of onetime masters had philosopher’s stone was identic with been fixed in the form of pantagrams, oxygen. mystical diagrams holding etapes and The heating of hydrargyrum, with phases of the twofold way, sometimes or without potassium nitrate, develops giving warning of lethal dangers loom­ oxygen. Paracelsus remarks in his ing on the path. The diagrams, con­ Manual Alchemistica, that even merely trary to the texts, contain unvarnished staying near a retort, while the artist truth. After a completed preparatory is sublimating mercurius, is refreshing training in Hermetic symbolism the and strengthening. “The Sublimation reading of these tablets constitutes no of quicksilver has this operation, that difficulty for the initiate. even the Air in its vicinity has a re­ A very good collection of meditation creative effect” (Paracelsus, On the Ills tablets was published by the European of Metals). Potassium nitrate in itself Association of Rosicrucians under the is also an ample source of oxygen. title Little ABC Book for Beginners of This element doubtlessly possesses the Sacred Art. many properties such as have been de­ Signatures scribed as characteristic of the Great Panacea; however, it is also not equal The greatest masters in the science to the arcanum magnum. Inhalation of signatures w ere the Rosicrucians: of oxygenium accelerates biological Paracelsus and Jacob Boehme. This in­ functions, vigorously improves general teresting faculty consists of imparting health, enhances exudation; but the details on use of the law of dividing duration of life of those who are sub­ space into virtual sectors, which carry mitted to its effect is being abridged. characteristic potencies when analyzed. Biologic activity in condensed oxygen In its ultim ate essence the science of gas is veiy soon made impossible, as signatures is nothing else than the that element rapidly bums up carbon knowledge of a certain Hermetic Code The bases, exhausting thereby vital powers gleaned from extraordinarily deep ob­ Rosicrucian of the organism. servations of nature. By developing it to perfection, we can locate and recog­ D igest Itcrmetie Meditation nize hidden factors of all natural ob­ December Alchemy prescribes to its neophyte jects; we can establish or discover their 1947 a special kind of yoga. In the begin- trend of action, and understand the idea taking shape in expression of a Radium emanation is of restrictive special form. effect on organic functions, especially that of the endocrines, which are con­ Atomic Fission siderably weakened by it. It has been Whenever popular physicists attack repeatedly shown that under its in­ Alchemy and the Hermetic Art, some fluence red corpuscles are weakened in lecturers usually defend it with the their power of production; also death argument that alchemists were genial may ensue as a result of pernicious dreamers whose dreams were realized anaemia. The little therapeutic value by modem chemistry, and as to the that radium has, is the result of its de­ philosopher’s stone, they state that that structiveness. Radium, for the time be­ has been found and has reached its ful­ ing, can stop the extraordinary rank­ fillment in the discovery of radium. ness of virulent cancerous tissues, and Radium, this new magnificent ele­ bring thereby temporary relief from ment, would thus be identic with the complaints. On the other hand, of long-desired Stone, a living proof of course—and to be regretted—is the transmutation of the elements and a price to pay in lessened function and remedy of otherwise incurable cancer. damage of other organs of vital impor­ To laymen or superficial thinkers tance. The regenerative capacity of this may sound satisfactory, but those the tissues is minimized, and the plague, who have a more profound insight into after short interception, attacks anew matters will not content themselves with threefold power a much debilitated with such nonsense. In possession of organism. facts it can be most firmly stated that Radium, just as all phosphorbarium science was never further from finding sulphate compounds, is an aggregate the Great Arcanum, than in the dis­ of atoms in the state of decomposition, covery of radium. We may even add where a tremendous disintegration of that it has reached the opposite pole of dynamic energies is going on. To make the philosopher’s stone, for that which such an element the base of healing was found in radium was not the pana­ processes is a very impractical thing. cea, but one of the most effective de­ Our Hermetic Magisterium, the stroyers ever known to man. Great Elixir, is not a bearer of devasta­ Within the intramolecular construc­ tion and disintegration but the sup­ tion of radium and uranium, terrible porter and principle of everlasting life, forces of devastation are dwelling. The and as such cannot be identic with atomic bomb has already given a small radium . taste of what are the advantages of Coeval science experimenting with radioactive elements in a modern war atomic energy is young as yet. The —but as yet no brave man has dared to methods by which it strives to release cast light upon radium’s destructive­ energy are primitive. From among the ness in medicine. Hermetism must materials adaptable for this purpose it point blank refute the idea that radium knows only uranium, plutonium, nep­ therapy has any real therapeutic value. tunium, and a few secret compounds What is called so is nothing else than which have not been published. But diathermal heat effect! It is a well- atomic power is not confined to specific known fact to physicians that great materials. Within several decades, sci­ havoc is wrought by radium when it ence will lay hold also of that secret is kept a little longer in the vicinity of which covers unlimited release and di­ a living body. But even in case of a rection of chemical energy in general. somewhat prolonged application, the According to tradition, this secret was consequences are combustion of the tis­ universally known in Atlantis, as elec­ sues, a dying off, or a drop in the vital tricity is known in our days. If that functions, and incurable anaemia lead­ point is reached again, then only one ing to death. We have many examples step separates humanity from the an­ of explorers directing scientific work cient mystery, the essence of which is ©ytrxru-j of the researches becoming victims of the regulation of atomic power by the lethal radiations. The discoverer, sheer force of human will. Madame Curie, herself died of radium When man is able to control atomic anaemia in the prime of her life. power through his mind, the golden age of Atlantis will return, and our suc­ of its compound and intensify the cessors will get a second chance to de­ etheric vibration. As is known from cide whether they want to exterminate the laws of acoustics, every object has their countries, together with their a special keynote. If we can fix this, civilization, or sublimate powers into then with the help of a specially con­ spiritual blessings for a happier gen­ structed instrument we can also repro­ eration. duce it; and through a mechanical in- According to Hermetic tradition, it tensivator built into the apparatus its has come to pass more than once that frequenc}' can be raised to a many high cultures disappeared in conse­ thousandfold of the original power. In­ quence of the knowledge of this secret. tensifying happens at tne simultaneous The history' of Earth records two such sounding of the higher octaves, while cataclysms, and similar occurrences are synchronistically striking the keynote. alleged to have taken place on the sur­ An object tuned in this way, and con­ face of other planets. nected with the wires of the apparatus, In our closer vicinity, cosmic memo­ breaks up into atoms. The application ries of the explosion and dispersion of of wires indicates that Keely first con­ a giant planet are reported by the verted sound into kilowattenergy and chronicle of the bursts of light which then intensified it. Dissolution with his speak forth to science. Far away, be­ machine was not explosionlike as with tween Jupiter and Mars, where hun­ the atomic bomb. It had the character dreds of small planetoids revolve of incineration; the substance on con­ around the Sun, a mighty heavenly tact crumbled to dust. body once ran on his way just as other Keely demonstrated in several ex­ members of our system. It is said that periments the working of his inten- the inhabitants of this planet destroyed sivator. He at first used gold and plati­ their home in a gigantic atomic war, num wires; later, an elastic string was led by dint of magically directed sufficient to connect experimental ob­ atomic weapons. jects with the machine, and these al­ At the end of the past century, amid ways turned to dust after the switch­ the turbulent activities of shaping the ing on of the current. new age science, an American physicist, Keely strived to disperse the elec- the pioneer of untrodden paths, came trontriads. According to his theory, upon the clue of a great esoteric law. the nona of any keynote is that agent This law regulates the formation of which when intensified effectuates de­ matter, and by its knowledge one can composition. This discovery is of spe­ annihilate physical compounds, or re­ cial import for the Hennetist, because arrange synthetic units into new bonds. it confirms certain religious and mystic Our man, named Keely, followed a con­ traditions, which explain the creation trary direction to that of Thomson and of the World with the appearance of a yet he arrived at a similar result. The Magic Sound or Logos on the dawn of electron theory published by him was our visible Cosmos. Sound, tone or quickly forgotten. His inventions were voice, all vibrations synonymous of the regarded fantastic and, according to Creative Mind, that mysterious mantra contemporary conceptions, impossible, of the Logos, could condense dissipated but now we know that Keely was right. electrons into dynamic systems. Sound One of Keely’s greatest discoveries can become a Magic Spell which com­ alludes to occult laws in high physics. pels microcosmic units to aggregate or In his theory any substance can be dis­ to become one with macrocosmic hier­ solved if we hit the inherent key sound archies.

T he HAVE YOU HAD PSYCHOLOGY TRAINING? Rosicrucian We wish to contact members who have had training in psychology. If you hold an academic degree from a recognized college or university, and if your maior or minor ( Digest subject was psychology, will you please communicate with the Supreme Secretary? December Please do not write unless you have the above qualifications. 1947 The Unknown Philosopher LOUIS CLAUDE DE SAINT'MARTIN

By Stanislaw and Z ofja Goszczynski, F.R.C. Officers, Grand Lodge of the A.M.O.R.C. of Poland P A R T I

t h e great fam ily of the spirit as real and definitely nations, notwithstanding achieved. In cases of special spiritual the differences of race, nearness the link between them be­ nationality, and lan ­ comes so close that even so-called death guage, there is a ten­ ceases to be an impediment. dency for spiritually Not always does a spiritually united awakened men to gravi­ family exist in the flesh at one time tate to each other; the but each of the members discovers men of kindred souls sooner or later its traces, and benefits who seek the plenitude of their human­ by the spiritual hoardings of prede­ ity and who, unable to attain it solely cessors. Each one on the way to self- on the physical plane, pursue it in the development tends to the knowledge of higher regions where their ardent his own self, endeavors to unveil the yearning leads them to the very sanc­ transcendental, eternal picture con­ tuary of the Living God. Those way­ cealed in him, to unravel the text of farers recognize each other by signs God-thought deposed in him and attain visible and invisible, and discover the its fullest and purest manifestation. degree of development and rebirth in Llere can be aptly quoted the words of the Gospel: “Seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” Whoever ardently desires, per- severingly seeks and yearns to reach the Divine Ideal with the whole strength of his soul is sure to find support. Indeed, the courageous conquer the Kingdom of Heaven by subduing the opposition of the lower instincts of na­ ture, by scorning any compromise and tending ever higher toward the King­ dom of Light and Liberty. Louis Claude de Saint-Martin was such a knight bent on the quest of light. He has been acknowledged as one of the greatest mystics of France, but the work of his life is not solely in the books he wrote. His whole existence was de­ voted to the idea of a great renascence of mankind, and he awakened a pro­ found echo not only in France but also in the West and East of Europe. We find traces of this influence in the creative works of our prophetic poets, markedly in Adam Mickiewicz. To be able to understand Saint- on the part of people, unprepared or Martin one must go deep into his work; persistently of bad-wili, induced him to eruse his wide correspondence, study use the esoteric veil of symbols, when is biography (published by Papus, approaching truths destined for the Matter, Franck, and others) presented initiated. The work of his life made his by many authors and critics, often par­ name immortal, not only in his own tially and wrongly. country but throughout the world, since A keen observer should have no dif­ the ray, started from the source of uni­ ficulty in discovering the real Saint- versal light, shines irresistibly for the Martin, a picture not blurred by super­ whole of mankind. fluous and erroneous suggestions. Early Years His real self passed through various phases of development; a disciple and Saint-Martin was bom in Amboise, January 18, 1743. Veiy little is known adept of the esoteric science of Mar­ about his childhood. His mother died tinez Pasquales, who was a sociologist, a theurgist, and a mystic, we see the soon and this loss must have had a deep influence on the molding of his person­ rungs of the ladder he mounted, ality. Thence his excessive sensitive­ manced by the very title of his suc­ ness, the outpouring of feeling in quest cessive books: The Man of Desire, The New Man, The Ministry of the Man- of response, and the sweetness of his Spirit. refinement. Between him and his father there was lack of understanding and The principal traits of Saint-Martin’s even in the early years of Saint-Mar- character were manly energy, vigorous tin’s activity clashes became unavoid­ activity, and also a womanly, fine sen­ able. Not much is known concerning sitiveness and inborn refinement His his brothers, but it also seems that no undaunted and unwavering attitude harmony existed in this relation. Sor­ when he stood up in defence of pro­ row stung the heart of Saint-Martin in fessed ideals, virtually supported by his early childhood but his reaction showed mode of life, often made him seem more strength than weakness. hard, even toward friends, but he was In the background of a not-too-happy the first to suffer. A tenderness spring­ childhood, there arose in the child’s ing from the heart would strive to soul yearnings for a higher life; short­ allay the pain he could not help in­ age of love in his family circle incited flicting on others. him to seek the love of God. The let­ The mysticism of Saint-Martin was ters of Saint-Martin tell us how con­ not abstract and separated from life. He scientiously he tried to fulfill his duty endeavored to penetrate the very depth toward his father, even at the cost of of the Godhead and with the search­ great sacrifice, thereby impeding the lights of knowledge illuminate all the plans he had made for his future. After aspects of life. He had discovered the he had finished school, his father secret of happiness on earth, perfect wanted him to study law; Saint-Martin balance between law and duty, har­ was obedient to this wish. Neverthe­ mony of professed ideals with every­ less, he was soon convinced of the im­ day life. He considered that the co­ possibility of continuing in this direc­ existence of various people should be tion. The intricacies of law, its rela­ based on fraternity, leading toward the tivity, went against the grain of his spiritual equality of all and to the free­ character. He was looking for another dom which is the natural outcome of sort of law. In this period of his life, the principles of brotherhood. he could not see his way clearly, con­ The doctrine of Saint-Martin is clear scious will power was still missing— and simple. Its truth can be easily per­ thence his second mistake: military ceived by any man of good will, because service. This also did not last long, The the French mystic had first gained the but in this station of life something Rosicrucian knowledge of divine laws and fashioned began to crystallize in the interior of his doctrine accordingly. Through his his being—a door seemed to open on Digest works he desired to diffuse the light of the enchanted garden in which he was December knowledge imparted to him by revela­ to begin his mission. He became ac­ 1947 tion, and yet a dread of possible abuse quainted with Monsieur de Grainville, an officer like himself, and with De gave an unwanted glamour to his mis­ Balzac, both disciples of Martinez Pas- sion. He felt a new plenitude of real­ quales. Gradually their relations grew ization, a freedom from the fettering closer. Saint-Martin was received into influence of the exterior world, hence­ the inner circle of Martinez Pasquales; forward only a field of action, a scope he became initiated and became to M ar­ of fruitful service. The great French tinez Pasquales a chosen pupil and Revolution left him unshaken. As an secretary. initiate of high degree, he could easily Saint-Martin left the army and de­ unravel the meaning of tremendous voted himself entirely to his work. The events but, though compassionate for idea of the Reintegration of Mankind the mass of suffering showered on advanced by Martinez Pasquales ap­ France, he never tried to avert the deci­ pealed to him strongly. Loyally and sions of destiny as did other initiates, with great fervor, Saint-Martin began according to Cazotte, a man of high to execute all the orders of his Master, moral worth and a mystic, with whom studying his theory, submitting to he was in close relations. When death recommended and theurgic practices. overshadowed Paris, snatching at high­ born victims, Saint-Martin felt safe in Significant Influences this city, while he gave help to the The turning point in the life of Saint- needy without fear for his own life Martin came when he met the “Un­ which he had entrusted to God. When known Agent” (L’Agent Inconnu). forced to leave for Amboise he remained This was a being who belonged to the there to the end of his days, correcting higher spiritual planes, put his stamp and completing his work. Pie died on on the lodge at Lyons, and especially October 13, 1803. The pupils of Saint- inspired Saint-Martin. Now the indi­ Martin state that the last moments of viduality of Saint-Martin began to crys­ his life were ecstatic. Light surrounded tallize, making him more and more and transfigured him. He already had interested in regard to the collective lived on another plane, and proved that work in the lodges and to new personal the death of a mystic and initiate is contacts as, for example, with the Mes­ free from the dread of the unknown. meric Society, and the numerous occult­ For a liberated soul, death is a shaking ists of the time—English, Italian, Pol­ off of the limitations of matter, a re­ ish, and Russian. turn from exile, a reunion with the Friendships with women played an Celestial Father. important part in the life of Saint- The Mission Martin; their tone was lively and en­ thusiastic, and seemed to flow from a We propose now, after having pe­ need of spiritual communion with the rused available documents, to present pole of eternal womanhood. However, more exactly the phases of the develop­ Saint-Martin used to say that he was ment of Saint-Martin. His soul sought made solely for spiritual life; he never to manifest itself in exterior life in a married. way corresponding to his yearnings and His biographers enumerate a list of vague desires. His meeting with De prominent women of the time. The Grainville and De Balzac brought a Duchess of Bourbon, Madame de Bry, change in his whole life. He seemed to Madame de Saint-Dicher, Madame de receive a patent directive as to the Polomieu, Madame de Brissac, and future trend of his life. From his early others. A significant role in the life of youth he was always ready for an Saint-Martin was played by Madame eager subjection to the interior impera­ de Boecklin (thanks to her spirituality tive. Never did his exterior nature give and her great intelligence). She in­ opposition. It seemed to be a foresight spired him to read the works of Jacob of his own mission which exacted a Boehme. The preceding years of his holocaustal renouncement of his lower life were only a preparation, for now nature, a compromise in the service of his soul opened like a flower. The light truth, modesty and humility. of spiritual knowledge streamed from Martinez Pasquales was the first the works of Boehme into the prepared teacher of Saint-Martin. The chief interior of Saint-Martin’s being and (Continued on Page 423) The “World-Master” Bugaboo By the Grand Secretary (From The American Rosae Crucis—October 1916)

o m u c h is being said and Cannot real, ordinary, practical, written these days about good human beings of American fealty different “World Mas­ and American patriotism show to us ters” who are coming mortals the way to Light? Or are we S here from the East and ever to be considered as hero-worship- South, to reform or re­ pers, carrying in our pockets miniature vise the thinking of the portraits of a child or a mystic who is Occident, that one will coming someday to lift us out of the find relief in the Rosi­ bonds of slavery to the freedom of Love crucian statement: “We have no World and Happiness? Master coming!” And—are not the natural laws of Various occult, esoteric, or fanatic God, the inspiration of God, and the organizations in America have claimed, dictates of God sufficient for us any from time to time, that in a far distant longer? Must Jesus be reborn for our country a child prodigy or a superman salvation? Did not the once present- are awaiting the time when they will on-earth Jesus give us all the most prac­ be called here by their respective organ­ tical, helpful, and simple laws that we izations to go among the people and require for attaining physical and preach. spiritual perfection so that the Kingdom In some cases the “World Master” is of Heaven might be attained? claimed to be a reincarnation of the Rosicrucianism teaches—and demon­ m an Jesus, or “The Messiah,” or the strates—that God has already revealed Christ. In other cases he is a mystic unto men the manner in which all who has lived continually on the earth mankind may attain perfection. It for thousands of years and has discov­ demonstrates in a practical way that no ered the principle, law, or secret of liv­ one man can accomplish a reformation ing forever. of the world, but that by cooperation In nearly all cases money is con­ through unity, without superior per­ stantly solicited for the support and sonalities, and with equal humility, all eventual transportation of the “World may bring about that which no self- Master” to the much reform-burdened styled “World-Master” can accomplish. America. Rosicrucians have no World Master. T he W hy? Each group of workers in a Lodge has Rosicrucian Does America need a World Master, a master who is their master servant— a superman, a mystic god, an avatar not one who is superior to them, but D igest of the Orient, to lead it to an under­ equal with them. Each nation, each December standing of goodness, love, justice, section of a nation, has its Grand Mas­ 1947 peace, and power? ter, who is the greater servant. Each Jurisdiction has its Imperator, who is him for his service as a brother, he will the greatest servant of all because he never come to this country as a World serves the greatest number and is the Master to reform us or to demand hom­ most humble. Our most beloved Mas­ age, honor, tribute, or ceremony. By ter is our supreme executive in Mem­ invitation he may come sometime as a phis, Egypt, and he holds that position brother calling upon his beloved not because of any superior knowledge brothers and sisters, but his visit will or power, but because he has demon­ not be preceded by contributions and strated his ability and willingness to assessments or arrangements like unto sacrifice his whole life to an almost in­ the preparations for a king or demi­ conspicuous but a mighty service to god—that is not Rosicrucianism, what­ hundreds of thousands of human beings ever else it may be. We are not given in all parts of the world. And while to the worship or glorification of human we all would like to see the dear old personalities, but of God, now and for- El Moria Ra of Memphis and thank evermore. V V V Temple Echoes B y Platonicus, F.R.C.

l e s s e d Christmas is near again. For a few days just before Decem­ ber 25 an aura of peace and good will does seem to settle over the world. The harsh voices and hate of unending conflict are stilled momentarily, and men wonderingly contemplate their latent brotherhood. The effective return of Christ will be when this spirit of Christ­ mas reigns permanently among men. Jesus need not and probably will not return as an historical person, but the infusion of Christ Consciousness into the hearts and minds of thousands of ready persons throughout the world will signalize the New Dispensation, the millenium of peace. Ah, that peace might come through our fervent desire for it! The rude fact is that the majority of men still do not effectively live and think in terms of peace. If present policies continue between nations, and permanent peace is not established within the next five years, there is due to follow an immense catastrophe, and then the hope of some kind of enduring peace for the hapless survivors. Drastic a perspective as this may be, it holds no terror for the mystical con­ sciousness. We are trying each day to live in truth and in peace. We are trying to ameliorate, in our small and humble ways, the fearful Karma which man is creating through his ignorance and blind selfishness. For an additional Christmas thought of hope, let us cherish the wisdom of the statement of Socrates that, “no evil can befall the good man, either in this world or the next.” Christmas points up the goodness and love in mankind, the final and deathless reality of these divine attributes. The spirit of hatred, war, and covetousness is fleeting and impermanent as the sands of time. The spirit of Christmas abides in the consciousness of God, and is as eternal as Infinite Mind itself, which is the All, that alone truly is. V V V

One should be neither elated nor grieved over the present. The present is so fleeting that the causes of either sentiment are past when their effects are realized. Therefore, just say of what you experience, ‘It is well.’—V alidivar. Is There a Shangri-La in Tibet?

c c o k d i n g to Hilton’s book that they contain some of the highest The Lost Horizon, the peaks in the world. In fact, Hilton con­ hero, Mr. Conway, and tinuously speaks of the great moun­ his companions were tain of this range called Kctrakal which somewhere in Afghan­ is 28,000 feet high. This Karakal is istan. Obviously, the plainly visible to the people in the val­ supposed town from ley of Shangri-La. “La,” of course, is which they started, the Tibetan word for “mountain pass” Baskul, is a veiled name. and “Shangri” is the idealized name The author could not afford to pin given to the valley position by the old down any definite city as he would Lama. have become involved in political diffi­ Nicholas Roerich in his many books culties. From this city in Afghanistan, such as Aum, Altai Himalaya, and so across theTibetan mountains, through forth, specifically mentions that there the famous Khyber Pass, down to are great Masters in the unnamed, un­ Peshawar in India was only a short known positions of Tibet. The Rosi­ airplane hop, and the book plainly crucian Manual speaks of the Masters states that this Peshawar was the des­ being in some high far-off position of tination of Conway’s group. However, Tibet and gives the name of the place the airplane, instead of carrying them where the Master K. H. lived, but, of southeast, carried them southwest, over course, you cannot locate this name on the Tibetan mountains into a range of any map or atlas. mountains in Tibet known as the Kun­ We can surmise that there is a place lun Mountains. Hilton spells this name comparable and perhaps even greater Kuen-Lun Mountains. At the bottom of than Shangri-La, somewhere in the page 61 and the top of page 62, Hilton vast uninhabited positions of Tibet plainly describes these mountain and, since the Kunlun Mountains are ranges. These mountain ranges are not little known to us today, we may as­ purely matters of imagination, nor are sume th at such a place m ay exist among they fiction. They can be found on any those mountains. Recent and frequent atlas or even any small globe map of military flights “over the hump,” or the the world. Geologists readily admit that mountains of Tibet, have not revealed as far as they know they are unin­ to the crews any strange or large cities habited and largely unexplored, and or structures, however.

The THIRD DEGREE TEMPLE INITIATION Rosicrucian The Third Degree Initiation will be given at 3:15 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 1948, at the Oakland Lodge, Room 406, 610 16th Street. Those wishing to take this initiation Digest please register with the Secretary of the Lodge. The Initiation fee is a one-dollar Decem ber contribution to the General Fund. 1947 UNKNOWN PHILOSOPHER previously, was his contact with the so- (Continued from Page 419) called Unknown Agent, whose com­ municated teaching made a profound idea of his doctrine of the reintegration impression on him. It was at this time of man—that is, man’s return to that that he wrote his first book: On Error primary state before his plunge into and Truth. Ever trying in all his aims the material world of phenomena— to be as near truth as possible, he signed swept Saint-Martin. Overcome by the this book with the name “The Un­ greatness of truth and beauty, he will­ known Philosopher.” This inspired ingly devoted himself to all necessary work, because of its unusual tenor, studies and required practices. In the started much discussion, especially in school of Martinez at Lyons the way the circles of the Illuminati. Its thesis toward Illuminism led through prac­ was that through the knowledge of his tices of ceremonial magic. T he last own nature man can attain the knowl­ goal was the union with God. Martinez edge of his Creator and of all creation, Pasquales founded a convent in Lyons and also of the fundamental laws of under the name of Elus Cohens. It was the Universe found reflected in the law a time when great interest was made by man. In this light was shown awakened by esoteric problems, by so- the importance of free will, this funda­ called magic. Under the guidance of mental aptitude of man, which when Villermoz, whom Saint-Martin came to ill-used, leads to the fall of man, and know, the Lyons Lodge expanded. when used for the good leads to the en­ The doctrine of Martinez magic and franchisement and resurrection in the theurgy seemed most appropriate to spirit. The Unknown Agent was active Villermoz. It was his mission to spread in the Lyons Lodge and copies were Illuminism in France. He appreciated made of his teachings. Saint-Martin team work. Common pursuits at first eagerly assimilated these teachings and drew those two eminent pupils of Mar­ as time passed and he himself received tinez together, but there soon appeared revelation he desired to share it with their differences of character and psy­ the members of the Lyons Lodge. chic organization. They parted on the Dazzled and exhilarated by the light question of methods leading to the ulti­ of his own knowledge, he expected the mate goal. Villermoz chose the mental same reaction on the part of his breth­ way which exacted an intellectual de­ ren. How great and painful was his velopment and found its expression in disappointment when he met with a ceremonial magic, whereas Saint-Mar­ cold and suspicious reception on the tin chose the way of the heart and part of the assembly. This experience found his expression in pure theurgy. proved tremendous because he realized H e found magic undesirable because it the dread responsibility of unveiling magnified individual will power, which lofty truths to the unprepared. It was often led to pride, imperceptibly pene­ a blow which through him reached the trated into the interior, and caused, if Great Mediator and was all the more not a fall, a stumbling on the way to painful. After this, Saint-Martin de­ renascence. On the contrary theurgy veloped a great reserve, a fear of di­ as recognized by Saint-Martin devel­ vulging higher knowledge. Here we oped ever-deeper humility, because of find the explanation of a certain ob­ the tightening of the bond with God scurity veiling the light contained in through prayer and imploration. Hu­ his work. He apparently adopted the mility and simplicity, these two domi­ Pythagorean maxim: “Man has only nant traits of Saint-Martin’s character, one mouth and two ears.” made him shun the pomp and resplen­ The exterior life of our Unknown dent form affected by the lodges. He Philosopher was a living web on which was looking for a direct and simple ex­ the thread of his interior life embroid­ pression of the experiences of the soul. ered the design, and for its perfection He wanted above all to see and demon­ he knew how to use any happening, strate the precious essence left by the fortunate or unfortunate, always find­ intercourse with the Upper Powers. ing therein a concealed instruction. An important landmark of Saint- Saint-Martin discovered the great Martin’s development, as mentioned worth of silence, a condition absolutely necessary to assure inspiration. Was now any man can take part in the not silence a mantle protecting the work of restoration of the old order invisible world from profanation? and return to the old laws which are Nevertheless the school of silence was at the service of every creature. hard for a mystic of his temperament, Saint-Martin was an ardent foe of whose soul desired above all to throw the philosophy of atheism and material­ light into the dusk of ignorance. ism then rife in the whole of Europe. A dry dogma could only impede the In this period one can see the full indi­ creative torrent of his interior life— vidual richness of the Unknown Phil­ silence could not fence his activity, but osopher. He unites the cognizance it served him to weigh spiritual gold gained from the invisible world with before abandoning it to his pupil. the knowledge of mind, and both things combined give the fullness of his teach­ Next in turn was Saint-Martin’s book ings which deal with all the problems Tableau Naturel (Natural Picture). touching the conditions of the develop­ Here the author treats of the relation ment of individuals, societies, and na­ between God, man, and nature. Man tions. This was the time of his untir­ was deprived of his higher aptitudes ing activity, of his numerous contacts and means, by reason of his plunge in in his own country and abroad. He matter so deeply that he lost the con­ found time for a large correspondence science of his primary nature, existent and shared with others the fruit of his prior to his fall, which was a reflection knowledge. The influence of Saint- of the image of God. Thus was man Martin and the diffusion of his teach­ subjected to the laws reigning in the ings in France, England and Russia physical world. Through his fall, man date from the year 1785. This is shown stepped out of the frame of his own by his letters and the work of Lon- rights and ceased to be a link between ginow: Nowikow and the Moscow Mar- God and Nature. Man possesses higher tinists. psychic aptitudes which can subject the senses and the forces of nature, if When in London he met Law, the he becomes independent of the en­ mystic, and also M. Belz, the famous croachment of the senses, without fore­ clairvoyant. This meeting proved very going the possibility of making them important. He became a friend of serve him to enlarge the scope of his Zinovoew and of Prince Galitzin, who knowledge. Man as a rule possesses introduced Martinism into Russia. If the faculty of perceiving law, order, Martinism was criticized and perse­ unity, wisdom, justice, and power of a cuted, it was only the result of igno­ higher grade. By subjecting himself to rance as to the essence and the aims of the working of his own will, he can re­ this doctrine, and also the result of the turn to the fount of knowledge still human faults of sundry Martinists— existing in him; he can restore the weak and incomplete natures, unequal unity which was the beginning of all. to the high moral stand demanded by The renascence of man was made pos­ the teachings of Saint-Martin. sible by the sacrifice of the Savior, and (To be concluded in the next issue)

DIGNIFY YOUR MAIL

We suggest the beautiful Rosicrucian seals for your Christmas packages and letters. They are printed in red and gold and bear the name and symbol of the Rosicrucian Order. They will not only enhance the appearance of your packages and letters, but, in The a dignified manner, draw the attention of many persons to the Rosicrucian organization. Do yourself and A. M. 0. R. C. a service. Order a package of 100 for 60 cents. Send order and remittance to Rosi­ D igest crucian Supply Bureau, San Jose, California. December 1947 The “Cathedral of the Soul” is a Cosmic meeting place for all minds of the most highly developed and spiritually advanced members and workers of the Rosicrucian fraternity. It is the focal point of Cosmic radiations and thought waves from which radiate vibrations of health, peace, happiness, and inner awakening. Various periods of the day are set aside when many thousands of minds are attuned with the Cathedral of the Soul, and others attuning with the Cathedral at the time will receive the benefits of the vibrations. Those who are not members of the organization may share in the unusual benefits as well as those who are members. The book called “Liber 777” describes the periods for various contacts with the Cathedral. Copies will be sent to persons who are not members if they address their requests for this book to Friar S. P. C., care of AMORC Temple, San Jose, California, enclosing three cents in postage stamps. (Please state whether member or not—this is important.)

THE WEIGHT OF PREJUDICE

rejudice is an opinion speaking, is made up of fact and fancy. which is frequently de­ Facts are based upon objective proofs veloped to the point of which cannot be denied in the popular carrying the weight of a sense of the word. Fancies are either P conviction. While preju­ purely imaginary ideas and beliefs or dice is usually held by conclusions that have been based upon an individual in the something that has been accepted as name of reason, it actu- fact. The elaborations upon the source ______ally is not based upon of the fact may be entirely out of pro­ reason. The person who indicates preju­ portion to the truth or falsity of the dice is one who has formulated an fundamental principle. The term fact opinion about a subject, person, or here is rather loosely used. It is again thing, and has decided that only in his more or less an opinion of the indi­ belief can the correct or righteous view­ vidual. However, when once, through point be maintained. the working of his mind, a person ar­ Oddly enough, it is often difficult to rives at a fixed opinion based upon trace the source of an opinion that re­ what he accepts as fact, the prejudice sults in prejudice. It is so vaguely is formed. related to the individual’s past experi­ Prejudice is a personal thing. The ence that its true roots cannot be found. reason it cannot be dislodged by an­ The life of each individual, mentally other’s reasoning is because it partakes of a part of the personality of the one ing with his prejudices, but our an­ who holds it. A prejudice is so fixed noyance is mild in comparison to the that many persons will resist any at­ burden and confusion that gradually tempt to dislodge it with reason. To a grows in the mind of the prejudiced certain extent, we take pride in our person, who necessarily must draw prejudices. We believe that they are, more and more into aloneness in order in a sense, our private property, and to live exclusively with the prejudices we challenge anyone to try to show us which cannot be shared by those who wherein our opinion is wrong. see more clearly the very things that Frequently, prejudice is carried not this opinionated individual’s own men­ in the name of the thing which seems tal attitude has shut out. to support it, but in elaborations about We must not be too objective in con­ it. For example, there are many preju­ sidering the question of prejudice. We dices related to politics and religion. are prone to speak of such things as Usually it is not on the basis of the if they were the exclusive property of fundamental belief, principle, or ideal someone else. Actually, prejudice ex­ of a political or religious question that ists in everybody. It is not a matter of a prejudice is formed, but rather upon presence or absence, but rather a mat­ one’s personal interpretation of some ter of degree. Each of us has certain more or less minor factor related to prejudices, and if they cannot be re­ these things. A religious prejudice is moved by reason, how then are we to more apt to be based upon a man-made relieve ourselves of the burden which doctrine than upon a fundamental re­ we carry? It is true that another’s rea­ ligious principle. Prejudice has caused son will not usually talk us out of an men to fight over religious opinions opinion, but this is not true in regard and ideas when the very founder of the to our reason. If we, as individuals, religion involved may have stood pri­ take stock of our viewpoints, if we ex­ marily for peace and tolerance. amine our own opinions that we carry It is annoying to deal with a person and express, probably to the annoyance who has built up many prejudices. It of those with whom we associate, we is annoying for the reason that we may be surprised, if honest in our know by experience that such a person analysis, how many prejudices we cannot be reasoned with, cannot be have. frankly dealt with because in his mind A constant alertness to the existence his opinion offsets all attacks or efforts of our own unfounded or biased opin­ to bring about a change from the out­ ions is the first step, and probably the side. Men with many prejudices little hardest, in clearing our own thinking realize that each prejudice they have is of prejudice. It is of far more impor­ a burden upon themselves. Prejudice tance, however, even if we do not feel is like a fog—one is constantly groping that we have the strength and power to see the real and the clear. As a man to eliminate prejudice entirely from becomes tired and discouraged trying to our minds, to be alert to our expressions locate an unfamiliar place in a fog, so of prejudice and keep them at a mini­ does man in life become discouraged mum. As children we were taught to and cynical in trying to locate true count ten before answering when angry values or reality in the universe as he or aroused emotionally. If the adult constantly peers out through his fog population of the world would count to of prejudice. Such a concept of fixed ten before dogmatically expressing opinions by an individual shows that opinions, we might see a brighter light it is only the one who is burdened by toward the solution of both individual prejudices that is actually hurt by and social problems than we now see them. We may annoy another in deal­ on the horizon of the future.

T h e V V V Rosicrucian Digest We think our civilization near its meridian, but we are yet only at the cock- Decem ber crowing and the morning star. In our barbarous society the influence of charac­ 1947 ter is in its infancy.—Emerson, Essay on Politics. [426 ] Real Mysticism

B y D r . H . Spencer Lewis, F.R.C. From Rosicrucian Digest, December 1933

Since thousands of readers of the Rosicrucian Digest have not read many of the earlier articles of our late Imperator, Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, we adopted the editorial policy of publishing each month one of his outstanding articles, so that his thoughts would continue to reside within the pages of this publication.

• is n o t my intention to For a long period I have been gather­ speak at this time of the ing evidence from ancient records and many significant things from very reliable sources regarding that may come to the the private and secret work carried on mind during the coming by Jesus as a necessary phase of His holiday season, but there Divine mission. I feel tempted to put is one outstanding these facts into a book some day, as we thought which occurs to have contemplated for a long time, and me and which may be of I may do so if I find there is sufficient interest to our members and friends. interest in this subject.* The coming of Christmas Day brings The facts discovered up to the pres­ keenly to our minds the fact that it is ent time plainly indicate that while the anniversary celebration of the birth Jesus did select twelve Disciples to be of a great leader of men, and along His special representatives in a worldly with this thought comes the intriguing sense these twelve were selected from a picture of His mission in life and the larger group of specially initiated and great work which He accomplished. specially concealed students of a secret It is commonly believed even by school which He conducted in Palestine. those most devout Christians that Jesus The twelve thus selected for outer con­ selected from among His many follow­ tact and for worldly recognition were ers only twelve who were to become representative of the twelve classifica­ His Disciples and that to these twelve tions of mankind and of the twelve and to all who would listen and under­ channels of activity necessary to estab­ stand, He revealed all of His marvelous lish the outer worldly section of His teachings and all of the wonderful reve­ great system of Divine revelation and lations which God inspired in His heart Divine power. The real inner secret and mind. And it is generally believed body of students, however, was 120 in that these Disciples and those who suc­ number and included women as well ceeded them went forth to all parts of as men, and even His own mother. the world to reveal to mankind all of This group of ten times tw'elve was the teachings of Jesus and that the carefully protected from the scrutiny of Christian church is still devoted to a the public and shielded from discovery complete and unrestricted presentation by the Roman and Jewish authorities. O of everything that Jesus believed and The group was organized as a secret yiruiTj revealed to His followers. school on the same lines and principles This is a serious mistake and the as were the other ancient secret schools time is not far distant when the real *The Secret Doctrines of Jesus, Rosicrucian Supply facts in this regard will be made known. Bureau. Rosicrucian Park, San Jose, Calif. which Jesus had contacted in His early ized. The first united seer of Christian studies during His youth. In fact, there authority known later as the great Ro­ were other secret organizations in exist­ man Church followed out the ancient ence in Palestine during the time of system established by Jesus and had an His great work and He knew the great outer circle of worshippers and an in­ fundamental fact that not all of man­ ner circle of worshippers and students kind were prepared for the great truths of the secret mysteries. As time passed nor to he trusted with the mighty se­ on, however, die inner circle became crets which He was Divinely author­ more and more exclusive and the outer ized to reveal. Jesus did not have to circle became the real congregation of exclude any from His school on the the church. Today the outer congrega­ basis of personal preference but had to tion represents practically all there is select merely those who selected them­ of the Christian institution and the selves by their own sincerity and their mysteries and secrets are preserved and own desire and their own conscientious­ concealed by a few who keep them for ness. the exclusive understanding of the This secret group met in a secret Hierarchy of the Christian church. place sometimes in Jerusalem and This is not what Jesus intended and sometimes outside its walls, and that it is a restriction of the great work that secret place had a very definite name could be accomplished through an un­ and a very definite symbolical arrange­ derstanding of the Christian principles. ment. There were certain signs by In recent years many high and which the members of this large group learned theologians, representing the knew each other and recognized each various Protestant denominations, have other and certain passwords and phrases stated in their annual conclaves of which they used for gaining admission Christian leaders that the success of into their secret meetings and even a the Christian church today will depend secret way for entering the buildings upon how rapidly and how completely where the private meeting place was it reverts to the ancient system and concealed. Only one at a time would takes out of its musty archives and enter and then under observation and moldy crypts the hidden, concealed, guardianship so that the spies and and very important mystery teachings others who were trying to find the that should have been revealed through place would not observe the coming all of the past centuries. together of these 120 men and women. A study of the rituals used by the These facts are all revealed in certain earl}'- Christian secret schools and an pages of the authorized versions of the analysis of the mystery teachings given Christian Bible and have probably been privately by Jesus to His worthy stu­ read and misunderstood by millions of dents make fascinating reading and students and Christian exponents. It very instructive guidance even in these is only when they are read in connec­ modem times. The Rosicrucians tion with other facts and carefully (AMORC) as descendants from the analyzed that the secret school con­ Essenes, who were a part of the Chris­ ducted by Jesus is revealed. tian secret school, are probably the only In this school the great “mysteries” conservators and disseminators of most of the Christian doctrines were taught. of these Christian secrets, aided by the There is constant reference in the secret activities of one or two allied Christian Bible to the mysteries which organizations such as the Knights of the Jesus revealed to his Disciples and there Temple in Europe and the “brethren are many references to the fact that in white clothing” belonging to the an­ these mysteries constituted the real cient Memphis and Mizraim Rites. foundation of pure Christianity. The Undoubtedly, many clergymen of Disciples and missionaries who went various denominations and the average T h e out into the world after Jesus had devout Christian will challenge the Rosicrucian Hosed His great work were careful to statements I have made herewith and preserve the secrecy of these mysteries will protest against the idea that Jesus D igest and to reveal them only to certain did not reveal to the public everything Decem ber groups in different sections where true He knew and understood and that the 1947 churches were established and author­ Christian church today does not con- tain in its expounding of the Bible and great majority of Christian wor­ in its other special doctrines all of the shippers. true teachings of Jesus the Christ. It As the ages pass, however, the Di­ is not my intention to take issues with vinity and the marvelous wisdom of these good people but some day when Jesus become more and more recog­ the facts are revealed it will be their nized and glorified even though mil­ privilege—and their obligation—to re­ lions realize that His teachings have fute the statements if they can and to not been completely revealed. His prove that the foregoing contentions marvelous abilities through the unique are not true. power and authority He possessed are made sublimely admirable by His com­ In the meantime, every great student passion, humbleness, universal love, of mysticism of any school or system and gentleness. He was not only the continues to pay reverential homage to Light of the World but the leader in Jesus as the Divine Son and Divine man’s greatest cycle of evolution and Messenger of God, bringing to man the unfoldment, and there will be no need newest revelations from the conscious­ of a second coming of the Christ, nor ness of the Creator of all created things. of the sending of another Light Among Jesus did not intend to establish a sec­ Men, until the majority of human be­ tarian church but to point out The ings in this world have reached a de­ Way that leads to the true Kingdom of gree of comprehension of the truths Heaven. That a church of a limited which Jesus gave to us and we have sectarian nature was later established mastered these and lifted ourselves up­ deifying Him to a degree almost equal ward to a point where we are ready to God, if not often more potent than for a higher revelation. Mankind is God, is not a thing that should be cred­ today so far away from that point and ited to the activities of Jesus during His so far behind in that degree of evolu­ lifetime, for he insisted upon many tion that it would seem that the next occasions that he should not even be coming of a messenger from God will called great and that none was great be millions of years hence. Man is but God. That His teachings should be still at the very threshold of the cham­ limited to those who were worthy and ber of mysteries revealed to us by Jesus who could comprehend was no reflec­ and still an ignorant, wilful, sinful tion upon the personal attitude of Jesus child in the scheme of spiritual unfold­ but a reflection of the attitude of the ment. But with all of our ignorance public in His time and at the present and sinfulness and because of our child­ time. like nature we can still see the glory There are great powers and great and greatness of His mission and His possibilities contained in the secret messages and because of this we unite teachings revealed by Jesus and those in celebrating the anniversary of His who know these things plainly under­ birth and in paying homage to the spirit stand why the Christian church in the of universal love which He revealed to early centuries of the Christian era de­ man but which man fails to practice to liberately concealed these secret teach­ the same extent that he admires it and ings and why they are lost today to the hopes for it.

The Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Lodge

Each member should be familiar with the contents of the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Lodge with which he is affiliated. The rights and privileges of mem­ bership are clearly set forth in the Constitution, and it is prepared in a convenient booklet form at cost to members. Secure your copy from the Rosicrucian Supply Bureau for the small sum of 15c, to cover the expense of preparation and postage. SANCTUM MUSINGS

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

By T hor Kiim alehto, Sovereign Grand Master

h r i s t m a s — The Yuletide judge the poor, and reprove with equity —What memories full of for the meek of the earth.” (Is. 11:2-4) beauty and graciousness A personality of extraordinary sweet­ arise in the mind at the ness, beauty, and strength. A person­ sound of these magic ality to inspire reverence and love in words! On that one day the hearts of all who knew Him. A all Christendom is united. personality revealing vistas of unknown Poor, indeed, is the home spiritual heights to m ankind struggling that does not have its for the light. He is the foremost of the tree, no matter how small or how mea- great Avatars of the W estern races. gerly it may be adorned. Forlorn is the How pitiful is the tale of the cross. person who has nowhere to go, or no To quote Isaiah: “H e was oppressed, one to invite to share with him the and He was afflicted; yet He opened bounty of the festive occasion. Litera­ not His mouth: He was brought as a ture is replete with the gaiety and the lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep delight of the Yuletide—the mistletoe before her shearers is dumb, so He for lovers, the joyous carols, the special openeth not His m outh. He was taken church services, the family reunions. from prison and from judgment: and Beautiful, indeed, is it when men and who shall declare his generation? for women and children are united, even H e was cut off out of the land of the though only once a year, in peace, and living: for the transgression of my joy, and love. people was H e stricken.” (Is. 53:7-8) How glorious the personality of the Mankind has ever rejected its saviors. Master Jesus to whom this day is sanc­ Socrates drinking the hemlock, Jesus on tified! To Him the words of Isaiah can the Cross, Joan of Arc bound to the be fitly applied: “And the spirit of the stake—the roll call of the martyrs has Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of not yet been completed. Emerson said wisdom and understanding, the spirit of that the humblest man thinking of God counsel and might, the spirit of knowl­ can become God. So, indeed, the hum­ The edge and of the fear of the Lord: And blest, centering his life on Jesus, can grow into His likeness spiritually. To Rosicrucian shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: And he shall use the words of Marie Corelli, He is Digest not judge after the sight of his eyes, “The Master Christian.” December neither reprove after the hearing of his Have we done our duty when we in 1947 ears: But with righteousness shall he the expected and conventional manner have rhapsodized on the sanctity of this soothe the brokenhearted, each one of festive occasion and on the divinity of us still is responsible for every thought, the man whose birth we commemorate? word, and deed, and must bear the con­ Should we not search our hearts and sequences. This is the law. It is the see whether the seeds of His teachings badge of our divinity. are planted therein? The second point for us to bear in Let us ignore for the present the re­ mind is that Jesus did not incarnate in search of scholarship in regard to the order to give mankind another God to historicity of events and the source of worship. When a great Avatar appears each “saying” attributed to Him. The among men, his aim is to point the way Jesus that has captured the hearts of to the Greater Light, to demonstrate men is the Jesus of the what we can accom­ Gospels. W hat signifi­ plish in the course of cant spiritual concep­ time through patient tions have become as- endeavor and u n ­ sociated with His swerving faith, to name? Which of these prove the truth of the should we accept? teachings through his Which of these should own developed person­ we reject? ality and emancipated First of all, we must but controlled life. Fie reject the idea of sal­ reveals to us the free­ , By Erwin W. E. Watermeyer, dom to be attained vation from without M.A., F.B.C. the concept of vicari­ Director, AMOBC Technical Dept. through soul-personal- ous atonement, of ity development ac­ • Radar has found still another field blood atonement. Jesus of application: Dr. A. C. B. Lovell cording to Divine of Manchester University in Eng­ died for us only in land has used radar waves to dis­ Law. But mankind, this respect that Fie cover the existence of meteor being impatient, showers during the daytime, when showed the w ay to they would ordinarily be unde­ q u i c k ly discouraged tectable, due to the brilliant light five. M y conviction is of the sun. and easily led astray, that a man’s salvation finds it easier to wor­ • According to Dr. L. S. Morvay of lies within himself. Newark. New Jersey, the pain ship than to emulate. resulting from a tooth extraction Let a man analyze his may be greatly lessened or even As the years pass, we character and his life prevented by proper diet before have the astounding and after the operation. Such a remorselessly; let a diet should be highly alkaline; it spectacle of a teacher should commence approximately man strengthen his 24 hours before the extraction being transformed in­ will to overcome and continue for two days there­ to a pagan god. The weakness and vice; let after. rites of Tam m uz of • Dr. O. Struve, director of both a man do his natural Yerkes Observatory and McDon­ Babylon and Osiris of duties faithfully, and ald Observatory, has discovered Egypt are transferred that the star named Antares— he needs no salvation which is part of the constellation to Him. The festivities of Scorpio and which consists of from without. A sin­ two enormous stars: one of red of the Sun-god, of the cere man guides his color over 400 times as large as winter solstice, are as- the sun; the other, a smaller star conduct as far as he of blue color—is actually located sociated with His at the center of a huge cloud of can according to the iron dust, a cloud ten times as birthday. The holly, law of love; he learns large as the diameter of our solar the mistletoe, the from the consequences system . Christmas tree, Santa of his actions and his Claus—are all incor­ mistakes, and holds himself morally re­ porated from pagan rituals. Not only sponsible for his acts. He never takes has the most human of men suffered refuge in mere legality. His actions a pagan metamorphosis, but His spring from his heart, and his heart is teachings have been twisted to sanc­ prompted by love. tion the brutal ethics of martial and There is no such thing as vicarious predatory states. The name of the atonement. Although we are in duty Prince of Peace has been used to pre­ bound to help one another, and we try cipitate as many battles as that of to mitigate the effects of errors and ig­ the name of Mars, the so-called god of norance, and aim to bind up the war. The teachings of Him who chided wounds, strengthen the weary, and the legalists of His day with Flis re­ proving, “The Sabbath was made for through with courage and faith. We man, not man for the Sabbath,” have can refuse to be crushed. We can arise become petrified and devitalized in and build our lives anew. We can equally elaborate and hampering cere­ stretch out our hands to all about us monials. and help them bear their burdens. As Throughout the ages man has taken long as incarnation upon earth is neces­ the easiest way, the path of least resist­ sary, so long must the purifying fire ance. Man has taken refuge in form, burn. If we bear in mind that the laws convention, ceremony, and ritual, be­ of the Universe were framed by Infi­ cause the more difficult task is to nite Love and Wisdom, we can pass purify the heart, to strengthen the will, through without resentment, self-pity, to live the life of love and sacrifice. or despair. Look not upon the tests, The words of Isaiah have applied to the trials, the difficulties of life as pun­ every generation of man: “Your new ishment, but rather as opportunities to moons and your appointed feasts my gain experience in unknown phases of soul hateth: they are a trouble unto life, for the development of our soul- me; I am weary to bear them. And personalities. How could we know our when ye spread forth your hands, I will possibilities if we spent our lives in the hide mine eyes from you; yea, when garden of Paradise? ye m ake many prayers, I wall not hear: Peace on Earth, good will to men, is your hands are full of blood. Wash the message of the Prince of Peace, you, make you clean; put away the evil which the distracted world, rent by bit­ of your doings from before mine eyes; ter strife, sorely needs today. But peace cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek on earth, good will to men is possible judgment, relieve the oppressed; judge only when we live the life that Jesus the fatherless; plead for the widow.” exemplified. Peace on earth can be­ (Is. 1:14-17) come a reality only when the majority The third point that we should bear of human beings desire peace, will in mind is that Jesus did not die for peace, and concentrate their thought our sins on the cross. The crucifixion upon peace. is the symbol of purifying fire through which every Soul must pass in the This is the message of the Yuletide. course of its incarnation on earth. Our This is the meaning of one of the most old Self must die, our material desires sacred days of the year. Let us build must be eliminated, and the new Self into our lives the qualities that Jesus rise phoenixlike from the pyre. The illustrated in His parables. Let us be caterpillar seems to die in the chrysalis, compassionate as He was compassion­ but at the proper time the winged and ate. Let us love peace since He is the beautiful butterfly emerges. As Emer­ Prince of Peace. Let us be generous son pointed out, the Soul grows through because His hands were ever stretched ascension of state. Our material life is out to help the weary, the poor, and the our cross, and our agony the crucifixion. fallen. Let us be firm as He was firm We pass through the purifying fire of when He drove the money-changers pain and sorrow and loss. We cannot from the Temple. Let us develop our­ escape these experiences. Not all the selves as He did when He made Him­ prayers and affirmations in the world self the master of the wisdom of the will win us exemption. What we sow, ages. We reverence and honor the we shall reap; however, we can pass Master Christian. V V V What a fool cannot learn he laughs at, thinking that by his laughter he shows superiority instead of latent idiocy. And so it has happened that many of the greatest discoveries of science, though fully known and realized in the T h e Past by the initiated few, were never disclosed to the many until in recent Rosicrucian years> when ‘wireless telegraphy’ and Tight rays’ are accepted facts, though these very things were familiar to the Egyptian priests and to that particular sect D igest known as the ‘Hermetic Brethren,’ many of whom used the ‘violet ray’ for D ecem ber chemical and other purposes ages before the coming of Christ. 1947 —Marie Corelli, from Life Everlasting Get Rid of Those Fears By James O. Crom well, M.D., F.R.C.

e a r burdens humanity in Even in such cases, however, the inter­ obvious as well as ob­ pretation of the situation as dangerous scure ways. It is the and the arousal of the emotion of fear emotional reaction to depends to some extent upon forgotten danger, prompting an past experiences recorded in the mem­ urge to escape. When ory storehouse of the mind. fear occurs, it is gener­ Anxiety and Neurosis ally in a situation in Fears which may be classified into which we anticipate trou­ ble which we might not be able to cope a fourth group are those not commonly with adequately. Thus fear depends thought of as fear. These fears stem upon our interpretation of a situation from mental processes which go on be­ rather than upon the situation itself. low the level of consciousness, and The attempt to distinguish types of exert their effects upon us in various fears helps in understanding them. ways. First, there are fears which arise in If we have developed sufficient un­ situations where there is a reasonable derstanding, we may be capable of probability of encountering a destruc­ transmuting these fear-urges into crea­ tive physical force. Consequently, we tive tendencies. Most of us cannot do this successfully, but we may be capa­ may know in advance the probability ble of keeping the fear-urges from pro­ of our becoming physically mutilated. ducing any definitely handicapping During bombing raids, examples of this type of fear were many. Second, there effects. Perhaps most of us also fail in this respect. The commonest expres­ are fears which arise in situations in which only our sense of security ap­ sion of this type of fear is its appear­ pears to be in jeopardy—ordinary ance in our consciousness as a perva­ worry provides innumerable instances. sive distressing tension, called anxiety. Many persons who have grown up in Third, there are a few people who suf­ fer from obsessive fears or phobias. The American culture are handicapped by the direct and the indirect effects of important characteristic of these fears anxiety. It is the noxious agent which is that the victim cannot stop thinking the fear-invoking thought. I recall a generates the symptoms of neurosis. It man who became panic stricken every helps mold many of our character traits, and is partially responsible for time he entered a small office room. some of our fixed ideas and closed-mind Another man, although he dearly loved attitudes. It is a factor in the genesis his wife, felt repeatedly, throughout of many physical illnesses. In short the day, that he must hurt her. This it is a prime requisite in much unhap­ O thought produced beads of perspiration y~u~u~u~j piness and ill-health. and near panic. In all of the three types of fears thus The Personality far considered the person is consciously Let us consider some factors which aware of being apprehensive or afraid. are important in the coming of fear in­ to being. At birth we are endowed with difficult to recall as the time between the bodily structures requisite for re­ the experience and the attempted recol­ acting strongly to many emotional lection is increased. Second, in general urges, but the reasoning or interpreta­ an experience is more readily recalled tive faculty of our minds is limited. W e when it is associated with some strong impulsively seek emotional and sensory emotion. Also, events associated with pleasure, and strive to avoid emotional a large number of other events are as and sensory pain. But these impulsive a rule more easily recalled than are responses at birth are associated with those associated with fewer events. and aroused by but a few kinds of ex­ Another psychological factor is the periences. During a lifetime our per­ “will to forget” ana the “will to re­ sonalities are further altered to conform member.” Events are more readily re­ to our expanding awareness of the called when they are learned while value of things. The personality at there is a conscious will to remember birth can be conceived of as a system them. Conversely, the will to forget of dynamic energy occupying space and tends to assure that result. The reader motivating the body. During life, the can draw on his own experience to il­ personality system of energy interacts lustrate these principles. with forces which come within its field Some factors which make it difficult of experience. These experience-ener- to recall events operate more or less gies leave an imprint upon the person- unconsciously. One of these is the alitv-energy-system, altering it qualita­ simultaneous presence of opposing emo­ tively and quantitatively. Thereby a tional urges. This is illustrated by a thing experienced is recorded as a recent experience of mine: I intensely “memory.” And this record partakes want a certain thing at the present of the qualities of the life force; that is, time, and have wanted it for months. it is charged with more or less emo­ It is something I feel would be defi­ tional feeling, a quantitative aspect nitely to my advantage should I be which urges action, and is given mean­ able to obtain it, but, to do so, I must ing or interpreted as a qualitative seek the favor of men for whom I have aspect. mixed feelings. I do admire some of In our younger years, however, we their accomplishments, but I feel some tend to react to experiences overly resentment against them, and some fear strong quantitatively, and the values as to how they will react to m y petition. we ascribe to such experience are ill Recently, one of them gave me the defined and tend to be inaccurate in­ names of three others, with instructions terpretations of reality. Hence, in that I get their telephone numbers from childhood many experiences arouse his secretary, and then call them for fear out of all proportion to the real appointments. I have intended to do danger as it is understood by adults. this for several days, but somehow I Also, many childhood experiences are have unintentionally forgotten to call really far more dangerous to a child the secretary, and only think of it than most adults realize. For instance, after office hours when I know she will childhood whippings administered by not be at the telephone. the father may be actually horrible ex­ Also, certain ideas are kept out of periences to the child. In either event consciousness by opposing ideas; this the experience is soon “forgotten,” process operates automatically without which means it cannot readily be re­ our being conscious of what is happen­ called to consciousness. That its im­ ing. This condition partially accounts print upon the memory storehouse has for our success in avoiding thoughts we not been erased is proved frequently have come to interpret as being evil, when in the course of a personality- or taboo. I recognize this plainly in my study the memory is eventually repro­ own personality. Years have passed in The duced. which I have successfully avoided recognizing certain trends in my per­ Rosicrucian Does One Forget? sonality, and thus deluded myself as Digest Forgetting comes about in several to the whole truth about these trends. December ways. We may first consider events This process is underneath many of 1947 which tend to become more and more our psychological shortcomings. The rigid, the narrow-minded, the eccentric nesia, functional paralysis, and moods owe their unhealthy development to that swing toward elation or depression. unintentionally associating strong de­ This tension is also a factor in many structive emotions with certain ideas, more serious “mental” symptoms such by means of the principles underlying as hallucinations, delusions, ideas of in­ the process of forgetting. fluence, and bizarre behavior patterns. From this brief consideration of the psychology of forgetting, I hope that Health the implications pertaining to the emo­ tion of fear will be understood. Fear The above is a simple statement of becomes associated with many forgot­ some of the principles underlying the ten ideas. Forgotten ideas are not im­ development of mental ill-health. We potent superfluities of our minds; they are born with the tools for developing are dynamic centers tending always to traits which lead to either a healthy, well-adjusted personality, or which may radiate their form and power into the life force which nurtures all our con­ lead to ill-health and maladjustment. scious and unconscious urges. In other If the destructive emotions—fear, rage, words, such ideas tend constantly to hate, and their related emotional quali­ motivate our behavior. And in so far ties—become predominant in our ex­ as they exist as an energy focus of fear, periences, and these experiences are they provide a fear-tinged coloring to thus forgotten, we gradually take on our motivations. This is part of the character traits which are motivated by psychological basis for the uncomforta­ these emotional trends, and such traits ble pervasive sense of tension we fre­ are the basis for ill-health and malad­ quently experience. And this primal justment. sense of unpleasant tension tends to On the other hand, to the extent attach itself to various ideas and that the creative emotions, confidence, thought complexes which appear as inner calm, love, and their related emo­ worry, doubt, guilt, shame, embarrass­ tional qualities are associated with for­ ment, phobias—or which may appear gotten experiences, we gradually take as “nervous” symptoms, such as trem­ on character traits which are motivated bling, palpitation, abdominal distress, by this type of emotions, and from this nausea, vomiting, headaches, weakness, condition come good health and good and a sense of fatigue, dizzy spells, am­ adjustment.

TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS Children are not a problem to parents or guardians who devote time to attain knowledge of the simple principles of correct training. A child can furnish an inter­ esting experience to parents who understand its mental and emotional tendencies. You can learn to direct the inner drives, and mold your child into a useful, happy individual. Whether or not your son or daughter becomes a well-adjusted person, skilled and capable in human affairs, depends upon YOU, for a child’s impressions of the world he lives in and the people he must later deal with are determined by his early relationships with his parents and parent-substitutes. The Child Culture Institute, directed by cultural advisors and child psychologists, can give you the latest information and best assistance for successful tutelage of children. EXPECTANT PARENTS. There is a special course of instruction available to the expectant mother. Like the course offered to those who are already parents, it does not give medical or physiological advice, but confines itself to teaching, in easy-to-under- stand language, many little-known facts (such as those pertaining to prenatal influence and the mental and emotional well-being of the expectant mother) that are not readily available from other sources. Write today for further information requesting the booklet Child Culture, which gives full details about the work of this Institute. Address: CHILD CULTURE INSTITUTE Rosicrucian Park San Jose, California Immortality

\ ^ / h a t s o e v e r that be within us that I m m o r t a l i t y is a word that Hope feels, thinks, desires, and animates, is through all the ages has been whisper­ something celestial, divine, and, conse­ ing to Love. quently, imperishable. — Ingersoll — Aristotle T h e r e is only one way to get ready A s O s i r i s lives, so shall he also live; for immortality and that is to love this as Osiris died not, so shall he also not life and live it as bravely, and faith­ die; as Osiris perished not, so shall he fully, and cheerfully as we can. also not perish. —Van Dyke —Pyramid Text T h e animal takes its stand on the M a n is so created that as to his in­ plant, man bestrides animality, and the ternal he cannot die, for he is capable whole of humanity, in space and time, of believing in God, and thus of being is one immense army, galloping beside conjoined to God by faith and love, and and before and behind each of us in an to be conjoined to God is to live to overwhelming charge, able to beat eternity. down every resistance and clear the —Swedenborg most formidable obstacles, perhaps even death. I k n o w / am deathless, I know this — Bergson orbit of mine cannot be swept by a car­ penter's compass, I know I shall not T o b e l i e v e in immortality is one pass like a child’s curlicue cut with a thing, but it is first needful to believe burnt stick at night. in Life. —W hitm an — Stevenson

AN INTERESTING STORY A great healer astonished the medical world 400 years ago. His name was Para­ celsus. This man glimpsed the inner secrets of nature’s curative powers! He was a man whose vision, centuries ahead of his time, caused him to see the real needs of humanity. He dared to challenge the illiberal science of his period and was paid for his service to mankind with persecution and ridicule. Paracelsus was a Rosicrucian, an alchemist, physician, and an occult philosopher. Only now the truth about his genius is gradually being revealed. The medical association recently paid him homage for his early researches. The facts that have been uncovered about this great genius are now available to you in a book published by The Paracelsus Society of Switzerland where he was born. It is more than a mere biography. Paracelsus is a true story that will enthrall every The Rosicrucian or student of alchemy and occultism. A valuable adjunct to any library. Rosicrucian An excellent Christmas gift! A limited supply of the imported English edition is on Digest hand. Order now from the Rosicrucian Supply Bureau, San Jose, California. Priced at only $1.75, postpaid. December 1947 THE HOUSE OF MYSTERY Above, is the home of the famed alchemist, Nicolas Flamel. In the heart of Paris, surrounded by narrow streets and tortuous alleys, it was a rendezvous for alchemists and occultists of the fourteenth century. To the orthodox and tradition-bound minds of those times, science, alchemy, and Hermeticism were considered hereti­ cal ventures. Flamel’s home, therefore, was thought by them to be a strange link with a supernatural world. The structure is now a celebrated restaurant, but its exterior remains unchanged. (AMORC Photo) THOUGHTS4! t Jou (3an Influence Others With Your Thinking!

RY IT SOME TIME. Concentrate intently taught this nearly-lost art of the practical use upon another person seated in a room with of mind power. Tyou, without his noticing it. Observe him gradu­ FREE W ay ally become restless and finally turn and look in This Book Points Out The your direction. Simple —yet it is a positive demon­ The Rosicrucians (not a religious organization) stration that thought generates a mental energy invite you to explore the powers of your mind. which can be projected from your mind to the Their sensible, simple suggestions have caused consciousness of another. Do you realize how intelligent men and women to soar to new heights much o f your success and happiness in life de­ of accomplishment. They will show you how to pend upon your influencing others? Is it not use your natural forces and talents to do things important to you to have others understand you now think are beyond your ability. Use the your point of view —to be receptive to your coupon below and send for a copy of the fascinat­ proposals? ing sealed fre e book, "T he Mastery of Life, Demonstrable Facts which explains how you may receive this unique wisdom and benefit by its application to your How many times have you wished there were daily affairs. some way you could impress another favorably— get across to hint or her your ideas? That thoughts can be transmitted, received, and understood by d K e ROSICRUCIANS others is now scientifically demonstrable. The (AMORC) tales of miraculous accomplishments of mind by the ancients are now known to be fact —not Scribe S. P. C., The Rosicrucians, A M O R C , fable. The method whereby these things can be Rosicrucian Park, San Jose, California. intentionally, not accidentally, accomplished has Kindly send me a free copy of the book. ^ M astery o f Life.” I am interested in learning been a secret long cherished by the Rosicrucians may receive instructions about the full use ot n . — one of the schools of ancient wisdom existing natural powers. throughout the world. T o thousands everywhere, N a m e . for centuries, the Rosicrucians have privately Address------State- T H E P U R P O S E OF T H E ROSICRUCIAN ORDER

The Rosicrucian Order, existing in all civilized lands, is a nonsectarian fraternal body of men and women devoted to the investigation, study and practical application of natural and spiritual laws. The purpose of the or­ ganization is to enable all to live in harmony with the creative, constructive Cosmic forces for the attainment of health, happiness and peace. The Order is internationally known as ■•AMORC” (an abbreviation), and the AMORC in America and all other lands constitutes the only form of Rosicrucian activities united in one body for a representation in the international fed­ eration. The AMORC does not sell its teachings. It gives them freely to affiliated members together with many other benefits. For complete infor­ mation about the benefits and advantages of Rosicrucian association write M em ber of a letter to the address below, and ask for the free book The Mastery of "FUDOST" Life. Address Scribe S. P. C.. in care of (Federation Uni- verselles des AMORC TEMPLE O rdres et Rosicrucian Park. San Jose, California, U.S.A. Societes (Cable Address: "AMORCO") Initiatiques)

Supreme Executive for the Jurisdiction of North, Central, and South America, Australasia, and Africa Ralph M. Lewis, F.R.C.—Imperator DIRECTORY PRINCIPAL AMERICAN BRANCHES OF THE A.M.O.It.C. The following are the principal chartered Rosicrucian Lodges and Chapters in the United States, its territories and possessions. The names and addresses of otner American Branches will be given upon written request. ARIZONA INDIANA Tucson: South Bend: Tucson Chapter. 135 S. 6th Ave. F. Orozco. Mas­ South Bend Chapter. 207% S. Main St. Wilbur ter; Mrs. Joie Wood. Sec.. 428 5th St. Sessions L. Kline. Master: Irene Newsome. Sec.. 1029 1st and 3rd Fri., 8 p.m. Hudson Ave. Sessions every Sun., 7 p.m. Indianapolis: CALIFORNIA Indianapolis ChaOter. 521 E. 13th St. Frank Long Beach: Haupt. Master: Ruth M. Cosier. Sec.. 816 N. Abdiel Chapter. Masonic Temple, 835 Locust Ave. Meridian St. Sessions every Fri.. 8:15 p.m. Leland M. Skinner. Master; George M. Keith, Sec. Sessions every Fri.. 8 p.m. MARYLAND Los Angeles:* Baltimore:* Hermes Lodge. 148 N. Gramercy Place. Tel. John O'Donnell Lodge. 100 W. Saratoga St. Gladstone 1230. A. R. Thackaberry. Master; Walter J. Burford. Master. Tel. Arbutus 114; R ose Robinson. Sec. Library open 2 p.m. to Eugene W. Spencer. Sec.. 7 E. Eager Si. Ses­ 10 p.m. daily. Sessions every Sun., 3 p.m. sions 1st and 3rd Wed., 8:15 p.m. Oakland* MASSACHUSETTS Oakland Lodge. 610 16th St. Tel. HIgate 5996. Boston:* R. L. Spurrier. Master; Helen D. Pappageorge, Johannes Kelpius Lodge, 284 Marlboro St. Eve­ Sec. Sessions 1st and 3rd Sun., 2 p.m. Library line B. Lyle. Master: Frank E. Pari in. Sec.. 46 Room 406. open Mon. through Fri., 7:30 to 9:00 W estland Ave.. Apt. 2. Sessions every Sun. and p.m.; Mon., Wed., and Fri. afternoon, 1 to 3:30. Wed.. 7:30 p.m. Sacramento: Clement B. Le Brun Chapter, Unity Hall. Odd MICHIGAN Fellows Temple. 9th and K Sts. William Popper, Detroit :* Master; Margaret S. Irwin, Sec. Sessions 2nd Thebes Lodge. 616 W. Hancock Ave. Ralph Left- and 4th Wed., 8:00 p.m. ridge. M aster. 15937 B aylis; Izen M. D yster, San Diego: Sec., Tei. Redford 4180. Sessions every Tues., San Diego Chapter. Sunset Hall. 3911 Kansas St. 8:15 p.m. Frances R. Six. Master. 2909 Lincoln Ave. Tel. W-0378: Mrs. Nell D. Johnson. Sec. Sessions MINNESOTA 1st Wed. and 2nd and 4th Thurs., 8 p.m. Minneapolis: San Francisco:* Essene Chapter. Traficante Accordion School Francis Bacon Lodge. 1957 Chestnut St., Tel. Aud.. 41 So. 8tli St. James French. Master: Mrs. TU-6340. Theodore Peters. Master. Tel. WE­ Jessie Matson. Sec.. 1810 44tli Ave., N. Sessions I-4778: Mrs. Jessie Robbins, Sec.. Tel. PR-8526. 2nd and 4th Sun., 3 p.m. Sessions for all members every Mon.. 8 p.m.. MISSOURI for review classes phone Secretary. St. Louis:* Thutmose Lodge, George Washington Hotel, 600 COLORADO N. Kingshighway Blvd. H. J. Turner, Jr.. Mas­ Denver: ter: Earl Tidrow. Jr., Sec., 7918 Kingsbury Denver Chapter. 509 17th St.. Room 302. .T. Clif­ Blvd., Clayton, Mo. Sessions every Tues.. 8 p.m. ford Carr. Master; Miss Leslie Neely. Sec.. 1375 NEW JERSEY Lincoln, Apt. 2. Sessions every Fri., 8 p.m. Newark: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA H. Spencer Lewis Chapter, 29 James St. Mrs. Washington : Elizabeth Cornell. Master: Louise M. Spatz, Sec., Thomas Jefferson Chapter, 1322 Vermont Ave. 128 Chestnut St., Rutherford, N. J. Sessions William R. Broderick. Master; Mrs. Minnie every Mon., 8:30 p.m. Pearl Stough, Sec., 2716 So. Uhle St.. Arlington, Va. Sessions every Fri., 8 p.m. NEW YORK Buffalo: FLORIDA Rama Chapter, 225 Delaware Ave.. Room 9. Miami: Alfred E. Englefried. Master; Carolyn A. Wood. Miami Chapter. Biscayne Temple. 120 N.W. 15th Sec.. 23 Terrace, Buffalo, N. Y. Sessions every Ave. O. Nicholas Baumgart, Master; Florence Wed., 7:30 p.m. M. Francois. Sec.. 2787 S.W . 33rd Ave. Sessions New York City:* every Sun., 8 p.m. New York City Lodge. 250 W. 57th St. Ira H. ILLINOIS Patterson. Master; Florence E. Torry, Sec. Ses­ Chicago :* sions Wed. 8:15 p.m.. and Sun. 3:00 p.m. Library Nefertiti Lodge, 116 S. Michigan Ave. Mrs. Hugh open week days and Sunday. 1 to 8 p.m. W. Ewing, Master: Eileen Shirey, Sec. Library Booker T. Washington Chapter. 69 W. 125th St.. open daily. 1 to 5 p.m. and 7:30 to 10 p.m.; Room 63. Leonard J. Trommel. Master; David Sun., 2 to 5:30 p.m. only. R oom 408-9-10. Ses­ Waldron, Sec., 1449 5th Ave. Sessions every sions for all members every Tues., 8 p.m. Sun., 8 p.m . (Directory Continued on Next Page) OHIO PittMhurKh :• Cincinnati: _ The First Pennsyivania Lodge. 615 W. Dtamoud Cincinnati Chapter.'ipter. 204 Hazen Bldg., 9th and St.. N o rth Side. Jo h n M. O ’Guin, M aster; Amelia Main St. RaltR alpph h rDunn, Master. 361 Thrall Ave.: M. Komarc, Sec. Meetings Wed. and Sun. 8 p.m. Bertha Hill. Sec. Sessions every Fri., 7:30 p.m. TEXAS Cleveland: Dallas: Cleveland Chapter. 2040 E. 100th St. Wm. R. Lone Star Chapter, Mercantile Bank Auditorium. Morran. Master. 1281 West 104th St.; Mrs. Ger­ Mrs. O tis M arihugh. M aster. Tel. M-5723: Aileen trude A. Rivnak, Sec. Sessions every Tues., Mercer, Sec., Tel. L-4244. Sessions 1st Tues. and 8:15 p.m. 3rd Wed., 8:00 p.m. Dayton: Fort Worth: Elbert Hubbard Chapter. 56 East 4th St. Miss Fort Worth Chapter. 512 W. 4th St. Mrs. Ida B. Sarah B. Kelly. Master; Mrs. Katherine McPeck. H olibaugh. M aster: R u th Page. Sec.. 1420‘Wash­ Sec. Sessions every Wed., 8 p.m. ington St. Sessions every Friday.. 8 p.m. Toledo: Michael Faraday Chapter. Roi Davis Bldg., 3rd H ouston C hapter, Y. W. C. A. Center. 506 San FI., 905 Jefferson Ave. Mrs. Eleanor Brinkman, Jacin to St. M artin M. Burke. M aster; Mrs. Win­ Master; Phyllis L. Silverwood, Sec., Rt. 5. B<.x nie H . D avis. Sec.. 819 Y orkshire St. Sessions 63. Sessions every Tliurs.. 8:30 p.m. every Fri. 7:30 p.m. OKLAHOMA UTAH Oklahoma Citv: Salt Lake City: Amenhotep Chapter. Odd Fellows Hall. 5'i S. Salt Lake Citv Chapter. I.O.O.F. Bldg.. 41 Post Walker. R. D. Whitaker. Master; Zura B. Spran- Office Place. Stanley F. Leonard. Master; Doug­ kle, Sec.., 628 N. E. 10th St. Sessions every Sun., las Burgess. Sec.. 866 S. 8th. W. Sessions every 7:30 p.m. T h u rs., 8:15 p.m . L ib ra ry open daily except OREGON Sun., 10 a.m . to 7 p.m. Portland :• WASHINGTON P o rtlan d Rose Lodge. Odd Fellow s H all. 635 N. Killingsworth Court. Ollie F. Fuller, Master Michael Maier Lodge. W intonia Hotel. 1431 Minor. Floyd K. Riley. Sec., 1711 S. W. 19th Ave. Ses­ Marjorie B. Umbenhour. Master. Tel. MI-1467: sions every Wed., 8 p.m. Joseph C. Stocks, Sec. Sessions every Mon., PENNSYLVANIA 8 p.m. Library open Mon. through Sat., 1-4 p.m. Philadelphia:* WISCONSIN Benjamin Franklin Lodge. 1303 Girard Avenue. Milwaukee: „ G. L. J. Jalbert, Master: Edna M. Jalbert, Sec.. Karnak Chapter. 3431 W. Lisbon Ave.. Room 8. 2108 S. Broad St. Sessions every Sun.. 7:30 p.m. Fred C. Bond. Master: Marilyn Buben. Sec. Temple and Library open Tues., Fri., 2-4 p.m. Sessions every Mon.. 8:15 p.m.

Principal Canadian Branches and Foreign Jurisdictions The addresses of other foreign Grand Lodges, or the names and addresses of their representatives, will he given upon request. ARGENTINA EGYPT Buenos Aires: Cairo: Buenos Aires Chapter, Casilla Correo No. 3763. C airo Inform ation B ureau de la Rose Croix, Sr. Manuel Monteagudo. Master ; Sr. C. Blanchet, J. Saporta, Sec.. 27 Rue Salimon Pacha. Sec., Calle Camarones 4567. Sessions every Sat., 6 p.m. and every Wed., 9 p.m. ENGLAND AUSTRALIA The AMORC Grand Lodge of Great Rritain. Sydney, N. S. W.: Raymund Andrea. F.R.C., Gr. Master. 34 Bays- Sydney Chapter. I. O. O. F. Bldg,. 100 Clarence water Ave.. Westbury Park. Bristol 6. St., 12a ChalliB Ho\»se. Martin's Place. Jacobus London: Van Boss. Master: Mrs. Florence Goodman, Sec. London C hapter. R ichard J. Lake, Sec., 38 Open Tues. to Fri., 1 to 3 p.m. Oranbrook Rise. Ilford. Essex. Melbourne, Victoria: FRANCE Melbourne Chanter. 25 Russell St. S. T. Kerr. Mile. Jeanne Guesdon. Sec.. 56 Rue Gambelta. Master; Olive Ornah Cox, Sec.. 179 Rathmines Villeneuve Saint Georges (Seine & Oise). Rd.. Hawthorn. EE3. Vic.. Aust. CANADA HOLLAND Montreal, P. O.: Amsterdam: Mount Royal Chapter, The Lodge Room. Victoria De Rozekruisers Orde. Groot-Lodge der Neder- Hall. Westmount. Frank A. Ellis. Master: Alf landen. J. Coops. Gr. Master. Hunzestraat 141. Sutton. Sec.. 5408 Clarke St. Sessions 1st and MEXICO 3rd Thurs.. 8:30 p.m. Q uetzalcoatl Lodge. Calle de Colombia 24. Mexico. Toronto. Ontario: Sr. Rafael Alonso Esparza. Master: Sr. Bernardo Toronto Chapter. 39 Davenport R Andersen. S.R.C.. Gr. Sec., Manogade 13. Strand. sanne. D r. Ed. B ertholet. F.R.C .. Gr. Maste.r. 11 Ave. General Guisan. Lausanne; Pierre Genlllard, to lie I)' • (Initiations are performed.) Gr. Sec., 2 Chemln des Allinges, Lausanne. sihility Latin-American Division linn lli Armando Font De La Jara, F.R.C.. Deputy Grand Master a n c ie n t Direct Inquiries regarding this division to the Latin-American Division. Rosicrucian Park, San Jose. California, U.S.A. the F.s: JUNIOR ORDER OF TORCH BEARERS way li\ A children's organization sponsored by the AMORC. For complete information as to its aims and benefits, address Secretary General. Junior Order, Rosi­ I Arc I crucian Park, San Jose. California. have 1 r"£ ROSICRUCIAN PRESS, LTD. PRINTED IN U . ■ . A . enliq/il THE WHAT HAPPENED BEYOND THIS PORTAL?

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EN were born again. Men witli beads bowed shrouded in secrecy. There is no more thrilling por­ in griel. men burdened with personal prob­ trayal of romance and adventure and sacred and in­ and bitter—candidates all. they humbly spiring ritualism than these fragments of wisdom the thresholds of the ancient mystic temples, pieced together. Examine these roots of the great was transmitted to each which caused him secret. Iraternal orders of today. return to the outer world inspired, confident, self- ilia n I? Amazing Free Manuscript f'rom such initiates came humanity s most startling f or this purpose we offer you a manuscript en­ ctrines—the belief in immortality, great moral codes titled "The Ancient Mystery Initiations.” It will be right and wrong, theories of mathematics and sent to you postpaid, without cost. You need only Tonomy, and amazing methods lor treating dis- subscribe—or resubscribe—to the ROSICRUCIAN jascs. Each initiate carried within his mind a torch DIGEST for six months. No extra charge, just the fknowledge which illuminated thousands, and con- regular rate of $1.50. This unique manuscript will puted to our great heritage of ancient wisdom. be sent to you at once, as a gift—a gift you will long What secret method or process for attaining this prize. Use the convenient coupon below. if-knoiuledge was divulged to these candidates nder solemn oath? Plato said. fo be initiated is >be born again. Do we possess within us the pos- ROSICRUCIAN DIGEST Rosicrucian Park bility of an unsuspected greater life here on earth San Jose, California an the one we now live? Did the initiations ol the Gentlemen: ncient Osirians of Egypt, the Eleusinians of Greece, Enclosed please find $1.50, my subscription for six months Essenes, and the Mithraists of Syria disclose a to the Rosicrucian Digest. Also send to me complimentarily, without obligation, the manuscript entitled “The Ancient ay by which all men can attain these things? Mystery Initiations.” Archaeological research and the passing ol time NAME...... ave brought to light many of the ceremonies and ADDRESS hliglilening teachings of th ese mystery schools once [HE ROSICRUCIAN DIGEST - - SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U. S. A. Gdoeniules in Reading

T h e following are but a lev; oi the many books of the Rosicrucian Library, which are fascinating and instructive to every reader. For a complete list and description of all of the books, write for FREE CATALOG. Send orders and request to address below. SYMBOLIC PROPHECY OF THE GREAT PYRAMID—By H. S pencer Lewis. Ph. D. The world's greatest mystery I Who built the Great Pyramid, why it was built and the meaning of its code of measurements and its hidden prophecies are ail revealed in this interesting book. Illustrated Price, postpaid, $2.35. LEMURIA—The Lost Continent of the Pacific—By W. S. Cerve Beneath the rolling restless seas lie the mysteries of forgotten civilizations Where the mighty Pacific now rolls in a majestic sweep, there was once a vast con­ tinent The land was known as Lemuria, and Us people as Lemurians If you are a lover of mystery, of the unknown, this book will fascinate you. Price, post­ paid $2.40 SELF MASTERY AND FATE WITH THE CYCLES O F LIFE— By H. S pencer Lewis, Ph. D. The plan of vour life. This book reveals how w e may take advantage oi certain periods for success, happi­ ness, health and prosperity. It points out those periods which are lavorable or unfavorable for certain activities Fully illustrated with charts and diagrams. Price, postpaid, $2.35 ROSICRUCIAN PRINCIPLES FOR HOME AND BUSINESS—By H. Spencer Lewis. Ph. D. This volume contains such principles oi practical Rosi­ crucian teaching as are applicable to the solution of everyday problems of life in business and in the affairs of the home Hundreds of practical points. Price, post­ paid $2 35 ALONG CIVILIZATION'S TRAIL By Ralph M. Lewis. F. R. C. Tread with a party of modern mystics over the crum­ bling mud bricks of once-miqhty Babylon Relive a life with one of the party in the great palace of Nebu­ chadnezzar Mentally take part with the author in the INITIATION CEREMONIES of the Hermetic Brotherhoods oi Europe. Illustrated with original photographs. Price, postpaid, $2.40. MENTAL POISONING By H. SpenceT Lewis. Ph. D. Do poisoned thoughts like mysterious rays, reach through the ethereal realms to claim innocent victims? Can the thoughts of some enslave the minds of others’ Read this frank exposition. Price, postpaid. $1.35 BEHOLD THE SIGN—Ancient Symbols and Their Mystic Meaning By Ralph M. Lewis, F. R. C. A collection of important MYSTICAL and OCCULT SYMBOLS used to perpetuate eternal truths Fully il­ lustrated Learn Ihe meaning of cryptic signs used by the avatars and great teachers for centuries. Price, postpaid, $1.35. *7/te Rosicrucian Supply Bureau —AMORC— SAN IOSE. CALIFORNIA. U. S. A.