Rosicrucians

 

Historically, the story of Rosicrucians begins in Germany in the early 1600’s when three treatises began showing up on the streets.  The tale of Christian Rosenkreuz is told in the three works:  Fama Fraternitatis (1614), Confessio FraternitatisChymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz (1616).  Rosenkreuz traveled around the Middle East  (1615), and the studying at the feet of occult masters.  He returned to Europe and founded the Rosicrucian Order.  The Order’s goals were to teach various alchemical and mystery traditions and by such bring about a "universal reformation of mankind.

After that many esoteric groups began to associate themselves with the teachings found in the manifestos.  Some of these organizations took the story of Rosenkreuz as a literal historical document and others found the works to be more allegorical in nature. The footprint of these three works has laid itself through the underground stream ever since.

Because of this, modern Rosicrucians groups can be considered first cousins to many esoteric societies including Freemasonry.  The 18^th Degree of the Scottish Rite is even called the Knight of the Rose Croix.  It is highly likely that even though Rosicrucians do not play a direct part to most Grail theories, their impact will be noticed in research efforts.