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Crossing The Threshold

A n O P E R A T I N G D I R E C T O R Y

for Rosicrucian Members

Pubíished under the Authoríty

of the Supreme Grand

Lodge of AMORC, Inc.

Copyright 1978

Rosicrucian Park, San José, California

95191, U. S. A.

N o part o{ íhis puh li ca tio n m ay be reprodu ced , sto red ¡n a retrieval aystetn, or transinitted, in any form or by any means, electronic , mechanical , photocopying,

recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.



Tabíe of Contents

1. What AMORC is

— Meaning of ñame.

— A brief history.

2. How governed

— T he Constitution—the Supreme Grand Lodge

— Grand Lodges (location s)

3. Legal Status

— Corporations— Recognition

4. Your Membership

— Sanctum membership.

— Privileges - Correspondence.

— Obligations ~privacy.

— Com panion membership.

5. Lodges, Chapters, Pronaoi

— Wh a t Th e y A r e (D i gest listing).

— H ow to affiiiate (benefits, ceremonies, etc.)

6. Teachings

— Degrees— Experiments, and so on.

— Th e Rosicrucian Digest, the Forum.

— H ow to Study.

— W hat to E xpect in the Studies.

7. Initiations

— Th e valué of same.

— AIso obtained in lodges.

8. Rose-Croix University

9. Child Culture Institute

10. Júnior Order

11. Conclaves - Conventions

— Advantages of same.

12. The Council of Solace

13. Seminars

— W hat They Are .

14. Rosicrucian Park

— Facilities.

— Visiting.

15. To Whom To Write

— Adjustment and

Other Departments.

— Instruction Dept.

— Key Number.

16. Supply Bureau

17. Questions and Answers



INTRODUCTION

Rosicrucían inernbershfp íias a greater valué to the member whenhe or she is aware of the extent of the organization with which he orshe is affiliated. It is of particular advantage to you to be able to turnto a ready source of Information regarding the various services ofthe Order.

To meet these needs is the purpose of this operational directory. Wehave entitled this directory, “Crossing the Threshold.” One who be-comes a Rosicrucian is figuratively and literally Crossing the thresholdto a new life of understanding and personal mastery. There are tools the member must use to create and attain this new fuller life. Thesetools are the laws and principies contained in the Rosicrucian teach-ings. They are the things you will work with.

However, there are other member tools: The various departments of the Order established to render you particular services. Please referto the Table o f Contents in this operational directory. There you willfind listed the various categories and functions of the Order to whichyou may refer for information and to fully utilize your membershipprivileges.

Please look through the directory carefully now. Each time you arenot certain with regard to any aspect of your Rosicrucian membership or how A M O RC may be of assistance to you, refe r again tothis directory.

Opposite each división or part listed in the.Table o f Contents youwill find the page number given for your quick reference. When youstudy the monographs or do exercises or the traditional rituals sug-

gested, keep this directory handy. Do not deprive yourself of the manyfeatures of membership by laying the directory aside and not re-membering how useful it can be to you.

W ith all good wishes for Peace Profound, I am, in the Bonds ofthe Order,

Sincerely and fraternally,

Ralph M. Lewis

I M P E R A T O R



WHAT AMORC IS

M ean ing o f the Ñ am e

The initials A.M.O.R.C. are an abbreviation of the full title of theRosicrucian Order. The complete and authentic ñame is, “The AncientMystical Ordo Rosae Crucis.” Note the Latín term Rosae Crucis inthe title. Throughout Europe in past centuries the Order was knownas “Antiquns Arcanus Ordo Rosae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis.” Trans-lated literally this is, “The Ancient, Arcane Order of the Red Roseand of the Golden Cross.”

Popularly, the Order is known throughout the world as the Rosicrucian Order, and its equivalent in the various languages. However,

the initials A .M .O.R.C. must always follow the words RosicrucianOrder (Rosicrucian Order, A.M .O .R .C .) to signify its authentic title.The authentic Order never uses such titles as Rosicrucian Fellowshipor Rosicrucian Society.

H i s t o r y

The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC has an extensive history datingback many centuries. The history may be divided into two parts,namely, the traditional and chronological. Traditionally, the Rosicru

cian Order gains its inspiration and its basic organic structure fromthe ancient Egyptian mystery schools organized by Pharaoh ThutmoseII I (X V III Dynasty e l503 B .C .). This was the systematic attempt tostudy the nature of man and his relationship to the Cosmic. It wasmore than a school which Thutmose III established. It was an initiatoryOrder.

Chronologically, the first public pronouncement of the Order wasin Germany about the year 1610. It spread throughout Europe, endur-ing many turbulent times of prejudice and persecution. However, theOrder even at that time included many scientists, philosophers, and

eminent persons of the period.

The Rosicrucians first carne to America in 1693, locating in thevicinity of what is now the city of Philadelphia. Th ey were active inthe affairs of the birth of America.

There was a period after this of relative dormaney of the Order inAmerica. In 1909 Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, after due initiation into thetraditional Rose-Croix of France, was given authority to reactívate theOrd er in America. W ith such authority Dr. H. Spencer Lewis formedthe first Supreme Council of the Order in New York City in 1915 and

was elevated to the title of Imperator, which is the executive officer ofthe Supreme Lodge of AMORC.

For an interesting account of the history of the Rosicrucians in pastcenturies and the part that great historical personages played in servingit, you may obtain a copy of the book, Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with C om plete H istory o f the O rder. (In Part III of thisManual you will find references to the A.M .O .R.C. that appear inleading encyclopedias and dictionaries from throughout the world,which further confirms the perpetuity and authenticity of A M O RC .)



HOW GOVERNED

T h e Const i t u t i o n

The rules governing the A.M.O.R.C. are set forth in the Constitu-tion and Statutes of the Supreme Grand Lodge. The manifestó de-creeing the purpose and founding of AM O RC for its second cycle ofactive existence in America was issued in June of 1915 at a meetingof the First American Supreme Council held in the city of New York.It was later ratified and placed in the proper legal form at a nationalconvention of AMORC held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1917.

All Rosicrucian members are affiliated with the Grand Lodge of

A M O RC , which is subordínate to the Supreme Grand Lodge. Th erights and obligations of the mernber are set forth in this Constitution,which was duly approved by members assembled at a national convention of the Order in 1934, and thus subsequently amended. A copy ofthis Grand Lodge Constitution should be in the possession of everymember. It may be purchased from the Rosicrucian Supply Bureau,San José, California 95191.

The Great Manifestó upon which the Constitution of the SupremeGrand Lodge was founded, reads in part:

“The purpose shall be the same as those of the ‘Ordo RosaeCrucis’ throughout the world, and its Constitution shall beidentical in spirit to that which guides and directs the Orderin other lands.”

The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is a fraternal, cultural, andmystical Order. It is neither a political ñor a religious sect. It islegally recognized by the governments of all the lands in which itoperates as a nonprofit organization.

G rand L odges

Subsequently, at World Councils of the Order held in Brussels,Belgium, authority was given to the then incumbent Imperator, Dr. H.Spencer Lewis, and later to his successor, Imperator Ralph M. Lewis,to extend the jurisdiction of AM O RC in its modern form throughoutthe world. Grand Lodges were thus established in various nationsthroughout the world. The teachings and initiatory work of theA.M.O.R.C. are disseminated in the languages of the respective coun-

tries in which it functions.Each Grand Lodge has chartered authority as an affiliated body of

the world “Ancient Mystical Ordo Rosae Crucis,” this authority beingissued by the Supreme Grand Lodge of AM O RC . Each Grand Lodgein turn may charter subordínate bodies known as Lodges, Chapters,or Pronaoi in cities of its jurisdiction.

The Grand Lodges of AMORC exist in the following countries—France , Brazil, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Japan, Italy. Th e Englishand Spanish memberships are of the Grand Lodge located in Rosicru-



cian Park, San José, California. In certain other countries there areorganized administrative offices established under the direction ofthe Supreme Grand Lodge to serve the respective members in thosecountries.

P A R T 3

LEGAL STATUS

I n co rpo ra t i on

The Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC is incorporated as a non p ro jit fraternal organization in the state of California, U.S .A . How-

ever, its ñam e and sym bols and its n on pr ofit status is eq ua lly registered in every country of the world in which it has subordinate GrandLodges. Article X , Section 30a of the Constitution of the SupremeGrand Lodge reads in part:

“None of the moneys of the funds deposited in the bank bythe Supreme Grand Lodge and its Board of Directors shallenure to the benefit of any member, officer, or supremeexecutive of the Order, ñor shall any such funds be held intrust for any Lodge or group of Lodges or Chapters, or for

the general membership of any individual member or officer,but exclusively for the maintenance and perpetuation of theideáis of the organization in accordance with the Constitutionof the Supreme Grand Lodge.”

Recogn i t ion

The following are but a few of the many authentic reference workswhich refer to A M O RC. A complimentary booklet containing actual

photocopies of like articles will be sent to you by AM O R C . Suchreference works further confirm your affiliation with the authenticRosicrucian Order. Such established literary sources make publicreferences only after they have made adequate investigation as to theauthenticity of the subject of their article.

American Peoples Encyclopedia (1956 Edition)

Encyclopaedia Britannica * 14th Edition (1929and subsequent reprints)

Modern Encyclopedia

The Progressive Reference Library

The New Century Dictionary

Webster’s New International Dictionary(Second Edition, Copyright 1934)

Everyman’s Encyclopedia

Funk and Wagnalls Dictionary

American Heritage DictionaryOf The English Language (Copyright 1969)



YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Sanct um M em bersh ip

You are, as is every Rosicrucian, a member of the Grand Lodge ofA M O RC . You are termed a Sanctum Member. This means that yourstudies are issued to you by the Grand Lodge for study in your Home Sanctum. Arrangements for the traditional Sanctum are explained inthe preliminary instructions the member receives entitled, “NeophyteGuide.”

There are numerous benefits and privileges to which you areentitled as a Sanctum Member , such as the monographs , which con-tain the offic ial teachings of the Order. These monographs include

exercises, demonstrations, illustrations, and summaries. You also receivefor use in your Sanctum, Degree Initiations to perform as you becomeeligible to advance from one Degree of the teachings to another.

You receive as a Sanctum Member the additional benefits of themonthly periodical, the Rosicrucian Digest, with its articles on mys-ticism, metaphysics, the sciences and arts, and containing photographsof particular interest to every Rosicrucian.

Correspondence

As a Sanctum Member you are given the privilege of correspondencewith your Class Master and other instructors and officers of the Order.W hen and to whom to write is more fully explained in Part X V of thisbooklet. Please read it carefully.

Ob l i ga t i ons

As in any fraternal organization and as a member, certain obligations are expected from you. These are set forth in detail both in the

monographs and in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of AMORC.Each member is required to pay the nominal monthly dues of which

he has been informed and which entitles him to membership privileges.There are 11 0 further initiatory fees or assessments.

Each Rosicrucian member legally and morally assumes the obliga-tion of keeping confidencial and prívate the property of the Orderloaned to him, such as the monographs and rituals, which are anincident of his membership.

On each monograph and each ritual cover, the legal statement

appears stating that such material is the property of the Order andthe title of same rests in the Order itself. Thus the Rosicrucian member must not loan such material to others or permit others to readthe contents of his prívate monographs. Th is is not only illegal butvioiates the moral obligation which the student assumes.

Compan ion M em bersh ip

The companion member may be a member’s husband or wife,father or mother, son or daughter, brother or sister. Both individuáis



must submit sepárate applications. Th ey shall each, between them,as Grand Lodge members at large, receive but on e series of instruc-tions and one copy of all printed material to which a student memberis entitled. Th ey shall separately be entitled to all other privileges ofGrand Lodge membership.

Grand Lodge Sanctum Members contributing dues as specified, areentitled to the privileges of companion membership. The dues forCompanion Members (not more than two persons) is less than trvo se par ate m em bership dues.

P A R T 5

LODGES, CHAPTERS, PRONAOI

W hat A r e T h ey ?

There are subordínate branches of the Order, chartered by theGrand Lodges of AM O RC . These are Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi.A Lodge is the largest of such subordínate bodies. It can be formedin a city where there is a mínimum of f ifty members. A Lodge mayconfer upon Sanctum Members the impressive full Degree rituals,which are conducted in attractive traditional Rosicrucian temples ofthe Order. A member must have attained the Degree (or beyond) inhis studies into which he wishes to be personally initiated. The member can obtain from the Rosicrucian AM O RC Lodge in his area theplace, date, and time that the initiations will be conferred.

An active Sanctum Member can affiliate with the Lodge in his areaas an additional membership privilege. When so affiliated he canparticípate in their convocations where rituals are conducted, experi-ments performed, forums held, and enjoy the fraternal benefit ofcontact with other members and those of like mind. The SanctumMember, however, continúes to receive his offícial teachings in mono-

graph form from the Grand Lodge for his Home Sanctum study.

A Chapter is a smaller body of Rosicrucian members existing invarious areas. Sanctum Members are eligible to affilia te and areinvited to attend such Chapter convocations. All the functions of aLodge are included in a Chapter except the Degree Initiations.Chapters exist where there are not enough members for the formationof a Lodge.

A Pronaos is the lesser of the three subordínate bodies. It has asmaller number of members but may grow into a Chapter as membership in the area increases, and subsequently into a Lodge. A Pronaosprovides interesting discourses and also has an impressive and inspiringritual. Every active Sanctum Member is entitled to affiliate with aPronaos in his area.

H ow T o A f f i l i a t e

In the back section of the February and August issues of the Rosi-crucian Digest (which each member receives), is a Directory of all



subordínate bodies, that is: Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi. Th ecomplete addresses of these bodies are not given in the Directory inthe Digest. However, if you see any such subordínate body listed inyour area which you can attend, nrite at once to the Grand Master,AMORC, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, for the complete address. Upon receiving this Information, then write to that

subordínate body which you have chosen and ask for the date andtime of their meetings.

It is absolutely necessary that each Sanctum Member present hismembership credentials, establishing his active membership, to theofficers of the subordínate body so as to be admitted. If you wishto participate in an initiation they are going to confer, your membership credential (with receipt of dues), showing what Degree you haveattained in your membership, is necessary for eligibility to receive theDegree Initiation.

P A R T 6

THE TEACHINGS

D egrees

The subjects of the Rosicrucian teachings are so integrated as toform a flowing continuity, that is, one subject relating or contributingto what follows. The teachings follow a centuries-old traditionalorder termed Degrees. The Degrees are divided into, for example,Neophyte, Postulant, Temple, and so 0 1 1 . The Degrees vary in lengthdepending upon the subjects which they embrace. Th erefo re, someDegrees are necessarily longer than others.

The monographs of each Degree contain a “Weekly Application.”This is an exercise or example further illustrating or demonstratingthe principies contained in the monograph. Thus the Rosicrucianmember can use the principies, that is, demónstrate them personally.Often at the end of each monograph there are certain questions bywhich the member can test himself as to what he has learned.

Further, each monograph contains a summary of the contents forquick reference and review. The monograph also contains a “Con-currence”, that is, a quotation from famous Rosicrucians, philosophers,scientists, and others stating views that concur with the contents of

the monographs.

The Rosicrucian teachings are a presentation of the traditionalknowledge and wisdom of the Order as advanced through past cen-turies. Th ey also contain the results of modern contributions by, forexample, the Rosicrucian International Research Council. This iscomposed of Rosicrucian scientists, philosophers, educators, andspecialists in various branches of knowledge who add to the teachingsof the Order. Th erefore, and this is important, you are not just study-



ing the single ideas of some seíf-appointed teacher which can be, andoften are, limited in scope and dogmatic.

H ow To St n d y

W hat is now being said is merely a reminder of the best way totake advantage of the laws and principies of the Rosicrucian teachingsbeing presented to you. Th ere is a great difference between justreading and studying. For example, we read a newspaper. But indoing so we are not particularly concerned as to whether we rememberwhat we read in a daily press. Some things, of course, will registerwith us quite definitely depending upon the extent of the impressionthey make upon us. Yet other matter read in the newspaper will not.

When we study, we want to remember as much as we can, at least

about the essentials. Th erefore, it is suggested that after each pageor half-page, the student put down the monograph, relax and see howmany of the ideas read can be recalled. The monograph then shouldbe re-read until the member can recall, not word-for-word of course,but the principie ideas. This practice also sharpens the memory regard-less of one’s age.

Another way is to read carefully the whole of each monograph andthen test yourself as to how many of the ideas, not words you can recall.

T h e Ros icruci an D i gest and For um

The attractive Rosicrucian Digest is sent to each Sanctum Membermonth/y as part of his membership privilege. Its articles are informa tive and interesting. You will also find its photographs of ancientcities, archaeological sites, civilizations and places of the great philos-ophers, scientists, and mystics of the past— a pictorial treat. Th ereis also contained much news about Rosicrucian activities throughoutthe world and notes of importanee to you as a member. The Rosi-

crucian Digest is not prívate. You may show it to any nonmember.In fa ct, encourage them to read it as well.

The Rosicrucian Forum is a periodical of a high informative nature.It is limited to members only. It consists of questions and anwers onmystícal, philosophícal, and metaphysical subjects that are asked byRosicrucians throughout the world. These questions are personally answered by the Imperator, Supreme and Grand Lodge officers, andby your Class Master. The Rosicrucian Forum may be subscribed tofor a very small amount per year. Take advantage of this speciaífeature of membership.

W hat T o Expect I n T h e St udi es

The following are a very small portion of the great number ofstudies that are included in the Rosicrucian monographs. It would beimpossible to list all the subjects here.

Furthermore, the subjects listed here do not appear in the exactsame order in your monographs. You must realize that the Rosicrucian



teachings are no separate isolated subjects— rather, they are like linksin a chain. One contributes to or leads to another. The desultorystudy of separate subjects has little valué; that is why the studies inA M O RC are progressive. Remem ber again, you are in an organiza-tion that has a centuries-old existence. It is not the product of onemind wanting to start a school or church, or a correspondence course.

A M O RC has Lodges, Chapters, and administrative centers throughout the world.

Meditation

Mental Association

Laws of Health

The Human Aura

Mental Creating

Concentration di Memorizing

The Cosmic Oí Reality

Structure of Matter

Earth Radiations

Visualization

Sensations, Consciousness8¿ Knowledge

Nature Itself

Mystical Principies

Light Q¿ Color

Intuí tion

Principie Teachings of the

Great Teachers of the Past

Psychic EnergyThe Emotions, Their Valué 8¿

Control

The Soul 8¿ Self Oí Their Nature

Character 8¿ Personality

Cosmic Consciousness

P A R T 7

INITIATIONS

T h e V al uéof Same

The importance of initiations, mystically, psychologically, and his-

torically are explained thoroughly when you receive the first initiation.However, we will touch upon the subject here. First, remember thatyou are a member of a fra tern al Order— the A ncient Mystical OrderRosae Crucis, (A M O R C ). Therefore, you are not just taking a courseof study. You are passing through degrees of study, rituals, cere-monies, exercises, and demonstrations that have a lotig historical back

ground with new information constantly being added. As a further,indication of your fratern a l relationship, there are Lodges, Chapters,and Pronaoi which you can attend and particípate in their activities.This has been explained in Part V.

Consequently, initiations are especially prepared to introduce to youin an impressive, symbolic and dramatic way the importance of eachnew degree of membership in the Order into which you are entering.Actually, all true esoteric initiations are mystery-dramas. This meansin a dramatic way the initiations sheds illumination upon certain sub

jects which otherwise may not be thoroughly understood and ap-preciated. Further, initiations by their mystical aspect arouse the psychic and emotional response of the individual with regard to



subjects to be studied and produce that awareness, that State of con-sciousness which otherwise could not be achieved.

Each of the many Degrees are preceded by an initiation that in animpressive and brief form can be performed by the Rosicrucian member in his Home Sanctum. The full initiations with many officers

participating are conferred in a Rosicrucian Temple (a Lodge).(Again refer to Section V ).

Let us repeat what is succinctly said about initiations on the coverof each initiation manuscript.

“Initiation brings into the realm of reason the purpose andinto the realm of emotion the spirit of one’s introduction intothe mysteries.”

P A R T 8

ROSE-CROIX UNIVERSITYThe Rosicrucian Order maintains, as part of its cultural program,

what is known as the Rose-Croix University. The University is located

in Rosicrucian Park, San José, California. It is divided into threedistinct colleges: The College of Fine and Mystic Arts, the College ofMundane and Arcane Science, and the College of Humanities.

The Rose-Croix University building contains well-equipped class-rooms, laboratories, and a large Reference Library. The facultymembers are Rosicrucians and they have academic degrees from world-recognized universities in their chosen field of instruction. Thestudents, Rosicrucians only, are froni all over the world and attendthe University’s special terms. The University is strictly a non commercial venture.

The terms of the University are three consecutive weeks during June and July of every year. The fees are very nominal.

W ho M ay Regi st er ?

Every active member of AMORC may register for the personal courses which are given at the Rose-Croix University. For furtherdetails and the curriculum of courses available, and from which you

may select what you desire, write to Dean, RoseCroix University, A M O RC , Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, U.S .A . Askfor the complete information which will also State the nominal studentfees for the terms.

While attending Rose-Croix University, the student-member willlikewise have the opportunity to attend Convocations in the SupremeTemple, to visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the Planetar-ium, and to particípate in any Degree Initiations for which he iseligible.



CHILD CULTURE INSTITUTE

Advan tages

The Child Culture Institute is a subordínate body of the organiza-tion. It offers unique and most helpful instruction to parents con-cerning pren ata l in fluetic e and also for children of p reschool ag e.

The ancient Greeks learned that it was highly advantageous for awonian in a State of pregnancy, in a prenatal period, to be subject toconditions which were harmonious. As much as possible, she wasto be surrounded with things of nature that were beautiful, have theopportunity to listen to fine music, occasionally visit places havingbeautiful paintings and statuary, also read uplifting literature. Women

in a state of pregnancy were not permitted to be subject to sordidconditions or a profane environment. The principie behind this wasthat during the gestation period the unborn child would be affectedbeneficially by the finer emotional states of its mother, by herharmonious mood, induced by aesthetic surroundings.

For some years in the past, modern pediatric physicians and childpsychologists thought this was a highly abstract theory without factualfoundation. Subsequent research has found that the ancient Greekprincipie had merit.

Long before modern Science condoned the principie of the ancientGreeks, the Rosicrucian Order had advocated it and had issued toprospective mothers interesting discourses on how to prepare for thefuture of the child even during the pren atal stage. The staff, in theChild Culture Institute, is proud to say that they have received manyglowing testimoniáis of the practical help the mothers have receivedwith these instructions and the resulting effects on their beautifulchildren.

The second part of the Child Culture Institute deais with childrenafter birth, the preschoo l p er io d ; in other words, certain things that

parents can do which will subconsciously begin to form the latentcharacter of the child and strengthen it as it matures.

For further details about either one of these divisions of the ChildCulture Institute, address a letter to: Child Culture Institute, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, U.S.A.

P A R T 10

THE JUNIOR ORDERThe Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, has a Júnior Order. The youngest

división is known as the Kindlers División and is for the children be-tween the ages of 6 and 10 years. Th is provides interesting manu-scripts to be read by the parents to their children. They are writtenin a simple and entertaining style. However, they convey lessonswhich in story form contain a moral and examples which develop



character. Exercises and non-sectarian rituals are also given for thechild to perform. These register forceful ideas simply and in aninteresting manner and not only add to the child’s knowledge but alsodevelop character.

The second and older age división of the Júnior Order is known as

the Torch Bearers. This división is for children between the ages of10 and 13 years. Manuscripts are sent to the child to read personally.They are prepared with the realization of the growing intellectualcuriosity of children of that age.

The third división is known as the Crusaders División. It is foryoung men and young women from 13 to 17 years inclusive. Some ofthe subjects dealt with concern the sciences, the five senses of man,effects of color, and so on.

H ow To R ecei v e I n fo rma t i on

To obtain full information as to how your son or daughter mayparticípate in the activities of the Rosicrucian Júnior Order, write tothe Rosicrucian Júnior Order, Grand Chapter, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, U .S .A .

(Children who belong to the Júnior Order are not eligible for anyof the functions of adult membership.)

P A R T 11

CONCLAVES - CONVENTIONS

Advan tages

A Conclave is an assembly of A M O R C m em bers usually held either

in their city or in a nearby one. A Conclave is a special event for theRosicrucian member. Th ere are guest speakers from the Supreme andGrand Lodges of A M O RC , as well as Officers from nearby Lodges,Chapters, and Pronaoi. The discourses given are on mystical, meta-physical, and scientific subjects. Th ey are not only enlightening, butpractical. Th ere are also mystical demonstrations of Rosicrucian principies and parapsychological subjects. There are conducted as wellDegree Initiations and allegories, that is, mystical and historicaldramas.

A fraterna l spirit is had in meeting many other Rosicrucians. Socialactivity, entertainment, and a banquet make a Conclave an event onewill enjoy and remember. A nominal fee is requested for admission.

Conclaves are of varying length, either one day or a máximum ofa weekend.

H ow You Can En joy A Concl a ve

Conclaves are announced several rveeks in advance in the Rosicru-cian Digest which each member receives. Also, if the Rosicrucian is a



member of a subordínate body such as a Lodge, Chapter, or Pronaos,the Secretary of his respective subordínate body will send him directlyan announcement in the bulletin of that Lodge, Chapter, or Pronaos.Details will be given in the bulletin as to when and where the Conclave is to be held and how you may enter into the event.

Conven t ions

The Rosicrucian Order is a world wide organization. It does nothave just scattered members throughout the world but has as wellGrand Lodges and subordínate Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi in manycountries. (See Part V .) Every year, there is a World Convention ofthe A.M .O.R.C . All of the numerous events that occur at such aConvention are available in several languages. Rosicrucians attendfrom every continent. Recent Conventions have had members regis-

tered from 66 different nations!

A Convention is usually held in a different country each time.Aside from your country in which one may be held, if you attend onein another country you have the opportunity of seeing and visitingthat country.

W hat Conven t i ons l ncl ude

World Conventions are virtually crammed with a variety of events,

thus permitting every member to be able to participate and to enjoythings of interest to him or her. It is, of course, not possible to listhere the variety of activities included in a Convention. This informa*tion is provided for you in a special announcement.

However, in general, Rosicrucian Conventions include personal instruction in classes of the various Degrees, Rosicrucian Initiations,mystical demonstrations, and scientific lectures 0 1 1 cultural subjects ofinterest to all Rosicrucians. Th ere are as well special motion pictures,parapsychological demonstrations concerned with such topics as the

Human Aura, Telepathy, Projection of Consciousness and Telekinesis.From the social point of view, in addition to meeting with members

from all over the world, there is entertainment, music, dances, andfilms. T he Convention concludes with a banquet.

A World Convention usually extends over a period of five days.The Convention Registration Fee includes all events. Th e banquet, anevent of fraternal spirit, is sometimes included in this fee or may beacquired separately if desired.

Conven t ion A nnouncem ent s

Several months in advance, the Rosicrucian Digest publishes a largeannouncement telling when and where the next World Convention isto be held. It tells where you should write to get fr e e detail s of howyou can be one of often thousands of members who attend. Forinformation about the next World Convention, write to the Convention Secretary, AMORC, San José, California 95191, U.S.A.



COUNCIL OF SOLACEThe thoughts of others cosmically directed to each of us in time of

need can be helpful. The united thoughts properly directed can givesolace as well as practical help with problems of health and the manyother stresses with which we are confronted today. T o provide thisspecial help fr e e ly is the function and the obligation of the Councilof Solace.

W hat Is t he Counci l o f So l ace?

The Council of Solace consists of the Imperator and the Officers ofthe Supreme and Grand Lodges , as well as certain other members

especially chosen throughout the world. These members are in thehigher Degrees of the A.M .O .R.C . Th ey are well acquainted withthe cosmic laws and principies which are taught by the Order. W henyour case detailing your special need is received in writing by theSecretary of the Council of Solace, you are immediately sent instruc tions as to how you, in your Home Sanctum, may cosmically enterinto a special period of cosmic contact to receive the help that will besent to you by this Council.

Further, each day a special session is held in the Supreme Templeby the members of the Counci l o f Solace when, in the unique way which they have been taught, they mentally and psychically endeavorto help those who have requested their aid.

Recei v i ng the H el p o f t he Counci l

We should all first endeavor to apply the Rosicrucian principieswhich we have been taught directly to ourselves. However, if youwish additional help from the Council of Solace, just address a letterto the Council of Solace, AMORC, San José, California 95191, U.S.A.,

and briefly state what your difficulty is. The Council of Solace willnot provide advice 0 1 1 legal matters, investments, real estáte, or anyother matters for which there are specialists available. Th e help thatthe Council provides is of a cosmic nature which transcends theseother matters.

The services o f the Council o f Solace are fr e e ; there are no charges.Members, if they so desire to further this work, can make a donationbut such is not obligatory.

P A R T 13

SEMINARSA seminar is a group o f persons gathered together for discussion of

a special subject. Rosicrucian Semitiars are exactly that. The SupremeGrand Lodge periodically conducís a Seminar in the United Statesand various parts of the world for the purpose of lecturing upon and



demonstrating certain phenomena of nature in which Rosicrucianmembers and their friends are interested.

For example, Seminars have dealt with such subjects as the HumanAura, Projection of Consciousness, Intuition, Psychic Forces of theMind, Telepathy, Telekinesis, and many other intriguing so-calledmysteries. Rosicrucian scientists do research in these subjects in the

parapsychology laboratories in Rosicrucian Park. The n, they andespecially prepared speakers of AMORC, bring these topics anddemonstrations to Rosicrucians and their friends. They are simply andfascinatingly presented.

H ow You Can A t t en d

The Seminars are announced in advance in the Rosicrucian Digest. Announcements are also issued to all Rosicrucians in the city and thesurrounding area where the Seminar is to be held. Information isgiven as to when and where you can register in advance. A Seminaris an allday event, with time provided for a luncheon period. ASeminar is not just a public lecture but a fascinating class of instruc-tion. Every Rosicrucian is eligible to attend as well as the non-Rosi-crucian members of his or her family and friends.

A nominal fee is charged to cover the hall rental, travel expenses ofthe lecturers, and the cost of announcements. Usually the repre-sentatives of the Rosicrucian Order are also interviewed on the localradio and televisión stations during the time of the Seminar. Watch

fo r an announcem ent o f a Sem in ar.

P A R T 14

ROSICRUCIAN PARK

Fac i l i t ies

The little booklet, “Who and What Are the Rosicrucians,” whichwill be sent to you fr e e and which you also may give to nonmembers,includes photographs of the various buildings in Rosicrucian Park andthe facilities and services which they provide the membership.

The Rosicrucian Park includes the beautiful Supreme Temple , where Initiations and Convocations are held. It is for fraternal lodgeactivities and not for religious ceremonies. The renowned Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum contains the largest collection of Egyptian, Babylon-ian, and Assyrian antiquities 0 11 the Pacific Coast. Admission is free

and it is visited by over 500,000 pcrsons annually.The Rosicrucian Planetarium, which is for astronomy lectures and

demonstrations by means of modern technology, shows the heavensas you would sce them through any giant telescope. Further, theinstrument projects on a domed ceiling the stars, the planets, and theconstellations as they were thousands of years ago. Th e RosicrucianPlanetarium was the third one constructed in the United States. Thefirst Rosicrucian Planetarium was designed and built by Dr. H.



Spencer Lewis. The Planetárium Building includes as well manyscientiñc Instruments an d exhibíts con cerning a s tr o n o my a n d terrestrial phenomena.

The RoseCroix Science Building contains chemistry, physics, andparapsychology laboratories and classrooms. Adjoining it is the Rosi-

crucian Research Library which contains several thousand volumes onthe subjects of mysticism, metaphysics, philosophy, the arts andsciences, plus rare volumes on and by famous Rosicrucians of the past.In this building is also a Biology Laboratory.

Rosicrucian Park also contains the Francis Bacon Auditorium whereRosicrucian Conventions have been held and where special lecturesand entertainment features are held periodically.

There is also the Recording and Motion Picture Studio Building. In this studio, cinema films are produced as well as the many record-

ings of lectures given by the Imperator and other officers and staffmembers. These are available in tape and cassette form.

The A dm in is tratio n buildings of AMORC include the ComputerDepartment, the Latin-American Instruction Department, the Councilof Solace, the Imperator’s and Supreme Secretary’s offices, and facil-ities for the Grand Lodge officers, the general Instruction Department,the Adjustment Department, and a large staff of assistants.

The Studio Building mentioned above also includes the Organiza-tional Development Department. Other facilities at Rosicrucian Park

are a large Mailing Department, where several million pieces of mailare sent out annually, warehouses, and a large Maintenance Building.

Rosicrucian Park is landscaped beautifully with flowers, trees,shrubs, fountains, artistic statuary, and shady nooks where membersand others may sit in quiet and meditate.

V i s i t i n g

Following are suggested days and hours to visit Rosicrucian Park.

At other times, the facilities may be closed, especially on holidays.

A dm in is tration Buildin gs Monday through Friday9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Egyptian Museum Tuesday through Friday9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday— Noon to 5:00 P.M.

Planetarium June through mid-September Everyday

mid-September through June Saturday, Sunday and most holidaysNoon to 5:00 P.M.

Research Library Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Supreme Tem pl e Convocation every Tuesday8:00 P.M.

(3rd week of September through2nd week of May)



A ppo i n tmen t s

If you wish an appointment with a particular officer or staff member, p ic ase write in advance to determine if such an appointment willbe possible at that time. However, during the visiting hours shownabove there are always some officers and staff members to greet you

and to be of every possible service.

P A R T 15

TO WHOM TO WRITEA monograph may not arrive or in error it may be the wrong one;

a membership card may be lost; a receipt may be wrongly credited;the Rosicrucian Digest may not arrive. Such errors are kept to a míni

mum with our Computer facilities, but such things can occasionallyhappen.

A d j us tm en t D epa r t m en t

When something does not appear ríght in connection with yourmembership Service, such as the conditions mentioned above, write atonce to the A dju stm ent D epartm ent, c/o AMORC, Rosicrucian Park,San José, California 95191 , U .S.A . Explain briefly your problem andprint carefully your ñame, address, and Key Number . It is requested

not to write about different matters in the same letter which is ad-dressed to the Adjustment Departm ent. If you do, it only slows upattention to your adjustment problem. I f living outside of the UnitedStates, please write airmail.

Please realize that even by airmail it takes a few days for your letterto reach Rosicrucian Park, and then it takes the Adjustment Department two or three days to investígate your problem and to rcply. Theanswer takes the same time to reach you as the inquiry you sent.

I nst ruct i on D epar t m en t

This department is only concerned with correspondence in respect tothe Rosicrucian studies and your initiations and experiments. Whenwriting to them, p lease d o not include comments about dues in thesame letter. Make them on a separate sheet, one which you may putin the same envelope. Kindly be brief in your reports on the experiments, comments on the studies, and questions. Address your letterto the Department of Instruction , AMORC, Rosicrucian Park, San

José, Californ ia 95191, U .S .A . If you live in a foreign country, pleaseobtain from your post office postal coupons equivalent to the amount

of postage for a reply. Do not send foreign stamps.You will be acquainted with other departments to whom you may

write as they advise. But we repeat, do not include in one letter matters íntended for several departments. Make each a separate en closure, but you may put them in the same envelope.

Again, we kindly remind you to always put your Key N um ber withyour ñame and address. This helps us to lócate your membershiprecords more readily and quickly.



Ch an ge of A ddr ess

When changing your address, p icase do the following:

1. At once notify you r post o f f i c e o f your address change.

2. Kindly notify AMORC at once of your new address by writing

to the Data Processing Department, c/o AMORC, Rosicrucian

Park, San José, California 95191, U.S.A.

In doing these things you will prevent loss and delay of mail sent

to you not only by AMORC but also by friends.

P A R T 16

SUPPLY BUREAU

The Rosicrucian Supply Bureau contains many accessories that arehelpful for the full advantage and benefit of your membership. TheSupply Bureau stocks the Rosicrucian books on various subjects related

to the Rosicrucian teachings. These books are written by the Imperatorand other officers of the Order in America and Europe. A complete catolog and descriptive folder of these books and their valuable subjectmatter will be sent you. The catalog tells you how you may order thesebooks directly from the Rosicrucian Supply Bureau, AMORC, Rosicrucian Park, San José, California 95191, U .S.A . Th e prices of thebooks and the other supply articles are Usted in the currency of thevarious countries. The Rosicrucian books are available in English andSpanish from AM O RC , San José. Th ey may be purchased from theGrand Lodges of other countries in other languages.

Further, your local subordínate body, if there is one listed in theRosicrucian Digest Directory, may have these Rosicrucian books available for you to purchase.

The Rosicrucian Supply Bureau also has AMORC membershipemblems, rings, stationery, monograph and Digest binders, incense,aprons, sanctum supplies, and numerous other useful commodities.

All supplies are shipped to the member by surface mail, unless extra postage is provided by the member for them to be sent airmail. Please

realize that a package costs much more when sent by air than does aletter, and airmail packages to countries outside of the United Statesmay be prohibitively expensive.

Since most supply bureau articles are sent by surface mail to save you extra cost, kindly allow the necessary time for the shipment toarrive before writing and asking if it has been sent you.

Upon request, we will gladly send you a complimentary time sched-ule for surface mail showing the time required to reach the variousareas throughout the world from San José.



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

AMORC stales thal il is a no np rofit organization. Wlio decides that il is, and what does this nonprofit status include?

The nonprofit status of AM O RC is stipulated in the Constitution ofthe Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, Article VI, Section 2:

“This Corporation shall have no capital stock ñor is it organized or shall it be operated for pecuniary gain or profit, ñor will it distribute any gains, profits or dividends to the

members or officers of the Corporation or to any other indi

vidual. T he property , assets and net income of this Corporation are irrevocably dedicated to the purposes for which the Corporation is formed and no part of any property, assets or income of this Corporation shall at any time ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer or member thereof or for the benefit of any prívate individual.”

The Supreme Grand Lodge is legally incorporated in California asa nonprofit cultural, educational organization, and is so registered withthe United States Government and other governments throughout the

world. A M O R C ’s books are periodically audited by the InternalRevenue Service of the United States. It is accordingly exempt fromIncome Tax.

However, since AM O RC is not a church or religión, it must pay p roperty taxes amounting to a large sum annually. A M O R C is obligedto submit an annual financial report to the United States Government.

Why does an organization like AMORC advertise in newspapers and general period icals? Does that not detract from

its purpose?Advertising in any form is an announcement . In fact, the word

advertising means announcement. I f you had something worthy andyou knew it could and would help the sincere inquiring individual,would you suppress it? Every philosophical and mystical Order inevery age has proselyted in the manner available to it at the time.

Although A M O RC is not a religious organization, we will use theanalogy of the Christian Apostles: Th ey spoke as did Jesús to themultitudes expounding the virtues of Christianity. Christ did not speak

only to the elite; he spoke to the masses as well. T hat is what AM O RCdoes in using radio, T V , newspapers, magazines, leaflets, motionpictures, and so on.

As to whether advertising detracts from the dignity of AMORC,look at the church pages of your newspaper. Note the extensive advertising in the ñame of religión, the publicity campaigns conductedby evangelists— Are these considered undignified? Our advertisementsmerely offer a free copy of The Mastery o f L i f e and do not reveal



any details regarding membership ín the Order. Such informador» canonly be obtained by personally reading The Mast ery o f L i f e itself.

If the Rosicrucians are disseminating truth and knowledge for the enlightenment and advancement of man, why do they cliarge dues? Why isn’t such instruction freely disseminated

to mankind?It is quite agreed that there should not be dues or fees for any

knowledge that is for the advancement and betterment of mankind.However, how is such “free” knowledge to reach individuáis livingperhaps thousands of miles from the source of that knowledge? TheRosicrucian teachings are free, but the paper, the printing, clericalhelp, postage, and buildings to house the staff are not.

We all believe that the teachings of the Bible or the Koran, forexample— or any sacred work— should be free. Nevertheless, the individual has to buy a copy of such a work. He is not purchasing thecontents but is paying for the material form in which it is presented.

Ethically speaking, however, why should the recipient be free of theexpense of disseminating such knowledge to him? In antiquity studentstraveled hundreds of miles at their own expense to hear a distantteacher. It was the only way such knowledge could be obtained. To -day’s student wants that knowledge brought to him— and that is whathis dues provide for.

If the Rosicrucian teachings have long had a valué, why does AMORC continually add to the existing ones?

Succinctly, the answer is to avoid becoming dogmatic and static.Change is one of the greatest laws of reality. Th e Rosicrucian In ter national Research Council continually adds new scientific knowledgeto the Rosicrucian teachings, while new mystical and philosophicalconcepts with a broader and more useful basis are also being added.This does not cause the Order to deviate from its traditional goal ofthe enlightenment of man, however. It adds to and substantiates it,in fact.



THE HERMETIC ROSE CROSS

The intricate symbol above is called the alchemical and Hermetic Rose Cross,

and i s a very oíd mys t i ca l sym bo l . It is com posed of tw o Rosy Crosses Uni ted in t o one: the small Rosy Cross at the center— representative oí man, the microcosm— is in turn the center point of a larger rose residing at the heart of the large cross — symbolic of the macrocosm . U pon the fo ur ends of the large cross are inscribed the three alchemical symboís: mercury, sulphur, and salt. At the top of the cross, mercury is placed in the center, sulphur on the left, and salt on the right. Upon the other ends of the cross the symbols have been inscribed in such an order as to conform to the esoteric tradition.

A fuller explanation of this very oíd symbol, with its mystical meaning, is given in the Ros i cr u ci an M anua l .

crossing the threshold (1978).pdf

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