The Inauguration System of the Western Tradition
The Ancient Order of Rosicrucians is an initiatory mystery school. Meaning that in addition to the external members there are also those who are initiated members.
Everyone interested in the teachings of the Rosicrucians can become either a member or external member of the A.O.R. However, you can only become initiated if you are able to give credible reasons for the initiation. After examination by the head of the Agnus Dei Lodge your application will either be accepted or rejected.
Acceptance or rejection is in no way associated with the duration of membership - it has much more to do with your inner willingness to become part of the great work.
Following your initiation in the lodge the regular membership in the A.O.R. starts. Historically, all student studies in the outer circle of the mysteries of the western tradition are supervised by the advanced initiates of the A.O.R. The theoretical and practical instructions prepare the student to receive the healing blessing of the spiritual light.
On the threshold of the Order
Initiated, 0 = 0
Traditionally, the First or Outer Order is divided into the following grades:
- Zelator, 1 = 10 (Earth, Malkuth)
- Theoricus, 2 = 9 (Air, Jesod)
- Practicus, 3 = 8 (Water, Hod)
- Philosophus, 4 = 7 (Fire, Netzach)
Between the First and Second Order is the Portal of the Adepts.
- Philosophus Senior, 4 = 7 Sr. (Spirit, Portal)
The Second or Inner Order includes:
- Adeptus Minor, 5 = 6 (Tiphereth)
- Adeptus Major, 6 = 5 (Geburah)
- Adeptus Exemptus, 7 = 4 (Chesed)
Between the Second and Third Order is the Abyss.
- Adeptus Exemptus Senior, 7 = 4 Sr. (Daath)
The Third Order includes:
- Master Templi, 8 = 3 (Binah)
- Magus, 9 = 2 (Chokmah)
- Ipsissimus, 10 = 1 (Kether)
Therefore each attunement stands for a sphere (Sephira) - one of the circles on the qabalistic Tree of Life. The tenth sphere, the Kingdom, is the lowest or most outer expression of the life force and corresponds to the physical level.
The candidate moves upwards to the crown, contrary to the sequence of the paths of the Tree of Life. He starts where it stands now, because the path of initiation is a path of return. After his initiation, he is no longer Mr. X or Ms. Y, but an initiate of the western mystery tradition.
The attunements of the outer order prepare the initiate of the low mysteries for the work of the inner order. With the attunements of the outer order (Zelator, Theoricus, Practicus and Philosophus) the four elements of alchemy (earth, air, water, fire) are being balanced.
Once transferred to the Tree of Life, the physical body, mind, feelings and the will are begin the process of harmonizaition. In the portal, or the fire test, the fifth or original element is introduced. When the candidate is considered worthy after an adequate preparation, the inner order invites him to receive the height and inner initiation into the great mysteries. That is the mystical and continuous unification with the true self. This stage is described as enlightenment.
The inner order consists of the enlightened adepts (Minor, Major, Exemptus).
The inner school includes avatars, or the masters of the inner school, which direct the spiritual evolution of mankind. (Master Templi, Magus, Ipsissimus.)
In the Rosicrucian manifests this order is referred to as invisible. But one should not assume that this order therefore consists of disembodied human intelligences. Nor are its members super-humans who inhabit a region described at "higher levels". Nor does it consist of invisible beings. Its members are men and women who live on earth in physical bodies. However, they are invisible to the profane eye, because they cannot recognize the signs of those initiated.
True Rosicrucians recognize each other. Their identification can not be counterfeited or imitated, because these signs are more subtle than the usual badges and passwords of secret societies.