In the realm of esoteric traditions and mystical practices, few names stand out
like that of A.E. Waite. A prominent figure in the early 20th century, Waite was not
just a writer and scholar; he was a visionary who sought to bridge the gap between
the mystical and the mainstream. One of his most notable contributions is the Fellowship
of the Golden and Rosy Cross, an organization dedicated to providing Rosicrucian
instruction and ritual experience to Christians aged 21 and older.
Founded with a commitment to spiritual exploration and enlightenment, the Fellowship of
the Golden and Rosy Cross is an esoteric society that encourages its members to delve into
the mysteries of life, nature, and the divine. This fellowship is rooted in Rosicrucianism,
a spiritual and cultural movement that emerged in Europe during the late 16th and early 17th
centuries. The Rosicrucian tradition combines elements of mysticism, philosophy, and science,
aiming to foster personal transformation and a deeper understanding of the universe.
His vision for the Fellowship was to create a safe space for Christians seeking
spiritual depth beyond traditional doctrines. Waite believed that Christianity and esoteric
knowledge could coexist harmoniously, offering a pathway to greater wisdom and understanding.
His teachings emphasized the importance of inner transformation, spiritual awakening, and mystical
experience.
Brother Waite said, "The Golden and Rosy Cross, understood in the secret circles ns the Cosmic Cross of the
Order, symbolizing universal manifestation, with the manifested Christ in the centre as the
power and the grace of all things. The motto is: Ego sum flos campi et lilium convallium.
This emblem appears on the title-page of Geheime Figures, issued at Altona in 1785, and
is characteristic of the theosophical spirit which permeates the whole work. It was attached
evidently to a ribbon or collar, and is probably the reverse side of a Cross shewn in another
plate, described as of fine gold and said to have been worn by each Brother on his breast.
The inscription on the reverse is the well-known salutation of the Order which was repeated
on exposing the symbol: Benedictus Dominus Deus noster qui dedit nobis signum. Beneath
this inscription the signs of Mercury, Venus, the Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are written
about a six-pointed star, having the Sun in its centre. On the uppermost arm of the Cross are
the words: Magister Jesus Christus, Deus et Homo; the horizontal arms bear the signs of
the three Philosophical Principles; and on that which is lowermost is inscribed: Frater Rosa'
et Aurea Crucis, i.e. Brother of the Rose and of the Golden Cross. The symbol illustrates the
dedications of the Order at this period: but they were no new development, peculiar to the
eighteenth century: they were in evidence even at the beginning and are characteristics of the
present day more assuredly than ever."
Email the FRC at
john_kst@hotmail.com.
The Fellowship of the Rosy Cross L.C. is a registered nonprofit corporation in Kentucky, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization nationally.
The above Rosy Cross symbol is Trade Mark pending.