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Christian Rosencreutz

(Revision as of 09:11, 24 Sep 2004)

Christian Rosencreutz (a Gnostic Saint of EGC) is the legendary alchemist and founder of the Rosicrucians. His name first appears in The Chemical Marriage, by Johann Valentin Andrea (also a Gnostic Saint of EGC).


Table of contents

The legend

According to Franz Hartmann (1890), Christian Rosencreutz was a German nobleman who had been educated in a convent, and had become initiated into the "mysteries of the secret science" while in Damascus. While in Fex (in Africa), he learned the techniques of magick and the nature of the macrocosm and microcosm. After returning to Europe, he formed a small convent called Sanctus Spiritus in Spain—which became the seed of the Rosicrucian order. Hartmann then goes on to say that,

120 years after his death, the entrance to his tomb was discovered. A staircase led into a subterranean vault, at the door of which was written, Post annos CXX. patebo. There was a light burning in the vault, which however, became extinct as soon as it was approached. The vault had seven sides and seven angles, each side being five feet wide and eight feet high. The upper part represented the firmament, the floor the earth, and they were laid out in triangles, while each side was divided into ten squares. In the middle was an altar, bearing a brass plate, upon which were engraved the letters, A. C. R. C; and the words, Hoc Universi Compendium vivus mihi Sepulchrum feci. In the midst were four figures surrounded by the words, Nequaquam Vacuum. Legis Jugum. Libertas Evangelii. Du Gloria Intacta. Below the altar was found the body of Rosencreuz, intact, and without any signs of putrefaction. In his hand was a book of parchment, with golden letters marked on the cover with a T (Testamentum?), and at the end was written, Ex Deo naximur. In Jesu morimur. Per Spiritum Sanctum reviviscimus.

Rosencreutz and The Golden Dawn

The character of Rosencreutz plays a substantial role in the Golden Dawn ritual, Ceremony of the Grade of Adeptus Minor.

Summation of The Chemical Marriage

In Die Chymische Hochzeit, Rosencreutz is not the groom (as the title might suggest) but a guest at the wedding. He is an old and pious man who undergoes an elaborate, highly symbolic adventure.

Quotes

In Abiegnus the Sacred Mountain of the Rosicrucians the Postulant finds but a coffin in the central shrine; yet that coffin contains Christian Rosencreutz who is dead and is alive for evermore and hath the keys of Hell and of Death. —Crowley, "The Soldier and the Hunchback"

The Mystic Name of Christian Rosencreutz signifies the Rose and Cross of Christ; the Fadeless Rose of Creation, the Immortal Cross of Light. —Golden Dawn ritual, Ceremony of the Grade of Adeptus Minor

Links of interest

 The Chemical Marriage (http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/sta/sta40.htm) at sacred-texts.com.

References



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