THE SEVEN STEPS OF WISDOM - STEP 1

This is the first Step in the Seven Steps of Wisdom, which are taken symbolically during the ritual of initiation into the SRIA as a Zelator and which appear in the rituals of some of the other Rosicrucian societies as well. What is symbolized may become clear to you later. Read on.

Why Are You Reading This?

You are reading this either because you have just joined the SRIA and want to know exactly what you have joined or because you think you might want to join and want to know about us before committing yourself. (There are other possible reasons, of course, like simple curiosity)

What is the SRIA?

The letters SRIA are short for Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (that's Latin), also once commonly referred to as Soc.'. Ros.'. but now less often shortened in this way. It is a society of Masonic Rosicrucians - so what, on God's green earth, are they?

About 1614 two strange documents were published in Germany, the Confessio and the Fama Fraternitatis. They told the story of a society Ð not actually secret but not openly public either - founded by Christian Rosenkreuz, (a German, educated in a monastery but not a monk, who died about 1490). Both the Fama and the Confessio were anonymous and academics are uncertain and divided as to whether the story is entirely true, allegorical and only loosely based on truth or entirely fictitious (and, if made up, why?). We will go into more detail about these, so called, 'Rosicrucian Manifestos in a later 'step'.

The story of the society since 1614 is patchy, with occasional clear references to it during the 18th century, a number of obscure remarks which might refer to it and the emergence of the SRIA and SRIS (the same thing in Scotland) in the 19th century, as described in some detail in the History given to all newly initiated Zelators. There are several other Rosicrucian societies: AMORC (the Ancient and Meritorious Order of the Rosy Cross); BOTA (Builders of the Adytum); SRICF (Societas Rosicruciana in Citibus Federalis); SRIAm (Societas Rosicruciana in America) amongst several others. The SRIA is in amity (has friendly relations) with the SRIS only, not the others.

The Masonic connection goes right back to the first recorded speculative Freemason, Elias Ashmole. A copy of the Fama in Ashmole's own hand and a copy of a letter seeking to join the Rosicucians were found amongst his effects after he died in the 17th century. The SRIA at present accepts only Master Masons as members, but it is not, in itself, a Masonic organisation and the Society could change that rule (if enough members agreed!)

The SRIS is also Masonic, as is the SRICF, found only in the USA and not connected to us. The other main Rosicrucian groups all have women members as well as men.

But What IS Rosicrucianism and What are the Aims of the Society?

Rosicrucians are Christians. To join this Society you must profess the 'Trinitarian Christian Faith', though there are no creeds or doctrines specified in the SRIA ordinances. There are in the SRIA practicing members of most denominations, as well as a good many who profess no particular denomination or church. There is in the Society probably an above average awareness of the ancient world into which Christianity came, but no dogma. Those who join are committed to a study of the great problems of life, the propagation of knowledge and mutual help in the study of culture, world religions, hermetic science and the 'secrets of nature'.

Remember the answer you gave in Lodge to the question in What is Freemasonry? You gave the reply that it is a 'system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.' In the case of the SRIA, you add to that general Rosicrucian attitude to life mentioned above, a lifting of the veil and a study of the symbols.

The SRIA will explore the mystical side of Masonry and attempt to answer some of the questions related to it: if such things do not interest you, then probably the Soc.'.Ros.'. is not for you.

What do you mean by 'Symbols'?

'A symbol can be anything that carries meaning and that talks to us and to our world of imagination on a conscious or unconscious level. Symbols are used in art and poetry, within groups to represent secret matters, as well as a way of helping make conversation brief and direct - The ancient Egyptians, the Mayas, the Masons and the Mathematicians of our world, all use symbols with more or less awareness of what they are activating.' (from The Star of Thirteen by Joanna Crowson and Selja Winther.

The flag of St George is symbolic - you must decide for yourself precisely what it symbolizes - at least two different sets of ideas! The cross, the crescent and the swastika are all symbols, which have been consciously imbued with meaning. What are the symbols of Masonry and what do they symbolize? This is a question to consider again in the meditation section.

The Structure of the Societas Rosicruciana

The SRIA meets in Colleges, grouped into Provinces, a structure that will be familiar to Masons. Each province is headed by a Chief Adept and his appointed deputy, called a Suffregan. Each College is headed by a Celebrant, assisted by an Exponent, a Secretary and Treasurer, a Director of Ceremonies, four Ancients, a Conductor of Novices and a Guardian: these represent the ritual element of our meetings, but the College and the Society is much more than its ritual. Short papers from ordinary members on a wide range of subjects form an important part of many College meetings and some members meet to discuss longer papers and more detailed ideas in study groups.

The normal form of address among members is frater (Latin for 'brother' Ð plural fratres not fraters!!!). There are four grades making up the first order, three making up the second order and two the third order:

Promotion within the first order is a matter for the College. Initiation into the Second Order as an Adept must usually be after not less than four years in the First Order (though any promotion can be authorized by the Supreme Magus at his pleasure) and promotion is the decision of the Chief Adept, on the recommendation of the College Secretary. Promotion to the Third Order is the prerogative of the Supreme Magus alone.

There are very few Magisters - principally just the Chief Adepts of the various provinces and a few national officers. The are just 3 Magi (plural of the Latin word Magus) - the Supreme Magus, elected for a 5 year term of office and a Senior Substitute Magus and a Junior Substitute Magus, both appointed by the Supreme Magus, who also appoints the Chief Adepts.

What's this about 'Papers' and 'Study'?

The SRIA is not a branch of Freemasonry. It does perform ritual to advance the members along the path of return to the source - but members also study. A paper is just a way of sharing your thoughts and researches and not everybody can write and deliver papers. Some read the work of others, some let others read their thoughts and some do both. Many Masons not really committed to the objects of the society do neither! Others at least join in the discussions.

You may still be interested but put off by what seems too daunting: don't be. Every member can contribute in some way, but those who are not interested at all may want to look elsewhere.

What About Developing the Psychic and Mystical Sides of the Personality?

Touchy area, this. Many of the male founders of the infamous Golden Dawn were members of this society first, but the SRIA does not practice any form of Ritual Magic (some members do, but thatÕs a different matter). A few members would deny the existence of the supra-natural, synchronicity, telepathy, astrology, clairvoyance and so on: other members would give you examples of how these psychic skills work for them, while most would be more circumspect and hold less dogmatic views. The fact remains that supra-natural talents can be developed in most people.

These first seven steps are intended to do several things. Of course we want to give you a taste of the SRIA and what it is about, but we want to help you find the right path for you, even if it's not one we share. As a part of that, some of the course is devoted to meditation and reading - do it and you may begin to develop your Psychical and/or your Mystical side.

Keep a diary

Obtain a little notebook, which will become a diary of your journey of self-exploration. Be honest about recording your thoughts and ideas - there's nobody but yourself to deceive and admit it - you wouldn't want anyone to be less than honest with you, so don't be. Don't be slavish about maintaining your diary, but try to keep it up to date.

Meditation for the next Seven Days: What do you really want from Life?

It might sound stupidly obvious, but it's one of the great truths - if you don't know what you want from life you won't get it! In order to achieve your objectives you MUST first know what they are.

Set aside ten or fifteen minutes and think over what you want. Never mind what you don't want. If you don't like your job ask yourself what you'd rather do. If you dislike the place you live, ask where you would rather live. In your notebook write down your priorities - what you really want from life.

On a different day, look again at what you have written: are you sure that it expresses you main objectives in life? Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers, but if you are quite sure about what you want, then follow it up by writing down the first steps you need to achieve your dreams, Clearly hold in mind what you want to achieve - not a detailed method, but a vivid insight into what it would mean for you.

Visualisation is nothing more (or less) than holding an image in mind and thereby telling your subconscious what your mental effort should be expended on. For those who have not tried visualization before, some of the seven steps will deal with how you go about it. The proposed further courses are likely to require a much more extended study of internal skills.

A Book to Read.

This is tricky: how to get an overview which can give a newcomer to these ideas an insight, without either insulting the intelligence of those more widely read or being so ephemeral that the more down-to-earth thinker/reader is not immediately put off. In the end we suggest you acquire a copy of:

The Rosicrucians: The History, Mythology and Rituals of an Esoteric Order;

Christopher McIntosh; Samuel Weisner; 1997; ISBN number 0-87728-920-4

At this stage you need only read the introduction. (We don't mean you shouldn't read the rest of the book if you find it interesting - only that we do want you to read and think about the introduction in particular.)

Some Questions to Think Over

You are the only person who will see any written answer you give at this stage, so check up on yourself, because no one else will! Write your answers in your notebook.

1. Think back over your own Masonic 3rd degree ceremony and pick out some things that were symbolic. What did those symbols represent?

2. The (Masonic) 3rd Degree Tracing Board involves a number of symbols. What are they and what do they represent?

3. The introduction to the book ‘The Rosicrucians’ suggests that the symbol of the rose and the cross is one that appeals to something very deep inside us. What meanings can you find for the cross symbol? For the rose symbol? For the combination of the Rose & Cross?

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