(This article was wrote by researcher
David T. Rocks and published in the Theosophical
History magazine, April 1997, p.215-223.)
During his twenty-four years as Imperator (1), Harvey
Spencer Lewis (1883-1939), founder of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis
(AMORC), made numerous claims of authenticity for himself and for his
organization. In doing so AMORC became the target of rival rosicrucian
organizations who were also touting their own authenticity. Consequently,
allegations by and about Lewis were published so frequently that the only means
of determining what was or was not claimed by Lewis requires a thorough
examination of his writings.
MAGAZINES
Therefore, the logical starting point for this survey is AMORC’s
periodicals because the bulk of Lewis’ claims were published therein. AMORC’s
first official periodical was The
American Rosae Crucis. Beginning in January 1916 twelve issues comprising
volume one were published and, nine issues of volume two were published in
1917. However, by October of 1916 AMORC was experiencing conspicuous difficulty
in maintaining its publishing schedule. As a result, nearly every issue of the
magazine from that point on carried an editorial comment reflecting their
situation. The tone of AMORC’s plea was unmistakable:
« Hereafter the magazine will be issued promptly and in order to
prevent any delay, or skip of issue, in your receipt of the magazine for the
coming year, be sure to send in your renewal for 1917 issues as quickly as
possible. »
Next, the December 1916 issue was
prefaced as follows:
« NOTICE TO OUR READERS. This issue is late, but we have gained some
on the time lost in the past. This is the second issue we have mailed during
the month of February [1917] and in March two more, the January and February
[1917] issues, will be mailed. »
Then, in April 1917 the editors
wrote:
« It is useless to comment further on the lateness of our issues.
Try as we will, we cannot rush the issuing of our publication without injustice
to the quality and diversity of matter we wish to produce. This February issue
will be in the mails before May first, although many may not receive it until
May. The March issue is under way and will follow in the mails about May 10th
to 15th. It may be possible to put the April issue in the mails before June
first; if so, we can expect to have the July issue on time by gaining a little
each month. »
This was followed by the June
1917 notice which read:
« IMPORTANT NOTICE. This issue of the magazine is dated June, 1917,
although it is Number 3 of Volume 2. Our last issue was dated February, 1917,
which was Number 2 of Volume 2. In order to bring our magazine up to date we
have secured permission from the Post Office Department to skip three issues
and date the present issue June, 1917. To compensate our subscribers for the
loss of the March, April and May issues all subscriptions ending in June, 1917,
or thereafter will be extended three months. By this means we hope to keep our
magazine up to date and to issue it monthly on or about the 10th of the month. »
Finally, the discontinuance of The American Rosae Crucis was announced
in November of 1917. The two reasons given were:
« First, this is one step in our plan for ending, slowly and
effectively, the outward, public propaganda of our work. Secondly, the magazine
as it has been published during the past two years has not afforded an
opportunity for the proper presentation of those articles, subjects and
study-references which we would like to place into the hands of our members.
Therefore, beginning with January [1918] we will issue a new monthly
publication in the form of a unique magazine. »
At that time, any state with members could be chartered with a Grand
Lodge of its own, as was common in Masonry. Also, there were no home-study
members or initiations by mail as there are today. Lectures were sent to the Masters
of Lodges who read them to the members. In 1918-1919, it was with this in mind
that a new publication called Cromaat
was introduced, for members only, by special subscription. The seven issues
published were lettered A through G, with each issue focusing on a single
subject.
A - “An International Language
for Rosicrucians with Complete Grammar and Dictionary.”
The Rosicrucian language was an
artificial language based on Esperanto. However, the project was soon
discontinued because of time constraints and the lack of qualified personnel to
maintain the dictionary and grammar changes.
B - “Official Manual for Officers
and Members of the AMORC.”
This was the first edition of The
Rosicrucian Manual (New York: AMORC College Library, 1918).
C - “A Complete System of Natural
Harmonics.”
The law of vibrations and the
universal cosmic keyboard were introduced to the membership in this issue.
Lewis later incorporated these subjects into the monographs [official
teachings] of the Order.
D - “The Village of the Devil.”
The story written by Lewis was
purported to represent one of the oldest traditions of the Order in France,
although the tradition was cryptically stated. Later, the story was reprinted
for members as a Supplemental Discourse (unofficial teachings in manuscript
form).
E - “Cosmic Geomancy.”
A small amount of the material in
this issue was incorporated into the official teachings, however, the greater
portion of the material was expanded and became Lewis’ book Self Mastery and
Fate with the Cycles of Life. (San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1929).
F - “The Imperator’s Personal
Message. The Annual Address to all Member’s in which the Imperator Explains the
Paramount Problems of our Order.”
By this time the organization was on the verge of
collapse (2).
G - “An Official Communication
from the Supreme RC Authorities to the Order in North America.”
Lewis published a letter which he claimed was from his
superiors in France with his reply to the membership. Surprisingly, this early
letter was not included in Ralph Lewis’ (3) book of
important Rosicrucian Documents. (San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC,
1975).
In 1920, the April, May, and June issues of The American Rosae Crucis were published as volume three,
comprising a total of twenty-four issues of that magazine.
Next, eight issues of The Triangle
were published between March 23, 1921 and January 24, 1922. Each issue was
published in a four page newsletter format. Then, The Triangle was revived as a fourteen-page magazine in August 1923;
followed by the September and October issues, it was discontinued with the
February 1924 issue.
In May 1925, the first issue of The
Mystic Triangle appeared and thereafter was published monthly until September,
1929. In October 1929, the magazine’s title was changed to The Rosicrucian Digest. This final change seemed to be part of a program
to stabilize the organizations public image. Additionally, the directors of
AMORC apparently realized that their magazine could be a more useful tool if
made available to members and non-members alike.
Therefore, in August 1930 the first issue of The Rosicrucian Forum was introduced as a private publication, for
members only, giving AMORC a means of public and of private propaganda. In the
preface of his book, Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete History of
the Rosicrucian Order, Lewis wrote that:
« The
history of the Brotherhood must be divided into two general classifications.
First, that which has come down to the present time by word of mouth, supported
by more or less definite references in ancient writings or symbolical passages
in the rituals or teachings; and second, that which is truly historical and
supported by the records found in the various branches of the organization
throughout the world. » (4)
Later, Lewis boasted that “No one has ever [sic] been able to
successfully refute the historical outline given by us in our literature.” (5) Likewise,
Lewis never proved that it was correct.
From its inception, The
Rosicrucian Digest was published monthly until 1987 when it became a
bimonthly publication like The
Rosicrucian Forum, which always had been a bimonthly periodical. However,
in 1991 both the Digest and the Forum became quarterlies.
Interestingly, April 1990 was the seventy-fifth anniversary of AMORC and
it passed unnoticed or, rather was surpassed by the news that Imperator
(1987-1990) Gary L. Stewart had been removed from office and accused of
embezzlement (6). That aside, the publications of AMORC are unquestionably the most
reliable source of what was or was not claimed by Lewis. Even so, the validity
of his claims must be treated as a separate issue.
In evaluating claims of Rosicrucian authenticity it would be prudent to
bear in mind the admonition of Manly P. Hall (1901-1990):
« A book
was written [Fama Fraternitatis, 1614] by an unknown person, advancing the
claims of an unknown society, making promises that were never fulfilled, and
inviting the learned to membership in an organization that never was
discovered. The Society of the Rose Cross taught an esoteric philosophy that
has never been explained or revealed. It claimed a membership, yet no bona fide
member of it has ever been found. And it describes as its founder and
originator a man whose identity, concealed under the symbolic letters C.R.C.
remains unknown. A stalwart group of followers who admitted that they could not
find the society wrote an elaborate literature in defense of it. This
literature was answered, at least in part, by a series of theological criticisms
and condemnations, and by others who could neither prove nor disprove the
existence of the society. Upon this slender and exceedingly attenuated strand
of circumstances, a number of modern organizations make high-flown and concrete
claims. But these claims, for the most part, evaporate into the same vagueness
which surrounded the entire subject for more than three hundred years. » (7)
Accordingly, a bibliography of thirty pamphlets and books by and about
Harvey Spencer Lewis follows this survey. Combined with the periodicals, the
pamphlets and books should contain sufficient evidence to illustrate what Lewis
did or did not claim.
PAMPHLETS
1. The Constitution of the AMORC of North America
Adopted and Ratified by all
Lodges of this Order, Represented at the First National Convention, Held in
Pittsburgh, Pa., July 31-Aug. 4, 1917. To which is added specimen by laws for
all lodges. New York: Supreme Grand Lodge, 1917. 20cm x 15cm, pp.30.
It is
AMORC’s first constitution.
2. Confessio R C Fraternitatis
Prepared by Bro. Profundis (8). 1918. Third
edition. In Five Parts. San Jose: AMORC, 1978. 23.5cm x 15.5cm, pp.14, 23, 14,
14, 12.
Harvey Lewis’ confession is now shown only to twelfth degree members.
In his introduction, Ralph Lewis wrote that “all of the facts concerning the
Order’s reestablishment in this jurisdiction could not be too quickly and
frankly divulged.”
3. Rosicrucian Initiation. A Sealed Book of Instructions for Neophyte
Initiates
Contains information for new
members. San Francisco: The National RC Lodge of the AMORC, Copyright ©1921.
23cm x 15.6cm, pp.17, [3].
4. Man Triumphant and the Mastery of Fate
It is a promotional Booklet. Containing
the Secret Decalogue by H. Spencer Lewis. San Francisco: AMORC Movement,
copyright ©1921. 23cm x 15.6cm, [32] pp.
5. Rosicrucian Illumination. A Sealed Book of Information and
Preliminary Instruction
The Rosicrucian Order of the
Aquarian Age by Sri Ramatherio. Third Edition. San Francisco: The Supreme Grand
Lodge of the AMORC, [1926]. 23cm x 15.6cm, 28pp.
6. The Light of Egypt
The Strange Story of the
Rosicrucians by Sri Ramatherio. Tampa, Florida: Rosicrucian Square, 1927. 23cm
x 15.6cm, 32pp. Official Publication No. 15.
It is a promotional Booklet.
7. The Light of Egypt
The Strange Story of the
Rosicrucians by Sri Ramatherio. Fourth edition. San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge,
1928. 23cm x 15.6cm, pp.34, [2].It is a promotional Booklet.
8. ‘White Book C’. The Mysterious Origin of the Rosicrucians
A Challenge of Facts Accepted by
AMORC. San Jose: Supreme Council of AMORC for North America, 1928. 20.7cm x
9.2cm, 40pp. It is AMORC’s official response to Clymer’s allegations.
9. Internationales Hauptquartier von Obersten Rat des Alten Mystischen
Ordens Rosae Crucis
International Headquarters of the
Supreme Council of the Ancient and Mystic Order Rosae Crucis, Berlin, Germany,
1930, Official Communication to all Humanity. I. Manifestatio, II. Invitatio,
III. Proclamatio. Issued through the United Organizations of the Rose Cross
Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) / Brotherhood of the Rose Cross /
Fraternitatis Hermetica Lucis / Ordo Templi Orientis / Collegium Pansophia /
Societas Pansophia. This is the Second Official FAMA issued by the Original
Fraternity Rosae Crucis since the Seventeenth Century. 23.6cm x 18.5cm, 8pp.
Cover title: Pronunziamento to all the World.
This fantasy later became an
embarrassment to AMORC.
10. The Wisdom of the Sages. A Story of the Rosicrucians by Frater R. T.
XII
Second Edition. San Jose: Supreme
Grand Lodge of the AMORC, 1932. 25cm x 17cm, 32pp. Official Publication No. 16.
It is a promotional Booklet.
11. In the Superior Court
Santa Clara County, California.
‘Guilty’ is the Verdict of the Judge in this Case of Conspiracy and Libel
against the Rosicrucian Brotherhood, AMORC. Of Special Interest to all
Freemasons, Theosophists, Rosicrucians and Members of Fraternal Organizations. Editor’s
edition. San Jose: Department of Publication, AMORC, 1933. 20.7cm x 9.2cm,
12pp. “(This edition prepared especially for the Editors of Newspapers and Magazines
of North America.)”
12. White Book ‘D’. Audi Alteram Partem (Hear the Other Side)
San Jose: The Rosicrucian Press,
Ltd., 1935. 22.8cm x 15.3cm, 41pp. AMORC’s further reply to the allegations of
Clymer, et al.
13. The Secret Heritage. A Sealed Book
Profundis XIII. First edition.
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1935. 24cm x 17.3cm, 32pp. Official
Publication No. 17.
It is a promotional booklet. Approximately three years after Lewis’
death the contents of the promotional booklets were revised and re-titled “The
Mastery of Life”. Official Publication No. 18.
BOOKS
14. A Thousand Years of Yesterdays
A Strange Story of Mystic Revelations with an introduction
by Reverend George R. Chambers (9). San Francisco: AMORC, 1920.
19.5cm x 13cm, 75pp. Although written as fiction, Lewis wrote that this book
“will tell you the real facts of reincarnation.” In Chapter 8, Lewis introduced
as characters, those whom he claimed authorized him to establish the
Rosicrucian Order in America.
15. Unto Thee I Grant
Revised by Sri Ramatherio. San
Francisco: The Oriental Literature Syndicate, 1925. 18.3cm x 12.4cm, 98pp. Lewis
wrote only the preface and notes on the terms used in the manuscript, pp.i-vii,
93-98. He claimed that the book was “translated by special permission of the
Grand Lama and Disciples of the Sacred College in the Grand Temple in Tibet.”
16. The Mystical Life of Jesus
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1929. 19.5cm x 14cm, 320pp. This
was the first of two books relating to this topic. Also see number 25.
17. Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete History of the
Rosicrucian Order
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1929. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 341pp. + ads. This version of Rosicrucian history
has been embellished since its first appearance in the American Rosae Crucis.
18. Rosicrucian Principles for the Home and Business
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1929. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 241pp. A self-help book.
19. Self Mastery and Fate with the Cycles of Life
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1929. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 253pp. Although Lewis personally believed in
astrology and other pseudo-sciences he was convinced that his system was
better.
20. Mansions of the Soul. The Cosmic Conception
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1930. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 338pp. Lewis’ attempt to explain reincarnation in
detail.
21. Lemuria. The Lost Continent of the Pacific
By W. S. Cervé with a Special Chapter by Dr. James D.
Ward (10). San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1931. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 274pp.
The author’s name is a pseudonym for H. S. Lewis.
22. The Book of Jasher. One of the Sacred Books of the Bible Long Lost
or Undiscovered
Now offered in Photographic
Reproduction of the Version by Alcuin [1829 edition]. San Jose: Supreme Grand
Lodge of AMORC, 1934. 27.5cm x 20cm, pp.[4], xi, [3], 63, [1], 9, [1]. Lewis
wrote only a preliminary explanation of the text.
23. Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians
An Exact Reproduction of the
Original but with the Text and Terms Literally Translated. Limited Edition.
Chicago: The Aries Press, 1935. 45.5cm x 30.3cm, pp.xiv, 58. Preface and
bibliography by Lewis. Reprinted in 1967 by Abdiel Lodge of Long Beach, CA.
Currently published in San Jose.
24. The Symbolic Prophecy of the Great Pyramid
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1936. 19.5cm x 13.3cm, 192pp. A weak contribution to pyramid lore.
25. The Secret Doctrines of Jesus
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1937. 19.5cm x 13.3cm, 237pp. Written as a companion volume to number 16
above.
26. Mental Poisoning
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1937. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 104pp. Written as a self-help book. Lewis
considered himself something of a psychologist.
27. An Anthology of Latin Axioms and Epigrams in Latin and English
Compiled, classified, lettered and
dedicated to the lovers and students of Philosophy and Metaphysics by John W.
Lang. Edition Princeps. Preface by Dr. H. Spencer Lewis. New York: the Author,
Copyright ©1942. 14cm x 10cm, 118pp. Preface by Lewis was published
posthumously.
28. Essays of a Modern Mystic
From the Writings of H. Spencer
Lewis, Imperator (1915-1939). San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1962.
19.5cm x 13.5cm, pp.195, [1]. Contains twenty-three articles reprinted from The Rosicrucian Digest and The Rosicrucian Forum. Many of Lewis’
articles were reprinted and sold as booklets.
29. Cosmic Mission Fulfilled by Ralph M. Lewis
San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of
AMORC, 1966. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, pp.379, [1]. Biography of Harvey S. Lewis. Ralph
Lewis quoted extensively from his father’s periodical articles and books, as
well as from number two above.
30. Rosicrucian Documents
AMORC by Ralph M. Lewis. San
Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1975. 26.8cm x 19.3cm, pp.39, [1]. First edition.
Contains three photos and thirty three historical documents with descriptions
in English, French, and Spanish. The second edition, 1978, contained changes in
text: page 12, Obligation of German Grand Master Wilhelm Raub, dated 1973. Last
page [40] has a synoptic history of AMORC.
Notes
1. Although Lewis preferred to
call himself Imperator, meaning supreme leader, he laid claim to many other
titles during his tenure. A few examples were: Generalissimo, Grand Master
General, and Supreme Pontiff.
2. R. Swinburne Clymer. The
Rosicrucian Fraternity in America. Two volumes (Quakertown, Pa.: The
Rosicrucian Foundation, 1935), II: 869. Facsimile Reproduction No. 65. “Grand
Imperator Grieved at arrest.” The [New York] Sun (19 June 1918).
3. Ralph Maxwell Lewis
(1904-1987) was the son and successor of Harvey Spencer Lewis as Imperator
(1939-1987). He had previously served as Supreme Secretary of AMORC.
4 H. Spencer Lewis. Rosicrucian
Questions and Answers with Complete History of the Rosicrucian Order (San Jose:
Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1975), 17. First published in 1929.
5. H. Spencer Lewis. “Errors in
Rosicrucian History,” The Rosicrucian Forum 7/4 (February, 1937): 112-13.
6. Cathie Calvert. “Rosicrucians
name new leader.” San Jose Mercury News (February 25, 1987), 4B. Ann W.
O’Neill. “Rosicrucian infighting ousts leader.” San Jose Mercury News. (April
18, 1990), 1. Since his case was not adjudicated, Mr. Stewart must be presumed
innocent of the charge.
7. Manley P. Hall, The Riddle of
the Rosicrucians (Los Angeles: Philosophical Research Society, 1941), 14-15.
8. The names Brother Profundis,
Sri Ramatherio, Frater R. T. XII, and Profundis XIII were a few of the
pseudonyms used by Lewis. His initial use of pseudonyms stemmed from the lack
of an editorial staff.
9. H. Spencer Lewis. “Rev. George
Robert Chambers, K.R.C., Grand Master, State Lodge, Iowa Jurisdiction.” The
American Rosae Crucis. 1-10 (October, 1916): 17. “Brother Chambers is today the
Rector of St. Paul’s Parish in Harlan. He is a Vice-Grand and State Lecturer
for the I.O.O.F. in Iowa, Chaplain of a Masonic Lodge, Principal Sojourner of
the Royal Arch Masons, Prelate of the Knights Templar. In addition he has been
honored with the degrees of Ph.B., Honorary M.A., and D.C.” [Editor’s note:
Ph.B. is correct, but what it refers to is unknown. D.C. refers to Doctor of
Chiropractic.]
10. H. Spencer Lewis. “A Message
From India.” By Frater James D. Ward, M. D., F. R. C. The Rosicrucian Digest.
8- 2 (March 1930): 39. “Brother Ward is the only American living today who
entered the mystic monasteries of the Arcane schools of India many years ago
and pursued the complete course of sacred mystical sciences under the direction
of the secret chiefs of the Rosicrucian and Hindu mystic brotherhoods.
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