“In previous cycles they [monographs] were given orally at meetings held in the greatest secrecy. If we return to the beginnings of our Tradition, the teachings were transmitted in the Mystery Schools to those who had proven their loyalty and worthiness. The members were gradually initiated into symbolism of each degree and taught the Master’s wisdom according to a progression perfectly adapted to the individual’s needs. “

Why has AMORC historically hidden its teaching behind such a veil of secrecy? After all, if their stated aim is, as they claim, to create a balanced, peaceful world society then surely their oral traditions should be shared freely with the general public? For that matter, why is loyalty such an important quality for members of the Rosae Crucis? After all, don’t the monographs themselves often proclaim that members should be open to questioning all ideas even those put forth by the Order themselves. If this is the case then what purpose does this loyalty serve? If the Cosmic Masters believe so wholeheartedly in their wisdom then surely it should stand up to the machinations of an ill-intentioned recruit?

 However, if you examine this secrecy and appeal to loyalty from the perspective of a new initiate then it makes complete sense. Many of these individuals are truth seekers who have grown disenchanted with their current belief systems. If they have found AMORC then they are in pursuit of certainty, a mission that can give them renewed purpose in their lives. The Order offers this direction through their rituals and practices they offer you the key to untold personal power, all for the purposes of social betterment of course. Who could pass up this opportunity? Of course, this monograph will not reveal all that needs to be done to reach such a level of development. Instead you will be given glimpses of the promises that away with the promise that more will be revealed if you can only maintain your loyalty and dedication to the Order.

“The subject could involve telepathy, visualization, perception of the aura, awakening of the psychic consciousness, the art of mystical healing ect. We wish to emphasize that the messages and experiments are prepared at the Grand Lodge and are rooted in the Rosicrucian Tradition.”

The actual teachings behind these concepts will remain hidden behind a rigidly hierarchical structure of learning, with each successive level demanding ever-greater spiritual, social and financial devotion. If you were to compare this system of teaching to mainstream religions, the differences become clear.

“Due to specific traditional reasons, this initiation can only be bestowed in a Lodge. In keeping with the rules of our Order, this initiation must be taken before you can participate in convocations held in Chapters and Lodges. This means that if you wish to take part in these convocations in the future, you can only do so after having been initiated into the First Temple Degree in a Lodge. Until then, you are only allowed to visit a Pronaos.”

Conventional religions publish their beliefs openly in texts such as the Bible or the Bhagavadgita which purport to offer their truth to anyone who is willing to learn. While these faiths do involve particular initiation rituals, these are fairly simple to perform and can be accessed without any special knowledge.  From this point forth, you can call yourself a member of the religion without any issue. Meanwhile cults hoard their special knowledge in the hands of chose representatives. When their beliefs are published they can only be procured directly through the cult itself. When other members are recruited it’s usually through existing followers.

“However, if the member deliberately opposes these ideals…he or she will be excluded from this egregore since he or she is no longer situated on the corresponding vibratory plane due to negative thoughts, words, or actions…This is a phenomenon of rejection which, in a natural and sometimes imperceptible way, can remove a person forever from the Light that the Rose Cross is spreading in his or her heart and soul”

Tribalism is an extremely powerful evolutionary instinct. Our early ancestors organized themselves into groups in order to monopolize territory and reproductive resources. In this instance anyone who threatened the structure or stability of the tribe was seen as real and immediate threat to the continued survival of the gene pool, and thus their presence was often met with aggression. This is the basic principle behind our earliest wars.

Interestingly, while individuals who displayed the most aggressive instincts were often prized highly in the tribe, they often lived shorter lives due to the inherent riskiness of their behavior. Nevertheless, their aggression allowed other members of the tribe to procreate and continue the gene pool, which was still seen as a net benefit from an evolutionary perspective.

Today, similar forces govern cult loyalty. When you are welcomed with open arms into a new group of people that share the same values, goals and principles as yourself you have effectively formed a tribe. Your loyalty to the tribe is then reinforced through shared rituals and a constant focus on the uniqueness of your community. When any individual threatens the stability of this structure, they are immediately met with the same aggressiveness as a rival tribe would be met with. This knowledge that you may be cast out of the group if you express a negative thought or belief acts as a constant check on your behavior and impulses.