The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order: An Interpretation of the Rosicrucian Allegory & An Explanation of the Ten Rosicrucian Grades

This is an absolute gem of a book on the school of esoteric wisdom known as the Rosicrucian Order. There is a cloud of mystery that surrounds the Order, and this book helps to lift a lot of the fog by expressing not only what the Order actually is, but also what it is NOT. Dr. Case's commentary on the allegorical texts that brought the Order to the surface of public consciousness - the Fama Fraternitatis and the Confessio - is enough to make this book a treasure worth owning for any student of spirituality, especially of the esoteric wisdom of the ages. Beyond Case's adept exposition of the two publications mentioned above, he goes beyond and describes the grades of the Order, which did not originate with the publications but were created over time by learned occultists with a firm grasp of Hermetic Qabalah and the process of liberation or awakening. Case's detailed description of each grade with tarot correspondences is priceless and demonstrates not only his understanding of the Western mystery school tradition, but the Eastern yoga tradition as well (the two being closely related). My only negative, and a very weak one, is the way in which some of the gematria is used throughout - it seems like a slight stretch in certain instances. Most of the explanations of the allegory via gematria, however, are eye-opening and leave little room for doubt as to their validity. The explanation of C.R.C.'s vault, the compendium of the whole universe, as described in the Fama Fraternitatis is brilliant, to say the least. I can't praise or recommend this book enough to the true spiritual aspirant, especially those who have chosen the path of the Western mystery school of esoteric wisdom. If you're a member of BOTA (Case's Builders of the Adytum), you MUST own this book. It will only strengthen your faith in Case's credibility as a teacher of the mysteries and of the legacy he left behind in BOTA.

Studying all the negative comments about this book, the following group reveal themselves: 1. Those with over-bloated egos who want to be masters without paying the coin 2. Those who read only a few from this illustrious work lines and dared to comment 3. Those who're in organizations that claim to be the true R.C. 4. Those who are so hoodwinked with the Christian Rosenkreutz phenomena that they're unwilling to leave it 5. Those who do not know that Western Mystery Tradition means exactly what it means - a tradition and know one copied from anyone let alone invent the tradition not G.D. nor S.R.I.A. 6.The orthodox minded who see Satan in everything not sanctioned by the Church. To all these people the Rosicrucian manifestos say "for we will not move gross wits." This is a work not for jokers and the lazy. Neither is it for those looking for a romantic read which fill most New Age and self helP books that have the temerity to call themselves spiritual. There is almost no personal attachment to this work. The author does not claim to be a Rosicrucian, he merely interprets what the manifestos say and nowhere is Christian Rosenkreutz mentioned by name. Those who say he is a Rosicrucian claimant definitely did not read this book. Rosicrucianism according to the manifestos is nothing but Christian Hermeticism. This book settles the Rosicrucian argument once and for all and exposes the various groups answering the name Rosicrucian. The True Rosicrucian is every child of the One Reality especially those who dine at the Table of Life - those who are one with the Father. The hero Our Father and Brother C.R.C. Is none other than the Christos - the Universal Consciousness enthroned in the heart of man whereby he is called Microcosm. No organization secret or open can lay exclusive claim to Rosicrucianism and Rosicrucianism has nothing at all to do with that joke called AMORC. This is the best and most illumining book I have ever read. I can only speak for myself. Like the manifestos, Paul Foster Case's book is addressed to the erudite of the world and it does not move gross wits. L.V.X.

Paul Foster Case is one of those rare people who managed to crack the code of Western mysticism. His dissection of the Rosicrucian mysteries is far more than a beginner's survey. It's a profound work. My only warning is this: he dives right into the deep end. If you haven't studied Western mystery traditions before, much of what he says will feel like he's just pulling random ideas out of the air. I would suggest starting with [ASIN:B001IXS90Q Smoley]] who gives an excellent set of overviews of broad and specific topics without the extreme depth of Case. Once you feel comfortable, follow up with Case and you'll find that you get quite a lot out of it!

A wonderful work showing how comes that the initiation occurs in other planes and the importance of tarot in this path. Moreover, it shows the correct interpretation for the history of Christian Rosenkreutz which has an occult meaning instead on an historical one which can be unveiled through Gematria. The book not only mention that but unveil it for you! (Evidently the reader must find more by himself). If you want to understand deeply the Fama and the Confessio, this is your book. One of my favorites books ever!

Nice edition in hardback, good information for those on the rosicrucian path. My edition I just purchased had no number written in it. There was only to be 111 copies, what's up with that?.

This book is a classic. It is intense...for serious spiritual seekers who are drawn to metaphysics, only. This is not for those who just want pop spirituality or feel-good vibes. For someone whose heart is in the right place, and who has been preparing their character for this, it can take you very deep. You may have to read it in small doses.

This book is more than one may think at first glance. It's a true insight on the Initiation process in the Sacred Wisdom of the Tarot and the Holy Qabalah. A true guide to the deeply committed Seeker.

Paul Foster Case (PFC) has really applied his knowledge and understanding Rosicrucian philosophy and history to create one of the deepest and hardest to digest books on this subject - do they go hand-in-hand? PFC is a true spiritual luminary who received teachings and in turn transmitted them to the public. His Order "Builders of The Adytum" (BOTA) is a very relevant vessel for communicating previously unavailable wisdom to seekers in a very powerful way. He was never connected to AMORC, which is also an amazing Order offering lifetime study, but it is always enlightening to gain viewpoints from luminaries like PFC and HSL to gain a rounded view of this most complex subject. We are very lucky to be able to gain access to the wisdom that he possessed, try his Tarot books or join BOTA for full enlightenment on that subject. Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages The Book of Tokens. 22 Meditations on The Ageless Wisdom

If you know that this book is deeply worthwhile, you already know that. What you *need* to know is that this Kindle version is extremely well-put-together. There are proper chapter links, and indeed headings for all of the Grades and Paths in the second half of the book. There are some typos, but certainly not enough to be a problem. Overall, a wonderful investment, even if you have a physical copy.

A classic by a master of the tradition

A very useful book for those pursuing the purpose of an in depth study of the path of involution in it's symbolic terms. I'd suggest the publisher update their colour plate image of Paul Foster Case's version of the tree of life. When I first read this book (1986-7) I recall the hard copy had a much clearer diagram. Early versions of the paperback also did (I saw in mid '90s). Now, there's just a blurred black and white photograph almost illegible. Nevertheless, it's causing me to really have to reconstruct it for myself from the text, the tarot and Hebrew letters given to check accuracy (other online versions are helpful too but accuracy and interpretation mustn't be taken for granted) which is deepening my study and understanding of the book. So all is good. I still thoroughly recommend this book. It's not a light read and ongoing I shall use it as more of a reference. You'll know if you need this book or not. For those who do, you'll study it until you understand it. All the best to those who embark.