Customer Reviews

The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order

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I have simply not come across a better book about the theory behind the Western Mystery Tradition. Case tells really all there is to tell about the reality of the Rosicrucian movement in this monumental work. He bursts several myths about what Rosicrucians are (and aren't), and gives meditations and techniques for beginning the path yourself. The work can be very heady and difficult to read - there's just so much there - but it is definitely worth the read if you feel a calling to know more about this spiritual tradition. If you want rituals and construction diagrams for your own lodge, look to Regardie's books. This book is for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the tradition itself.

Who were the Rosicrucians? Appearing out of nowhere in 1614, the Rosicrucian fraternity anonymously published two manifestoes and then went silent. Because of this silence, many scholars surmised that the Rosicrucian Order was just an elaborate hoax... but the the Rosicrucian manifestoes undeniably had an immediate and profound impact on the philosophy, science, and politics of the age. Even unto the Twenty-First Century, Rosicrucian thinking continues to play a major role in Freemasonry and many other esoteric organizations.

Paul Foster Case wrote "The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order" because he believed that the original Rosicrucian manifestoes were written in a sort of Qabalistic short-hand, making them clearly understandable to those versed in alchemy and Qabala-- and obscuring much of their meaning from the general reading public. The first portion of Case's book is an exhaustive look at the Rosicrucian manifestoes, gleaning a treasure-trove of Qabalistic symbolism, numerology, and sacred geometry from the literal words printed in the documents; the second half of this book presents a series of highly subjective meditations on Rosicrucian philosophy, using Tarot keys to communicate the wisdom of the Rosicrucian masters.

The first portion of the book, covering the Rosicrucian manifestoes, is hardly light reading. Case spends page after page delving into the esoteric significance of the two Rosicrucian documents, reading deeply between the lines for a hint as to their real meaning. Admittedly, Dr. Case's style is relentlessly analytical, and he writes with a sort of focused intensity that may not appeal to everyone. Much of this material is difficult to grasp, many of Dr. Case's references are obscure, and there are several entire chapters which are little more than advanced occult geometry lessons. Despite these entirely valid criticisms, however, Case's analysis of the Rosicrucian manifestoes stands as a tour de force of Qabalistic Gematria and Rosicrucian philosophy. You simply won't find a better work of this nature anywhere! As Case correctly points out, the Rosicrucian manifestoes were addressed to an "erudite" reading audience, and their occultic significance could not have been missed by the practicing alchemists and philosophers of early Seventeenth-Century Europe.

My favorite parts of the first section of the book are those discussing Brother C.R.C.'s allegorical tale, the geometry of the Vault of the Adeptii, and especially the meaning of the Rosicrucian rose-cross symbol (Case's analysis of this symbol will undoubtedly have special significance to Scottish Rite Masons!).

Where the first half of this book is unnervingly direct, the second half is more subtle. This section covers the traditional Rosicrucian scheme of initiation (patterned after the Qabalistic 'Tree of Life' diagram), and provides the reader with a true system of self-initiation very much in accord with the Golden Dawn tradition. Because each Grade of Initiation is associated with a particular center on the Tree of Life, Dr. Case focuses on one aspect or attribute of that center, and then uses the Qabalistic attributions of the Hebrew letters in that word to establish a set of "doctrines" for each Grade. These doctrines are then exemplified using their associated Tarot Keys, providing the would-be initiate with a complete series of Tarot meditations to guide them up the Path.

The methods suggested in "The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order" are solid, but unfortunately, this book doesn't provide any instructions for carrying them out. This was probably by design, and there are certainly strong arguments in favor of this omission, but it's easy to see how the would-be initiate might become frustrated with the book's total lack of guidance. Individuals who are already familiar with Case's writing will probably have an inkling about how to use these meditations to their best effect, and for this reason, I would strongly recommend reading Case's other masterpiece, "The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ancients," before attempting to tackle the exercises suggested in this book.

Paul Foster Case was a gifted teacher, and this book is probably his crowning achievement in the field of occultism. Outside of B.O.T.A., the Order that Case founded, you aren't going to find a more open discussion of his techniques. However, because of the complexity of "The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order," this certainly isn't a title that I would recommend to a beginner on the Path.

For more information about B.O.T.A., see http://www.bota.org.

SHALOM!

Dr. Case was a gift to humanity and True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order is a crown jewel amongst the treasure of material he left behind. It is not for everybody. This book requires patience and many readings to get the full value out of it.

I agree with the other reviewers who say that the BOTA lessons provide a necessary foundation for truly getting the most out of this dense and difficult text. That being said, there is so much value here words fail me.

I have read so many books on occultism. I have started so many "self-initiation" programs. When I found the BOTA I felt like I was coming home. When I then discovered this book I felt like I found a treasure chest in the attic. I have spent the last two years primarily focused on studying this text and no other experience in my life (outside of my marriage) has provided me with such clear exercise and evidence of spiritual development.

I am humbled by Dr. Case and his legacy. My only prayer is that I might become a channel for that Divine Love that has so graciously provided my being. I owe it to Dr. Case that I even have an inkling of the worthiness of that prayer.

Quite simply one of the greatest books I have ever read. Case writes on the subject with masterly ease and gives an amazing amount of information.

Sometimes you read a book and you know you are reading a great book; this is the feeling I had when I first read it a number of years ago.

This is an all time classic for anyone who is studying in the Western Mystery Tradition

This is really two books in one--an explication of the Rosicrucian manifestoes of the early 17th century & Case's baroque yet unbelievably inspiring & lucid philosophy of what he calls "Chirstian Hermeticism", based on the Tarot & Kabalah as put forth in the Builders of the Adytum teachings, of which Case was the founder.

The extremely detailed & painstakingly researched explication of the Rosicrucian manifestoes is amazing, both for it's unabashed opinions (A.E. Waite takes it on the chin a time or two)& the sheer force of intellect put forth.

For those who find it hard to take Crowley's somewhat loose style, Case is the "anti-Crowley." A familiarity with the Builders of the Adytum teachings is very helpful with the latter part of the book....

Those of us who are serious Seekers can struggle for years before the light begins to dawn. I have been a Freemason for many years and an SRIA member. I have read Boehme, Blake and others. Struggled with Tarot and Qabalah, but on getting into this book the scales fell from my eyes. Many feel within; and struggle to find words. Paul Foster Case finds them for us.

Paul foster case presents a true understanding of the inner principles of the Invisible Order of The True Rosicrucians based on the two true manifestoes.I was skeptical of course at first,but being a student of occult sciences such as Qabalah,Mental Alchemy,Esoteric Astrology,and yes Esoteric Tarot,he hits it at the heart.He does not claim to be a rosicrucian nor his school to be a Rosicrucian Order as such.He simply states what is clearly seen by those with eyes to see.The True rosicrucian order is in the hearts of all the children Of the ONE INFINITE REALITY,plain and simple.

Paul Case, in this book, anlysis the two Rosicrucian manifestos, the "Fama Fraternitatis," and the "Confessio Fraternitatis." He also does an exploration of the ten Rosicrucian Grades and the paths that interlink them froming what is known as the Tree of Life. His method is deeply Qabalistic and Hermetic, using gematria and Tarot with skill and precision. Every page is packed with information about the very nature of humanity and how we can attune ourselves to the Inner School. And yet, after several readings, it's apparent that the book is really just filled with hints for greater study and inspirations. In this book, he left behind him a great contribution to the Western Mystery Tradition.

A book considered by many to be a masterpiece from Mr. Case a serious researcher in these subjects. Important for students of Philosophy who might want to have a different point of view on metaphysics. beautifully written and illustrated it's worth reading.

This is a carefully written and attractively presented overview of that esoterica of Rosicrucians that can be shared with outsiders. The focus is on Quabbalah and Tarot, with little on alchemy or astrology. Although this is an insider's view, with little critical balance, there is only the slightest criticism of dissident views. It is not a casual read, but I found it worthwhile. It is probably no accident that the central Truth of Rosicrutianism is in the middle of the book, on page 147.