An Introduction to Masonic Rosicrucianism

     The Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (Rosicrucian Society of the United States) was formed on September 21, 1880, by three Colleges chartered within the previous ten months by the Society in Scotland. It is entirely autonomous and in no way connected with any other institution.

     The Society Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis is in amity with the only other similar societies in the wold--Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (England), Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia (Scotland), Societas Rosicruciana in Gallia (France) and Societas Rosicruciana in Lusitania (Portugal).

     Membership, which is by invitation, is predicated on Masonic affiliation and Christianity. The Society is not merely another degree of Freemasonry which may be acquired and outside of the normal "workings" of the Craft.

     The Masonic qualification assures the membership that the neophyte has given proof of that fidelity and privacy which characterizes a member of that Fraternity. The Christian qualification is required because the character of the Grade rituals is completely Christian, and would not be understood or appreciated by those of other faiths. This character is emphasized in the Ceremony of Admission and it will be noted that a certain community outlook and understanding among the members (called Fraters) is necessary.

     The governing body of the Society is known as The High Council composed of Fraters of the Third Order (IX and VIII), plus any College Celebrant not a member of the Third Order. The head of the Society is titled The Supreme Magus, IX degree, elected each triennium. The subordinate bodies are termed "Colleges" each being headed, in the United States, by a Chief Adept, IX, appointed for life by the Supreme Magus. Membership in a college has been restricted to 72. New members are required to select a distinctive "Latin Motto" and state that they are not a member of a non-Masonic Rosicrucian organization as a matter of ethics. The Society is not interested primarily in increasing its membership, but is always happy to consider such brethren whose interest in the Society's aims is sincere and whom it considers to be in sympathy with the movement.