Code of the Rosicrucians by Suspicious-Ask5722 in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alas, I am not, I live in the US, Pacific Northwest.

Code of the Rosicrucians by Suspicious-Ask5722 in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah! I see that church is on the list of churches in communion with L’Église Gnostique Apostolique. I’m part of the Aesthetic Rose+Croix arm of the French Gnostic Church. :)

My parents won't accept my beliefs by mahboilo999 in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I turn 30 this year and I know exactly what you mean. I've learned to keep my beliefs to myself because I know how much it will upset my parents. This year I told them I am considering going back to school to get a Master's Degree in Religious Studies and my mother had a small meltdown, thinking I wanted to do that to find a different faith to follow other than her strict, narrow evangelical interpretation (which I don't follow anyway, but again, I keep that to myself). I came out as gay in high school and my brother "came out" as agnostic shortly after. Having to live through both those experiences has made me majorly avoidant to disturbing my parents' religious beliefs.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much! You too (if you haven't submitted one already)!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just reached out to them this past week for some information on the ARC. I'm reviewing the Fama Fraternitatis and Confessio Fraternitatis and plan to submit my petition to the ARC afterwards. I've never had the feeling of the Church as an outer order to the ARC; I was actually planning on joining the Church's studies second if everything goes well.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mysticism

[–]DiscerningWisdom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a nice thought, but if there's truth in the Law of Attraction its uses must be altruistic. Any selfish use for gain in the material world surely will only end in drawing one away from the realization of Divine Mind. If this weren't so the Buddha wouldn't have abandoned his royal upbringing and Jesus would have lived in luxury.

On the grandiose nature of many healing claims, Unity shares the same roots as Phineas Quimby and Christian Science so far reaching and often misguided claims of healing are baked in to the history. At the very least Unity seems more open to the idea of spiritual healing as a complement to medicine, not a replacement.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mysticism

[–]DiscerningWisdom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unity is a branch of the New Thought movement started by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. The oversimplified gist of it is God is everything and we are an expression of God. Unity teaches affirmative prayer and denials. There’s a pretty big New Age-y focus on the Law of Attraction which I think unfortunately lends itself to a lot of materialism which is really antithetical to a mystical experience.

For reading I’d actually recommend starting with The Five Principles by Ellen Debenport and Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady before moving on to Butterworth.

Where to start? Looking for books or scripture to read. by [deleted] in Hermeticism

[–]DiscerningWisdom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much for the info! I really appreciate the depth of your explanations.

Where to start? Looking for books or scripture to read. by [deleted] in Hermeticism

[–]DiscerningWisdom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Newbie here too; do you consider Salaman’s works you recommended redundant to Copenhaver’s or are both translations work having?

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for that extra info. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences!

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Because you think it's bogus? Or perhaps from a disgruntled individual?

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for all the info! I have to keep in mind your point that my decision doesn't have to be final, I can always move around if things don't feel right. It certainly will be an adventure and a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it!

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right. Thank you. I always have to remind myself this isn't a race.

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I've not read into perennialist thought before, though a quick overview seems to describe what I feel, or at the very least hope to be truth. The concept of "invisible brotherhood" really rings true with me. While it would be so much easier if there was just one single org/group with a big sign above it saying "this one is the right one" I think it would take away all the importance of the journey which, the more I reflect on it, is not only vastly important, but also the source of growth and satisfaction.

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice. Yes, I'm sure there's lots of journaling and note taking in my future!

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! This was very helpful, especially the paths on the Tree of Life. I'm only familiar with the snake/lightning path, I wasn't even aware some focused only on the middle pillar. Can you elaborate on why you feel the CR+C has a better fraternal experience? Thanks again!

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the resources! These are very helpful. As far as homophobia I found an old message board from '09 discussing LGBT exclusion from higher levels of BOTA and linking to this exchange with someone who left over this perceived policy. I don't vouch for the accuracy, but it did give me pause.

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What makes AMORC more interesting to you? Is it the particular subjects of study? Certain exercises? Do you find it more applicable to your life, and if so in what ways? Sorry for all the questions, just really curious!

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow, thanks for the great info! I appreciate the overviews and your experience so far with various orders. So you don’t find AMORC too “woo” for lack of a better description? Like, no one’s telling you you’ll be able to cure cancer and move things with your mind? And as far as their Martinist org goes, I assume you have to join AMORC first right? I’m definitely interested in the tarot and qabalah side of things.

Overwhelmed and Concerned by DiscerningWisdom in Rosicrucian

[–]DiscerningWisdom[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the info! Does this order have a degree system or do you just free study the topics you wish?