Rosicrucian:
The order known as Rosicrucian has many different views as to whence it might have sprung.  In some circles the idea is presented that Atlantis was the place of birth. Here, the reader will find it set forth that the Rosicrucian order had its traditional conception and birth in Egypt in the activities of that known as the Great White Lodge. At some time close to 1580 BC some of the first classes that were come to be known as Rosicrucian were being held. This developed into a more concise ritual under Thutmose III. As time progressed so did the order, and now many branches of the same tree may be found.
 
What exactly does a Rosicrucian do, and what are some of his/her functions?
 
One working idea is that Rosicrucianism is a practical, eclectic, esoteric, mystical, philosophical and spiritual order of men and women that exist world wide.  It is not a religion per se even if many of its members are religious in nature.  It is for all practical purposes a WAY of life.
 
Rosicrucians come from all walks of life, many are educators and scientists.
 
Rosicrucians say that they are forever students.
 
Rosicrucians are thinkers.

Five aspects of the Rosicrucian approach set it completely apart from other organizations:

Harmonious, balanced development
It is important to recognize that the Rosicrucian studies do not focus on one human function to the exclusion of others because this would be an unbalanced approach. The Rosicrucian approach develops our functions harmoniously and at a pace that produces the best results long term. The studies offer a balanced, safe approach to psychic and mystical development.

A school of instruction
Self-knowledge needs to be taught and practiced. One can only go so far by reading books; to acquire a skill, one must practice. The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, is a true mystical school of instruction that is directly linked to an ancient tradition, but has been continually improved and modernized over the centuries right up to the present day. It offers not just ideas, but exercises and techniques that support the development of self-control and mastery. With this approach, students experience a great degree of success in reaching their spiritual objectives.

Convenience
The lessons are mailed regularly and the minimum requirement is an hour a week to study the monographs. This method is geared for the modern mystic—in other words, all of us who are required to live and participate in society. The Rosicrucian studies do not require an ascetic retirement from life. The student does not have to travel to some faraway place, climb a mountaintop, find the right cave, or endure any hardships. Nor is the “non-joiner” required to participate in group activities. If desired, one can limit their study to the privacy of one’s own home.

Freedom of thought
The Rosicrucian studies are not a personality cult or a religion. They are not bound by an inflexible creed or dogma. Students are encouraged to be walking question marks. Men and women members have always been treated as equals.

No hypocrisy in regard to the financial obligations of students
Students’ dues are nominal to cover administration expenses. The Rosicrucian studies are extended freely to every active student. There are equal dues for all students, and all students are treated alike.

Rosicrucian lessons cover a wide range of subjects from ideas such as Astral Projection all the way to the Zodiac.  Many of the sections covered are thought of as being set doctrine of the order, but there really is not a single thing placed in concrete.  Each student is given lessons to look over, experiments to be performed, and questions to be asked.  Many times supplemental materials are presented to that student.  Each person on the path normally finds an area within the lessons where he/she is more at home, and inspired to dig deeper.
 
While not all aspects of the order are usually mastered even after long periods of time, it is almost impossible not to have developed new ideas and have made Cosmic progress because of your association with the order.  What perhaps is the biggest advantage of being a Rosicrucian is that you will be exposed to many techniques toward Mastery while being in the order, and as such have a greater range of expression than what might be found in other orders that are much narrower in the scope of material offered.
 
This page is but a general introduction.  A few links to various Rosicrucian Orders may be found in the R.C. Network section of the site, and links to other esoteric & initiation resources will be found in the Links section.