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ISN: 1-61342O-18-8
ISN 13: 978-1- 61342O-18-8



MADL IN THL U.S.A.

Foreword

In 1500 BC, history records a society created by the Pharaohs of Egypt that
was made up of scholars who were masters in the areas of science and
philosophy. The most notable were the Sages of the Euclidean School. At the core
of their teaching was the tenant that an ordered life in harmony with nature must
be understood in order to sustain a mans soul in anticipation of sharing eternity
with his creator.

Later in the early 17
th
Century, this Ancient movement was revived and its
discipline became a vital component in the Age of Enlightenment. Its rebirth
brought to Europe a revival of the ancient thought on the spiritual and mystical
dimensions of man, Hermetic Philosophy. The movement was an academic
disconnect with the status quo that allowed and subsequently developed the
concept of freeing human reason from the blind allegiance to doctrines and
superstition advocated most prominently by the monarchy and the church.

The Rosicrucian movement was part of the general trend in the Age of
Enlightenment which appealed to men of intellect and spiritual discernment who
studied man individually and collectively confronting his humanness in an
attempt to understand his place in the universe. Relying on knowledge from the
past and the legend of the travels of Christian Rosenkreutz, the movement with
its philosophy and ideas emphasized Kabalistic Mysticism, Numerology, Magic,
and Alchemy. Its presence influenced the development of Continental or
European Freemasonry now known as the Ancient and Accept Scottish Rite of
Freemasonry. This discipline tended to emphasize the Mystical and Spiritual
origins of the Craft as opposed to the Operative beginnings asserted in England.

The movement was most responsible for bring the Western Civilization out
of darkness and superstition into the Age of Enlightenment. As a historical event,
it actually followed the historical events referred to as the Reformation. The
philosophers of the day, being free thinkers, embraced the concepts.

This discipline is believed by most historians to have as its philosophical
patron, Francis Bacon. This honor is do to the philosophy expressed in Bacons
text, The Advancement of Learning, wherein he advocates the creation of a
brotherhood of men with no cultural, political, religious or national geographical
border divisions existing between them. This society would advocate the cause
of knowledge and progressive thought for the betterment of man.

Masonic historians have viewed the totality of the movement with the
Rosicrucians as part of the general trend of intellectual history spanning the ages
of human experience. A considerable portion of Rosicrucian symbolism can be
found in Masonic Esoteric Ritual and was especially appropriated in the Degrees
of the Scottish Rite, especially the 18
th
Degree Knight of the Rose Croix. It is
said that Pike generalized the original Christian inclinations of the Rose Croix
Degree and brought it into conformance with the modern principals of toleration
and brotherly love.

It is with sincere appreciation to former Supreme Magas of the Rosicrucian
Society of England, W. Wynn Westcott, M.B, D.P.H., that we can present the
Collectanea Hermetica. This most significant collection of Rosicrucian tracts
was originally published beginning in 1893 as nine independent volumes.
Gathered together in one volume, this work represents some of the most
profound Rosicrucian wisdom available. I trust the reading will draw you closer
to and expand your understanding of the quest for more Light.

Respectfully submitted,
Clayton J. Borne, III, 33, P.G.M.
September, 2011