The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis AMORC offers historical and detailed information into the history and workings of this modern and ancient order. The website is easily accessed and an abundance of information, historical publiscations and books are available to read or download. The Rosicrucian movement and mystery traditions may be traced back centuries. AMORC establishes association with the philosophy, and myths of ancient Egypt dating back to approximately 1500 BCE. According to AMORC in antiquity the word “mystery” referred to a special gnosis, a secret wisdom.
The roots of the order are avaialbe to read on the AMORC website and detail European and American historical persons and outilne the early 20th century renewal of American activity. The magazine publications of AMORC dating from the early 1920's on onward are catalogued and availble to the public. Truly a valuable source of insight and historical content of U.S.History.
In 1915.Harvey Spencer Lewis established AMORC in New York City. IIn 1927 the Order moved its headquarters to San Jose, California and this remains the site of present-day Rosicrucian Park.
Anthroposophy, or the Anthroposophical Society was established by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century in Germany, moving to Switzerland when German establishments became hostile to Steiner in the years preceding WWII. In 1943 The Rudolf Steiner Library in Los Angeles was founded. According to the current website of this Los Angeles branch of the Athroposophical Society referencing the history of the founding in 1943
At that time, Fascism was spreading its way through Europe, and Anthroposophists in Germany sent a complete collection of Rudolf Steiner’s works to America for safekeeping. After years in various locations, both the Los Angeles Branch of the Anthroposophical Society in America (incorporated as Anthroposophical Foundation of California) and the Rudolf Steiner Library moved to our current address in 1991. It is a place of quiet beauty and a community resource of tremendous value for the Los Angeles area.
The Anthroposophical Society is not a single unified organizaiton or order. Steiner, when lecturing in Europe referred to his work as spiritual science. In his lectures and work Steiner referenced the Rosicrucian works, mystery schools and ancient wisdom of Egypt. Steiner's works were centered in Europe and established many fields of study and movements to evolve humanity that are thriving today in the U.S. There are many and varied resources to find Steiner's work. For me personally I have found the best source is Steiner himself through his books and lectures. His original works are translated into English so it is good to find the older ediitions with translators who actually attended Steiners lectures. Much of Steiner's work is archived and available to the public to read and download. There are several sources for this and even an audio option, Rudolf Steiner Audio is a site to listen to Steiner's lectures read and is free for public access. I have found this source highly valuable in addition to other achive sources.
Personally, I avoid copies of his work that say translator unknown, or do not name the specific person. The volume of work left to us by Steiner takes time, solid interest and commitment in order to gain access to the depth of his insights.
Philosophical Research Society is an organization in Los Angeles California said to be founded by Manly P Hall in 1934. From my view this organization has less foundational solidity or footing that those mentioned above. The current organziation does not offer up the lectures or works of Manly P Hall in the way that AMORC or the various Steiner networks do. The are some pdf copies of lecture materials for sale on the PRS website. There is a page offering a perspective of Manly P Hall written by one who knew him, but this is not an in depth discussion of Hall, nor is an historical overview.
I have read a large number of Hall's works. His books are of value and provide mainly informational accounts of teachings and history of older traditions. I view his work as foundational intorductions into the study or research of early teachings of the ages. The PRS page says about Hall and his work
Manly’s longest autobiographical work is Growing up with Grandmother. It can give the reader a sense of the simple humanity of a man whose depth and breadth of understanding of philosophy and world religion can be intimidating. Also, his PRS Journal and his many lectures give more autobiographical information and insight in to his character.
Sadly there do not appear to be any portals of these PRS Journals publications.
There is another resource Manly P Hall Info which does offer pdf copies of
all of Manly P. Hall's Journals. Mr. Hall wrote nearly all of the articles in these illustrated Journals: The All-Seeing Eye (1923-1931), Horizon (1941-1958), and PRS Journal (1958-1990).
This online resource appears to offer all the materials one would expect to see listed and available through the organization founded by Hall, and additionally a page showing a timeline of MPH from his birth.
In the early years of the 20th century many scenes were unfolding. Undoubtedly behind the scenes as well many events were playing out. On the West Coast of the U.S. there were fascinating developments so numerous and varied from entertainment to physics.
Delving into the work of these people and places that helped shaped this era offers much insight into how the gossamer thread works in forming the web of networks between countries, cultures, worlds to come.
