Rosicrucian (belief system)

The belief system, teachings, and practices of the Worldwide Brotherhood or Rosicrucians, first documented in 1614. The legendary founder was named Christian Rosenkreuz, said to have been born in 1378. The name probably actually derives from the order’s symbol, a rose on a cross, which is similar to the family coat of arms of Martin Luther. Rosicrucian teachings are a combination of occultism and other religious beliefs and practices, including Hermeticism, Jewish mysticism, and Christian Gnosticism. The core of their beliefs is that they possess esoteric wisdom handed down from ancient times.