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Translation, Part 1
Click For: Portuguese
Translation, Part 2
Q&A: An Interview
with Imperator Gary L. Stewart, Part 2
Note:
Latest Additions Made: Part 2 on 5/14/99
Latest Additions Made: Part 1 on 5/14/99
Any Further Questions? Email us at RC
Q&A <fnscaz@theriver.com>
___________________________________________________________________
Concerning the events of 1990, following is the
continuation of an interview with Imperator Stewart, taken since November,
1998. The questions asked here are the most asked by those who have
written requesting Imperator Stewart's side of what occurred. There
will be no editing—the answers are those of Imperator Stewart in total.
Q: Imperator Stewart, we apparently
have been in the active phase of the 108 year
cycle since 1909, promoting Rosicrucian
philosophy and activity. Can you please give us further insight into
this 108 year cycle and what we might expect?
A: "Ralph Lewis addressed this subject pretty
extensively in the 70's and 80's. In a nutshell, he basically said
that because the world was so much smaller now in that communication and
information were no longer isolated events; because the Order was more
unified and universal in relation to certain aspects of its tradition than
it had been in the past; and because what we refer to (rather loosely I
might add) as civilization was approaching a very important crossroads,
the role that future Rosicrucianism (as defined within the parameters of
AMORC) would play with regards to assisting the development of human spirituality
would be determined more by necessity than by anything else. In other
words, since the world today is so much different than it was a century
and more ago, we cannot define cycles of inactivity and activity in the
same way that we could in the past.
"In the past, for example, a Rosicrucian lineage
would work through its cycle in a given region and accomplish its mission
within a certain period of time. Then it would rest and let its influence
take hold and shape attitudes and events. At the same time, however,
perhaps 100 miles away (which was an impossible distance for the majority
of people merely a few centuries ago), an exciting "new" and "never-before-heard-of"
movement was starting up which was
called "Rosicrucianism".... As is inferred,
cycles are not as cut and dried as we sometimes think of them and a lot
depends upon perspective, necessity, and naturally, working in accord with
Cosmic Law. With this in mind, Ralph was of the notion that we would
act in accordance with what was needed when the time arrived, but was of
the opinion that going "inactive" would mean little more than to cease
publicly advertising for membership. New members would be
accepted and primarily brought in through word
of mouth and, naturally, existing members would still continue going to
Convocations and receiving the teachings, etc.
"I think it important to point out that since
the inception of Rosicrucianism, there has never been a period of inactivity
in the sense that there was a cessation of Work or that people were left
hanging. Rosicrucianism is motivated by a mission, and the nature
of that mission is one of sharing Truth and working toward a spiritual
evolution. Until such is attained, there will
be and can be no cessation of our Work and responsibility.
I think if we understand that, we will be in a better position to truly
understand what we mean by a period of inactivity and what it entails.
"In this light, I think it is imperative to understand
the difference between the soul and the vehicle (regardless of whether
it relates to an individual or an entity). Perhaps there are too
many people who, for whatever reason, will tend to identify Rosicrucianism
with the vehicle. That is, they will think more in terms with the
organization rather than the lineage, tradition, or
mission in the same way that some people are
more concerned about their physical appearance than their spiritual state.
When such occurs, we find instances of vanity and arrogance -- i.e., "we
are the best", or "we are the only TRUE Rosicrucians...." etc. However,
if we focus on our Work and Traditions, all this other stuff seems pretty
pointless. Also, from a less arrogant perspective, we can acquire
a better grasp on the issues of cycles and what they are intended to mean.
"Everything eventually goes through transition,
but the spirit and soul are eternal and by the Laws of retribution and
reincarnation, will "cycle" back into manifestation in this state of existence.
However, perspective is important here and we should remember that just
because something is in a different state doesn't mean that it doesn't
exist or that it doesn't continue to maintain an influence.
"As to the upcoming closure of the cycle (1909
to 2017 -- or 1915 to 2023 as some people have dated it) we must keep in
mind that they are specifically AMORC dates relating to the AMORC organization.
We have to remember that AMORC was not the first nor was it ever the only
Rosicrucian physical manifestation in what we might call the modern cycle.
There was documented activity in the 1860's for example from which I believe
the Rosicrucian Fellowship evolved. But more directly related to
the various Orders represented on the [Rosicrucian Free Speech] Forum,
the Orders we represent more or less evolved out of a flurry of activity
starting in 1883 with the work of Papus, Peladin, de Gauita, and the like
(who were inspired by Charles Nodier, Levi, Pitois, etc.). Certainly,
there was an outwardly active representation of Rosicrucianism at that
time and which certainly influenced Dr. Lewis and the formation of AMORC.
"The point being, regardless of the dates we use,
the Work will continue as it always has."
Q: What, in fact, happens, historically,
when an active cycle concludes?
A: "Perspective is a funny thing.
As things are happening, we generally take it all in stride and don't notice
it as much. As an example, the impact of recent US political events
will seem pretty tame in comparison to their treatment by future historians.
Life goes on. But... look at it this way: If we accept the
1883 date as the beginning of Rosicrucian outward activity, then AMORC
has been inactive since 1991 (which is the date AMORC dissolved and created
two new corporations; the date their new teachings were becoming more assertively
introduced; and the date a new Constitution and "traditional" changes were
put firmly into effect). Still, AMORC continues but it is continuing
differently than it was before and is no longer working from the traditions
and lineages that caused it to be--and refer back only to post-1990 events,
teachings, constitutions and traditions. That, in and of itself, is a form
of inactivity."
Q: That was a excellent answer but
I am not sure how much that will help us to know what it will mean, specifically
for us, when the next inactive phase arrives, beginning in 2017, only 18
years from now. Could you give us your insight?
A: "I can only speak for the Confraternity
of the Rose Cross (CR+C), and it will most definitely continue.
It was designed to function in a more low-key format than other Rosicrucian
organizations had in the more recent past. But we are still growing
and our strength is in our decentralization and focus on the traditions
and teachings, and not the exoteric organization. Even so, it is
planned to establish centers in the future, but they will be retreats and
places where brothers and sisters (regardless of affiliation) can go for
inspiration rather than being centers for administration (kinda like being
a real world free speech forum)."
Q: I would like to know what will
become of the familiar Lewis teachings?
A: "They will remain available."
Q: What about the Monographs we may
possess?
A: "Refer back to the 17th c. Fama and the
Rosicrucian Laws. They are also the Laws of the Confraternity of
the Rose Cross (CR+C) and the spirit we perpetuate. Briefly, what
is done with the monographs in individual possession will be determined
by what is needed to be done with them in accordance with personal oaths
and vows. This may or may not mean they have to be returned to the
issuing organization. It could mean that they be made available to
a Rosicrucian who needs them or even to someone who wants to become a Rosicrucian.
It all depends upon the situation and the understanding that the deepest
teachings of the Rosicrucians is not in the written word, but in the spirit
inspired by the written word."
Q: Can you speak briefly about the
legal ownership and copyrights to those Monographs?
A: "The individual holding the Office of
Imperator and who has been selected by traditional means established by
Father CR+C and the tradition practiced by both Dr. H. Spencer Lewis and
Ralph Lewis and myself and the person who will follow me, is the
person rightfully responsible, both traditionally and legally, for the
doctrines and rituals of the Order. As to the Confraternity of the
Rose Cross (CR+C) monographs, in a legal sense I have ownership and hold
copyright. But more importantly, in a traditional sense, I have the
responsibility to ensure they are perpetuated, thereby making me more of
a caretaker than an owner."
Q: Will there still be an Imperator,
perhaps operating in secrecy?
A: "There will still be an Imperator but
I don't think there will be a need to operate secretly.... But think
about it: even now, outside of the Rosicrucians, how many people know what
an Imperator is?"
Q: Could it be possible that some
day each of us will be entirely on our own?
A: "In a very important sense, we are always
prepared to be on our own. With initiation comes responsibility,
and with responsibility comes necessity. Except in extreme circumstances,
necessity demands unity so as to best perpetuate the Work. In other
words we, as Rosicrucian Initiates, choose to be an Order.
"That's basically how the Rosae Crucis
was intended to work. We each have the responsibility to guide others
of like mind into the Work as well as to help them achieve their goals.
Sometimes administration confuses that, but even though we each don't run
around choosing Imperators and the like, we do choose successors relative
to our authority to do so. For some it means telling our family or
friends. For others, it may mean something else."
Q: Will someone, or the Cosmic, appoint
another to found a worldly organization for next active cycle in 2125?
A: "There is a traditional lineage in which
authority is passed initiatically... but 2125? Let's concern ourselves
with 1999 first so that there is a group of Rosicrucians in 2125 who will
concern themselves with what to do."
.
Q: Are you at liberty to discuss
the differences between the OMCE and the MCE of AMORC?
A: "I formed the OMCE in July 1990 and founded
it upon a Rosicrucian lineage I acquired outside of AMORC three years before
I joined AMORC. The OMCE is a vibrant Order, has its own teachings
and rituals entirely unrelated to anything the MCE or AMORC has ever done.
The rituals of the OMCE is based on the circle. There are no MCE
rituals (outside of ritual dramas) nor were there ever any teachings."
Q: Was RML aware of the lineage that
you acquired outside of AMORC?
A: "Yes. That is one of the reasons why
I succeeded him as Imperator. The CR+C is based on the lineage acquired
from Imperator Ralph M. Lewis as well as some other things. My position
as Imperator of one of many Rosicrucian lineages was acquired through RML's
lineage, but I also have another Rosicrucian lineage as well. Perhaps
what you don't know is that despite what AMORC has claimed over the years,
they were never the only legitimate Rosicrucian Order or Rosicrucian lineage."
Q: Are you are saying that you
are not making use of the lineage you acquired from RML as Generalissimo?
A: "Not as far as the MCE or OMCE is concerned.
As I have been saying, the AMORC MCE was not an authentic organization,
but one of name only and which only existed to be an honorary group of
selected AMORC members."
Q: Are you at liberty to discuss discuss
the lineage you acquired outside of AMORC?
A: "Yes...in fact some of it has been mentioned
in other web sites."
Q: You have said that the OMCE
and CR+C "recognizes Father Christian Rosenkrutz as being the founder of
Rosicrucianism whereas AMORC recognizes Aknaton." Did Harvey
Spencer Lewis and Ralph M. Lewis say this or is this a new discovery?
A: "RML was the first one to clarify that
when he distinguished the difference between allegorical Rosicrucian history
and factual Rosicrucian history. As far as Rosicrucianism is concerned,
it did not exist prior to its founding by Father CR+C. However, we
draw from the spirit of like mystery schools."
Q: This is a significant change and
coming from you the successor of RML is equally significant. Did
you try to change this view while still at AMORC?
A: "Yes, and this is what the coup of 1990
is really about. A myth evolved around AMORC and H. S. Lewis that
wasn't started by HSL and that myth created problems when it was interpreted
to be fact by members. The founding principle of Rosicrucianism is
truth and in trying to express that principle, there were those who fought
it such as Christian [Bernard]."
+ + +
The interview will continue as additional questions are submitted
and answered.
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