Rosicrucian Order, AMORC vs. 
Gary L. Stewart

Rosicrucian Reorganization 1990: Q&A

Page 4
 Q & A:
Interview with Imperator Stewart, Part 2:
The 108-Year Cycle Examined, and Other Items







Cross of the Rosicrucian Brethren

 
Click For:  Portuguese 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>
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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. 

Text Links:
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