The Order of the Golden and Rosy Cross is a significant 18th century German Rosicrucian organization involved with mysticism and hidden knowledge. It's established in the 1750s by a Freemason and alchemist known as Hermann Fictuld, and open only to Master Masons.
Hermann Fictuld (c. 1700 - 1777) is a pseudonym used by an early Freemason, whose identity has not been defined. He authors books about alchemy and Hermeticism. In stonemasonry a rough mason lays the stone and a freemason does the finishing work.
The origin of the Golden and Rosy Cross concept may be earlier. Some believe the idea starts in 1710 with publication of Sigmund Richter's The perfect and true preparation of the Philosophers Stone according to the secret of the Brotherhoods of the Golden and Rosy Cross.
At the heart of the Order of the Golden and Rosy Cross is the study of alchemy, a discipline involving potential transformation of matter, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. With study of alchemical principles, members seek understanding and justification.
A belief in God is required. Only Master Masons may join, making the fraternity a sub-order of Freemasonry rather than a Rosicrucian movement. Still, the Order incites a scholarly surge, especially with Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia among its members.
Friedrich William II, successor to Friedrich the Great, is drawn to the occult while still Crown Prince. Others share his interest. Toward the end of the 18th century, the bourgeoisie and nobility, stressed by the Enlightenment movement, seek mystical Christian experiences.
The Enlightenment is a European intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism and skepticism. The Enlightenment challenges traditional religious views, threatening the foundational structure of society.
Christianity is accepted as the dominant religious dogma in Europe, and elsewhere by colonization and conversion. In Enlightenment thought, concepts of God, reason, nature and humanity combine.
The Enlightenment has different impacts on various social classes. For the wealthy, it marks a dreaded decline as commoners gain significance in the eyes of the people. By the 19th century Germany is cluttered with overabundant non-moneyed aristocrats.
An accomplished cellist, Friedrich Wilhelm patronizes the arts, especially music. His era sees advances in art, philosophy and politics On the domestic front he turns from the enlightened governance style to a stricter regime of censorship and religious supervision.
Changing perspectives and empowerment of the people start a progression leading to the establishment of labor unions and minimum wage laws. By the 18th century the nobility feels itself becoming obsolete.
Faced with uncertainty the official church cannot assuage, aristocrats and other seekers turn to religious groups. Exclusive fraternities such as the Golden and Rosy Cross give security in status, and also gender.
The fraternity members believe they're chosen by God to help free people's souls from sin, lust and pride. A dose of fanaticism colors the ideal. By the 1770s, Orders appear in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Regensburg, Munich, Vienna, Prague, Poland, Hungary and Russia.
The hierarchical framework of this order is largely followed by the 19th century Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA). It's subsequently adopted by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (est. late 19th - early 20th century).
In 1781, influential figures of the order persuade Friedrich Wilhelm with their teachings to join the group. By emphasizing the perceived lack of piety in his lifestyle, particularly regarding sexuality, they seek to undermine their main rival for his favor.
She's his official mistress, Wilhelmine Enke, Countess of Lichtenau. With significant influence on Prussian policy, she's in a position of power. She and Friedrich Wilhelm have had five children, but only one survives until adulthood.
This may be used by members of the Golden and Rosy Cross as a convincing factor in the consequences of immoral behavior. During his life Wilhelm also has two bigamous weddings with permission of his wife, known as left-handed or morganatic marriage.
Due to the moral influences of the Order of the Golden Rosy Cross, Wilhelm gives up his official mistress for sex, but continues to see her cordially, and she still advises him. Wilhelm's second bigamous marriage ends in 1792 after a series of escalating disputes.
After the death of Friedrich Wilhelm II in 1797, the Order of the Golden Rosy Cross, despite its widespread connections of c. 50 years, fades away.
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