Rosicrucianism was a genuine phenomenon in its time, and a self-mythologizing affair from the start. By now it's become another of those banners under which all sorts of wacky new-agers and such try to position themselves. I think it's best understood as the mystical consequence of the Reformation; Traditional esotericism finding a new manifestation in the context of mystery-poor Protestantism. It is true though, that "rosicrucian" ideas were an important backdrop for the beginnings of what we now call the Enlightenment.
Though not really a Rosicrucian, or even an alchemist, perhaps the greatest figure associated with these Hermetic trends was Jacob Boehme, who's mystical dialectics had a deep (though often overlooked) effect on Western philosophy. This is clear in Hegel, and through him, Marx. Thus even the liberal, scientific, materialist tradition has roots deep in visionary insight.
i love the engravings in some of his books, i dont like your pals colored versions and other's not show here are nicer, would love to find an old book of his one day....
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Though not really a Rosicrucian, or even an alchemist, perhaps the greatest figure associated with these Hermetic trends was Jacob Boehme, who's mystical dialectics had a deep (though often overlooked) effect on Western philosophy. This is clear in Hegel, and through him, Marx. Thus even the liberal, scientific, materialist tradition has roots deep in visionary insight.
- alex 2-01-2002 7:04 pm
i love the engravings in some of his books, i dont like your pals colored versions and other's not show here are nicer, would love to find an old book of his one day....
- Skinny 2-01-2002 10:53 pm [add a comment]