What Is Rosicrucianism?

Rosicrucienism is fascinating because, like the late antique hermitism discussed last week, it didn't exist. In 1614 and 1615, two anonymous Rosicrucian manifestos appeared drawing on Renaissance Western esotericism for their content. The documents purporting to reveal a secret brotherhood dedicated to promulgating science and hermetic philosophy. They promised to put to rest religious strife currently tearing Europe apart.