What Magic Is This? The Rosicrucians with Tobias Churton
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Jun 12, 2022 Tobias Churton, a leading scholar of Western esotericism and author of The Invisible History of the Rosicrucians, dives into the elusive world of the Rosicrucians. He explores their origins, the myth versus truth in occult traditions, and how early figures like Paracelsus influenced their philosophy. Churton also discusses the manifestos as a 'serious joke' aimed at provoking reform, and the psychological allure of a guiding secret society. His insights clarify the distinction between myth and the spiritual essence behind the Rosicrucian legacy.
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Myth Shapes Meaning More Than Facts
- Mythology preserves values and encodes spiritual meaning beyond factual events.
- Tobias Churton says myths often become more powerful than their original meanings and can obscure facts.
Occult Myth As Escapism
- Occult myth often functions as escapism from soulless modernity rather than genuine spiritual depth.
- Churton argues genuine spiritual knowledge should deepen reality, not provide an escape hatch.
Personal Fallout With A Rosicrucian Group
- Churton recounts personal involvement with the Lectorium Rosicrucianum and how literal myth belief caused friction.
- He left after criticizing their myth-based claims and saw firsthand the dangers of taking mythology too literally.
