Greetings, Fratres, Sorores and Friends of AMORC!

AMORC affiliated bodies just celebrated the autumnal equinox in September with the annual Memorial Ceremony. I hope you were able to participate; perhaps you even invited a non-member friend to join you. If could not participate in the Memorial Ceremony, I hope you observed the equinox in a way that has significance for you. For many, this ceremony is reminder of the traditional roots of our Order, and of the great women and men throughout history who have contributed to the growth of human consciousness and achievement. Autumn seems a natural time to reflect on what we have harvested.

I grew up in southern California, where the changing of the seasons is very subtle compared to here in Colorado. To me, the seasons here are most enjoyable, as the varied foliage and extremes in temperature produce a palette that is pleasing to observe, and a climate that is invigorating to experience. But some aspects of seasonal changes remain constant, such as the ebb and flow of daylight and nighttime. The changing of seasons is a good time to pause for reflection and introspection, a reminder of the changes that occur in life. It often seems that the changes that occur inwardly reflect the outward changes we see around us.

When autumn arrives, do you see parts of your inner attitude and disposition that you would like to cast off, as a tree drops its leaves? Do you look deeper and find aspects of your consciousness that are unpleasant, that you would like to bury under a blanket of snow, so they might transform over winter and sprout into something beautiful in the Spring? Perhaps you have spoken unkindly to a loved one or a stranger, in a moment of pain when the world seemed to be treating you unfairly. When I reflect on these things in myself, it feels as if the Light is retreating to escape the onslaught of impending Darkness, in parallel to the rapidly diminishing daylight hours. I often feel overwhelmed and sometimes frightened by how much inner work and development must be done before I can take the next step on the Path.

But do you think the oak tree is frightened and overwhelmed? Or does it let go of its leaves without fear and judgement? Karmic lessons are learned, debts are paid. Our past is recorded in the Records of time, and our future is ours to write. When we stand at the threshold of a new day, ready to take the next step in the evolution of our Soul, we often wonder if we have truly left behind enough of our imperfections to take that step. Anxiety and fear may assail our resolve. Fortunately, transformation is the way of nature, and our beloved Order gives us tools to transmute our base attributes into the noble ideals of human potential.

So drop your leaves. Place trust in the Cosmic: you have faithfully applied the tools of the Mystic, you have indeed evolved in your Soul. You are ready to take that next step, with courage, resolve, and open eyes! I admit that I am still a little frightened. But I am ready to take the next step. Are you?

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Bill Hallett

Grand Councilor, Rocky Mountain Pacific Northwest Region AMORC

oregon@amorc.rosicrucian.org (Pacific Northwest area, Oregon)

washgington@amorc.rosicrucian.org (Pacific Northwest area, Washington)

colorado@amorc.rosicrucian.org (Rocky Mountain area)

ColoGC777@gmail.com (Grand Councilor's email)

PS - If you have never attended an affiliated body, or it has been a long time, perhaps we can offer better programs and service to you. Please send me a personal email to share your thoughts on making AB’s more interesting for you to attend. Your responses are confidential, and will help make our affiliated bodies better. If you live too far away to attend an AB, please consider our members-only online meetings, advertised to members via email and also on the Rosicrucian Community Portal (normally on the first Tuesday and second Sunday each month)

Brothers and Sisters, Fratres and Sorores;

Over his 25 years as Provincial Master for the Rocky Mountain Atelier (and for a time, Seattle) our brother, David Schloegel, has enabled many dozens of seekers to pursue their path to reintegration via Martinism. I view this as no less than a service to humanity, as reconciliation with the Divine occurs one soul at a time. Yet, merely occupying the Provincial Master’s chair does not qualify as service. Doing so with the projection of love that David applied to the position, along with his exceptional mystical knowledge and patient teaching style, is what make his tenure a true service to us all. 

Now, David has decided to step back from the role of Provincial Master and I have been given the honor serve the Order and our members in this capacity. During my time as a member and officer of the Atelier, David has been both a role model and a mentor. I am grateful that he has agreed to continue to be a mentor for me and the Atelier and I know he will continue to share his knowledge regularly at convocations. Moreover, our Grand Master has given permission for David to continue leading our monthly online discussions, currently delving into St. Martin’s Of Errors and of Truth. If you’ve not yet joined in these discussions, please give one a try – the discussions will greatly enhance your understanding of Martinism. Look for David’s invitation prior to the second Saturday of every month. We are not so deep into the book that you can’t catch up. 

David leaves his role as Provincial Master with the Atelier being very strong. We have excellent officer leadership, strong Associate, Initiate and SI classes and a very healthy financial position. Please join me in thanking David for his years of dedication.

On December 13, at 9:30 am, the Atelier will hold the annual Ieschouah Ceremony at the Denver Masonic Temple at 3550 Federal Blvd. All members of the Atelier and alumni are invited to attend. If you are an Atelier alum, we would love to have you add your energy to this inspirational event. No dues are needed to attend. Of course, you are also always invited to our convocations on the first Saturday of each month starting at 9:30. Check the calendar in case there is a conflict with a public holiday.

May we all ever dwell in the Eternal Light of Divine Wisdom!
Phil Goodwin
Provincial Master, Traditional Martinist Order RMPNW Region

Fratres and Sorores,

Living in the Colorado Front Range, we are fortunate to have two healthy and growing affiliated bodies to choose from, the Mountain Rose Pronaos in Denver and the Pike’s Peak Atrium group in Colorado Springs. 

Although both offer harmonization rituals and regular convocations, the ceremonial aspect of each are quite different. If you live in the northern Front Range, it’s likely that you’ve never made the trek to Pike’s Peak. And if you live in the southern Front Range, perhaps you’ve never driven up to attend the Mountain Rose group. However, attending both from time to time will open you to new points of view, new discussions and perspectives that you perhaps have not considered. If you have never attended one or the other of these affiliated bodies, I suggest making it a year-end goal to do so. I’m certain you’ll enjoy it.

And speaking of traveling to other affiliated bodies, if you happen to be in the California Bay Area, stop by Rosicrucian Park in San Jose. It’s just a 10-minute ride from the San Jose airport. Although the Alchemy Museum remains under construction and some of the grounds are not open, there are still plenty of beautiful gardens to explore, places to meditate and the Egyptian Museum to visit. With many fascinating exhibits in the museum, the current star of the show is an AI chat-driven Thoth robot. Ask Thoth anything about Rosicrucianism, mysticism and relate topics (in 10 languages!) and he will give you a remarkably accurate and concise answer, all voice driven. Also check the calendar for Grand Lodge as you might even be able to catch a convocation, mystical weekend or other event.

With wishes for Peace Profound,

Phil Goodwin, Colorado Regional Monitor

Beloved Members of AMORC and Mountain Rose Pronaos,

Does this hectic world ever “get to you”? It does to me, especially as of late. I know that sometimes we think we would like to get away from the frenetic pace that today's world seems to exist in, to become as an ascetic, retreat to some place and spend our time in quiet contemplation and meditation. Then there would be freedom from all of the deadlines and traffic, media noise and anxieties that currently invade our thoughts.

But then as usual, reality sets in.

The realization appears that in doing so, in trying to escape from the world that races around us, there would be a denial that there exists a vital relationship between ourselves and the rest of our environment. We would not be relating those things contemplated, to the actual process of living on this precious planet that we have the opportunity to inhabit. Of what use would unrelated musings be to the evolution of the soul? Wouldn’t such isolation also be denying needed life and or Karmic experiences?

Again, we learn that the easy solution is not often the best one.

Thinking back to some great mystics of the past, who lived their lives as fishermen, carpenters, shoemakers or even held positions of  power in the governments of lands, we can be sure that in their times, they also encountered stress and anxieties no less vexing to them then, as ours are to us now.

We are here now, because there are particular circumstances of this existence that are needed by us as we progress along on this great Cosmic Journey. And we have help. The Rosicrucian and Martinist teachings are timeless and dynamic, in that they are principles that men and women can use in their day to day living, as suggestions and guidelines to help us live as an integral and contributing part of this complex creation that vibrates all around us. Exercises we practice and the ensuing calmness we radiate, can have a reassuring effect on people we encounter who are under stress.

Live the teachings, and thereby be an island of peace and tranquility, radiating Life, Light and Love, exhibiting Wisdom, Strength and Beauty to those you encounter, and then take the time to notice any results.

Be patient.

Within the Bonds of our Beloved order, I am wishing you all a summer of Profound Peace.

Yours in Service

Bob Stanko, FRC

Master, Mountain Rose Pronaos

Beloved Fratres and Sorores,

"The purpose of evolution is to attain understanding of the necessity of doing good and living in harmony with Cosmic Laws; and to express your Divine Nature in everything you think, say and do." -- Rosicrucian Manuscript

"It does not matter what you believe; it is the actions you take based on those beliefs that matters." -- H. Spencer Lewis

These two quotes are important to remember during our daily activities. We must work to keep improving what we think, say, and do with trying to bring more love, light, or life into our lives and others. Furthermore, it does not matter what we believe or what others believe, we should strive to take actions based on our beliefs with hope that it adds to the improvement of humanity. Therefore, I hope we all make improvements in our beliefs and the actions that we take to keep doing good and living in harmony with the cosmic.

Peace Profound,

Frater Nathan Klotz

Wishing you Peace Profound,

Frater Nathan Klotz

Pikes Peak Atrium Group Leader

Dear Fratres and Sorores,

At this time, we are approaching the transition from the 2nd quarter to the 3rd, which is my favorite time of the year. We have crossed the peak of the hot days and are still far enough from the cold ones that we can have a bit of both warm and cool days to enjoy the outdoors to their fullest. With the leaves starting to change color and the earth preparing for the deeper freezes to come, I’d like to take a step back and ponder some of what makes cycles and time so important.

We see cycles everywhere in our lives and we are fundamentally part of so many layers of cycles that they are impossible to ignore during daily life. From the rising and setting of the sun every day, to the birthdays we celebrate each year, we base our existence on cycles. But it becomes so easy to embroil ourselves in just the simple ones we see. I would like to share some thoughts on the deeper and longer cycles, as well as the thoughts and meaning that cycles have for me personally.

The first larger cycle I would like to contemplate is that of our individual lives and deaths. We were all born at a specific day, time, and location, and similarly we will die at some future day, time and location. Our lives seem extremely long at the beginning, but approach the feeling of being shorter the older we get.  For a 2-year-old, who is just starting on their journey of learning to walk, talk, and communicate externally, their 2 years has been a doubling of their first year of life. By the time they reach 4, the 2nd doubling of lifetime experiences seems so long and becoming a big boy or girl feels so far away. By eight years old, they think they know everything they need to know, but are still so far from doing grown-up things that those future days feel as if they will never come. Doubled once again to 16 when those individuals can finally drive, the world and the many lifetimes of waiting to get there have seemed like an eternity.

But here is where life starts its fast-paced shift.  Having lived the doubling of years 4 times now, that once 16-year old that was just starting to learn to drive, in his or her 5th doubling to 32 has come much faster than expected and life has become vastly more complicated with children of their own, a job, a home, and many other commitments.  There is never any time to be “bored” like we were when we were young.  Each birthday comes faster than the last, and we feel like we had just renewed our driver’s license a year or two ago.

From there the next doubling to 64 feels like it comes out of nowhere and the decades are starting to pass like years and we are now focused on taking that once fast-paced drive to build what we see as our own life, into more of our legacy for our children’s children. We know at this point the next doubling will come quicker than the last, and most likely not at all, as each passing decade is now a new milestone of survival.  As humans, our current lifespans only allow us these 5 doubling timeframes, but in the context of worlds, galaxies and universes, these are just grains of sand in a much larger hourglass.

Our current civilization seems more focused on the current here and now and a linear path of time, but taking a step back and looking on the greater horizon of time, ancient civilizations saw time from both a longer range and treated it as cyclical. One that is of particular note in the Martinist tradition as well as the Hindu tradition is that of the yuga cycles which were long periods of time that ranged from thousands of years to hundreds of millions of years as they added up in their larger and larger cycles.  Similarly, the Mayans, Aztecs and other civilizations from the ancient past had calendars with periods going out thousands and millions of years as well.

An aspect that has always fascinated me about these long stretches of cyclical time is that they were physically encoded as wheels within wheels which operated like gears within a clock that can precisely track the periods and epochs of distant time.  Mechanical clocks measure time using gears that rotate the second, minute and hour hands together so that at any moment their relationship is tied together in a cycle of 86,400 unique combinations of the hour, minute, and second hands. We similarly have a wheel of 4 seasons that intertwine in our 365-degree wheel of a year. Where in our civilization today do we take that 1 year calendar and cycle it at any greater length of time than potentially 2-, 4-, or 8-year cycles? The largest cycle I hear about in our modern culture is the “generation” which is roughly 20-30 years. It amazes me that thousands of years ago, people saw time cycles as vastly larger than most modern societies do today.

Since time can be viewed as a series of cycles, especially at very large scales, what can we make of these in our lives and actions?  Beginning with each day, we wake and sleep and spend each 24-hour period doing a series of tasks that slowly shape our personal futures. Over individual lives, we try to shape our families and societies to be those which we love and teach to love. Over the course of nations that have risen and fallen we have seen efforts to produce secured futures for shared values and beliefs that have changed from civilization to civilization. As a species, we humans have evolved our brains to that of tool makers and philosophers capable of large-scale transformations. With the future generations and civilizations having at their disposal vast technological capabilities we have not even dreamed of yet, what will be their focus on time and cycles?

I tend to lean toward the idea that humans are a smaller cell in the living organism of the universe. Just as we ourselves are comprised of cells that make up organs that make up our bodies, I believe that we too are some form of cells that form organs of a universal being, even such that we form planet earth which is a being within our solar system, galaxy and universe. I believe that is why the ancients could see these greater cycles as those of beings whose days and nights are millions of years of our time.

We as humans are made of billions of living, breathing cells that live for days, weeks, years, or even for our lifetime. It amazes me that for a normal, functioning cell, it has a defined lifecycle. If our cells do not follow the course of their individual lifespan and avoid apoptosis (pre-programmed life cycle), they are then considered a cancer and take over where healthy cells (those that replenish as expected) can no longer thrive.  It then makes me think that each cell, each human, each planet, each solar system, each galaxy, each universe has a pre-programmed lifecycle with a natural beginning and ending.

To close this message out, I also believe that there are consciousness and some form of existence that also transmutes with time and cycles at larger scales. We see this in daily life where the food we grow converts light and energy to physical substance that when digested again becomes energy. We are part of a cosmic chain that binds us to many cycles of birth and death, growth and decay, matter and energy. Through the cycles of time and existence, I believe that we are continually refining and renewing ourselves, both at the micro- and macro- cosmic levels. It is our job in this lifetime to see in ourselves the cycles both great and small, and play our roles in service to ourselves, our society, our planet, and to our universe.

May we all ever dwell in the Eternal Light of Divine Wisdom!

Paul Fuqua

Master, Rocky Mountain Atelier