Temple Degree Initiations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Temple Degree Initiations?
Rosicrucian initiations are rituals designed to mark the milestones of a student’s progress on the mystical path. In these beautiful rituals, mystical laws and principles are demonstrated in a dramatic form, in order to both inform and inspire the Rosicrucian student.
In a dramatic way, the initiation sheds illumination upon certain subjects which otherwise may not be thoroughly understood and appreciated. Further, the mystical aspect of initiation arouses your psychic and emotional response concerning the subjects you are about to study and produces an awareness, a state of consciousness, which otherwise could not be achieved.
Where and When are they held?
Temple Degree Initiations are held in Lodges or Initiation Centers and follow the Rosicrucian calendar, so the First Temple Degree Initiation is in April, the Second is in May, and so on through the Twelfth Degree Initiation in March.
Where can I find registration information?
The Rosicrucian Online Community Events page will generally show the Temple Degree Initiations being conferred. First select a future date range (e.g., first through the last of the month of interest), then enter "initiation" in the Search box to narrow the results.
Register by following the contact instructions in the event posting. Try to register early as space is limited at most locations. You will need to bring your membership statement with proof of current degree and paid-through date. If participating in the Second Temple Degree Initiation or higher, you must also bring the Initiation Card you received during your First Temple Degree Initiation.
Please also see below for the Lodges in the Southeast Region that confer Temple Degree Initiations.
Do Initiations have to be done in order?
Yes, you must have the First Temple Degree Initiation before you are eligible for the Second Temple Degree Initiation and so on. You will receive an Initiation Card at your First Temple Degree Initiation that you will need to present at all subsequent Temple Degree Initiations.
What if I missed it this year?
If you missed the opportunity for an Initiation this year, please continue with your home studies and look for the dates and opportunities to participate in the Initiation next year. You can participate in Initiations at any point in your studies when you are eligible and have the opportunity. Some people wait and take them all after they have reached the Twelfth Temple Degree, others try to take them as soon as possible once they reach a particular degree, and others take them as they have the opportunity (both with time and finances) to participate.
Can I witness an Initiation?
Once a Temple Degree has been conferred, a member is eligible to witness other Initiations for the same or any earlier Temple Degree. You must participate in a Degree Initiation before you can witness it for others.
Do I have to participate in formal Temple Degree Initiations?
You are not required to have your Temple Degrees formally conferred in a Lodge or Initiatic Center. You can simply perform the home initiations in your sanctum.
As noted above, however, having the Temple Degrees formally conferred provides an experience on the psychic and emotional levels that cannot be achieved in one's home sanctum.
What do I need to bring?
You need to bring a Membership statement showing your current degree and dues paid through date.
If you are receiving the Second Temple Degree or higher, you must also bring the Initiation Card you received after the First Temple Degree Initiation.
What happens at the Initiation?
There will be a Degree Review Forum before the Initiation that all Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend. The Degree Reviews cover the monographs from the previous Degree; for example, Candidates for the Third Temple Degree Initiation will review the Second Temple Degree monographs.
Who conducts the Ritual?
The First through Eleventh Temple Degrees are conferred by the Grand Councilor for the Region.
The Twelfth Temple Degree is conferred only by the Grand Master.
Are there Lodges in the Southeast Region?
Yes! The Southeast Region, AMORC has two Lodges that confer Temple Degree Initiations - Atlantis Lodge in Washington, DC and Atlanta Lodge in Georgia.
All interested Candidates must pre-register by sending an email with their full name, AMORC Key Number, copy of their Membership Statement, active dues receipt, Degree Initiation requested, and their contact information.
