Harvey Spencer Lewis, un Maître de la Rose-Croix

Harvey Spencer Lewis was born in New Jersey, on 25th November 1883. With Welsh heritage and Methodist parents, he received an excellent upbringing and was well-educated. From a very early age he underwent mystic experiences which already pointed the way to an exceptional destiny. For a number of years, he was president of the New York Institute for Psychic Research and was seen as an authority in the area. In 1909, he made contact with the European leaders of the Order of the Rose-Cross. Having offered proof of his integrity and knowledge in matters of philosophy and esoterism, he was initiated in Toulouse, where he was officially conferred with the mission of re-establishing the Order in America. Despite a number of obstacles and although difficulties were encountered, he successfully carried out this mission and, following the instructions that he had been given by the Rose-Cross in France, started to document Rosicrucian teachings. To show the traditional and authentic foundations of the Order, he introduced the title of the Ancient and Mystic Order of the Rose Cross. In 1915, he was named Imperator, that is to say the international head. Having dedicated his entire life in service of the Order, Harvey Spencer Lewis passed away on 2nd August 1939. This work which is dedicated to him, offers a presentation of him and will enable you to discover his thought through some of his writings. These date back almost a century but their message remains relevant today and is testament to the modern and avant-garde spirit of this great philosopher and humanist.