Invitational Bodies of Ultra-Craft Masonry

The Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis – SRICF (which is simply Latin for the Rosicrucian Society of the United States) is an invitational Body composed of highly dedicated and long serving Masons, and dedicated to the esoteric and philosophical study and examination of Masonry. The Masonic Rosicrucian Society is not merely another Degree of Freemasonry which may be acquired. The Society is not interested primarily in increasing its membership, but is always happy to consider such Brethren whose interest in the Society’s aims is sincere.

Membership requires affiliation with a Symbolic, Craft, or Blue Lodge, and a profession of the Christian faith. The Masonic qualification assures our membership that the Aspirant has given proof of that fidelity and privacy which characterizes a member of the Masonic Fraternity.

The Christian qualification is required because the character of the Grade rituals is emphasized in the Ceremony of Admission and it will be noted that a certain outlook and understanding among the Members is necessary. While membership in either the Scottish Rite or the York Rite Bodies is not necessarily required, most of the members of the SRICF often hold membership in the Scottish Rite and/or York Rite and many of their appendant bodies.

The society issues an annual journal known as Ad Lucem, composed of academic articles on things related to Rosicrucianism written by its members. There is also an annual report, The Rosicrucian Fama.

The local body is a College which works what is termed "Grades" rather than "Degrees." The individual College controls and confers the Grades I° through VII° based on merit. Grades VIII° (Magister Templi) and IX° (Magus) are controlled and conferred by the High Council. The presiding officer is the Chief Adept which is appointed by the Supreme Magus. The College is operated in tandem between the Chief Adept and the top elected officer in the College--the Celebrant. Typically there is but one College per state, exceptions having been made for New York, Texas, Georgia, and California due to their size and population. Membership is limited to 72 active members per College.

First Order Grades

I° Zelator

II° Theoricus

III° Practicus

IV° Philosophus

Second Order Grades

V° Adeptus Minor

VI° Adeptus Major

VII° Adeptus Exemptus

(These are considered the teaching Grades)

Third Order Grades

VIII° Magister Templi

IX° Magus

(These are considered the Ruling Grades and these members hold a vote on the High Council)

[Advancement to the higher grades within the body is determined upon scholarship, merit, and service.] 

To afford mutual aid and encouragement in working out the great problems of Life; and in searching out the secrets of Nature; to facilitate the study of the system of Philosophy founded upon the Kabbalah and the doctrine of Hermes Trismegitus, which was inculcated by the original Fratres Rosae Crucis, in A.D. 1450; and to investigate the meaning and symbolism of all that now remains of the wisdom, art and literature of the ancient world. To consider and examine the philosophy, iconology, and literature of Freemasonry, to gain a deeper understanding of History, Mythology, Legend, Symbolism, and Science in the study of Freemasonry; To establish a common bond and draw within our ranks men of scientific inclination, students of philosophy, science, and religion, and those interested therein; and To promote the study of science, religion, and philosophy, and the histories thereof, to the end that our Fratres, and those within their influence, may be enlightened by their efforts.