Rose Cross Meditation : An Archetype of Human Development

The Rose Cross meditation is central to the Western, Rosicrucian path of personal development as presented by Rudolf Steiner. He repeatedly referred to the meditation as a “symbol of human development” that illustrates the transformation of human instincts and desires, which work unconsciously in the soul, and in thought, feeling, and the will. Through personal development, the "I," or essential self, can gain mastery over these unconscious forces of the soul.

The Rose Cross meditation features the red rose as the image to which a student, via specific means, aspires. Added to the plant is the black cross, which points to the mystery of death and resurrection and provides a symbol of the higher development of the human “I.” The metamorphosis of the roses and the cross into the symbol of the Rose Cross is brought about by the one’s inner efforts, creating an entirely new image. This becomes the starting point for further steps along the meditative path.

The Rose Cross meditation is the only pictorial meditation whose content and structure Steiner described in such detail. In this invaluable book, the editor has gathered virtually all Steiner’s statements on this subject, arranging them chronologically. Commentary and notes support his words.

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe's scientific writings. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his early philosophical principles into an approach to systematic research into psychological and spiritual phenomena. Formally beginning his spiritual teaching career under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Steiner came to use the term Anthroposophy (and spiritual science) for his philosophy, spiritual research, and findings. The influence of Steiner's multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, various therapies, philosophy, religious renewal, Waldorf education, education for special needs, threefold economics, biodynamic agriculture, Goethean science, architecture, and the arts of drama, speech, and eurythmy. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world. He died in Dornach, Switzerland.