The Society was founded on the life and work of Christian Rosencreutz as narrated in the Fama Fraternitatis published in Cassel, Germany in 1614 and the Confessio published a year later.  In these remarkable works we learn that Christian Rosencreutz whilst still a novice in a monastery.

There are indications that a cell structure existed before 1450 and later factual evidence that Colleges were established in Holland, France, Germany and Russia.  Although the present Society does not claim decent from these early colleges it does preserve their ethics, particularly in ancient Egyptian and Hebrew studies.

There was a College working in Edinburgh in 1866 where two London Freemasons received their grades and in 1867 at an inaugural meeting of the present Society these two brethren became heads of the Society.  The Society has grown steadily from that start one hundred and twenty-six years ago.  There are now similar Colleges in Scotland and the United States of America.

The S.R.I.A. is an independent Christian Society, all its Members being Master Masons of Lodges recognised as regular by the Grand Lodges of England.  'The Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia' does not, however, constitute another interesting degree in Freemasonry, to be acquired in the course of ordinary Masonic progress.  It is something beyond and outside Freemasonry.

The Society is organised in nine grades, each having its appropriate ritual.  In addition to working the ceremonies, members are encouraged to read original papers or extracts from the works of others and to join in the discussions, which arise.  Its members should be prepared, not only to take part in its ceremonies, but to listen and learn and, by study and giving to others the results of that study, to take an active part in working out the great problems of life and understanding the wisdom, art and literature of the Ancient World.  Thus the object of the Society is to bring together Freemasons of philosophic outlook in order that they may afford aid and encouragement to each other in the pursuit of their own studies in the field of philosophy and scholarship in the widest sense.  Ultimately, its object is to bring its members a few steps nearer to wisdom and an understanding of the true nature of reality.

THE NINE DEGREES

Of the nine grades, four are grouped in the 'First Order' and may be conferred by a Celebrant of a College in open Temple.

I° - ZELATOR
This is the first grade of the Society, where the aspirant is received in a most impressive and colourful ceremony and where he is exhorted to commence his quest for true wisdom.  All business of the College is transacted in this grade.

II° - THEORICUS
As implied by the title, the ritual of admission is concerned with the theoretical aspects of divinity in all its forms.  The grade embodies an erudite lecture on colour.

III° - PRACTICUS
The study and ritual of this grade has special reference to the spiritual facet of the ancient art of alchemy.

IV° - PHILOSOPHUS
Here the aspirant is encouraged to expand his knowledge by a careful study of the various philosophical and sacred writings of the World religions.  An extensive lecture of superb calibre is embodied within this grade.

The 'Second Order' comprises of the Vth-VIIth grades, variously known as the Adept Grades, which are conferred in a College of Adepts by a Chief Adept or his duly appointed deputy.  Selection for advancement in the Adept grades is made by the Supreme Magus, or Chief Adept only.

V° - ADEPTUS MINOR
Admission to this grade is not permissible until a minimum period of four years has been served in the Society.  This is a pre-requisite grade for advancement to the office of Ancient within a College.

VI° - ADEPTUS MAJOR
The sixth grade is one with great significance and demands a high degree of contemplation in preparation for advancement to the seventh grade.

VII° - ADEPTUS EXEMPTUS
This, the final grade of the 'Second Order', is pre-requisite for installation into the chair of a College.  The teachings embodied are of a divine and ethereal nature, designed to elevate the mind in preparation for complete initiation.

The two grades of the 'Third Order' are conferred by the Supreme Magus, or by special dispensation by another Magus.  Selection for these grades is made by the Supreme Magus only., the 'Third Order' being the ruling Order of the Society.

VIII° - MAGISTER
This grade is conferred upon Officers of the High Council designated in the Ordinances of the Society and may be conferred upon other members of the High Council.  8° Magister (Honoris Causa) may be conferred upon other Fratres who show outstanding service to the Society.  A Magister High Councillor on ceasing to be a member of the High Council, reverts to the rank of Magister (Honoris Causa) 8°.

IX° - MAGUS
This rank is only held by the Supreme Magus, the Senior Substitute Magus and the Junior Substitute Magus.  The rank of Magus (Honoris Causa) 9° may be conferred by the Supreme Magus on a Frater who has shown outstanding devotion to the aims of the Society and there are but few Fratres who attain it.

Colleges are established in London and in other large centres in England and the British Commonwealth.  The Society is independent of, but closely associated with, its sister Society in Scotland.  The High Council of the Society has a valuable library of some three thousand volumes at its premises at Stanfield Hall, 88 Hampstead High Street, London NW3 1 RE, which is available to members of the Society.  Members of Colleges outside London who wish to borrow books from the library do so through the members of the High Council representing their College.  A Study Group should be attached to each College and meet and provide opportunities for mutual intercourse.  The Transactions of the Metropolitan College in London are printed annually.

This Present day research Society in England with headquarters in London has fifty six colleges of which three are in Australia, five in Canada, one in France and one in Holland.

Admission to the Society is limited to Master Masons who are subscribing Members of a Lodge under the Grand Lodge of England or a jurisdiction in amity with Grand Lodge and who accept and believe in the fundamental principles of the Trinitarian Christian Faith.  A Candidate is required to be proposed and seconded by Members of the Society and is elected by ballot.

REGALIA:  Breast Jewel