In the early 17th century three documents were published which came to be known as ‘The Rosicrucian Manifestos’.
These books promoted a reformation of mankind and spirituality and professed to reveal a hitherto unknown ‘secret society’ based upon the teachings and discoveries of a man referred to as Christian Rosencreutz.
Rosicrucian thought became highly influential throughout Europe and many publications based on or discussing the manifestos were written. It influenced such notable writers as Robert Fludd, Michael Maier and Elias Ashmole, as well as influencing Freemasonry.

Rosicrucian societies such as the Societas Rosicruciana In Anglia, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and AMORC still operate to the present day with thousands of
members worldwide.