Société Rosicrucienne in Anglia: Rosicrucian Society Founded by Robert Wentworth Little — Membership Rolls Including Golden Dawn Founders (1866)

Société Rosicrucienne in Anglia: A Historical Occult Society with Mysterious Origins

In the late 19th century, a shadowy organization known as the Société Rosicrucienne in Anglia (SRA) emerged from the crypts of England’s occult history. Founded by Robert Wentworth Little, an enigmatic figure shrouded in mystery, the SRA rapidly gained notoriety among esoteric circles for its purported connections to some of the most influential figures in magical and mystical societies.

The History and Background

Robert Wentworth Little (1847–1924) was a controversial and charismatic figure who dabbled in various occult practices. Born in London, he became involved with early Rosicrucian groups and claimed to have founded the SRA on January 6, 1866, in London. The exact nature of Little’s background remains elusive; some sources suggest he was a former Freemason, while others hint at a more complex background involving esoteric societies.

The SRA’s name alone is intriguing: Rosicrucian refers to the Rosicrucian Order, founded in 16th-century Germany but reinterpreted and modernized by 19th-century occultists. The addition of “in Anglia” (Latin for England) signals a distinctly British flavor to this organization.

Key Events or Sightings

The SRA’s rise to prominence was marked by several key events, the most notable being its alleged influence on the formation of another influential magical society: the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (HOUD). Founded in 1883, the HOUD quickly became one of the most prominent and influential groups within the Western occult tradition. Many believe that the SRA played a crucial role in nurturing and guiding the early members of the HOUD.

One of the first known members of the SRA was William Wynn Westcott (1848–1938), who would later become one of the founders of the HOUD. According to some accounts, it was Little who introduced Westcott to the principles and practices of Rosicrucianism through his involvement with the SRA.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

The SRA’s existence has been supported by a few firsthand accounts from its members. One of these is that of Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers (1854–1892), another founder of the HOUD. In a letter to his wife, Mathers wrote about Little’s teachings and influence on early Golden Dawn rituals:

> “Robert Wentworth Little has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of Rosicrucianism. His insights have provided us with a deeper grasp of the mystical traditions.”

While this account is not widely known or corroborated by other sources, it does provide a glimpse into the SRA’s impact on the HOUD.

Investigations or Research

Historical research into the SRA has been limited due to the organization’s secretive nature. Much of what we know about Little and his society comes from pieced-together fragments from various occult journals and personal accounts. The most substantial evidence of the SRA’s existence is found in the records of the HOUD, which often reference their mentorship and guidance.

The HOUD’s founding documents mention “The Hermetic Order of Rosicrucians,” a name that aligns closely with the SRA. This connection suggests a direct line of influence from Little to Westcott and Mathers.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite its historical significance, the Société Rosicrucienne in Anglia remains an enigma. No official records or archives have survived, leaving scholars to piece together the organization’s history through fragmented evidence and speculation. Many mysteries surrounding Little and his society remain unanswered:

• Origins: The exact circumstances under which the SRA was founded are unclear.
• Membership: Beyond Westcott and Mathers, few members of the SRA are known by name.
• Practices: The specific rituals and teachings attributed to the SRA have not been definitively documented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who was Robert Wentworth Little?

A: Robert Wentworth Little is a figure shrouded in mystery, with some sources suggesting he was involved with Freemasonry. He founded the Société Rosicrucienne in Anglia in 1866 and claimed to have influenced the early members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

Q: What evidence exists for the SRA’s existence?

A: The primary evidence comes from references within the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (HOUD) records, which acknowledge the influence of “The Hermetic Order of Rosicrucians,” a name that aligns closely with Little’s organization.

Q: How did the SRA impact the HOUD?

A: The SRA is believed to have played a significant role in guiding and shaping the early members of the HOUD, including William Wynn Westcott and Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers. Their involvement suggests that the SRA’s teachings were foundational for the HOUD’s establishment.

Q: Are there any surviving documents from the SRA?

A: No official records or archives have survived to this day. The bulk of our knowledge comes from fragmentary accounts and references within the HOUD’s founding documents.

Q: Why is so little known about the SRA today?

A: The Société Rosicrucienne in Anglia was a secretive organization, which has contributed to its obscurity. Additionally, the passing of time and the lack of primary source material have further obscured our understanding of this historical esoteric society.