Roses and Rosicrucians

In this chapter, we will look closely at the many layered and diverse symbolism of the rose beginning with perhaps the earliest Indo-Hittite reference to the rose on Tablet X of the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh. Here the Mesopotamian Noah tells Gilgamesh  

Gilgamesh, I will reveal to you a hidden thing, a secret of the Gods I will tell you  

If you hold that plant in your hand, you will find new life. 

Michael Maier s Septimana philosophica provides a complete example of alchemical rose symbolism  

The rose is the First, most beautiful and perfect offlowers. 

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