The term Rosicrucian (symbol: the Rose Cross) describes a secret society of mystics, allegedly formed in late mediaeval Germany, holding a doctrine "built on esoteric truths of the ancient past", which, "concealed from the average man, provide insight into nature, the physical universe and the spiritual realm. " ^[1]

^{Because of the opression of religious and philosophical beliefs, the study and teachings of these great leaders were only discussed by the chosen initiates:  Through the centuries, the great teachings of transformation, alchemy,  thought, abundance, character, matter and so forth were only available to the protected and the wealthy.}

• ^Aristotle
• ^Pythagoras
• ^{Marcus Aurelius}
• ^Christ
• ^Swedenborg
• ^{Meister Eckart}
• ^Budda
• ^{and many more}

In later centuries many esoteric societies have claimed to derive their doctrines, in whole or in part, from the original Rosicrucians. Several modern societies, which date the beginning of the Order to earlier centuries, have been formed for the study of Rosicrucianism and allied subjects.

Note: Esoterism had its beginnings long before Luther, but during the renaissance, the expansion of such mystical teachings became much more prevalent.