« Ce que l'on désigne sous le nom de « qualités » ou de « vertus », telles l'humilité, la générosité, la tolérance, l'intégrité, etc., sont des facultés de l'âme. Le but de notre présence sur Terre est précisément d'éveiller ces facultés et de les exprimer dans notre comportement, au contact d'autrui. » (Mysticisme rosicrucien)
From a report in the Rosicrucian Digest Vol. XXXIII May, 1955 No. 5
IN MEMORIAM
The illustrious Grand Master of the A.M.O.R.C. of France, Mlle. Jeanne Guesdon, S.R.C., crossed the threshold of higher initiation at two o’clock in the morning, Tuesday, March 29, 1955. Though she had been ill for the past few weeks, her transition will come as a shock for numerous fratres and sorores throughout the world who knew her personally or through the medium of her great service to the Rosicrucian Order in France.
There are those persons whose unique talents and experiences are so co-ordinated with their work in life that there is every indication that their mission was Cosmically ordained. Such a person was Soror Guesdon. She acquired an excellent administrative training and experience early in life. Born in France February 10, 1884, she subsequently sojourned in London learning English proficiently. Later she assumed an executive position in Havana, Cuba, which afforded her an opportunity, during a period of several years, to master the Spanish language.
A fascination for esoteric teachings and mystical literature resulted in Mlle. Guesdon’s contacting the Rosicrucian Order, to the studies of which she devoted herself ardently. Her Rosicrucian affiliation brought her to the portals of many of the traditional initiatic orders in Europe. In these bodies she won honors as an officer. In this capacity, she became liaison officer for the late Imperator of AMORC, Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, transmitting officials documents from him to the affiliated orders and often acting as his special interpreter when he was in Europe. Dr. H. Spencer Lewis had the utmost admiration for the integrity, ingenuity and enlightenment of Soror Guesdon.
In accordance with Dr. H. Spencer Lewis plans for the A.M.O.R.C. Mlle. Guesdon, in collaboration with the present Imperator, Ralph M. Lewis, organized the modern version of the A.M.O.R.C. in France. Thus the light of the Rosicrucian Order in America, having been received form France originally, was reflected back to the land from which it had originally come. Immediately following World War II, Mlle. Guesdon undertook the tremendous task of the translation of all Rosicrucian teachings, as are now issued in the French language. In addition she directed the necessary construction of administrative buildings, the formation of correspondence departments, the issuance of the French magazine Rose-Croix, and all the numerous functions related to the extensive work of the Order. That she has been successful is evidenced in the large and loyal French Rosicrucian membership. It was her dream that Dr. Lewis wish be fulfilled, and she was cosmically supported in every way to lay the sound foundation that now exists in France. Only last summer she, at her advanced age, flew from Paris to San Jose to attend the International Rosicrucian Convention. Here she reported on the work of the Order in France and remained to make a further analysis of the methods at the Supreme and Grand Lodges.
Peace profound unto thee, Soror Jeanne Guesdon!
When I decided that I should write about interesting though virtually unknown mystics, I was’t fully aware yet that the three I had subconsciously in mind, had some things in common i.e. they were great women initiates and Rosicrucians. Especially not when I started writing about Greet Hofmans. Greet Hofmans was in the fist place of course a member of the Theosophical Society. However, I wasn’t in the least surprised to learn that she’d also been a member of the "Rozekruisers Genootschap". The other two starting with Jeanne Guesdon, being members of the A.M.O.R.C. Though Greet Hofmans was by far the best known of the three, they all shared this attitude that they never sought fame nor fortune, despite Greet’s famous clientele. Also in common, that there’s, unfortunately, very little information available on them.
"Je suis un inconnu célèbre." - Jean Cocteau
“Si le mot que tu vas prononcer n'est pas plus beau que le silence, alors ne le dis pas !”
Naast andere deugden is de ware mysticus te herkennen aan het feit dat hij het voorbeeld geeft, zoniet van stilte dan toch minstens van verbale gematigdheid. Hij spreekt slechts weloverwogen, dat wil zeggen, zelden, en de woorden die hij uitspreekt, zijn rijk aan diepe betekenis. Hij maakt dit advies van een soefileraar tot het zijne: "Als het woord dat je gaat uitspreken, niet mooier is dan de stilte, zeg het dan niet!" - Jeanne Guesdon
Le véritable mystique se reconnaît, entre autres vertus, à ce qu'il donne l'exemple, sinon du silence, au moins de la tempérance verbale. Il ne parle qu'à bon escient, c'est-à-dire rarement, et les paroles qu'il prononce sont riches d'un sens profond. - Jeanne Guesdon
The goal of the Rosicrucian is to live mysticism, and mysticism by definition, is the study and the putting into practice of the bond which unites us with the God of our Heart. – Christian Bernard
"I have done everything I had to do for you. Now you must continue on your Path and make contact with Jeanne Guesdon who is the representative for AMORC". - Edith Lynn to Raymond Bernard.
This then was my initial training. I was in contact with Jeanne Guesdon for a long time. I never saw her in person, but I knew what was happening at Villeneuve-St. Georges insofar as the establishment of the Order was concerned, and I became the first member of Rose+Croix in the French Language Jurisdiction. Later I became a member of the Militia Crucifera Evangelica (No relation to OMCE) . After Jeanne Guesdon's death, Ralph Lewis gave me the opportunity of taking on her respon- sibilities but this was somewhat delicate for me due to my professional position. I was later told that before her death, Jeanne Guesdon, when questioned by Ralph Lewis, had indicated that she knew someone who could continue the work after her but she wasn't certain if in my position I would be willing to consider such a proposition. I therefore found myself at the head of the Rose+Croix and was faced with the real task of having to very quickly establish branches in many parts of the country.
I had great success, thanks to work I had done previously through my connections with other traditional movements which could render the necessary assistance. In Rome, and then in Paris, I was received among the Freemasons and became a Master Mason, but bit by bit I had to put this activity aside as I was too busy trying to re-establish the Rose+Croix. I was later elected to the Supreme Council of the Rose+Croix and filled several functions, in particular as Supreme Legate, first for Europe and then for the entire world. Eventually, the time came when I relinquished these responsibilities to my son.
This then, in very summary fashion, is the direction of my life. - Raymond Bernard. The statement Frater Raymond Bernard makes here could raise some brows though. Where he states that he never met Mlle. Guesdon in person, this sounds totally plausible to me, but I question his statement that he was the first member of the French jurisdiction. In his book Rosicrucian History and Mysteries Christian Rebisse says the following:
As for Hans Grüter ( 14/6/1878 - 1953 ), he became Grand Master for France. He was assisted by Jeanne Guesdon (1884-1955) who spoke perfect English and had joined the Order in 1926 whilst living in Cuba. She returned to France for good in 1930 where she became a valuable assistent. Although only having the title of Secretary it was she, in fact, who managed AMORC for France.
In the chronology of the same book 1949 is mentioned as the official beginning of AMORC in France under the direction of Jeanne Guesdon. In her book Great Women Initiates or The Feminine Mystic, Hélène Bernard also mentions the legal establishment of the office of the French Jurisdiction of AMORC, on January 1, 1949.
Hans Grüter (initiatic name a.k.a. Nomen Mysticum: SAR Ioannes) and Jeanne Guesdon (Sar Puritia) were both important members of the FUDOSI (Federatio Universalis Dirigens Ordines Societatesque Initiationis or Fédération Universelle des Ordres et Sociétés Initiatiques in French). Guesdon being the official secretary. The FUDOSI (1934) was an attempt to create a federation of all true mystical orders and protect themselves and the people from frauds. Its mission was "to protect the sacred liturgies, rites and doctrines of the traditional initiatory Orders from being appropriated and profaned by clandestine organizations" In 1951 after the 8th convention it was dissolved after disagreements between its members.
Hans Grüter (initiatic name a.k.a. Nomen Mysticum: SAR Ioannes) and Jeanne Guesdon (Sar Puritia) were both important members of the FUDOSI (Federatio Universalis Dirigens Ordines Societatesque Initiationis or Fédération Universelle des Ordres et Sociétés Initiatiques in French). Guesdon being the official secretary. The FUDOSI (1934) was an attempt to create a federation of all true mystical orders and protect themselves and the people from frauds. Its mission was "to protect the sacred liturgies, rites and doctrines of the traditional initiatory Orders from being appropriated and profaned by clandestine organizations" In 1951 after the 8th convention it was dissolved after disagreements between its members.
Where, generally speaking, the FUDOSI was made up of worthy men, passionate about brotherhood and spirituality and who to a certain extent shared the tolerance and humanism of H. Spencer Lewis, they just couldn’t and wouldn’t accept the novel and avant-garde attitude of the Americans, who with their behaviour sometimes shocked the Europeans in their traditions. The cut a long story short, the main disagreements arose between Ralph M. Lewis, Emile Dantinne and Jean Mallinger over AMORC’s mail-order lessons, its advertising campaigns and worse still about AMORC accepting black members! And where the organisation after the war had already lost much of its compelling reasons to exist to begin with, on 14th August 1951 its members decided to place it into dormancy...
from Complete Authentic History of the Rosicrucian Order:
For some years Mlle. Guesdon, a native of France, residing in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, 56 Rue Gambetta, a suburb of Paris, had been a member of the Rose-Croix, France, and a scholar of the traditional esoteric orders. She was recognized as a brilliant student of mysticism and metaphysics and had functioned for several years as a liaison officer between Dr. H. Spencer Lewis and certain of the mystical bodies of Europe. In addition to these activities, she was also a member of the AMORC of America and was highly enthusiastic about its expansion program and its preparation and manner of presenting the Rosicrucian teachings.
Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, the incumbent Imperator of AMORC, conferred with Mlle. Guesdon with regard to her assisting in the voluminous and tedious work of translating the modern form of the teachings and rituals into the French language. She agreed to undertake this task and immediate began her voluntary labor of love. The Imperator’s transition occurred before much of this work could be accomplished. Following this, World War II and the nazi occupation of France further inhibited Mlle. Guesdon’s efforts. After World War II, the newly presiding Imperator, Ralph M. Lewis, journeyed to France to confer with Mlle. Guesdon, and preparation for the AMORC in France was renewed with vigor.
In July 1954 Mlle Guesdon attended the International Rosicrucian Convention in San Jose and conferred with the Supreme Council there. She passed through transition suddenly in March, 1955, after a short illness. The work of AMORC in France had, nevertheless, been established by her sacrifice, with the full cooperation and further direction of the Imperator, Ralph M. Lewis. Mlle Guesdon began the work of AMORC in France in her own home and even constructed a small administration office on her property (56 Rue Gambetta, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges). She bequeathed this property to AMORC France.
Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, the incumbent Imperator of AMORC, conferred with Mlle. Guesdon with regard to her assisting in the voluminous and tedious work of translating the modern form of the teachings and rituals into the French language. She agreed to undertake this task and immediate began her voluntary labor of love. The Imperator’s transition occurred before much of this work could be accomplished. Following this, World War II and the nazi occupation of France further inhibited Mlle. Guesdon’s efforts. After World War II, the newly presiding Imperator, Ralph M. Lewis, journeyed to France to confer with Mlle. Guesdon, and preparation for the AMORC in France was renewed with vigor.
In July 1954 Mlle Guesdon attended the International Rosicrucian Convention in San Jose and conferred with the Supreme Council there. She passed through transition suddenly in March, 1955, after a short illness. The work of AMORC in France had, nevertheless, been established by her sacrifice, with the full cooperation and further direction of the Imperator, Ralph M. Lewis. Mlle Guesdon began the work of AMORC in France in her own home and even constructed a small administration office on her property (56 Rue Gambetta, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges). She bequeathed this property to AMORC France.
Though Jeanne must somehow have anticipated her sudden death aged 71, it came as a total surprise to many, since she was in good health. The cause was a minor ailment for which she went through surgery. Though surgery was a success, she may have left the hospital rather prematurely. But the monthly monograph mailing was due and she wanted to go home as soon as possible...
"The doctors prescribed anti-coagulants, but probably too large a dose. She left the clinic on Monday, March 28, prepared a few papers, and put a small chest containing a few pieces of jewelry and souvenirs in her attic. She went to bed, hemorrhaged, and passed through transition. Her last moments were very difficult, and she was aware of her passing." - Hélène Bernard
Thus ended the earthly existence of a great woman initiate et de la grande dame du rosicucianisme.
La lecture: Extrait de Message d'une initiée de la Rose-Croix (Diffusion Rosicrucienne - 1995)
Aujourd'hui, nous voudrions vous parler de la lecture ; c'est un problème extrêmement important et qui peut jouer un rôle essentiel en bien comme en mal, dans votre évolution spirituelle. La lecture est comme la langue dont parle Esope et elle peut, selon l'usage qu'on en fait, devenir la meilleure ou la pire des choses.Car il y a deux façons au moins de lire. La plus fréquente, et la pire, consiste à faire de la lecture une « distraction ». On lit tout ce qui tombe sous la main et l'on s'abandonne aux récits. On les subit, on se crée ainsi un monde imaginaire, sans contact avec la réalité et quand on reprend pied dans la vie normale, on est comme une personne brusquement réveillée après avoir absorbé un soporifique. Il se produit alors entre le monde de la fiction et le monde du réel, une rupture extrêmement préjudiciable au bon équilibre psychologique, donc au progrès mystique.Dans ce genre toxique la pire place revient aux journaux et aux magazines. Il est certes bon de se tenir au courant des événements. Un rosicrucien ne se renferme pas dans sa tour d'ivoire ; il est comme le poète, un écho sonore au centre de l'univers... Mais tant de journaux, au lieu de renseigner, se contentent de flatter les instincts, le matérialisme, d'exploiter la paresse ou la dépravation de certains lecteurs, leur goût du scandale et même du sangCertains romans en leur genre sont aussi redoutables, particulièrement ceux qui paraissent innocents, mais qui enlèvent le goût de l'effort en faisant croire que tout s'arrange. Au contraire, il y a des œuvres romanesques qui sont de véritables nourritures spirituelles. Citons presque tout Balzac, les grands classiques et des livres traduits, comme par exemple ceux de Tolstoï, de Joan Bojer, de Bulwer Lytton, d'Ank Larsen, d'Hermann Hesse, mais ce ne sont que quelques noms parmi des centaines d'autres.Voyons maintenant en quoi la lecture est aussi la meilleure des choses. C'est quand elle nous oblige à nous confronter avec une réalité supérieure, quand elle nous apporte les messages de grands inspirés, quand elle est un écho du Cosmique.Alors il ne s'agit plus seulement de lire, mais de relire et d'intégrer. On lit quelques pages, on les médite, on en tire les idées directrices que l'on note. On relit ce qui nous a le plus frappé, jusqu'à s'en imprégner. Le livre aimé devient alors, comme le dit la Bible « os de mes os et chair de ma chair ». Et c'est justement la Bible qui est le plus grand des livres. Une existence entière n'en épuise pas la « substantifique moelle ». Il y a dix façons de la lire : historique, morale, métaphysique, initiatique, cabalistique, etc. Tous ces aspects sont essentiels. Tous sont à envisager successivement et simultanément.Mais nous ne négligerons pas non plus ces prophètes que sont les grands poètes : Victor Hugo d'abord, aussi Nerval et Rimbaud. Et pour ceux qui lisent l'allemand, Novalis, Goethe ; pour ceux qui comprennent l'anglais, William Blake, Coleridge, Milton, Walt Whitman. Mais il est inutile d'ajouter d'autres noms illustres, c'est à chacun de se constituer une bibliothèque choisie, de livres qui seront des amis secrets, fidèles. C'est en lisant de bons livres que le Rosicrucien, s'en imprégnant, avance sûrement dans le sentier de la vérité, car c'est à lui, plus qu'à tout autre que s'applique l'axiome hermétique dont nos aînés faisaient leur devise et selon lequel ils nous enjoignent de « lire, de relire, de prier et de travailler ».Il y a peu de commentaires à ajouter à ce message, car il contient en substance tout ce que l'on peut dire sur ce sujet. Cependant il est peut-être bon de souligner que dans certains cas, l'excès de lectures, et surtout de lectures inutiles, engendre une sorte de paresse de l'esprit ; on en arrive à ne plus penser par soi-même, à subir seulement la pensée d'autrui, à endormir le pouvoir créateur de l'esprit.C'est le cas des lectures dites légères ; elles sont une sorte d'opium pour les facultés cérébrales. II ne faut pas oublier non plus que, presque toujours, elles déposent en l'esprit des germes, sortes d'entités larvées qui, un jour ou l'autre se cristallisent en nous et deviennent parties de notre personnalité. C'est pourquoi il est bon de choisir les lectures des enfants, outre celles qui leur sont imposées par les programmes scolaires. Ces lectures supplémentaires cimenteront les pierres de l'édifice culturel de l'homme futur.Il ne manque pas d'ailleurs, pour les adultes, d'ouvrages de très grands mystiques qui, bien que n'étant pas des Rose-Croix, ont cependant pénétré dans les hautes sphères de la spiritualité, qui nous font pressentir l'invisible et ses horizons illimités. Si nous ne pouvons les suivre jusqu'au bout vers les hautes cimes qu'ils ont déjà atteintes, ils nous engagent tout de même sur le sentier du sublime et de la divine aventure mystique.
Jeanne Guesdon (1954)
