R. Swinburne Clymer

R. Swinburne Clymer was an American occultist and leader of the Fraternitas Rosae Crucis (FRC), an ancient Rosicrucian organization. He practiced and wrote extensively about alternative medicine, nutrition, and his unique interpretations of Paschal Beverly Randolph's teachings, which included alchemy, religion, and sex magic. Clymer's activities, particularly his alternative medicine practices, led to conflicts with governmental bodies and the American Medical Association. He also engaged in significant rivalries with other occult organizations and leaders, most notably Harvey Spencer Lewis of AMORC, over leadership and doctrinal differences.

Clymer's influence extended to his publishing house, which disseminated his and Randolph's works. He presented a cleaned-up and more cohesive version of Randolph's often contradictory ideas, weaving them into a fabricated ancient Rosicrucian lineage. This historical reconstruction, while believed by Clymer to be factual, is now considered largely fictitious. His interpretations of sex magic, for instance, focused on the exchange of bodily fluids for spiritual and physical health within marriage. His leadership of the FRC and his public profile inspired fictional detective stories.

R. Swinburne Clymer became a prominent figure in the Fraternitas Rosae Crucis (FRC), assuming leadership as Supreme Grand Master. He was instrumental in promoting the teachings of Paschal Beverly Randolph, whose work he published and reinterpreted. Clymer synthesized Randolph's often fragmented and contradictory ideas into a more structured system, emphasizing a lineage connecting to ancient Rosicrucian traditions. He presented a version of Randolph's history that was largely invented, linking him to various historical figures and occult groups. Clymer also modified Randolph's more controversial aspects, such as sex magic, presenting a more palatable approach focused on the spiritual and physical benefits of exchanging bodily fluids within marriage.

Clymer was deeply involved in the practice and promotion of alternative medicine, which frequently brought him into conflict with established medical authorities and the U.S. government. He studied medicine and registered as an osteopath, but his credentials were questioned by the American Medical Association, which noted his graduation from institutions considered diploma mills. Clymer operated mail-order schemes offering degrees and courses in 'Natural Healing.' He was an opponent of vaccination and advocated a pescatarian diet, believing meat to be toxic and a cause of various ailments. His dietary views were reflected in publications like 'Diet: The Way to Health.'

Clymer's leadership claims within American Rosicrucianism placed him in direct opposition to Harvey Spencer Lewis and his organization, AMORC. This rivalry was marked by accusations and counter-accusations regarding their respective teachings, particularly concerning the role of sex in magic. Both leaders sought legitimacy by aligning with other occult groups like the OTO and forming competing federations (FUDOSI and FUDOFSI). Clymer also attacked AMORC and Lewis publicly, questioning Lewis's credentials and accusing him of practicing black magic. These disputes significantly impacted the landscape of European Rosicrucianism as well.

“Meat, of any nature, is entirely unnecessary for either the maintenance of health or for the restoration to health of those who have become weak and ill. Fish and other sea food, milk and other dairy products, and eggs, will take the place of meat, and these do not contain the unhealthy ingredients or the acids and toxins contained in meat.”