Early writers state that Pythagoras introduced the subject of Sacred Geometry, which involved the measurements of the world, and then with Number all things were defined within the triangle of sacred symbols such as the Tetractys. Symbols were carefully chosen as they do not plant biased ideas in the minds of students. Number led to Music and the beautiful ratios of sound were coupled with colour interpretations. Contemplation and learning set the mind free from earthly shackles to explore the power of the elements and to share their symbolic significance within each and every one of us.

Pythagoras introduced Cosmology, describing the earth's position in the solar system as not being at its centre but part of the whole system. Various mathematical ideas were introduced to demonstrate that there is a fundamental Truth behind everything and so symbols described, without emotion, the fundamental nature of things. He declared to his students that "Things are Numbers and Numbers are Things'.

The Order was supported by the Caenobitae, its collective centre, which included such tasks as farming, medicine and philosophy. It developed itself into regional groups each with its Temple for holy services so, however far away a group may be, it would find familiar work and procedures.

SOFI and ORA are initiatic orders connected with the Pythagorean tradition of antiquity, as well as with the Egyptian-Hellenic Mysteries. According to the Neo-Platonist, lamblichos, Pythagoras was allowed access to all the hidden mysteries of Egypt Much of what we know about the old Pythagorean teachings descends from the Neo-Platonic and Neo-Pythagorean movement of late antiquity, Pythagoras is today generally considered as one of the great sages of the world. The light of the Pythagorean School of the 5th and 4th centuries BC radiates even into our modern times.

His teachings were passed down by mouth to ear, and a strong communal spirit developed, which spread to many parts of the Mediterranean world, such was the thirst for knowledge and wisdom. The old Order retreated into silence some time after its persecution at the end of the 4th cent BC. Because of this, the original Pythagorean brotherhood was dissolved before the end of the 4th Century BC.

The method of inquiry was to look behind the sensorial world and reveal the hidden significance of Nature. Knowing about our limitations of the worldly dimensions in which we live, there was, and is, an inner yearning to know the macrocosmic Consciousness of its Creation. External studies reveal Pi and the Golden Section but to the Pythagoreans these, like many more hints, were beckoning beacons that shone through the veils of our mortality

The present Order is known in some countries as Ordo Rosae Aureae (the Order of the Golden Rose); other places as Sacred Order of Free Initiates, or S::O::F::I::. The Sacred Blossom, otherwise known as the Golden Flower or the Golden Rose, has a rich tradition in antiquity. Among other things, it hints at the initiations of the Mystery Schools.

 SAR ELAA

             THE GRECIAN BUDDHA

        “A cluster of stars from the cosmic hearth

          Fell across Earth’s celestial path,

          A cascade of island jewels once free

          Now set in the warm Aegean Sea.”

        “On Samos Isle was born a child

          Into a world uncouth and wild.

          From this child came forth a man

          The destiny of Nature’s Plan.”

        “And from this man with charm and grace

          Came forth wisdom to save the race.

          Pythagoras and his Brotherhood

          Against all evil firmly stood.”

        “And so this man of long ago

          Brought forth a cure for ill and woe,

          So we in memory of Virtue’s name

          Will feed the fire that lights the Flame.”