Rosicrucianism is a philosophical and spiritual movement that originated in Europe during the early 17th century. It is based on the belief in the existence of a universal wisdom that can be attained through the study of the natural world and the spiritual realm. Rosicrucians seek to understand the mysteries of the universe and the divine, and to apply this knowledge to improve themselves and the world around them. The movement is characterized by a mix of Hermetic, alchemical, and Christian principles, and it has influenced the development of many other esoteric and occult traditions.