Bingham's Notebook: The Crescent and the Rose

Welcome back to Bingham's Notebook where we explore the hidden corners of the world surrounding The Files Series. This week, we’re going to explore a shadowy organization that may hold the key to understanding some of the more… esoteric aspects of Dr. Bingham’s research: The Order of the Crescent Star.

Author's Note: I want to be transparent here—I'm not entirely settled on how prominent a role The Order of the Crescent Star will have in Call of The Minotaur: Midas Files, Book Two. However, at this moment, it’s shaping up to be a significant element in uncovering some of the mysteries surrounding Dr. Bingham’s work and the broader mythos of The Midas Files Series. This is where my thoughts are currently leading, but, as always, things may evolve as the story develops.

Now, many of you may be familiar with the Rosicrucian Order, the legendary society dedicated to esoteric wisdom and enlightenment. But what if I told you there was a splinter group, one that veered off the path of philosophical contemplation and plunged into the depths of ritualistic magic and cosmic invocation?

In The Midas Protocol: Midas Files, Book One, it was revealed that Dr. Lawrence Bingham, the enigmatic inventor of the Gold Box, had ties to the Rosicrucian Order. This connection added a layer of mystique to Bingham’s character, suggesting he was not only a brilliant scientist but also a seeker of hidden knowledge. However, as I dove deeper into the narrative for Book Two, I found myself needing an organization that could mirror the Rosicrucians in its esoteric roots while offering something darker, more shadowy—a group that could represent a break from the Rosicrucians' pursuit of enlightenment and instead embody a hunger for power through arcane rituals and forbidden knowledge. Thus, The Order of the Crescent Star began to take shape, filling this narrative space with its ominous and enigmatic presence.

The Order of the Crescent Star, as I’ve come to understand it, can be seen as a sort of rebellious cousin to the Rosicrucians. While both share roots in the Renaissance’s surge of occult interest, the Crescent Star took a decidedly different turn. They weren’t content with simply studying ancient texts; they sought to *experience* the forces they described.

It’s important to note that while The Order of the Crescent Star is a purely fictional creation born out of my narrative needs, the Rosicrucian Order is a real historical and philosophical movement.

Emerging in the early 17th century, the Rosicrucians are commonly associated with mysticism, alchemy, and the esoteric traditions of the Western world. They are believed to have been an enigmatic society dedicated to spiritual enlightenment, the pursuit of knowledge, and the harmonious blending of science, religion, and art. Though details about their origins and influence remain debated, modern Rosicrucian organizations still exist today, promoting teachings on personal and spiritual development through a blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary insights.

Perhaps Bingham’s Notebook literally may hint at this connection, referencing “the brethren of the Crescent,” and their fascination with what he termed “cosmic energies.” Unlike the Rosicrucians' more philosophical approach, the Crescent Star embraced practices that would make even the most seasoned occultist raise an eyebrow.

Imagine ceremonial magic, rituals designed to call upon not just earthly spirits, but beings from beyond the stars. Think alchemy, not just as a metaphor for spiritual transformation, but as a literal process of transmuting matter, much like the Gold Box itself. And then there's their obsession with astrology, not as a parlor game, but as a key to deciphering the fate of humanity, written in the very fabric of the cosmos. This also includes connections to entities like The Watcher, who I suspect the order has had dealings with for centuries.

There's even a strong Egyptian influence woven into their tapestry, a nod to ancient mysteries and the celestial powers worshiped along the Nile. The very name, “Crescent Star,” evokes images of ancient Egypt, the night sky, and the secrets it holds.
Bingham’s notes suggest that the Order believes certain cosmic alignments govern human destiny, and that artifacts like the Gold Box are tools to tap into these powerful energies. This could explain their interest in Hank Raglan, whose destiny seems intertwined with the device.

The Rosicrucians, from what I’ve gathered, have distanced themselves from the Crescent Star, viewing their practices as… unorthodox, perhaps even dangerous. This has driven the Crescent Star further into the shadows, making them even more secretive and elusive.
The Order of the Crescent Star is a thread that runs through the entire tapestry of The Midas Protocol. Their influence, though subtle, is undeniable. As we continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Gold Box, we will undoubtedly encounter them again.

Until the next post, keep searching. Remember that Call of The Minotaur is undergoing beta reading. Exciting stuff, ordained by the stars, or not.

—Matt De Reno