Although many use the word conspiracy as if one could never exist, there have been countless secret societies. Many of these groups are shrouded in mystery, their aims and practices being unknown to us.
“The very word “secrecy” is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings” John F. Kennedy.
Bohemian Club
The Bohemian Club is one the most powerful secret societies in the world, with many influential members. When hearing about the Bohemian Club any rational person assumes it’s another crazy conspiracy theory, but after footage was released after the club was infiltrated by Alex Jones, it’s been reported on many other news outlets, including the The Washington Post. The Bohemian Grove’s members range from journalists to huge businessmen, and even two former U.S. Presidents, Nixon and Reagan. Footage released shows club members worshipping a large effigy in what is known as Druid worship. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the club, but we still know very little about what is one of America’s most secret societies.
Order Of The Rosy Cross
This secret society is so mysterious nobody even knows whether it actually existed or not. This group was brought to light in the 17th century, when a series of texts were released which revealed the existence of the group, some information about it, and its radical goal. It was said to be an order “built on esoteric truths of the ancient past”. This group is said to have knowledge of nature, the physical universe and the spiritual realm. The society was interested in attaining a “universal reformation of mankind”. Upon the release of these secret texts, many people began searching for the group trying to learn what it knew. It’s hard to know whether it actually ever existed or, was simply one of many secret society hoaxes.
Skull And Bones
Skull And Bones is one of the secret societies at Yale University. Its members have included George W. Bush, some of Bush’s ancestors, and many of the most powerful politicians and businessmen throughout American history. The name itself is foreboding of the group’s nature. It’s said that Prescott Bush (George Bush’s grandfather), once dug up the skull of the famous Native American Geronimo, and that his skull resides at Skull and Bones HQ. The society is informally referred to as Bones, and the members call themselves Bonesmen.
Propaganda Due
Propaganda Due was a secret society in Italy. It was originally a masonic lodge founded in 1945, but slowly became a far right secret society. The society was implicated in murders and crimes. Its members included Silvio Berlusconi, who became Italy’s Prime Minister, journalists, military leaders, businessmen, and all the heads of Italy’s secret services. It was led by a man named Licio Gelli. In 1982 when the authorities searched through Gelli’s house, they found a strange document titled “Plan for Democratic Rebirth”. It suggested consolidating the media, shutting down trade unions, and writing a new constitution. The group has been referred to as a shadow government.
Nizari Ismailis
The Nizari Ismailis were an order of assassins located in the mountains throughout Iran and Syria. They were led by Hasan-i Sabbah, who used the group in order to gain political power. He would send his assassins to threaten or even kill high up officials, who themselves had a lot of power. The assassins would sometimes spend years, gaining someone’s trust, and then wait the right moment to kill them. They liked to do it in the open where everyone could see, that way it would send a message.
Freemasons
The Freemasons are one of the most famous secret societies in the world. And they certainly aren’t among the smallest with an estimated 2 to 6 million Freemasons in the world. Most of those being in the US, but the group has an international presence. The Freemasons have included many powerful and famous people from history, including monarchs, Winston Churchill, and many actors and entertainers. Anyone of any faith can join, but it’s expected, they have a belief in some sort of supreme being. Freemasons insist there is nothing satanic about the group, and that they aren’t trying to create a New World Order.
The Knights Of Pythias
The Knights of Pythias, are surprisingly friendly compared to most secret societies. They are a group founded in Washington D.C. in 1865, and idolise loyalty, honour, and friendship. The group require that people who joined aren’t professional gamblers, or involved with alcohol or any kind of narcotics. They also don’t accept any communists or fascists, and require you to swear that you aren’t either one of those things upon joining. Finally, they only allow members to join who have a belief in a Supreme Being. It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, who was inspired by a play about the legend of Damon of Pythias.
In Greek legend, Pythias is accused of creating a plot against the tyrant Dionysius. Pythias asks Dionysius that he be allowed to settle his affairs on the condition that he leaves his friend Damon as a hostage. This meant that if Pythias didn’t return, Damon would be killed. Pythias does in fact return, which shocks the tyrant, and impresses him so much he allows them both to go free in admiration of their strong friendship.
Sons Of Liberty
The Sons of Liberty was a secret society of American patriots in the 1700’s. They resented the heavy British taxes, and aimed to protect the rights of the American people. They were key players in opposing the Stamp Act in 1765. The group’s motto was “No taxation, without representation.” The members refused to pay taxes, and didn’t recognise the authority of the British over them without their own representative in Parliament. They began terrorising stamp collectors into resigning, through burning effigies and even their offices. Many stamp collectors resigned out of fear due to this. They weren’t murderers, however, instead they preferred to tar and feather people. Those they feathered included corrupt officials, and British Loyalists once the revolution broke out.
The Molly Maguires
The Molly Maguires were an Irish secret society, who became a famous part of the U.S. state of Pensylvania’s history in 1877. The Irish-American members of the society were involved in a series of violent conflicts, and 20 people suspected to be a part of the society were convicted of murder. They were sentenced to death, and hanged. The group originated in Central Ireland, but after the Potato Famine, many Irish found themselves moving to the U.S. This is how the group gained a foothold in the United States.
Hermetic Order Of The Golden Dawn
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is an esoteric secret society. They dedicated themselves to the study of the occult, metaphysics, and paranormal activities. They appeared in the late 19th century, and continue to this day. The group even have a website which offers information into the occult. Some significant occult religions, including Wicca, and Thelema were based on the Golden Dawn’s teachings. The Golden Dawn was split into three orders the first order concentrated on teaching philosophy, astrology, geomancy, and tarot divination. The second order taught, magic, and alchemy. The third order was the order of the “Secret Chiefs”. They were believed to be highly skilled magicians, who were in charge of the other two orders. Unlike other secret societies they allowed women to join as equals.