The Illuminati is fictional (probably), but there are other secret societies out there that are just as creepy, and very, very real.
Most people know the Freemasons, whose origins trace back to medieval times, but still have lodges everywhere wherein strange, robed rituals take place. There’s also the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, whose membership included Richard Nixon and Robert Oppenheimer. They’re famous for holding the first Manhattan Project meeting and for their annual burning of a giant owl effigy. There’s an English Druids society, the Odd Fellows Society whose ranks include King George IV, and many more.
Venture into the shadowy world of secrets, before they make us take this down.
1
The Bilderberg Group
An annual private conference of global elites from politics, business, and media to discuss world affairs.
2
Rosicrucians
A mystical and philosophical society started in Germany in 1700s, claiming ancient knowledge about nature, the universe, and spiritual enlightenment.
3
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
A 19th-century magical society focused on the study of the occult, alchemy, and metaphysics.
4
Ordo Templi Orientis
A secret society started in Germany in 1896 by Freemasons that believes in magic and strives to find one’s “True Will”.
5
Scroll and Key
Another Yale-based secret society known for its influence and exclusivity.
6
The Seven Society
One of The University of Virginia's secret societies, whose members are only revealed after they've died.
7
The Order of the Eastern Star
A Freemason-affiliated group open to both men and women, with symbolic rituals and charitable work.
8
The Knights of Colombus
A Catholic fraternity, whose "Grand" members wear medieval knights costumes.
9
The Odd Fellows
A fraternity started in 1730 London. King George IV was a member.
10
Opus Dei
A subsect of the Catholic Church in Spain, it’s been criticized for its cult-like methods of recruiting and secrecy.
11
The Veiled Prophet Organization
A society founded in 1878 in St. Louis, Missouri. Every year they hold a ball where they crown a Veiled Prophet Queen.
12
The Ancient Order of Druids
A fraternal order started in the 1700s inspired by ancient Celtic druidic practices and nature-based rituals.
13
Bohemian Club
A club that meets in the Redwoods of San Francisco, whose past members include presidents and billionaires. They have a ceremony where they worship and burn a giant owl effigy.
14
Skull and Bones
An elite secret society at Yale University known for producing powerful political and business leaders, such as George H.W. Bush.
15
Freemasons
A fraternal organization with symbolic rituals, secret handshakes, and global influence dating back to the 14th century.
