Secret societies today. Secret societies, orders and sects

There are many legends surrounding secret societies. Some are sure that these organizations rule the world, others - that they are dangerous because they possess occult knowledge... But no one really understands what they are doing... One way or another, some of the medieval secret orders still exist. Today we will talk about the most famous of them.

Masons

The first Masonic lodge appeared in London in 1717, although rumors about this organization had circulated before. The goal of the society is the transfer and research of esoteric knowledge accumulated by humanity. Contrary to popular misconceptions, this is not a sect at all and not political organization. Masons have a complex internal hierarchy, their own system of rituals and secret signs by which they recognize each other.

Rosicrucians

This is an occult society founded at the beginning of the 15th century by Christian Rosenkreutz. They used magical practices to transform consciousness. Some researchers believe, by the way, that it was from the Rosicrucians that all other secret societies came, including the Masons.

Illuminati

The Order of the Bavarian Illuminati was founded in 1776 in Ingolstadt by philosopher, theologian and law professor Adam Weishaupt. Initially, Weishaupt planned to build his organization on the basis of Masonic traditions, but later decided to go his own way, although the order for a long time was associated with Freemasonry. There is a version that the Illuminati still secretly rule the world and it is they who should be blamed for various cataclysms, political and economic crises. Meanwhile, there is no evidence that the Illuminati exists in our time.

Templars

The founders of the Templar Order were nine knights who vowed to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land at the beginning of the 12th century. Later, the order began to grow, it had followers in many European countries. The Templars were a very strong and powerful organization that had real power, wealth and influence. There is even a legend that they owned such Christian relics as the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail and the Blood of Christ. But after they were persecuted and mass executed in the 14th century, the order lost its influence... Although perhaps this is just an illusion. In any case, rumors about the Templars still pop up in different parts of the world.

Skull and crossbones

This secret society was founded by William Russell in 1832 at Yale University. Initially it was called the Eulogia Club. The organization is quite influential in our time. Among the members of Skull and Bones are heads of state, major industrial magnates, and heads of intelligence services. Society meetings are held twice a week. Although the organization borrowed many rituals from the Freemasons, some experts argue that it is just a harmless student fraternity...

Bohemian Club

This is a private men's arts club located in San Francisco. Every year in July, its members gather in Monte Rio, California, to an estate on the territory of the Bohemian Grove with red trees... The first such “race” took place back in 1899.

According to some reports, the club has 1,500 members, including presidents, government officials, bankers, industrialists, famous artists and musicians... To join the club, they say, you need to wait at least 15 years. It is believed that all these people come here on vacation, but there are known cases when commercial deals were concluded in the Bohemian Grove and important agreements were signed... There are also rumors that Masonic, Satanist and other occult rituals are held there, since there are many representatives of the Bohemian Club various secret societies.

Secret organizations - the plots of countless films and books are dedicated to them; they are capable of awakening endless curiosity in mere mortals who are not privy to all the horrors that are happening behind the scenes. closed doors. Conspiracy theorists believe that these societies do no good, while their leaders continue to remain silent about their deeds, thereby spurring the emergence of more more rumors Today the main task for ordinary person is to separate the wheat from the chaff, in other words, it is important to distinguish between what is the fruit of the imagination of theorists and the grains of truth.

Since most of our knowledge about such organizations is based on films, television shows and books, their reliability is highly questionable. We often do not have at our disposal even basic information that could confirm or refute the very fact of the existence of many secret societies. The rumors about the members of these communities and their activities are sometimes so surprising and disturbing that it is difficult to imagine that it could be true.

In this article, we tried to select the most reliable information, clearing it of gossip and rumors, and present it for your consideration. Meet: ten of the most mysterious organizations and communities on our planet.

10. Opus Dei

If you've read or watched The Da Vinci Code, then you probably already know what we're talking about. Opus Dei is a secret society dedicated to protecting the secrets of the Catholic Church and the supposed lineage of Jesus Christ. In fact, Opus Dei was created in 1928 with the blessing of the Pope. Members of this community believe that every person should lead a holy lifestyle, including celibacy. This community has been criticized for being too strict in its principles, although none of the atrocities attributed to them have been officially confirmed. Moreover, she herself catholic church prohibits the creation of any secret communities, as well as participation in them.

9. Bilderberg Club


Bilderberg Club - quite interesting organization, whose existence is not denied by anyone; moreover, they even publicly announce the topics of their meetings. Unfortunately, ordinary visitors are strictly prohibited from entering there. The first meeting of this club took place in 1954 at the Bilderberg Hotel in the Netherlands. The guest list is usually quite exclusive and includes the most influential people on the planet - from the highest officials The IMF and ending with the presidents and leaders of the EU. All guests are guaranteed the highest level of security and anonymity. Everything that was said at the meetings, as well as who said it, remains a secret.

As for reality, it is much less exciting. The group meets to discuss world problems and issues in an informal setting. Participants can freely share information obtained here, leaving only its source unknown.

8. Rosicrucians


The Rosicrucian Society is believed by many to have been founded in the 1600s by a group of German Protestants who dreamed of changing political map Europe. Since this society was organized by a group of Protestants, it was considered dangerous - the vast majority of the population of Europe professed Catholicism. At that time, the secrecy of the society was the only way to protect against persecution by the Catholic Church. The Rosicrucians still exist today - several groups of this secret society are scattered in different locations globe and each of them claims the right to be considered the ancestor of this movement. Members of this community typically include religious leaders and philosophers.

7. Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

Also known as the Golden Dawn, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was founded in the late 19th century. Its members were engaged in the study of the occult, paranormal phenomena and metaphysics. The organization was considered a magical order, its circles included such famous personalities, like Bram Stoker, author of the famous book "Dracula". Today there are several groups that follow this order, but it is reliably known that none of them has a direct connection with the original order. Members of the order are still required to undergo a special initiation ritual that will move them from the so-called "outer circles" to the "inner circles." According to Llewellyn's Encyclopedia, today more people than ever before have access to the Order of the Golden Dawn. Many of them call themselves "practicing Golden Dawn magicians."

6. Knights of the Golden Circle


At one time, this organization was a real secret society, many believe that it still exists to this day. The Knights of the Golden Circle were supporters of the slave system. The organization itself was founded in the mid-19th century and was highly active before and during the American Civil War. Initially, the society wanted to annex the so-called “golden circle” of lands located in Mexico in order to subsequently divide it into 25 slave states. The mere suggestion that you could be a member of this society could land you in prison at that time. Some historians believe that after the end of the Civil War, the community went underground. For some time there were rumors that the circle was going to finance a second civil war, but they turned out to be empty. Some sources state that the group ceased to exist in 1916.

5. Ordo Templi Orientis


Ordo Templi Orientis or as it is briefly called O.T.O. is an international brotherhood based on religious unity. The group was created along the lines of the Freemasons, and its most famous member was the British writer and occultist Aleister Crowley, who was also the leader of the community. When you think of secret societies, you probably think of typical movie anti-heroes armed with daggers and wearing capes. This image came to us precisely from the Ordo Templi Orientis. The rite of passage, as well as brotherly ties, were highly valued here. The entire existence of the group was reduced to the practice of the occult, which, according to some sources, continues to this day. Here, too, over time, smaller groups have appeared that constantly compete with each other and try to prove their belonging to the original family of the founders of the order.

4. Order of the Dragon


The Order of the Dragon included a community of knights and military nobles who devoted their entire lives to the defense of Christianity. They destroyed everyone who went against Christ. The order was founded in 1408 by Sigismund, King of Hungary, who later became Emperor of Europe. One of the most famous members of this order was Vlad II Dracula, the father of Vlad the Impaler, who inspired Bram Stoker's novel Dracula.

3. Freemasonry


Masons are most often accused of participating in and creating world conspiracies. The very idea of ​​Freemasonry arose when four small groups of masons came together to create the Masonic Grand Lodge. The Masons brought to new level the concept of conspiracy and the use of passwords (passwords were originally used by stonemasons so that when moving to new city I could find a job faster). They say that Masons stick together and help each other, no matter where they are in the world. This fact means that all high-ranking officials have excellent connections around the world.

2. Skull and Bones


The Order of Skull and Bones isn't as bad as you might think. It is actually a student body at Yale University, originally known as the Brotherhood of Death. There is just one fact that cannot be denied - the fraternity is famous for some of the most educated and successful graduates in the world. Both President Bush were members of this fraternity, and all the other graduates achieved heights in their fields, having received their: be it career growth, fame, fortune or success in politics. The Brotherhood meets every Thursday and Sunday in a building code-named "The Tomb" and is believed to seek to form a group of future world leaders and CIA agents. The community itself was founded in 1832, allowing only the elite into its company.

1. Illuminati


Illuminati – main secret and the mystery of modernity, complete contradictory facts. Although all data indicates that at the moment There is no such order left in the world; this may not be true. The Order of the Bavarian Illuminati was founded on May 1, 1776 by Adam Weishaupt. The purpose of creating this society was the desire to counteract the abuse state power, a desire to keep the influence of religion away from politics and a desire to expand women's rights. The current version of the Illuminati, as described by conspiracy theorists, is a powerful mechanism for controlling the world's banking systems and government. High-ranking celebrities are usually associated with the society, but again, at this time there is no obvious evidence that the Illuminati society is still active. Here there are only two options to choose from: either they are hidden too well, or they really no longer exist.

In the world for centuries-old history There were many different mysterious organizations: from ridiculous to militant. Each such community in its own way represents a story of human stupidity and error.

Mikhail Vinogradov about the world behind the scenes

In 2012, world news agencies reported the decryption of a mysterious document, originally designated as the Codex Copiale. There is no provenance, as well as information about the current owner of the manuscript. According to some sources, the 105-page manuscript, bound in green and gold glazet, was discovered in the archives of the Academy of Sciences of the GDR back in the 1970s.

A group of scientists from different countries managed to solve the code and read the mysterious book. It turned out that written in German The 18th century code contains the initiation ritual of the German secret (similar to the Masonic) society, which was called Oculisten("Eye Opener").

Members of the secret society were ophthalmological surgeons from the Lower Saxon city of Wolfenbüttel, who imagined themselves as healers and guardians of all medical knowledge about the structure of the eye and vision. It is known that they were engaged in the treatment of cataracts. But no one except the initiates had any idea what was happening behind the scenes of this secret society, where the newcomer was taught to “see” by plucking hair from his eyebrows. After it was possible to decipher other pages of the manuscript, it turned out that Oculisten had another mission - to monitor the Freemasons.

The documents of this secret society included the completely secret rituals of free masons, up to the highest degrees of Freemasonry. Now they are quite well known, but at that time such information could only be obtained through espionage. It is possible that the Oculisten were either spies or a splinter group of Freemasonry created to protect their core rituals if the Roman Catholic Church decided to deal with them the same way they did with .

It is not clear why the secret society of Irish-born miners in the coal mines of Pennsylvania in Liverpool, England and Canada was called "Molly Maguires"(Molly Maguires). According to employees at Lehigh University, this was the name of an Irish Catholic woman who refused to leave her home when the Protestant English kicked her out. The first mention of this organization is found on the pages of The Liverpool Mercury newspaper dated May 10, 1853.

In the anthracite fields of Pennsylvania, members of the secret organization Molly Maguires replaced absent unions, campaigning against meager wages and shorter hours. working day from the time of the stock market crash of 1873 until 1878, when, after arrests and executions, the society was dissolved. Working conditions in the mines, with a complete lack of safety measures, were appalling. Deaths and serious injuries occurred hundreds of times a year.

The Irish miners of this underground organization used against the American coal trusts the proven tactics of intimidation and violence that they followed in their struggle against the Irish landowners during the so-called “Land War” (or in Irish Cogadh na Talún) between 1870- x to the 1890s. However, modern historians do not have a unanimous opinion about the Molly Maguires’ commitment to bloody acts.

Members of the Molly Maguires organization were accused of murder, arson, kidnapping and other criminal offenses. Members of the society were brought to trial on the basis of the testimony of a private detective from the Pinkerton agency, Irishman James McParlan, also known as James McKenna.

But "the Molly Maguires themselves left virtually no evidence of their existence, let alone their goals and motivations." Even before the investigation began, based on his personal observations, McParlan believed that the Molly Maguires, under the pressure of their activity, adopted the new name “The Ancient Order of Hibernians.” After the investigation began, he estimated that there were about 450 members of this organization in one of the districts.

It is difficult to accurately answer the question of why there are so many perverts among the British establishment. Perhaps the closed nature of establishments for boys played a role here. Although there were enough similar institutions among French and Spanish Catholics, as well as among the Orthodox brethren in Greek monasteries.

May 25, 1895 English celebrity was escorted to a London prison following his conviction for sodomy. In the Victorian era, articles that sent people to jail for homosexuality were especially popular.

Unfortunately, the talented Wilde met with the illegitimate son of an English officer and a Spanish baroness, who later became the writer and poet George Cecil Ives. In 1892, Ives tried to attract the attention of a celebrity to the problems of homosexuals, but he, to his great disappointment, did not express the slightest interest in the fate of persecuted gays.

In 1897, Ives created the secret Order of Chaeronea - OrderHehronei. In order to stop the oppression of the gay community, this alleged admirer of antiquity named his brainchild in honor of the Battle of Chaeronea that took place in August 338 BC, when the Sacred Band of Thebes, allegedly consisting of friends-lovers. The mistake was a misinterpretation of a Greek word meaning “close or intimate friend,” although it is possible that some warriors used their comrades as sexual partners.

Examining the corpses of the dead, Philip began to cry and said: “Let those who suspect them of being the perpetrators or accomplices of anything shameful die an evil death.”

Centuries later, a tiny group of Oxford scribes translating ancient Greek texts found nothing more valuable in them than the popularization - alas, sometimes literally - of same-sex relationships. Based on their own perversions, the degenerates of the century before last raised the defense of homosexuality and other sexual perversions to their crap standards.

The brains of these figures were as bad as their morals. You had to be a genius to entrust the task of public (!) defense of the “honor and dignity” of fagots to the corrupt members of the underground society!

In 1912, first the English-speaking and then the world community learned partial details of the activities of the secret Leopard People Society, operating in West Africa. The existence of such a cult is so secret in the countries of the Dark Continent, where hundreds of people die every year from the claws and teeth of predators, it is difficult to determine whether an onlooker-tourist or an aborigine was torn to pieces by a beast, or whether he died at the hands of killers imitating a leopard attack.

In the 1950s, a significant portion of the Yoruba people practiced Islam or Christianity, but they still have strong ancient beliefs. Among the most authoritative secret societies in Africa, the ones most often named are Egungun, Oro and Ogboni. In addition to the secret societies of leopards and crocodiles, there is also a secret baboon society.

Little is known about the motives of the members of these societies. For example, whether they are engaged or not. Often, white colonialists invented stories about supposedly savage and barbaric tribes to justify their illegal and blasphemous acts in Western-conquered countries.

Given the trends towards globalization, the idea increasingly arises that power is concentrated in the hands of a narrow circle of individuals acting exclusively in their own interests. It may all make no sense, but we can never know for sure, which is why conspiracy theories are so popular these days. However, there are communities whose activities are kept under a veil of strict secrecy, their members do not openly declare their affiliation, and meetings are held without prying eyes.

Still, reporters sometimes manage to spot the strange intersections of the world's most powerful politicians and businessmen, and then speculate about the problems that could bring them together. On the list the most famous secret societies in the world you will see both some of the most ancient orders and heroes of popular novels.

1.

Most people who study the activities of this hacker group agree that Cicada is looking for talented cryptographers and codebreakers to work for secret intelligence agencies. The fact is that every year they post encrypted riddles on various popular portals, and by solving them you can become a member of the society. However, the small amount of information about the Dragonfly allows only speculation based on the fact that during World War II, British intelligence identified talented youth through crossword puzzles in daily newspapers.

2. Skull and Bones

One of the most famous secret societies in the world, originated a century and a half ago at Yale University. Traditionally, graduates held important positions in politics or industry, which surprised few people, because they were members of wealthy and influential families. Even after graduation, they continued to keep in touch. To illustrate this, it will be enough for you to know that the twice-elected President Bush Jr. and the current US Secretary of State John Kerry graduated from Yale within two years of each other, and many analysts suggest that Kerry conceded the election to an unpopular candidate deliberately, as he was promised post in the next Democratic government.

3.

An extremely controversial organization that is unlikely to find fans among domestic readers. In the 40-50s of the last century, she actively helped Nazi criminals leave Europe and avoid trial in Nuremberg trials. All this became possible solely thanks to the help of the United States, which wanted to get all the secret inventions of German scientists. The most striking example of such actions would be the escape of the group's founder, Otto Skorzeny, from prison after receiving a sentence for war crimes. He managed to escape by passing by the American military police, in the uniform of which he was dressed. Strange coincidence, isn't it?

4.

The Order of the Cross and the Rose, which is the full name of one of the most famous secret societies in the world, became the progenitor of most modern sects, and had a significant influence on the reform of the church in the Middle Ages. According to its members, they were able to comprehend secrets that are beyond the reach of the ordinary person and use them to change the structure of society for the sake of progress. It was at the beginning of the 17th century that there was a softening of the policies of the Catholic Church, the start of widespread book printing and a lot of fundamental discoveries in the field of physics and chemistry, therefore it is the Rosicrucians who are credited with the liberation of science from the influence of religion.

5.

In Dan Brown's books, this secret society was repeatedly mentioned, seeking to wrest control over the development of mankind from the church. In reality, everything looks much simpler, but much less clear. The fact is that the last official order of the Illuminati, located in Bavaria, was banned by the authorities at the end of the 18th century, and shortly before that a split occurred between its adherents. The goal of the Illuminati is considered to be to achieve a level of power where a group of individuals can control and direct the progress of all mankind. The information that most of the founding fathers of the United States were members of this order also adds fuel to the fire, which is confirmed by the presence on the banknote of a pyramid with an all-seeing eye and warm statements about the Illuminati by the third US president.

6. Masons

"Freemasons" the most famous secret society in the world, was born four hundred years ago, offering its members the opportunity to convey moral and ethical teachings to the broad masses, but to do this not through ordinary propaganda, but seeks to document it in the legislation of countries. Almost every country has its own lodge, to which several dozen more regional ones are subordinate. What is striking is the attitude of the Freemasons to religion; while preaching morality, they are not limited to a specific concept, but allow each member to maintain their own worldview if it coincides with any of the traditional religions. You can evaluate the influence of such a group yourself by the frequency of their mentions in historical chronicles and almost four million followers.

7.

The group took its name from the location of its first meeting, held at the Bilderberg Hotel 62 years ago. You can get here only by personal invitation, but almost every year leading financiers and media owners, as well as members of the government of the most influential countries in the Western Hemisphere, receive quotas. The topics of the meetings remain secret, but given the number of participants, it can be assumed that the most pressing political and financial problems are discussed developed countries. In the last century, there was a popular theory that it was this club that controlled the actions of the US Republican Party, which was refuted by the appearance of US President Barack Obama, a representative of the Democrats, in Denmark.

8.

One of the most famous secret societies in the world, also called “OTO,” was founded a century ago as a branch of Freemasonry, but if the “free masons” preach moral values, then the Templars prefer to use occult teachings to intimidate the masses, hiding behind Christian ideology. The idea was taken from medieval treatises, when the church actively resorted to the use of force against dissenters, but if then this was approved even by the pope himself, now “OTO” is condemned by all three denominations of Christianity, because most of the rituals are of a satanic nature.

9.

The image of this community is actively used in art, both in science fiction and in documentaries. This group studied the emergence of the Aryan race based on myths and legends ancient world, where they somehow managed to survive after the collapse of Atlantis and recreate their family. Of course, a similar trend became widespread in Germany, especially during the Nazi period. There is also a popular theory that it was the Thule Society that taught Adolf Hitler eloquence and initiated him into the secrets of magical rites, which became main reason his political success, but recent research disproves the participation of senior NSDAP party officials in such organizations.

10.

The only known secret society in the world that arose in the Middle East. Despite the deep educational ideas, as well as the unification of the leading minds of the Muslim world to solve pressing problems, he did not abandon the laws of Sharia, considering them the only worthy means of dealing with people deprived of inner vision, a fifth of the entire teaching of the “Brothers of Purity” is devoted to this, the rest they talk about logic, physics and natural disciplines. It is believed that the society died as a result of the Crusades and the powerful expansion of European countries into the region during the colonial wars.

+ ODESSA

The unification should not be ignored either. former members The SS, which actively assisted in the escape and attempts to evade justice by the Nazis, who were facing the death penalty for crimes against humanity. The clearest example of the action is the emergence of German settlements in Argentina and Peru, as well as the escape of Joseph Mengele, who carried out inhuman experiments on prisoners and inventor lethal gas"Cyclone-B", used in concentration camps.

The ranking opens with Opus Dei, or the Prelature of the Holy Cross and the Cause of God - the personal prelature of the Catholic Church, whose main conviction is the belief that people can achieve holiness and ordinary life is a direct path leading to piety. The order was formed in 1928 in Spain, Catholic priest Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, with the blessing of Pope Pius XII.

Surprisingly, in the pages of one of the best-selling and overrated books in the world, The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown, it was claimed that Opus Dei is a secret organization whose goal is to destroy the Priory of Sion and everyone who tried to reveal the “truth” about Christianity and the truth about Christ's supposed royal lineage. In addition to the book, there were also a huge number of contradictions associated with the strictness of the religious structure of Opus Dei.

Because the Catholic Church prohibits secret societies and membership in them, Opus Dei whistleblowers often complain that the organization is secret and pursues secret and sinister policies. Although…

9. Priory of Sion

After the publication of The Da Vinci Code, public attention turned to the Priory of Sion. In fact, to the disappointment of those who wanted to join this community, it was fictitious. It was a hoax perpetrated in 1956 by the pretender to the French throne, Pierre Plantard. Existing letters written by Plantard, de Chérisey and de Sède to each other in 1960 confirm that the three engaged in outright fraud, describing schemes on how to deal with criticisms and various allegations in order to maintain the existence of their fictitious organization. Despite this, many people still continue to believe that the Priory of Sion exists and functions to this day.

The Priory of Sion has existed since 1099 and has included such great minds as Isaac Newton and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Order protects certain royals because they believe they are literal descendants of Jesus and his supposed wife Mary Magdalene, or at least King David.

Society strives to create a “Holy European Empire”, which should become the next hyperpower, establishing a New World Order leading to peace and prosperity.

8. Bilderberg Club

This group differs from others in that it does not official membership. This is an annual secret conference of approximately 130 participants, most of whom are influential people in the fields of politics, business and banking, as well as heads of leading Western media. Entry to the conference is by personal invitation only. The meeting is usually held at one of the world's five-star hotels. Topics discussed at the conference are kept confidential. The first meeting took place in 1954 at the Bilderberg Hotel in the Netherlands.

This meeting was organized by several people. Polish immigrant and political adviser Joseph Retinger, who was concerned about the rise of anti-American sentiment in Western Europe, proposed holding a conference where European and American leaders could discuss all pressing issues.

Although the agenda and list of participants were publicly available, details of the meeting remained unknown. In addition, the content of the conferences is kept secret, and visitors undertake not to disclose the issues discussed. The justification for the group's secrecy is that in a meeting, participants can speak freely without fear that every word may be misinterpreted by the media.

Needless to say, this group is constantly surrounded by controversy and theories.

7. Illuminati

The Illuminati (call themselves “enlightened”) is a secret society of occult-philosophical and mystical nature, which was formed on May 1, 1776 in Ingolstadt, by Adam Weishaupt. It was originally known as the "Bavarian Illuminati". The group was considered outlaw at the time, but many influential intellectuals and progressive politicians joined its ranks. Due to the fact that the Illuminati did not consider faith in the Almighty to be the main thing, the society became especially popular among atheists. In addition, most of the participants are humanists. It is widely believed that the Illuminati seeks to overthrow existing religion.

Internal panic over the change in leadership, and government attempts to outlaw the group, led to its destruction in 1785. Despite this, theorists such as David Icke and Was Penre have argued that the "Bavarian Illuminati" exists to this day. Although there is very little evidence for this theory. It was even believed that the Skull and Bones Society was an American offshoot of the Illuminati.

Many believe that the Illuminati still controls the actions of the world government and that they want to create the One World government, based on humanism and atheistic principles.

6. Templars

Sixth place in the list of the most famous secret societies in the world is occupied by the Templars - an international, philanthropic, knightly order associated with Freemasonry. This is a modern branch of Freemasonry, which is not directly related to the spiritual-knightly order, founded in the Holy Land in 1119 by a small group of knights led by Hugh de Payns, after the First crusade. Modern Templars deny their connection with the medieval order, but actively use its symbols and ideas.

To become a member of the society you must be a third degree Mason. Despite Freemasonry's claims that no Masonic organization is a direct descendant of the medieval Knights Templar, certain titles and rituals are apparently copied from the medieval order. These are known as "jubilee titles" or degrees. However, despite the official statements of the fraternity, some Masons, "non-Masons", and even anti-Masons insist that certain Masonic rites and titles have direct Templar influence.

5. Hermetic Order "Golden Dawn"

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (or, in most cases, simply the Golden Dawn) is a magical order, an occult organization active in Great Britain during the second century. half of the 19th century- beginning of the 20th century. Its members practiced theurgy, magic, alchemy and encouraged spiritual development their adherents. Considered the progenitor of most occult groups.

The Golden Dawn belief system is mainly taken from Christian mysticism, bondage, alchemy, religion ancient egypt, Freemasonry, Hermeticism, Theosophy, Magic and Renaissance Letters. William Westcott and Aleister Crowley are the most famous members of the group.

The fundamental documents of the order, known as the "Cypher Manuscripts" were translated into English language, using a cipher written by Johannes Trithemius. On 60 sheets of document, magical rituals were described, the basic structure of which comes from the Rosicrucians.

4. Order of the Eastern Templars

The Order of the Eastern Templars is an international occult-religious organization that has existed since 1902. It was originally conceived by Karl Kellner, Franz Hartmann and Theodor Reuss as a Masonic academy that would reflect the symbolism of several occult and mystical communities. But in 1912, the organization turned into a carrier of the teachings of Thelema under the leadership of the occultist Aleister Crowley.

The Order considers itself associated with Freemasonry, but it has not received recognition from Masonic organizations and is classified by a number of researchers as “pseudo-Masonry.” Currently there are about 3,000 members. They have several levels of initiation, and also perform stylized rituals with the participation of virgin clergy, children and priests. Gods from Egyptian mythology and the devil are mentioned.

3. Rosicrucian Order

Rosicrucianism (Rosicrucian Order, Rosicrucians, "Order of the Rose and Cross") is a theological and secret mystical society believed to have been founded during the late Middle Ages in Germany by Christian Rosenkreutz.

Interestingly, between 1607 and 1616, two anonymous manifestos were published, first spreading in Germany and then throughout Europe. They bore the names Fama Fraternitatis RC (Glory of the Fraternity) and Confessio Fraternitatis (Creed of the Fraternity). Under the influence of these documents, representing the "most honorable order" of mystic-philosopher-scientists spreading the "worldwide reformation of mankind", the ground was set for the movement that Frances Yates later called the "Rosicrucian Enlightenment". Third important document in society, arose back in 1459. He described how Christian Rosenkreutz, a traveler and alchemist, married the king and queen in the Wonderful Palace.

“Rosicrucianism” was associated with Protestantism and, in part, Lutheranism. According to historian David Stevenson, "Rosicrucianism" also influenced the development of Freemasonry in Scotland. Many secret societies claimed to have received their continuity and sacraments, in whole or in part, from the original "Rosicrucians".

There are now a huge number of Rosicrucian groups, each of which claims to be the closest to the original.

2. Freemasonry

Freemasonry is an international movement aimed at the spiritual improvement of the individual and the brotherhood of people different religions, nationalities and views. Some researchers suggest that Freemasonry originates from associations of builders who built the pyramids in Egypt, others argue that the movement dates back to the end of the 16th century. early XVII century from building associations of masons.

Be that as it may, Freemasonry is now widespread throughout the world and is represented in various organizational forms- lodges, grand lodges, supreme councils, chapters, Areopagus, consistories, federations and confederations. The total number of representatives of this movement in the world is estimated at 4,000,000 people.

Masons conduct their regular meetings in a ritual style. They use special signs and handshakes to expose oneself to other possible Freemasons. Marks vary by lodge and are changed and updated frequently. This protects the groups from outsiders wanting to enter the lodge. Freemasons wear special stylized clothing that was worn by freemasons in the Middle Ages. The most famous wardrobe item is the apron.

To become a Mason, you must be recommended (in some cases 3 times) by a person already in the lodge. You must be over 18 years old and sufficiently educated. Many religions prohibit joining this order, for example the Roman Catholic Church anathematizes such people.

1. Skull and Bones

Skull and Bones is a secret society of Yale University students, formerly known as the Brotherhood of Death. It is the oldest university secret society in the United States. It was organized in 1832 and uses rituals similar to Freemasonry to this day. Its members meet every Thursday and Sunday in a building they call "The Tomb."

The names of people included in the society were never kept secret until 1970. It is known that Bush father and son, the Rockefellers, as well as many representatives of the highest US elite were its members.

Interestingly, some have suggested that the CIA is composed entirely of members of the order. However, in 2007, the Central Intelligence Agency issued an official statement that it had no connection with the Skull and Bones Society.