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Throughout history, numerous clandestine organizations have existed, often surrounded by intriguing conspiracy theories. Below is a compilation of 10 of the most well-known and widely discussed secret or supposedly secret groups.
1. Skull and Bones [Wikipedia]
A group photo of Skull and Bones members, featuring George Bush positioned to the left of the clock [1947].
The Order of Skull and Bones, a Yale University society, initially called the Brotherhood of Death, stands as one of the oldest student secret societies in the U.S. Established in 1832, it admits only a select elite and continues to practice masonic-inspired rituals. Members gather every Thursday and Sunday in their meeting place, known as the “Tomb.”
Judy Schiff, Yale University Library's Chief Archivist, notes that member identities were public until the 1970s, though their rituals remained confidential. Both Bush presidents were members during their Yale years, and many others have achieved significant prominence and success.
This society is often linked to conspiracy theories, notably the claim that it served as a foundation for the CIA. In 2007, coinciding with the release of *The Good Shepherd*, the CIA refuted this claim, stating the group was not a recruiting ground for the agency. The document can be accessed here.
From espionage to drug smuggling and elitism, Yale’s secret society has it all. Dive deeper with Fleshing Out Skull & Bones: Investigations into America’s Most Powerful Secret Society, available at Amazon.com!
2. Freemasons [Wikipedia]
Annual Gathering of Freemasons [1992]
The Grand Masonic Lodge was established in 1717 by the union of four smaller lodges. Initially, membership included only first and second degrees, but the introduction of the third degree in the 1750s led to a division within the group. Achieving the third degree grants the title of Master Mason.
Masonic meetings are conducted with elaborate rituals, incorporating architectural symbols like the compass and square. They address God as “The Great Architect of the Universe.” The three primary degrees are: 1: Entered Apprentice, the foundational membership level. 2: Fellow Craft, an intermediate stage focused on deepening knowledge of Masonic principles. 3: Master Mason, required for full participation in most activities. Additional rites, such as the Scottish Rite, extend degrees up to 33.
Masons employ signs and handshakes to access meetings and identify fellow members. These gestures vary by jurisdiction and are periodically updated to protect against unauthorized entry. Members also wear ceremonial attire inspired by medieval stonemasons, with the apron being the most iconic piece.
To join the Masons, a recommendation from an existing member is typically required, sometimes needing three endorsements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and mentally sound. While many religions disapprove of Masonic membership, the Roman Catholic Church explicitly forbids it, threatening excommunication for those who join.
3. Rosicrucians [Wikipedia]
Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians
The Rosicrucian order is thought to have originated from a group of German protestants in the 17th century, following the publication of three key texts: *Fama Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis*, *Confessio Fraternitatis*, and *The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz anno 1459*. These works were profoundly influential, leading historian Frances Yeats to label the 17th century as the Rosicrucian Enlightenment. The first text recounts the travels of an enigmatic alchemist
Modern Rosicrucian members assert that the order’s roots predate the 17th-century documents. These texts show a strong preference for Lutheranism and include criticisms of the Catholic Church. Rosicrucianism likely influenced Masonry, as evidenced by the 18th degree of Scottish Rite Masonry, known as the Knight of the Rose Croix (red cross).
Today, numerous Rosicrucian groups exist, each claiming a direct connection to the original order. The two primary branches include one blending Christianity with Rosicrucian teachings and another with a semi-Masonic structure. The latter often incorporates a system of membership degrees.
4. Ordo Templis Orientis [Wikipedia]
Crowley with OTO Instruments
The OTO (Order of the Temples of the East) began as a Masonic-inspired organization but evolved under Aleister Crowley, the self-proclaimed “Great Beast,” to embrace his religious philosophy of Thelema. Central to Thelema is the law: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law, love is the law, love under the will” [1904]. Membership involves initiation degrees and elaborate rituals, with the OTO now boasting over 3,000 members globally.
Crowley designed a “Mass” for the OTO, known as the Gnostic Mass. He described it as follows:
“I aimed to create a Ritual that honored the grandeur of universal forces without delving into contentious metaphysical claims. I ensured that every statement about nature aligned with the views of even the most materialistic scientist. While this may seem challenging, I found it straightforward to blend rigorous scientific understanding with a profound celebration of their magnificence.”
The ritual is highly ceremonial, involving virgin priestesses, children, and priests. It invokes Ancient Egyptian deities and the Devil, with a segment where the priestess performs a nude ceremony.
5. Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn [Wikipedia]
Golden Dawn Symbolism
The Golden Dawn was founded by Dr. William Robert Woodman, William Wynn Westcott, and Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, all of whom were Freemasons and members of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia, a Masonic-linked organization. It is widely regarded as a precursor to the Ordo Templi Orientis and many contemporary Occult groups.
The Golden Dawn’s belief system draws from Christian mysticism, Qabalah, Hermeticism, Ancient Egyptian religion, Freemasonry, Alchemy, Theosophy, Magic, and Renaissance texts. Notable members include William Yeats and Aleister Crowley.
The order’s foundational texts, known as the Cipher Documents, were decoded using a cipher attributed to Johannes Trithemius. These 60 folios contain detailed magic rituals, many of which trace their roots to Rosicrucianism. The origins of these documents remain a subject of significant debate.
6. The Knights Templar [Wikipedia]
Mediaeval Templar’s Sword
The Knights Templar (officially: The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta) is a modern Masonic derivative with no direct link to the original 12th-century religious military order. While Masonic Knights Templar members acknowledge no direct lineage, they adopt the ideas and symbols of the medieval group.
Membership in this group requires being a Christian Master Mason. It operates independently and is not merely an advanced Masonic degree. Despite Freemasonry’s general disclaimer that no Masonic body claims direct heritage to the medieval Knights Templar, some degrees and orders clearly emulate the medieval Order, functioning as “commemorative” entities. However, some Masons, non-Masons, and critics argue that certain Masonic rites or degrees were directly influenced by the Templars.
7. The Illuminati [Wikipedia]
The Pyramid, an illuminati symbol
Founded on May 1, 1776, in Ingolstadt (Upper Bavaria) by Adam Weishaupt, a Jesuit-educated scholar, the Illuminati (or “Perfectibilists”) emerged as the most radical faction of The Enlightenment. This group, now referred to as the Bavarian Illuminati, attracted influential intellectuals and progressive politicians, despite its illegal status. While some members were Freemasons, the group was not officially endorsed by Masonry. Their rejection of a supreme being and embrace of humanism fueled beliefs that they sought to dismantle organized religion.
Internal disputes over leadership and government crackdowns led to the group’s collapse by the late 1700s. However, conspiracy theorists like David Icke and Was Penre claim the Bavarian Illuminati survived, possibly into the modern era, though evidence is scarce. Some even suggest the Skull and Bones society is an American offshoot of the Illuminati.
Many believe the Illuminati continues to operate, secretly influencing global governments. It is thought they aim to establish a One World Government rooted in humanist and atheist ideals.
Is it a myth, or is the Illuminati real? Are they monitoring you? Discover more in The Illuminati: Facts & Fiction, available at Amazon.com!
8. The Bilderberg Group [Wikipedia]
A Bilderberg Meeting
Unlike other groups, this one lacks an official membership. It refers to a gathering of highly influential individuals who meet annually under strict secrecy, often with robust military and government-backed security. Discussions remain secret, and the meetings, structured as conferences, are held in luxury hotels worldwide. Attendance is exclusively by invitation, with the first meeting occurring in 1954 at the Hotel Bilderberg in the Netherlands.
The inaugural meeting was initiated by several figures, including Joseph Retinger, a Polish emigre and political advisor. Concerned about rising anti-Americanism in Western Europe, Retinger proposed a conference to foster understanding between the U.S. and Western European cultures.
While the agenda and participant list are publicly accessible, it’s unclear if the group itself discloses these details. Meeting contents are confidential, and attendees pledge not to reveal discussions. The group justifies secrecy by claiming it allows open dialogue without fear of media misinterpretation.
Unsurprisingly, this group is often at the center of controversy and conspiracy theories.
9. The Priory of Sion [Wikipedia]
Logo of the Priory of Sion
Following the release of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, interest in the Priory of Sion surged. However, the Priory is, in reality, a fictional entity, a hoax devised in 1956 by Pierre Plantard, a Frenchman claiming royal lineage. Correspondence from the 1960s between Plantard, de Cherisey, and de Sède reveals their elaborate scheme to fabricate stories, counter criticisms, and invent new allegations to sustain the myth. Despite this, many still believe the Priory exists and operates today.
The authors of *The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail*, deceived by the hoax, claimed:
1. The Priory of Sion dates back to 1099 AD, with notable Grand Masters like Isaac Newton and Leonardo da Vinci. 2. The order safeguards certain royal descendants believed to be linked to Jesus and Mary Magdalene or King David. 3. The Priory aims to establish a “Holy European Empire,” envisioned as a global superpower fostering peace and prosperity.
10. Opus Dei [Wikipedia]
Ordination of Opus Dei Priests
Opus Dei is a Catholic Church organization that promotes the belief that holiness is attainable by all, with everyday life serving as a route to sanctity. Celibate numeraries and numerary assistants reside in dedicated centers, while associates live celibately in their own homes. Founded in Spain in 1928 by priest Josemaría Escrivá, it gained approval from Pope Pius XII.
Dan Brown’s *The Da Vinci Code* portrayed Opus Dei as a clandestine Church entity aiming to thwart the Priory of Sion and suppress revelations about Christianity and Christ’s supposed royal bloodline. Beyond the novel, Opus Dei has faced controversy due to its rigid religious framework.
The Catholic Church forbids participation in secret societies, and Opus Dei representatives have consistently debunked allegations that the organization operates covertly to advance a hidden agenda.
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