If the conspiracy theories are to be believed then these secret societies rule the world – such is their power, such is their influence. But who is to say if they really exist?
Here's a list of such societies:
- Illuminati
Founded in 1776, this society consisted of free thinkers, disbanded in 1785, is believed to exist even in the present times and mastermind events to establish their supremacy and the New World Order.
- Freemasons
Known as the Grand Masonic Lodge when created in 1717 with four small groups of lodges or stonemasons. They have their own ritualsm secret handshakes and protocols. Recommendation by a mason is required to become a mason. This masonic association has received strong oppositions from the Catholic and Islaminc communities.
- Knights Templar
Known to have existed for two centuries in the Middle ages, the Templars were the Christian military orders and prominent actors of Christian finance. These warriors, dressed in white mantles with a red cross, gained reputation by winning a series of battles in the Crusades. According to rumours they still exist in secrecy and protect the Holy Grail.
- Opus Dei
Opus Dei meaning Work of God in Latin is an organization of Roman Catholic Church teaches that ordinary life leads to divine intervention.
- Ordo Templis Orientis
Founded in the early 20th century, Order of the Temple of the East, “Do what thou wilt shall be the law” and “Love is the law, love under will” being the main principle.
- Skull and Bones
Founded in 1832, it is Yale's oldest secret society whose alumni boasts of influential people like George Bush. An elite society in an Ivy League School, the members are known to occupy major and powerful positions. Theorists also claim that this society is a branch of Illuminati and that it runs the CIA.
- Rosicrucians
Set up in the late medieval Germany by Christian Rosenkreuz, this society consisted of alchemists and sages that actually started with 8 doctors. The objective of the society was to treat the sick for free, maintain secrecy and find a substitute before they die.
- Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Commonly known as the Golden Dawn between the 19th and 20th centuries, this institution was dedicated to study and practice of the occult, metaphysics and paranormal activities.
