© Getty Images

The Illuminati -

Established in 1776 in Bavaria by Adam Weishaupt (1748-1830), the Illuminati continues to be a highly debated and controversial secretive organization. Throughout its nearly two-and-a-half-century existence, the Illuminati has been the focus of countless conspiracy theories worldwide, earning a reputation as a mysterious society. 

© Getty Images 

The Illuminati -

Notably, the Illuminati is often attributed with the creation of the well-known pyramid-and-eye emblem, known as the Christian Eye of Providence, later adopted by Freemasonry. This symbol is also featured on the Great Seal of the United States and is imprinted on American banknotes, solidifying its cultural significance.

© Shutterstock

Ancient Order of Rosae Crucis -

The Rosicrucian Order is also known as the worldwide brotherhood of mystics. Its members study and practice the metaphysical laws that govern the universe. They believe they possess ancient esoteric wisdom. Rosicrucianism, a spiritual and cultural movement, originated in Europe in the early 17th century.

© Getty Images

The Knights Templar -

The Knights Templar, a discreet and obscure Catholic military order established in 1119, had a mission to safeguard Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land during the Crusades. Pictured is a representation of the Knights Templar Seal from 1180.

© Getty Images 

The Knights Templar -

Their activities continued until 1312, when Pope Clement V permanently disbanded the order due to concerns over its immense influence and riches being viewed as a potential danger.

© Getty Images

International Order of St. Hubertus -

The International Order of St. Hubertus, established in 1695 by Count Franz Anton von Sporck in Bohemia, is a global association and chivalric order dedicated to hunting and preserving wildlife. The organization, comprised solely of men, is recognized worldwide. Its members wear dark-green robes adorned with a prominent cross and the motto "Honoring God by honoring His creatures," which reflects their commitment to animal welfare.

© Shutterstock

International Order of St. Hubertus -

In February 2016, the order garnered significant media attention following the passing of US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia during his stay at a ranch owned by a prominent member of the organization.

© Getty Images 

The Freemasons -

Throughout history, the Catholic Church has clashed with Freemasons due to their secret passwords, rituals, and Masonic temples. Conspiracy theories have also surrounded Freemasonry, adding to its mystique. Notable individuals who were Freemasons include George Washington, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Winston Churchill.

© Getty Images

The Freemasons -

Freemasonry has been extensively studied. These brotherly groups can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Europe and the local guilds of stonemasons. A distinctive symbol of Freemasonry is the builder's square and compass, which was used by these masons to recognize each other. 

© Getty Images 

Skull and Bones -

Established in 1832, Skull and Bones is a confidential student society for senior undergraduates at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Famously referred to as the "tomb" (shown in the picture), this secretive lodge counts prominent figures like John Kerry and George Bush among its members. Numerous other individuals associated with Skull and Bones have also attained influential roles.

© Getty Images 

The Patriotic Order of Sons of America -

The Patriotic Order of Sons of America (P.O.S. of A.), founded in Philadelphia in 1847, is a historic fraternal organization that originated during the early years of the American Republic. Although previously exclusive to white individuals, the P.O.S. of A. has evolved over time and now welcomes all American male citizens, whether they were born or naturalized. Despite its past prominence and influence, it remains a significant fraternal order in the United States.

© Getty Images 

The Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World -

Founded in 1897 in the United States, the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOEW) is an African-American fraternal order that mirrors the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Originally established due to the denial of admission to Black men in the latter organization, which remains prosperous today, they adopted the order's name and created their own club. During the segregated era, the IBPOEW lodge was one of the few places where Black men and women could socialize. Presently, the previously secretive order has become more transparent, and its historical significance as a hub of activism remains a focal point of its public perception. Depicted in the image is a 1963 civil rights rally where IBPOEW members march on Boston Common.

© Getty Images 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows -

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) was established in 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland. However, there were unofficial Odd Fellows Lodges in New York City as early as 1812. The IOOF originated in 18th-century England and remains active today. It is an international fraternal order that is non-political and non-sectarian, prioritizing friendship, love, and truth.

© Getty Images 

The Grand Orange Lodge -

The Grand Orange Lodge, also referred to as the "Orange Order," was founded in 1798 as a means of safeguarding Protestants and was named after William III, the Prince of Orange. Despite being considered an unlawful organization during a period when secret societies were prohibited in Ireland, the Grand Orange Lodge remains operational to this day and is renowned for its annual processions.

© Getty Images 

The Knights of Pythias -

The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society that was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone (1839–1889). The order, which is still active today, embraces the values of loyalty, honor, and friendship. Its name is derived from the Greek mythological tale of 'Damon and Pythias' and the Pythagorean concept of friendship.

© Getty Images 

The Molly Maguires -

The Molly Maguires, a secret society from 19th-century Ireland, were also present in Liverpool and certain parts of the Eastern United States, specifically Pennsylvania. This organization gained a reputation for their active involvement and the often violent clashes with coal-mining officials in the region. 

© Getty Images

The Molly Maguires -

During the 1870s, a staggering 24 foremen and supervisors were assassinated, resulting in the hanging of 20 members of the Maguires. Eventually, the group disintegrated and dissolved after an agent from the Pinkerton Detective Agency successfully infiltrated their ranks.

© Getty Images

P2 Lodge -

Propaganda Due, also known as P2, originally started as a Masonic lodge in Italy in 1877. However, in 1976, its Masonic charter was taken away. Subsequently, P2 transformed into a secret organization with radical right ideologies, opposing communism, the Soviet Union, and leftist movements. 

© Getty Images 

P2 Lodge -

It was led by Licio Gelli and became involved in various crimes and mysteries in Italy. These included the collapse of the Vatican-associated Banco Ambrosiano and the death of banker Roberto Calvi. P2's covert actions came to light in 1981, leading to Gelli's arrest, imprisonment, and the dissolution of the lodge.

© Getty Images

Bilderberg Group -

Although not classified as a secret society like the Illuminati or Freemasons, the Bilderberg Group has drawn significant attention due to its dedication to maintaining privacy. The name "Bilderberg" originates from the Hotel de Bilderberg in the Netherlands, where the inaugural Bilderberg Meeting occurred in 1954. This gathering, attended by politicians from North America and Europe, aimed to nurture stronger relations between the two continents.

© Getty Images

Bilderberg Group -

The Bilderberg Meeting remains an annual event, with strict regulations preventing attendees from divulging any information. Additionally, journalists are forbidden from reporting on the conference, and minutes are not made public. The photograph depicts the 1966 Bilderberg Conference in Wiesbaden, West Germany, with the presence of NATO Secretary General Manilo Brosio on the left.

© Getty Images 

The Black Hand -

The Black Hand, a covert military group established in 1901 by Serbian Army officers, is believed to have played a role in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife in Sarajevo in 1914. Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb, is known for shooting them and this incident ultimately sparked the chain of events that led to the start of World War I. A photo of Princip was taken after his arrest.

© Getty Images

Thule Society -

The Thule Society was a secret German occult group established in Munich after the First World War. It is recognized as the originator of Nazi ideology, with notable members like Hans Frank, who later served as Adolf Hitler's personal legal advisor, and Rudolf Hess, the Deputy Führer (shown in the picture).

© Getty Images 

The Ancient Order of Foresters -

The Ancient Order of Foresters, formed in 1834 in Great Britain, was a friendly society that provided insurance, pensions, savings, and cooperative banking to its members. This society was established even before England had state health insurance, so it offered sick benefits to its mainly working class and underprivileged members. 

© Getty Images

The Ancient Order of Foresters -

In 1874, the American and Canadian branches separated from the Ancient Order and formed the Independent Order of the Foresters. A picture from 1850 shows a fete that took place at Surrey Zoological Gardens, arranged on behalf of the Ancient Order of Foresters.

© Getty Images

The Eleusinian Mysteries -

The Eleusinian Mysteries were annual initiations in ancient Greece centered around the worship of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and her daughter Persephone. Regarded as the most renowned secret religious rituals, initiates took a solemn vow of secrecy, prohibiting them from discussing their experiences or acquired knowledge. These sacred rites were practiced consistently for over 2000 years, from about 1600 BCE to 392 CE.

© Getty Images 

The Eleusinian Mysteries -

Regarded as the most renowned secret religious rituals, initiates took a solemn vow of secrecy, prohibiting them from discussing their experiences or acquired knowledge. These sacred rites were practiced consistently for over 2000 years, from about 1600 BCE to 392 CE.

© Getty Images  

Bohemian Club -

Established in 1872 in San Francisco, the Bohemian Club is a highly respected and exclusive social organization comprising influential individuals from around the globe, including renowned figures such as Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. The club's prominent yearly event takes place at the renowned Bohemian Grove, nestled amidst the redwood forest in Sonoma County, California. The road leading to this private enclave is adorned with "Not a through road" signs, showcasing the exclusivity of the Bohemian Grove.

© Getty Images 

Ku Klux Klan -

The Ku Klux Klan emerged in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Initially focused on oppressing and victimizing newly emancipated slaves, the Klan later expanded its targets to include Jews, immigrants, homosexuals, and other minority groups. The first leader of the Klan was Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate Army general who lived from 1821 to 1877. Members of the Klan concealed their identities by wearing masks and robes, which allowed them to openly engage in public activities such as parades and cross-burning ceremonies. Despite a decline in active KKK chapters, there are still an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 Klan members across the United States.

© Getty Images

Ku Klux Klan -

The first leader of the Klan was Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate Army general who lived from 1821 to 1877. Members of the Klan concealed their identities by wearing masks and robes, which allowed them to openly engage in public activities such as parades and cross-burning ceremonies. Despite a decline in active KKK chapters, there are still an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 Klan members across the United States.

© Getty Images

Ancient Order of United Workmen -

Established in 1868, the Ancient Order of United Workmen (AOUW) was created to offer social and financial assistance to the working class following the American Civil War. Based in Meadville, Pennsylvania, it quickly grew to become the largest fraternal benefit group in the United States by 1885. Unfortunately, the AOUW ceased operations in 1952. The photograph from 1909 depicts a Seattle lodge located in a repurposed church building.

© Public Domain 

Wolf's Head -

The Wolf's Head, established in 1883, is an additional covert group located at Yale University, one of the three prominent societies, together with Skull and Bones and Scroll and Key. The image shows the society's edifice.

© Public Domain 

Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn -

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was established by Freemasons William Robert Woodman, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, and William Wynn Westcott. This secret society, located in England, focused on exploring and engaging in occult practices, metaphysics, and paranormal phenomena from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

© Public Domain 

Ordo Templi Orientis -

Founded in the early 1900s, the occult group known as Ordo Templi Orientis aimed to mirror European Freemasonry. Nevertheless, its prominent member, Aleister Crowley, an English writer and occultist, embraced and promoted sex magic, transforming the organization into a club for older individuals participating in swinging activities. Crowley's influence had a significant impact on Ordo Templi Orientis.

© Getty Images 

Cicada 3301 -

The film 'Dark Web: Cicada 3301' (2021) effectively explores the origins of the mysterious organization Cicada 3301, which uses internet puzzles posted on 4Chan and Twitter to recruit exceptionally intelligent individuals. However, the true motive behind these puzzles remains undisclosed.

© NL Beeld

Tong -

A Tong refers to a gathering place or meeting hall where Chinese immigrants come together as sworn brotherhoods or secret societies. Tongs have their origins in 17th-century China and have since spread to the United States alongside the arrival of Chinese immigrants.

© Getty Images

Tong -

In the United States, they are commonly referred to as Hop Sing Tong. Tongs continue to exist as fraternal organizations, but some have also become associated with Chinese organized crime. The photo shows the dedication of a new Hop Sing Tong building in the US in 1951.

© Getty Images 

Odin Brotherhood -

According to their website, the Odin Brotherhood is a clandestine group that cherishes "knowledge, freedom, and power," for men and women.

© Getty Images

Scotch Cattle -

The Scotch Cattle movement, which emerged in Wales during the early 1820s, referred to gatherer groups of coal miners who would clandestinely raid the residences of fellow local miners working during strikes, causing damage or engaging in physical altercations. 

© Getty Images 

Scotch Cattle -

The movement's covert nature is signified by the painting of a red bull's head on targeted premises and the disguise of some members using cowskins. Additionally, the name may have been chosen to highlight the aggression seen in particular breeds of Scottish cattle, including Highland cattle.

© Getty Images

Hiéron du Val d'Or -

Translated to English as "Sanctuary of the Golden Valley," Hiéron du Val d'Or was a French Catholic secret society with esoteric beliefs that was established in 1873. The society was culturally traditional and aligned with the ideals of royalism. Its goal was to establish a Catholic freemasonry with hermetic principles in the region of Burgundy. In 1877, they created a museum and research center, called Musée du Hiéron, which is still operational today. However, the society was dissolved in 1926. 

See also: Cracking the mysterious codes of Freemasonry

© Shutterstock