A secret organization is a social society whose practices are concealed to the public and whose membership is usually confined to an elite class or sector of the society, such as the elite or professional assassins. Although its origin and existence are not entirely established until today, it is believed that most of these organizations remain standing today and are responsible for many government stirrings across the World. From groups of highly trained assassins during the 13th century to a committee of scientists that operate on paranormal activities, to groups of radical religious beliefs and even atheistic sentiments, here is a list of the 10 Secret Organizations in the World!
10 – Thuggee Cult
The Thuggee cult was a secret organization of professional assassins who traveled in groups in different areas of India and is known to have spread for over hundred of years already since 1935. Even during the British domination in India, there had been reports of disappearing travelers on the country’s roads due to the activities of the organization – a ritualistic killing involving large numbers of innocent people. It’s believed that the group was already eradicated during the 1830s.
9 – Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Philosophy and magic are the two fields of practice of the members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn during the 19th century. They are believed to be a group of ambitious English men and women who secretly mastered the arts of philosophy and magic, spearheading the idea of the occult in the western sphere and that women are on an equal footing to men (which was completely a foreign idea back in the day). It is believed to include only members with immense political influence across Britain.
8 – Skulls and Bones
Originally named as Brotherhood of Death, the secret organization of Skulls and Bones started as a Yale University society back in 1832. It is considered as one of the oldest student secret society composed of only a few elites in the United States. It is believed that the group meets every Thursday and Sunday to perform rituals, similar to masonic practices. Although the list of its members was open before, it was made confidential in the 1970s, but it is believed that both the Bush presidents were members of the organization.
7 – Ku Klux Klan
Popularly known as the KKK or The Klan, this secret organization is believed to be a fusion of three popular far-right organizations of the United States, which have been known for its radical reactionary ideologies including white supremacy, white nationalism, and anti-communist sentiments. Its members are usually portrayed in masks and hoods to conceal their real identities when they attack in terror during nighttime. These Ku Klux Klan night riders were known to be feared, especially by the colored, and they are believed to still exist to this day.
6 – Majestic 12
While other organizations are composed of assassins or elites, the Majestic 12 is composed of a secret committee of scientists, high-ranking military leaders, and government officials established in 1947 by then US President Harry Truman. It is believed that the committee was created to investigate paranormal activities like UFO sightings, as a result of the commotion brought by the Roswell incident in the same year. When the documents about the secret organizations surfaced in public, all of its members already passed away.
5 – Freemason
Freemasons, although not entirely a secret organization as of now, is still considered one of the mysterious societies of today. It is believed that the first Grand Masonic Lodge was created in 1717, composed of 4 small groups of lodges. Its members perform ritualistic practices during their meetings and are divided into three degrees: the entered apprentice, the fellowcraft, and the master masons, whereby the higher the rank you are, the more information you earn from the organization. Most of its members are familiar with the use of different signs such as handshakes to identify themselves with other Masons.
4 – Bilderberg Group
Another not-so-secret organization is the Bilderberg group, which is believed to be composed of approximately 130 influential persons across the world, including politicians and businesspeople, who meet once a year through an invite-only conference. It is believed that the group’s name originated from the Bilderberg Hotel in the Netherlands, where the first-ever meeting of the organization took place in 1954. Today, conspiracy theorists believe that the group is responsible for massive government stirring and overthrown, with almost 18 nations in its member’s list.
3 – Order of Assassin
Also known as the Nizari, the organization is believed to be composed of Muslim assassins who roamed in the Middle East during the 13th century. Its members were Shia Muslims who wanted to build a utopian state of their own, after disbanding from their sect. To achieve this, they are usually responsible for espionage and political assassinations, by planting professional moles inside their enemy’s administration and through discreet attacks during nighttime. Until the reign of the Mongols, they were believed to be used by prominent families like King Richard the Lionheart.
2 – The Illuminati
One of the most popular and controversial secret organization today is the Illuminati, believed to be composed of radical followers of The Enlightenment ideologies. It is believed to be founded in 1776 in Ingolstadt by Adam Weishaupt, a Jesuit. One of its distinct belief is the nonexistence of a supreme being or organized religion for that matter, making the organization popular among atheists. While others believed that it was dismantled in the 1700s due to government attempts to eradicate it, many conspiracy theorists still believe that it remains standing today, recruiting influential people like celebrities, politicians, and businessman as its members.
1 – Opus Dei
If Illuminati seeks atheist principles, the Opus Dei is the opposite. It is an organization of the Catholic Church founded in 1928 by Roman Catholic priest Josemaria Escriva in Spain upon approval of Pope Pius XII, bordering on the belief of one’s holiness and a path to sanctity. Therefore, celibate Numenary, who are the members of the organization, live in special centers and private homes. However, conspiracy theorists claim the mystery behind the organization because of its strict adherence to religious structures and practices.
