Still working to recover. Please don't edit quite yet.
Difference between revisions of "Secret Societies"
From Anarchopedia
(start article) |
Anarchangel (Talk | contribs) (Layout etc) |
||
| (4 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | [[File:Secret Society Buildings New Haven.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"Secret Society Buildings at Yale College", by Alice Donlevy<ref>Alice Donlevy was the author of a book on illustration called "Practical Hints on the Art of Illumination," published by A. D. F. Randolph, New York, 1867</ref> ca. 1880. Pictured are: Psi Upsilon (Beta Chapter), 120 High Street. Left center: Skull & Bones (Russell Trust Association), 44 High Street. Right center: Delta Kappa Epsilon (Phi Chapter), east side of York Street, south of Elm Street. Bottom: Scroll and Key (Kingsley Trust Association), 490 College Street]] | ||
'''Secret societies''' are, it is often thought, made up of organized conspirators working in secret to achieve a hidden agenda. Members use secrecy to protect themselves and their movement. Critics view secret societies as malevolent organizations working against the general will of mankind. | '''Secret societies''' are, it is often thought, made up of organized conspirators working in secret to achieve a hidden agenda. Members use secrecy to protect themselves and their movement. Critics view secret societies as malevolent organizations working against the general will of mankind. | ||
| Line 4: | Line 5: | ||
Like the most successful forgeries, the most effective secret societies are unknown beyond their adherents. Members may be required to deny the organization itself exists. | Like the most successful forgeries, the most effective secret societies are unknown beyond their adherents. Members may be required to deny the organization itself exists. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
== Legends == | == Legends == | ||
| Line 11: | Line 10: | ||
Secret societies generally claim to have a long--and often legendary--history. They claim direct "initiatory desent" from a fabled founder or group of founders. By definition, no secret society can appear to be a novelty. | Secret societies generally claim to have a long--and often legendary--history. They claim direct "initiatory desent" from a fabled founder or group of founders. By definition, no secret society can appear to be a novelty. | ||
| − | Thus, the [[Society of the Horseman's Word]] claims to have been founded by Cain. The [[Rosicrucians]] claim direct descent from [[Christian Rosenkreuz]] (1378 - 1484). The [[Odin Brotherhood]] claims it was established in 1421. | + | Thus, the [[Wikipedia:Society of the Horseman's Word]] claims to have been founded by Cain. The [[Wikipedia:Rosicrucians]] claim direct descent from [[Wikipedia:Christian Rosenkreuz]] (1378 - 1484). The [[Wikipedia:Odin Brotherhood]] claims it was established in 1421. |
== Function == | == Function == | ||
| − | Secret societies have many functions. Some, such as the [[Odin Brotherhood]], the [[Rosicrucians]], or the [[Thelema|Thelemic societies]], exist to maintain, spread, and practice their ''esoteric'' or occult knowledge. Others, while they have esoteric philosophies, are social organizations, such as Greek Fraternities or Elk Lodges. Others were created to provide benefits and charity to members, such as the Knights of Columbus or Woodsmen. | + | Secret societies have many functions. Some, such as the [[Wikipedia:Odin Brotherhood]], the [[Wikipedia:Rosicrucians]], or the [[Thelema|Thelemic societies]] [[Wikipedia:Thelema|(WP)]], exist to maintain, spread, and practice their ''esoteric'' or occult knowledge. Others, while they have esoteric philosophies, are social organizations, such as Greek Fraternities or Elk Lodges. Others were created to provide benefits and charity to members, such as the Knights of Columbus or Woodsmen. |
| − | Some secret societies have been considered dangerous by their enemies. [[Freemasonry]], especially irregular masonry, was highly political in the past and involved in radical movements. The Carbonari of Italy were an outright revolutionary, anti-monarchist movement. The Ancient Illuminated Seers of Bavaria ([[Illuminati]]) were so considered so dangerous that they were crushed and suppressed by the State. The Sons of Liberty were also a secret society which helped launch the American Revolution. | + | Some secret societies have been considered dangerous by their enemies. [[Wikipedia:Freemasonry]], especially irregular masonry, was highly political in the past and involved in radical movements. The Carbonari of Italy were an outright revolutionary, anti-monarchist movement. The Ancient Illuminated Seers of Bavaria ([[Wikipedia:Illuminati]]) were so considered so dangerous that they were crushed and suppressed by the State. The Sons of Liberty were also a secret society which helped launch the American Revolution. |
One especially provocative secret society was the Black Hand of Serbia. Organized in 1911 as a secret society of Serb assassins, its purpose was to use targeted killings to liberate Serbian lands held by other nations. Dmitrievich recruited assassins who were young and were suffering from terminal diseases. A member of the Black hand, Gavrilo Princip, was 19 years of age when he sparked World War I by firing 2 shots–with a pistol–and killed an heir to the Austrian throne and his wife. When recruited Princip was dying of tuberculosis. | One especially provocative secret society was the Black Hand of Serbia. Organized in 1911 as a secret society of Serb assassins, its purpose was to use targeted killings to liberate Serbian lands held by other nations. Dmitrievich recruited assassins who were young and were suffering from terminal diseases. A member of the Black hand, Gavrilo Princip, was 19 years of age when he sparked World War I by firing 2 shots–with a pistol–and killed an heir to the Austrian throne and his wife. When recruited Princip was dying of tuberculosis. | ||
| Line 25: | Line 24: | ||
Admittance into a secret society begins with an initiation ritual. Often, this involves darkness, blindfolds, blood oaths, and symbolic icons such as skulls, daggers, and sacred texts. The candidate undergoes some kind of ordeal, often a symbolic death and resurrection. | Admittance into a secret society begins with an initiation ritual. Often, this involves darkness, blindfolds, blood oaths, and symbolic icons such as skulls, daggers, and sacred texts. The candidate undergoes some kind of ordeal, often a symbolic death and resurrection. | ||
| − | According to historian Ronald Hutton, initiation in the [[Society of the Horseman's Word]] involves reading the Bible backwards three times over three years, indulging in a mock Eucharist (with bread, jam, and whiskey), and--at the climax of the initaition--"shaking the devil's hand." On the last point, the blindfolded initiate had to grasp a heated spade. | + | According to historian Ronald Hutton, initiation in the [[Wikipedia:Society of the Horseman's Word]] involves reading the Bible backwards three times over three years, indulging in a mock Eucharist (with bread, jam, and whiskey), and--at the climax of the initaition--"shaking the devil's hand." On the last point, the blindfolded initiate had to grasp a heated spade. |
| − | According to Kenneth J. Beatty, initiation into the [[Human Leopards]] of West Africa involved murder, cannibalism, and cutting permanent markings on the body. | + | According to Kenneth J. Beatty, initiation into the [[Wikipedia:Human Leopards]] of West Africa involved murder, cannibalism, and cutting permanent markings on the body. |
Many secret societies will have layers of membership, with a person entering first as a neophyte of some sort, and then advancing through the ranks as he participates more in the organization. These ranks are very often called "degrees". Some organizations have as few as one or three degrees, others as many as thirty-three. | Many secret societies will have layers of membership, with a person entering first as a neophyte of some sort, and then advancing through the ranks as he participates more in the organization. These ranks are very often called "degrees". Some organizations have as few as one or three degrees, others as many as thirty-three. | ||
| Line 37: | Line 36: | ||
These groups are often considered and talked about in the context that they are secret societies. | These groups are often considered and talked about in the context that they are secret societies. | ||
| − | *[[The Trilateral Commission]] | + | {|width=100% |
| − | + | || | |
| − | *[[Pilgrims Society]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:The Trilateral Commission]] |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Pilgrims Society]] | |
| − | *[[Le cercle]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Le cercle]] |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Bilderberg Group]] | |
| − | *[[Bilderberg Group]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Council on Foreign Relations]] |
| − | + | || | |
| − | *[[Council on Foreign Relations]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Edelweiss]] |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Thule Gelleschaft]] | |
| − | *[[Edelweiss]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Land and Liberty]] |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Royal Institute of International Affairs]] (also known as Chatham House) | |
| − | *[[Thule Gelleschaft]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:The Club of Rome]] |
| − | + | |} | |
| − | *[[Land and Liberty]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
| − | *[[Royal Institute of International Affairs]] (also known as Chatham House) | + | |
| − | + | ||
| − | *[[The Club of Rome]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
==Student societies== | ==Student societies== | ||
| − | + | {|width=100% | |
| + | || | ||
*Anak Society (1908) at Georgia Institute of Technology | *Anak Society (1908) at Georgia Institute of Technology | ||
| − | |||
*Berzelius (1848) at Yale University | *Berzelius (1848) at Yale University | ||
| − | |||
*Bishop James Madison Society (1812) at the College of William and Mary | *Bishop James Madison Society (1812) at the College of William and Mary | ||
| − | |||
*Book and Snake (1863) at Yale University | *Book and Snake (1863) at Yale University | ||
| − | |||
*Cambridge Apostles (1820) at the University of Cambridge | *Cambridge Apostles (1820) at the University of Cambridge | ||
| − | + | || | |
*Flat Hat Club (1750) at the College of William and Mary | *Flat Hat Club (1750) at the College of William and Mary | ||
| − | |||
*Order of the Acropolis at University of Georgia | *Order of the Acropolis at University of Georgia | ||
| − | + | *Phi Beta Kappa (1776) at the College of William and Mary, began<br>as a secret society, but eliminated secrecy in 1831<br>and is now national | |
| − | *Phi Beta Kappa (1776) at the College of William and Mary, began as a secret society, but eliminated secrecy in 1831 and is now national | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Quill and Dagger (1893) at Cornell University | *Quill and Dagger (1893) at Cornell University | ||
| − | + | *Scroll and Key (1842) at Yale University | |
| − | *Scroll and Key (1842) at Yale University | + | || |
| − | + | ||
*Seven Society at the University of Virginia | *Seven Society at the University of Virginia | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Skull and Bones]] (1832) at Yale University | |
| − | *[[Skull and Bones]] (1832) at Yale University | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Society of the Pacifica House (1824) at Brown University | *Society of the Pacifica House (1824) at Brown University | ||
| − | |||
*Sphinx Head Society (1890) at Cornell University | *Sphinx Head Society (1890) at Cornell University | ||
| + | |} | ||
==Fraternal organizations== | ==Fraternal organizations== | ||
| − | + | {|width=100% | |
| − | *[[Freemasonry]] | + | || |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Freemasonry]] | |
| − | *[[Order of DeMolay]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Order of DeMolay]] |
| − | + | ||
*Order of the Eastern Star | *Order of the Eastern Star | ||
| − | + | *AMORC ([[Wikipedia:Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis]]) | |
| − | *AMORC ([[Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis]]) | + | *Confraternity of the Rose Cross |
| − | + | || | |
| − | *Confraternity of the Rose Cross | + | *[[Wikipedia:Rosicrucians]] |
| − | + | ||
| − | *[[Rosicrucians]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
*SRIA (Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia ) | *SRIA (Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia ) | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Knights of Columbus]] | |
| − | *[[Knights of Columbus]] | + | *National Society of Pershing Rifles |
| − | + | || | |
| − | *National Society of Pershing Rifles | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Order Militia Crucifera Evangelica | *Order Militia Crucifera Evangelica | ||
| − | |||
*Order of the Solar Temple | *Order of the Solar Temple | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Ordo Templi Orientis]] | |
| − | *[[Ordo Templi Orientis]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Order of the Arrow | *Order of the Arrow | ||
| + | |} | ||
==Historical secret societies== | ==Historical secret societies== | ||
| − | + | {|width=100% | |
| + | || | ||
*Beati paoli | *Beati paoli | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Illuminati]] | |
| − | *[[Illuminati]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Knights of the Golden Circle | *Knights of the Golden Circle | ||
| − | |||
*Know-Nothings | *Know-Nothings | ||
| − | |||
*Ku Klux Klan (exists at present with very small membership) | *Ku Klux Klan (exists at present with very small membership) | ||
| − | + | || | |
*Gladio Society of the Elect | *Gladio Society of the Elect | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Thule Society]] | |
| − | *[[Thule Society]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Tiandihui | *Tiandihui | ||
| − | |||
*Wide Awakes | *Wide Awakes | ||
| + | |} | ||
==Revolutionary or underground organizations== | ==Revolutionary or underground organizations== | ||
| − | + | {|width=100% | |
| + | || | ||
*Black Hand | *Black Hand | ||
| − | |||
*Carbonari | *Carbonari | ||
| − | |||
*Fenian Brotherhood | *Fenian Brotherhood | ||
| − | + | *Germanenorden | |
| − | *Germanenorden | + | *Katipunan |
| − | + | || | |
| − | *Katipunan | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Mau Mau | *Mau Mau | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Muslim Brotherhood]] | |
| − | *[[Muslim Brotherhood]] | + | *Narodnik |
| − | + | ||
| − | *Narodnik | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Red Turbans | *Red Turbans | ||
| − | + | *Righteous Harmony Society | |
| − | *Righteous Harmony Society | + | || |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Sons of Liberty]] | |
| − | *[[Sons of Liberty]] | + | *Tongmenghui |
| − | + | ||
| − | *Tongmenghui | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Vihan Veljet | *Vihan Veljet | ||
| − | |||
*Walhalla-orden | *Walhalla-orden | ||
| − | |||
*White Rose Society | *White Rose Society | ||
| + | |} | ||
==Secret society - Alleged secret societies== | ==Secret society - Alleged secret societies== | ||
| Line 171: | Line 132: | ||
Either existence, or secret society status, is subject to significant doubt | Either existence, or secret society status, is subject to significant doubt | ||
| − | *[[The Elders of Zion]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:The Elders of Zion]] |
| − | + | ||
*The Green Man | *The Green Man | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Majestic 12]] | |
| − | *[[Majestic 12]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Priory of Sion]] |
| − | + | ||
| − | *[[Priory of Sion]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Vril Society | *Vril Society | ||
==Religious== | ==Religious== | ||
| − | + | {|width=100% | |
| − | *[[The Assassins]] | + | || |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:The Assassins]] | |
*Bwiti | *Bwiti | ||
| − | |||
*Cathars | *Cathars | ||
| − | |||
*Compagnie du saint sacrement | *Compagnie du saint sacrement | ||
| − | + | *The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith | |
| − | *The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith | + | || |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Knights of Columbus]] | |
| − | *[[Knights of Columbus]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Knights of Malta | *Knights of Malta | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Knights Templar]] | |
| − | *[[Knights Templar]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Odin Brotherhood]] |
| − | + | || | |
| − | *[[Odin Brotherhood]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Ordo Templi Orientis]] |
| − | + | ||
| − | *[[Ordo Templi Orientis]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Order of the Solar Temple | *Order of the Solar Temple | ||
| − | + | *[[Scientology]] [[Wikipedia:Scientology|(WP)]] | |
| − | *[[Scientology]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
*Sufism | *Sufism | ||
| + | |} | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Illuminati]] | |
| − | *[[Illuminati]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Freemasonry]] |
| − | + | * [[Wikipedia:Almighty Latin Kings]] | |
| − | *[[Freemasonry]] | + | *[[Wikipedia:Skull and Bones]] |
| − | + | *[[Wikipedia:Secret societies of Duke University]] (unconfirmed) | |
| − | * [[Almighty Latin Kings]] | + | |
| − | + | ||
| − | *[[Skull and Bones]] | + | |
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | |||
*Alan Axelrod. ''The International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders''. ISBN 0-8160-2307-7 | *Alan Axelrod. ''The International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders''. ISBN 0-8160-2307-7 | ||
| − | |||
*David V. Barrett. ''Secret Societies. From the Ancient and Arcane to the Modern and Clandestine''. ISBN 0713727721 | *David V. Barrett. ''Secret Societies. From the Ancient and Arcane to the Modern and Clandestine''. ISBN 0713727721 | ||
| − | |||
*Kenneth J. Beatty ''Human Leopards'' * ISBN 0766161218 | *Kenneth J. Beatty ''Human Leopards'' * ISBN 0766161218 | ||
| − | |||
*Jean Chesneaux (Editor), Lucien Bianco Popular Movements and Secret Societies in China, 1840-1950. ISBN 0804707901. | *Jean Chesneaux (Editor), Lucien Bianco Popular Movements and Secret Societies in China, 1840-1950. ISBN 0804707901. | ||
| − | |||
*Arkon Daroul. ''A History of Secret Societies''. ISBN 0806508574 | *Arkon Daroul. ''A History of Secret Societies''. ISBN 0806508574 | ||
| − | |||
*Charles William Heckethorn. ''The Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries, Embracing the Mysteries of Ancient India, China, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Greece, and Scandinavia, the Cabbalists, early Christians, heretics, Assassins, Thugs, Templars, the Vehm and Inquisition, mystics, Rosicrucians, Illuminati, Freemasons, Skopzi, Camorristi, Carbonari, nihilists, and other sects''. ISBN 1-56459-296-0 | *Charles William Heckethorn. ''The Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries, Embracing the Mysteries of Ancient India, China, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Greece, and Scandinavia, the Cabbalists, early Christians, heretics, Assassins, Thugs, Templars, the Vehm and Inquisition, mystics, Rosicrucians, Illuminati, Freemasons, Skopzi, Camorristi, Carbonari, nihilists, and other sects''. ISBN 1-56459-296-0 | ||
| − | |||
*Bernard E. Jones. Freemasons' Guide and Compendium. ISBN 1581825609 | *Bernard E. Jones. Freemasons' Guide and Compendium. ISBN 1581825609 | ||
| − | |||
*Thomas Keightley. Secret Societies of the Middle Ages. ISBN 140216355X | *Thomas Keightley. Secret Societies of the Middle Ages. ISBN 140216355X | ||
| − | |||
*John Lawrence Reynolds. Secret Societies: Inside the World's Most Notorious Organizations. ISBN 1559708263. | *John Lawrence Reynolds. Secret Societies: Inside the World's Most Notorious Organizations. ISBN 1559708263. | ||
| − | |||
*John Morris Roberts. ''The Mythology of the Secret Societies''. ISBN 0-684-12904-3 | *John Morris Roberts. ''The Mythology of the Secret Societies''. ISBN 0-684-12904-3 | ||
| − | |||
*Steven Sora, Secret Societies of America's Elite: From the Knights Templar to Skull and Bones, Destiny Books (February 24, 2003), ISBN 0892819596, ISBN 978-0892819591 | *Steven Sora, Secret Societies of America's Elite: From the Knights Templar to Skull and Bones, Destiny Books (February 24, 2003), ISBN 0892819596, ISBN 978-0892819591 | ||
| − | |||
*Herbert Vivian. '' Secret Societies Old and New''. ISBN 1417979526 | *Herbert Vivian. '' Secret Societies Old and New''. ISBN 1417979526 | ||
| − | |||
*Arthur Edward Waite ''The Real History of the Rosicrucians: Founded on their own manifestoes, and on facts and documents collected from the writings of initiated Brethren'' ISBN 1402197691 | *Arthur Edward Waite ''The Real History of the Rosicrucians: Founded on their own manifestoes, and on facts and documents collected from the writings of initiated Brethren'' ISBN 1402197691 | ||
| Line 250: | Line 183: | ||
* [http://www.rotten.com/library/conspiracy/secret_societies/ Article on Conspiracies/Secret Societies] | * [http://www.rotten.com/library/conspiracy/secret_societies/ Article on Conspiracies/Secret Societies] | ||
| − | |||
* [http://www.meta-religion.com/Secret_societies/ssocieties_sub.htm Meta-Religion on Secret Societies] | * [http://www.meta-religion.com/Secret_societies/ssocieties_sub.htm Meta-Religion on Secret Societies] | ||
| + | *[http://www.wanttoknow.info/secretsocietiesnewsarticles News Articles on Secret Societies] | ||
| + | ==Citations == | ||
| + | {{reflist|2}} | ||
| − | + | [[category:Conspiracy theories]][[category:Lists]][[category:Secret society]] | |
Latest revision as of 20:23, 27 March 2011
"Secret Society Buildings at Yale College", by Alice Donlevy[1] ca. 1880. Pictured are: Psi Upsilon (Beta Chapter), 120 High Street. Left center: Skull & Bones (Russell Trust Association), 44 High Street. Right center: Delta Kappa Epsilon (Phi Chapter), east side of York Street, south of Elm Street. Bottom: Scroll and Key (Kingsley Trust Association), 490 College Street
Secret societies are, it is often thought, made up of organized conspirators working in secret to achieve a hidden agenda. Members use secrecy to protect themselves and their movement. Critics view secret societies as malevolent organizations working against the general will of mankind.
Members may be required to conceal or deny their membership, and they are often sworn to hold the society's secrets by an oath. Violating the oath may result in the application of severe sanctions.
Like the most successful forgeries, the most effective secret societies are unknown beyond their adherents. Members may be required to deny the organization itself exists.
Contents
- 1 Legends
- 2 Function
- 3 Initiation
- 4 International or non-governmental organizations
- 5 Student societies
- 6 Fraternal organizations
- 7 Historical secret societies
- 8 Revolutionary or underground organizations
- 9 Secret society - Alleged secret societies
- 10 Religious
- 11 See Also
- 12 References
- 13 External Links
- 14 Citations
Legends[edit]
Secret societies generally claim to have a long--and often legendary--history. They claim direct "initiatory desent" from a fabled founder or group of founders. By definition, no secret society can appear to be a novelty.
Thus, the Wikipedia:Society of the Horseman's Word claims to have been founded by Cain. The Wikipedia:Rosicrucians claim direct descent from Wikipedia:Christian Rosenkreuz (1378 - 1484). The Wikipedia:Odin Brotherhood claims it was established in 1421.
Function[edit]
Secret societies have many functions. Some, such as the Wikipedia:Odin Brotherhood, the Wikipedia:Rosicrucians, or the Thelemic societies (WP), exist to maintain, spread, and practice their esoteric or occult knowledge. Others, while they have esoteric philosophies, are social organizations, such as Greek Fraternities or Elk Lodges. Others were created to provide benefits and charity to members, such as the Knights of Columbus or Woodsmen.
Some secret societies have been considered dangerous by their enemies. Wikipedia:Freemasonry, especially irregular masonry, was highly political in the past and involved in radical movements. The Carbonari of Italy were an outright revolutionary, anti-monarchist movement. The Ancient Illuminated Seers of Bavaria (Wikipedia:Illuminati) were so considered so dangerous that they were crushed and suppressed by the State. The Sons of Liberty were also a secret society which helped launch the American Revolution.
One especially provocative secret society was the Black Hand of Serbia. Organized in 1911 as a secret society of Serb assassins, its purpose was to use targeted killings to liberate Serbian lands held by other nations. Dmitrievich recruited assassins who were young and were suffering from terminal diseases. A member of the Black hand, Gavrilo Princip, was 19 years of age when he sparked World War I by firing 2 shots–with a pistol–and killed an heir to the Austrian throne and his wife. When recruited Princip was dying of tuberculosis.
Initiation[edit]
Admittance into a secret society begins with an initiation ritual. Often, this involves darkness, blindfolds, blood oaths, and symbolic icons such as skulls, daggers, and sacred texts. The candidate undergoes some kind of ordeal, often a symbolic death and resurrection.
According to historian Ronald Hutton, initiation in the Wikipedia:Society of the Horseman's Word involves reading the Bible backwards three times over three years, indulging in a mock Eucharist (with bread, jam, and whiskey), and--at the climax of the initaition--"shaking the devil's hand." On the last point, the blindfolded initiate had to grasp a heated spade.
According to Kenneth J. Beatty, initiation into the Wikipedia:Human Leopards of West Africa involved murder, cannibalism, and cutting permanent markings on the body.
Many secret societies will have layers of membership, with a person entering first as a neophyte of some sort, and then advancing through the ranks as he participates more in the organization. These ranks are very often called "degrees". Some organizations have as few as one or three degrees, others as many as thirty-three.
As the applicant advances through the ranks, he will often learn new passwords, hand grips, or other modes of recognition during the rituals.
International or non-governmental organizations[edit]
These groups are often considered and talked about in the context that they are secret societies.
Student societies[edit]
|
|
|
Fraternal organizations[edit]
|
|
|
Historical secret societies[edit]
|
|
Revolutionary or underground organizations[edit]
|
|
|
Secret society - Alleged secret societies[edit]
Either existence, or secret society status, is subject to significant doubt
- Wikipedia:The Elders of Zion
- The Green Man
- Wikipedia:Majestic 12
- Wikipedia:Priory of Sion
- Vril Society
Religious[edit]
|
|
See Also[edit]
- Wikipedia:Illuminati
- Wikipedia:Freemasonry
- Wikipedia:Almighty Latin Kings
- Wikipedia:Skull and Bones
- Wikipedia:Secret societies of Duke University (unconfirmed)
References[edit]
- Alan Axelrod. The International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders. ISBN 0-8160-2307-7
- David V. Barrett. Secret Societies. From the Ancient and Arcane to the Modern and Clandestine. ISBN 0713727721
- Kenneth J. Beatty Human Leopards * ISBN 0766161218
- Jean Chesneaux (Editor), Lucien Bianco Popular Movements and Secret Societies in China, 1840-1950. ISBN 0804707901.
- Arkon Daroul. A History of Secret Societies. ISBN 0806508574
- Charles William Heckethorn. The Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries, Embracing the Mysteries of Ancient India, China, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Greece, and Scandinavia, the Cabbalists, early Christians, heretics, Assassins, Thugs, Templars, the Vehm and Inquisition, mystics, Rosicrucians, Illuminati, Freemasons, Skopzi, Camorristi, Carbonari, nihilists, and other sects. ISBN 1-56459-296-0
- Bernard E. Jones. Freemasons' Guide and Compendium. ISBN 1581825609
- Thomas Keightley. Secret Societies of the Middle Ages. ISBN 140216355X
- John Lawrence Reynolds. Secret Societies: Inside the World's Most Notorious Organizations. ISBN 1559708263.
- John Morris Roberts. The Mythology of the Secret Societies. ISBN 0-684-12904-3
- Steven Sora, Secret Societies of America's Elite: From the Knights Templar to Skull and Bones, Destiny Books (February 24, 2003), ISBN 0892819596, ISBN 978-0892819591
- Herbert Vivian. Secret Societies Old and New. ISBN 1417979526
- Arthur Edward Waite The Real History of the Rosicrucians: Founded on their own manifestoes, and on facts and documents collected from the writings of initiated Brethren ISBN 1402197691
External Links[edit]
- Article on Conspiracies/Secret Societies
- Meta-Religion on Secret Societies
- News Articles on Secret Societies
Citations[edit]
- ↑ Alice Donlevy was the author of a book on illustration called "Practical Hints on the Art of Illumination," published by A. D. F. Randolph, New York, 1867
