Shrouded in Mystery and Myth
From Hollywood blockbusters to imagery found printed on US currency,
the allure of secret societies has infiltrated the minds of people
around the world. Shrouded in mystery, conspiracy, and myth, little is
known about these top-secret groups and how they’ve influenced history
and events throughout history. However, tracing back to the late 18th
century, we can understand why many prominent individuals throughout the
Enlightenment era wanted to create a place where they could push their
agendas and share their ideology with others.
Away from the prying eyes of society and other influential
organizations such as the church and local governments, The Illuminati
quickly became one of the most well-known and important secret societies
of the 18th century. With some believing that they still hold sway and
power over current events to this very day, The Illuminati has
captivated countless people around the world, becoming the topic of
conspiracy, myth, and influencing popular culture.
An Era of Enlightenment and Secrecy
Throughout the late 1700’s the world was changing and evolving
rapidly. With events such as the American Revolutionary War in 1775, to
scientific advancements and political changes, these changes brought
with them new ways of thinking which helped pave the way for many secret
societies. The rise of secret societies and organizations such as the
Illuminati gave progressive thinkers of the Enlightenment era a place to
gather, discuss, and brainstorm under a structured system with
like-minded individuals.
Many of these societies were invitation-only, and not every society
shared the same ideology. This led to entirely new societies forming
around the same secretive structure system that was rising in popularity
at the time. Although many of these societies remained similar to one
another, many had their own agendas and ideas and used their status
within society or the workplace to promote their beliefs and agendas.
Whether driven by science, politics, religion, or a combination of
radical changes, these new secret societies would play a pivotal role
throughout the 18th century and into the modern age.
While the Enlightenment era gave birth to many secret societies
around the world, some have stood the test of time and continue to
influence events to this day. Others such as The Ancient Noble Order of
the Gormogons, or The Grand Orange Lodge, were short-lived with no
record of accomplishments or goals. However, their secrecy and
mysterious meetings have helped grow intrigue and mystery around the
operations and agendas of secret societies as a whole.
Rise of The Illuminati
Founded in 1776 by Professor Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria, the
Illuminati was formed with the stated goals of opposing superstition,
obscurantism, and religious influence over public life as well as the
abuse of state power. Professor of canon law and practical philosophy,
Adam Weishaupt was one of the few non-clerical professors at the
University of Ingolstadt in 1773.
Fed up with the religious influence and power that it held over him
as an educator, he became heavily anti-clerical and devoted himself to
finding a way to spread the ideas of enlightenment away from the
watchful eyes of religious governing. This led him to found the secret
Illuminati society in 1776 where he and other like-minded individuals
could spread their ideas of enlightenment without religious influence or
intimidation freely and on their terms.
It came as no surprise that many conservative and religious critics
felt threatened and disgruntled by the formation of such a society. So
much so that with encouragement from the Catholic Church, Charles
Theodore, the Elector of Bavaria at the time outlawed such secret
societies entirely in 1784, 1785, 1787, and again in 1790. While being
outlawed and illegal, rumors began to spread about the group's activity.
Sparking both interest and fear from the general population as well as
many church and state officials.
Rumors and Propaganda
As the secret meetings and gatherings continued underground and away
from the public eye, many rumors began to circulate about what their
true intentions were. Those loyal to the church and the conservative way
believed that many secret organizations such as the Illuminati were
conspiring against their way of life, government, or religious
institutions. Some of these rumors went as far as to blame the
Illuminati for the French Revolution which fueled some people's distrust
and dislike of the organization.
While many of these rumors and propaganda cannot be confirmed or
denied with 100% certainty, they were used as a tool against the secret
societies and convinced many of the general public to grow distrustful
and even fearful of such groups. Even to this day, many believe that the
majority of the world is controlled by societies such as The Illuminati
which place “agents” within high-ranking government positions and
businesses. Due to the secrecy of such societies and the fact that they
remain so exclusive, it’s nearly impossible to differentiate between
what is fact and fiction when it comes to their dealings in worldly
affairs.
The Illuminati is also believed to hold great sway and power within
the entertainment and music industry today. This can be backed by the
fact that The Illuminati can be found in hit TV series, movies, and
novels around the world. Some theorists also believe that the
organization is responsible for pulling the strings within the
production and marketing of modern music such as hip-hop. It is thought
that they use these outlets as a way to further their agendas and
influence society through cleverly crafted lyrics and videos to push the
general population towards their “new world order.”
In Popular Culture
Throughout the years The Illuminati has been at the epicenter of myth
and conspiracy. This has made the organization an easy way for many
artists, filmmakers, and authors to create stories, games, and
blockbuster films with The Illuminati playing a pivotal role. Everything
from comic books and cartoons, to hit films such as Dan Brown’s The Da
Vinci Code starring the likes of Tom Hanks, The Illuminati continues to
live on through popular culture and can be found in many modern media
such as some listed below.
The cartoon series Gargoyles
Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider
Netflix’s animation series Inside Job
Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, and Angels & Demons are both novels and films featuring The Illuminati
The MMORPG The Secret World video game
Street Fighter video games
These are just a few of the more modern outlets where The Illuminati
can be found being used as inspiration. Throughout many outlets of
popular culture as both a main focal point, or working behind the
shadows in secrecy, The Illuminati has inspired many popular stories,
games, books, comics, and music throughout the years.
Modern Day Illuminati
Many organizations around the world claim to stem from the original
Illuminati of old, however, it’s believed that the original Illuminati
did not survive their suppression in Bavaria in the late 18th century.
Groups such as The Illuminati Order and The Ordo Templi Orientis have
used and adapted the Illuminati name to be used within their societies
today. Whether used as a title within the organization or the order name
itself, there is no evidence of these groups having original ties with
the original Illuminati.
Many theorists believe that the order is still active to this day and
has been since its formation in 1776. Some believe that the group is
responsible for world events such as the French Revolution, the Battle
of Waterloo, and even the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy
in 1963. Hidden behind the scenes and pulling the strings of current
events to hasten what many call the “new world order” and their agenda.
Many US presidents are being called out as members of the Illuminati due
to their status, family history, position within office, and the power
they hold.
Fact, or Fiction?
Perhaps there is a group of individuals who meet to decide the fate
of the world, then again, perhaps not. What is known is that these
societies still exist in one form or another, and have certainly
captured the interest and attention of the public. From movies and TV
shows to video games, literature, and music, the mystery of The
Illuminati continues to captivate and intrigue people around the world.
So whether The Illuminati is actively influencing society from behind
the scenes today, or if they truly died out in the late 18th century
during their persecution, the secret organization will continue to live
on in the minds of conspiracy theorists, historians, and populations
around the world. Playing an important part in modern culture and
history alike, the myth and mystery of secret organizations such as The
Illuminati has helped shape the world into what it is today.
