SECRET SOCIETIES EXPLAINED

Secret societies control our world at the highest level. Although I am not directly referring to the Freemasons or the Illuminati, it certainly appears to be the case that our world governments, business organizations, and religions are orchestrated and manifested by a select few individuals.

If we study the history of esoteric philosophy and see how it intersects with secret societies, it becomes more apparent that this is not only possible but actually the most probable state of our world affairs.

Are you unfamiliar with esoteric philosophy?

I am a student of the Hermetic tradition. If you are unfamiliar, Hermetic philosophy is alleged to be the teachings of the most ancient philosopher in the world: Hermes Trismegistus (or “Hermes the Thrice Great”).

According to the teachings themselves, Hermes Trismegistus lived in ancient Egypt. According to some sources, he originated in the lost world empire of Atlantis. When Hermes died, he was deified as the Egyptian god Thoth: god of wisdom and writing. Later, in Greek culture, he was turned into the messenger god. He can also be compared with Odin in Norse mythology. Indeed, the spirit of Thoth is said to be alive in all wisdom gods across any religion in the world. Why? Because the archetype of “the god of wisdom” is alive and well in our collective consciousness.

Hermes Trismegistus taught the laws of the universe. According to Hermetic Philosophy, there are seven principles:

1. The principle of mentalism. The universe is mental.
2. The principle of correspondence. As above, so below. As below, so above.
3. The principle of polarity. All truths are half truths.
4. The principle of rhythm. Everything is in flow, backwards and forth.
5. The principle of vibration. Everything is in constant motion.
6. The principle of cause and effect. For every action, a reaction.
7. The principle of gender. There is masculine and feminine energy inside all creation.

Hermetic philosophers study these principles and apply them directly to their lives. By doing so, we gain a sort of control over our environment. Why? Because it is then possible to rise higher in the planes of correspondence to where the lower planes can be influenced from an energetic perspective.

Put simply, when you “increase your vibration” (as they say these days), you raise yourself in frequency above the frequency of your surroundings. Once this is accomplished, your frequency becomes influential over your environment.

What follows is that you become a cause inside of your environment. Instead of being affected by your surroundings, they are affected by your energy. Why? Because you have done the inner work to alchemize your “base passions” into a pure soul. Again, as within, so without. If you are pure on the inside, such will be your experience in the outside world.

Although obviously, the full secret teaching of Hermetic philosophy takes time to explain, this is the basis upon which it rests.

I am not necessarily asking for you to believe this teaching to be true. In fact, as a philosopher, I would encourage you to doubt and question any information you read in order to find the truth. Do not believe everything you read on the internet. That being said, I have found much truth in the Hermetic teachings through my own experimentation. The only way to believe and fully understand is to directly apply the philosophy to your life. If you do, you might find the principles to be true as well. Generations of philosophers have found the same after due scrutiny.

Regardless of whether or not you agree with these initiatory teachings, they have been taught and understood since the dawn of civilization. If we do believe that these secret teachings unlock a sort of “magical” power, then it would make sense that practitioners would gain influence in society. Indeed, Alexander the Great, Napoleon and even Hitler were all students of Hermetic philosophy. Given the crossover between esoteric philosophy and secret societies, it is logical to see why these organizations could gain massive degrees of influence and power. In order to better our world, it is time to share secrets and expand our understanding.

Why is this important to understand? At the moment, it could be the case that our world is controlled by secret societies executing an evil intent. Although this might not be true, the best course of action seems education. Thus, I felt compelled to share all I have learned through intense research surrounding secret societies.

To fully grasp the implications, let us consult the history books. According to the texts themselves, the teachings originate in Atlantis or Egypt.

How does Hermetic philosophy apply to secret societies?

In short: the teachings of Hermes appear to be foundational for most other initiatory groups, secret sects, and mystical traditions. Although each group has it’s own rituals, ceremonies, and additions to the teaching, the fundamental teachings themselves are everywhere.

Why are the teachings so influential? Fundamentally, the teaching is that the universe is mental and mankind has the power to shape that reality with their minds. Whether you study Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, or Hermes, you will find the same common trends. In my own words: God has created a mental construct in which we swim and find our homes.

So how do secret societies operate within this understanding and why are they so powerful?

SECRET SOCIETIES EXPLAINED

Secret societies like the Freemasons or Illuminati have existed for thousands of years. Although in 2020, these organizations are alleged to have great power within the backgrounds of our civilization, the actual secret societies in control probably shroud their names from the public.

 The Illuminati did indeed exist in Bavaria in 1776 and some say they bare responsibility for the French and American revolutions. Although there are plenty of organizations that have claimed to be members of this original faction, the actual truth is not known to the public. If the Illuminati did indeed exist and survive to control the world behind the scenes, it is most likely they would have changed their name by now. However, I believe it is a higher probability that other groups were instead inspired by the Illuminati in the formation of their own secret societies.

One such organization is Skull and Bones. The organization exists at Yale University and can claim alumni that include presidents, business leaders, and members of government. Prominent members include the Bush family. Although the “Bonesmen” do not claim any sort of fame, it is easy to see why conspiracy theorists are quick to jump on Skull and Bones whenever a villain is needed.

Personally, I believe it is likely for Skull and Bones to serve as a sort of initiatory organization into yet higher echelons of power. In other words: secret societies within more public “secret societies”. If we study the framework used by secret societies throughout history, it becomes clear that this practice is regular. Perhaps Skull and Bones is just a stepping stone to greater levels of ambition, influence, and secret power.

Secret societies are initiatory. Instead of openly recruiting new members, the organization relies on a series of “tests” or “initiatory rites” in order to deem “worthy” members. A test could be as simple as a “seeker” attending a “meditation class” or church service. They might include powerful rituals, sacrifices, or acts of bravery. Overall, initiation is meant to be a time of karmic cleansing.

The initiate is wrapping up the loose ends of their karmic energy so that they can be ready to acquire greater understanding and power. Typically, secret societies look to see who is taking initiative. If there is an organized method of recruiting, the organization might have been watching potential initiates for quite some time. Obviously, I am not privy to the recruitment tactics of all secret societies and I am sure there is much I do not know on the topic. However, from what I have researched on the topic, this method of recruitment seems to be the most common.

The CIA and other government organizations types of secret societies.

Since gaining more independence from oversight during the Cold War, the CIA has conducted themselves similarly to a secret society rather than a taxpayer-funded organization. Conducting covert ops around the world, the CIA is responsible for much of the trouble we face collectively. On the other hand, organizations like the CIA contribute to keeping Americans safe through gathering intelligence on possible domestic attacks. Unfortunately, we do not know for certain which actions are in the majority because the organization maintains itself as a secret society.

In case of organizations like the Freemasons, it is customary for invitations to be extended through family members. However, it is also possible for new members to become initiated if they express sincere interest. Based on the Freemasons I have met, most had a father, uncle, cousin, or grandfather who extended them an invite. In the same way that a trade skill is kept within the family, so too are initiatory secrets kept.

Such has been the case since the original days of industrial civilization.

SECRET SOCIETY HISTORY

Secret societies like the Illuminati and Freemasons were created in response to Christianity. During the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem Witch Trials, and similar events throughout the world, occultists and Hermetic philosophers were killed, tortured, raped, and imprisoned in masse. Although the Inquisition and events in Salem are certainly the most famous accounts, the esoteric teachings were driven underground by religious orthodoxy under the pain of death.

Ironically, many of these orthodox religions took root as mystical or esoteric organizations themselves. Over time, this secret tradition was forgotten and more hierarchal institutions (like the Catholic Church) were created. The Roman emperor Constantine ordained Christianity as the religion of the empire during his reign. At the time, he was stuck between choosing Islam and Christianity under the pressure of the different organizations. Each had grown in power during his reign and he was facing a choice to select a religion for his people.

Constantine chose Christianity because it allowed his people to drink. Islam did not. Following this decision, Constantine decreed many of the beliefs (such as the virgin birth) to become considered doctrinal fact. The ramifications of this decision are still being fully felt but they came to a head in the creation of the modern Bible at the Council of Nicaea under the church father Athanasius of Alexandria.

Since this time, we have collectively experienced governmental control over religious beliefs. Although they pretend to practice separation of church and state, modern Christians fail to acknowledge that their “Holy Book” was created by a dictatorial emperor, at the end of Rome.

Religious fundamentalists and government “leaders” forced esoteric societies underground. In order to maintain their influence and secret teachings, people like me went into hiding.

The downfall of mystical Christianity began with Nero. Following the terror of the Roman Emperor Nero, mystical practices of all kinds were forced underground. Although Christianity in 2020 is far different from Hermetic philosophy, the original teachings of Jesus seem congruent with much of what the ancient Egyptian philosopher had to say. Indeed, Jesus himself is sometimes alleged to be a member of a mystical apocalyptic society called the Essenes.

Additionally, the Ishaya Monk order claims that they also carry the “secret teachings of Jesus”: an art of meditation called “Ascension”. The Ishaya claim they are descended from the Apostle John who began sharing the initiatory practices of Jesus following his death. Lastly, in his book “Anacalypsis”, Godfrey Higgins shares information pulled from Josephus and other religious scholars to argue that John the Baptist and Jesus maintained a secret society. Higgins writes:

I do not doubt that a secret system is yet in the conclave, guarded with as much or more care, or at least with more power, than the secrets of masonry. The priests know that one of the best modes of secreting them is to deny they exist.

Indeed, the heads of the church must now see very clearly, if they were to confess what cannot be denied, that (if the most learned and respectable of the early fathers of the church are to be believed) Christianity contained a secret religion, that the populace would not consent to be kept in the dark.

But whether the secret doctrine be lost or not, IT IS A FAST that it was the faith of the first Christian fathers, admitted by themselves, that there was such a secret doctrine, and before I have done, I will prove it clearly enough.

+Anacalypsis, Godfrey Higgins, Pg. 196. 1836.

Personally, I feel it is foolish to believe that early Christianity did not have initiatory practices. After all, Jesus traveled with his twelve disciples. As you might know, these individuals are the reason we have an account of Jesus Christ and his life. Through the books in the New Testament and those in the Gnostic Texts (such as the gospel of Thomas), we get a picture of Jesus and we take home some of his most important teachings. However, much of his life is left undocumented. We do not get a window into private chats the disciples and Jesus had over supper. We do not know if Jesus had a romantic partner or children. We do not know where Jesus and his Disciples went when they needed a break. Did they engage in using plant medicines?

Jesus and his disciples could have gained inspiration through psychedelic plants. Indeed, “The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross” by John Allegro provides a controversial yet comprehensive view that Jesus was inspired by the psilocybin mushroom. Allegro even argues that perhaps Jesus WAS a mushroom and the disciples invented the human carpenter to convey and encrypt the means by which they received divine inspiration.

Personally, I feel this view is far-fetched. However, when comparing the teachings of Jesus with my own mushroom experiences, I must confess the two bare plenty of similarities. It is not hard to imagine that this ancient middle eastern carpenter may have consumed some psychedelic plants (like the native Acacia bush) in order to achieve his enlightenment. In truth, we will probably never know.

However, for the purposes of our article here, this is exactly the point! We will never know because it was a secret society. Considered in this light, we must confess that Jesus and his disciples did indeed maintain a functioning initiatory organization. In the Bible, it is said that Jesus called each of his disciples away from their professions. Luke was a doctor, Peter a fisherman, and Matthew a tax collector. These individuals abandoned their trade and became followers of Jesus. In 2020, we would likely name the early Christians a dangerous cult that calls people away from their ability to contribute to society. As depicted in the Netflix series “Messiah”, perhaps Jesus and his followers would even be placed on a terrorist watchlist.

The secret teachings of Christianity were forced underground by the Roman emperor Nero. In his reign of terror, Nero crucified Christians and fed them to lions. During this time, Christians adopted a Nordic rune called Othala as their secret symbol.

According to “Futhark: A Handbook Of Rune Magic” by Edred Thorsson, the rune Othala represents the following:

The mystery of Othala is symbolized by the stronghold enclosure of the clan, which defines its holy boundary and serves to defend it against the unholy intruder. It is the essence of the cosmic concept of Midhgardr – the enclosure in the middle.

Furthark, Page 68.

Magically, the rune is used to protect and ward away evil. It represents ancestral heritage, destiny, and prosperity. Often it is used to denote the idea of family property or clan-held land. Although it is unknown how the Christians learned about this magical druidic rune, likely they accounted amongst their number believers who hailed from the Nordic regions conquered by Rome.

Facing the horrors of Nero, it is easy to see why the early Christians adopted this magical symbol of family heritage and protection. However, once again, there is an implication of secret knowledge and an association with magic even within the most commonly known symbols of modern Christianity. Following these breadcrumbs, we can follow the trail of the earliest secret societies associated with Jesus Christ.

However, to see what happened next, we should turn to Europe.

SECRET SOCIETIES IN EUROPE

Secret societies survived into Europe through a system of guilds. For every trade, there was a guild associated. In modern times, we might acquaint guilds to trade unions. However, they were more akin to fraternal organizations that served to keep trade skills safe within families and smaller communities. Guilds provided a community and a social network in a time where no such organizations existed beforehand.

Guilds often kept safe the esoteric philosophy. In a time where occultists and mystics were killed or tortured, secret teachings were preserved by guilds through their own interior initiations. New members to the organization were taught the secrets of their trade. However, as the initiate proved themselves worthy, they were also taught the secrets of the universe. 

Over time, they were introduced to the secret teaching that the universe is mental and we can control it with our own minds. 

Often, they were advised to learn about the secrets of God through pursuing the secrets of their craft. It was explained that we are closer to God and his mysteries when we practice perfection in our own creations. In the same way the Hermetic philosopher alchemizes their emotions into their highest forms, so too does the sculptor turn clay into beautiful art.

The most famous example is the Freemasons. In today’s world, the Freemasons are relatively well known. In fact, many of their once-secret rites and ceremonies have been released to the public. Although there are allegations that the Freemasons practice Satanic rituals, worship Lucifer, or control world leaders, it seems apparent that the vast majority of Freemasons are involved in nothing so interesting. Based off what my Freemason friends have said, Freemason lodge meetings are closer to fraternity drinking nights than magical rituals. Regardless, the Freemasons guard the powerful secrets of sacred architecture.

The Freemasons began as guilds of Masons. According to their own mythology, they are descended from Hiram Abiff, the mason who helped build Solomon’s temple and died before sharing his secrets with the uninitiated. However, it is more likely the Freemasons formed in Europe and adopted Hiram as their patron saint in order to make a connection with Solomon: one of the most famous magicians in history.

As guardians of the Hermetic teachings, the Freemasons realized it was safest to hide in plain sight. Through their mastery of masonry, the original Freemasons made themselves useful to the Church in the creation of massive cathedrals. Paying homage to the Kabbalah and a knowledge of sacred geometry, Freemasons created their own systems of sacred architecture that allowed them to embed their esoteric secrets into the walls of their oppressors.

In so doing, the Freemasons have contributed to one of the greatest ironies of history. Many of the classic decorations, symbols, and shapes associated with cathedrals are actually far-older esoteric secrets originating instead in Egypt and the far-East.

The Illuminati in Bavaria is another famous secret society. Although mentioned previously, it is important to note that organizations like the Illuminati were not uncommon. In the same way that guilds kept laymen safe from enthusiastic Christian barbarians, so too did secret societies protect aristocrats who wished to study the occult. Later in Europe, during the Enlightenment, these more affluent secret societies like the Bavarian Illuminati held enormous influence and power. Across Europe, they attracted ambitious and intelligent individuals from many walks of life.

During the time of the French and American revolutions, secret societies played an important role. According to “Secret Societies of the European Revolution” by Thomas Frost, Lafayette and many other French leaders were involved in “The Grand Lodge of Paris”. Although the actual name of the society is not known, it is claimed by Manly Hall in his book “The Secret Destiny of America” that Benjamin Franklin also has his name in the membership logs of this same organization.

Pause for a moment and consider this question: why was Franklin considered such an influential member of the founding fathers, despite having no political office? Out of all members, he was sent as an envoy to France. As we know, choosing Franklin proved successful despite many accounts of his peculiar networking tactics. I believe the answer to this question is simple: Franklin represented the secret societies within the company of the founding fathers. Rarely in history do we experience what happened with Benjamin Franklin. One of the secret “behind the scenes” ambassadors of “the society of unknown philosophers” (so named by Manly Hall) is brought into light due to his own bravery and contributions.

Although secret societies continued to exist all over the world, their influence began to spread in America following the success of the American revolution.

SECRET SOCIETIES IN AMERICA

Secret societies have been part of American politics since the beginning. As mentioned above, it is likely that Benjamin Franklin and other of his cohorts were members of the same secret societies that held sway in Europe. From the beginnings of American independence, our leaders have been staging to create a new home for the esoteric philosophy. Although this mission was derailed and confused for periods of time, it is now coming to fruition here in 2020.

If you want to understand the importance of the secret societies in American culture, read “The Secret Destiny of America” by Manly Hall. Himself a leader in the Freemasons, Manly Hall wrote extensively on the impact of secret societies and detailed many of their belief, operations, and practices.

According to Hall, a secret society so-named the “Order of the Quest” embarked to create a new world for the hermetic philosophers. Seeing the threat of orthodox religions, this Order saw the discovery of America as an opportunity to expand influence to the New World. Using this land as a staging ground for religious and individual freedom, the Order of the Quest and its associates infiltrated spheres of political influence in Europe and orchestrated the American and French revolutions.

If we are to believe what is said about the Bavarian Illuminati, it could be said that the “Order of the Quest” and the Illuminati could be one and the same. However, it is unlikely we know the true name of the actual secret society responsible for pulling the strings. By nature of these secret organizations, it is safe to assume that many of the secrets were kept and not openly shared with people, even in 2020.

Following the American Revolution, the “Order of the Quest” vanished into mystery. Were they successful?

It is safe to say that the publication of this blog post and accompanying podcast episodes are testimony to the success of the Order of the Quest. Thankfully, here in 2020, occultists like me can live openly. I am able to share information about esoteric philosophy without fear of harm. In another time, I would have been burned alive for sharing this information.

Whether they had evil intent or not, secret societies founded our modern world. It would be unfair and unrealistic to say that ALL such people were malicious, Satanic, or had any sort of evil plan. Clearly, many secret societies operate for the powers of good and protect those pursuing individual freedoms. Although many of the members of organizations like Skull and Bones have committed war crimes, we do not know their full membership rosters.

There are heroes and villains in the ranks of the Freemasons, the Druids, the Ishaya, and all those organizations we will never know. We do not see the countless members of secret societies who live normal lives, contributing to society. Indeed, many secret societies (such as the Odd Fellows) have come to light and proclaimed missions of philanthropy, universal fraternity, and community development.

That being said: if you are someone who is interested in secret societies, be wary. There are red-flags for organizations that would lead you astray. In addition to working for the powers of freedom and light, there are many such secret societies with foul intent. Indeed, just as there is good and evil in all men, so too is there good and evil across all organizations. Be wary of any secret societies paying homage to any particular deity, as this is inconsistent with the original Hermetic teachings.

If you find yourself engaged in demonic rituals, black magic, or anything that smells foul, I recommend you turn your back and run. Although dark power can be tempting, it ultimately leads to ruin at the individual and collective levels. It is time for the path of right-hand myth magic.

The true teachings of this world preach individual freedom, universal brother/sister-hood, and personal connection with the divine. Follow in the footsteps of the true masters like Jesus Christ, the Buddha, and Hermes Trismegistus. Do not give way to those organizations who would deny you an authentic and individual relationship with your spiritual path.

Life is a sort of video game. When we alchemize our internal selves, we can ascend to new levels. Only the path of unconditional love and acceptance is recommended. No other path will lead to fruition.

Tread carefully.

by: Darth Shickari