A Brief History of the Illuminati

Illuminati,Adam Weishaupt,freemasonry,Congress of Vienna,Freemasonry
Freemasonry and the Illuminati
eye, god, all-seeing, triangle eye, money eye

The Illuminati is one of those well-known shadowy organization shrouded in myth and legend. They are credited with behind the scenes manipulations of world events and seen as the secret power that controls everything. The Illuminati has become the modern day catch all poster child of the political evils in the world. All of which is highly ironic, as the group historically was founded on May 1, 1776, with the goals of opposing superstitions, religious influence over public life, and the abuse of power by the state.

The Illuminati, along with other secret societies like the Freemasons, were seen as subversive in the late eighteenth century, due in large part to the influence of the Roman Catholic Church. Since then, the idea of the Illuminati has come to be associated with any secret organization that proclaims to have links with the original society, though in many cases these links are unsubstantiated.

Organized in a way very similar to that of Freemasonry, the Illuminati very likely used the Masons as a pattern for which to their model their own society. Indeed, some present day Illuminati groups claim to have origins far older than the historical 1776 account, using their connection to Freemasonry in their principal argument. Some groups even lay claim to connections that trace back to ancient Egypt and the Ra and Isis cults that thrived in antiquity.

It is difficult to trace the history of the Illuminati much of what it did was in secret. After the original society was outlawed, what was left, allegedly, went underground to continue its work in secret. These claims include involvement in the Napoleonic Wars and were considered, by some, as responsible for the French Revolution in 1789.

Many believe that the subversive goal of the Illuminati was to form a one world government. The Congress of Vienna was, according to these beliefs, brought about by the Illuminati who hoped to achieve their goal by forming a League of Nations. When Russia refused to join, however, their plan was foiled creating, supposedly, a great deal of animosity towards the Russian powers within the Illuminati rank and file.

Congress of Vienna
Congress of Vienna, 1814-15

The Illuminati are said to have devised a plan for there to occur three world wars over the course of the twentieth century that would lead, ultimately, to the formation of a one world government. In line with this theory, they orchestrated the tensions that led to World War 1. With the goal of destroying Imperial Russia and get revenge for the failed Congress of Vienna. World War II was likewise planned by the Illuminati to strengthen communism. There was to be a third war between political Zionists and the leaders of the Muslim world, which was to have weakened everyone to the point where a one world government was the only feasible option left. This makes for an interesting theory given the present state of geopolitical affairs at hand in the world today.

Adam Weinhaupt, Freemasonry, Illuminati
Weishaupt

While this is, by far, the most sensational account of the Illuminati available, very little of it can be verified historically. What we do know is that the Illuminati were founded by Adam Weishaupt, who was raised in Bavaria and educated at Jesuit school graduating ultimately from the University of Ingolstadt in 1768 with a doctorate in law. Interestingly, the Jesuits have been accused of broader conspiracies, subversive methods and conspiratorial practices.

Weishaupt joined the Masonic lodge in Munich in 1777, the year after he founded the Illuminati. Once he joined, he reorganized the Illuminati in order to attract more Freemasons to its ranks. While the Masons brought more influential members into Weishaupt’s society, it also led to disagreements between his ideals and those new members. Seeing trouble and seizing an opportunity, the Bavarian government acted on disquiet at the prominence of members in governmental positions, stepped in and disbanded what was left of the Illuminati.

And still, this secret society was not unknown in the world. Letters from George Washington show that he was aware of the Illuminati’s plan to overthrow all current governments. Despite the large number of Masons among American’s founding fathers, Washington was confident that none of his allies were interested in pursuing that agenda. Washington wrote, on October 24, 1798,

…It was not my intention to doubt that, the Doctrines of the Illuminati, and principles of Jacobinism had not spread in the United States. On the contrary, no one is more truly satisfied of this fact than I am.

The idea that I meant to convey, was, that I did not believe that the Lodges of Free Masons in this Country had, as Societies, endeavoured to propagate the diabolical tenets of the first, or pernicious principles of the latter (if they are susceptible of seperation). That Individuals of them may have done it, or that the founder, or instrument employed to found, the Democratic Societies in the United States, may have had these objects; and actually had a seperation of the People from their Government in view, is too evident to be questioned….

Washington's letter about the illuminati
George Washington’s letter about the illuminati

In a modern context, as a secret society, it is impossible to say if the Illuminati still exist today or not, due to their very nature. How do you disprove something that is said to not exist? There are many organizations that claim to have roots that trace back to the Illuminati though they currently exist under different names. The formation of a one world government does not, however, seem like such a far-fetched notion with increasing globalization and the strong presence of multinational businesses and governmental styled agencies including the IMF and the United Nations. But, how much of this is merely a perpetuation of the idea that a shadow society is calling the shots by orchestrating the maneuvering of progress. Perhaps in some respect, the ethos of the Illuminati is its legacy of its continuation in the modern world.

illuminati symbol on american money

The use of Illuminati symbols in modern day culture helps to perpetuate the belief that the secret society is still operating in the shadows and controlling many of the world’s events. The obvious symbolism of the All-Seeing Eye is linked pervasively with the Illuminati as seen in many places, including the currency United States. The inclusion of on the currency is an obvious chicken before the egg analogy that conspiracy theorists have latched onto as an obvious and overt sign.

The pyramid, once again present on the American $1 bill, is said to represent the hierarchy of the order. It is left unfinished to show that the goals of the society have not yet been accomplished. The Bavarian society did indeed have pyramids displayed at their meetings though once again the same symbol is often attributed to the Masons.

The owl, too, is the symbol of the goddess Minerva who was the goddess of wisdom. The Bavarian Illuminati who had reached Minerval status (in between Novice and Illuminated Minerval) especially considered it a very important symbol and included it on their medallions.

Some contemporary pretenders find a more nefarious image suggesting links to the occult. In these instances, the pentagram is also sometimes said to be a symbol used by the Illuminati in the practice of black magic. But the Bavarian society had no occult practices that we know of in comparison to this modern day context. If a modern day Illuminati group claims the practice of magic, they most likely have no true connection to the original order.

The reality behind the Illuminati is as shadowy as its existence. Their secret nature, combined with the vast number of groups that claim lineage with them makes it impossible to trace their activities through history. Much of what is currently known about the Illuminati is little more than guesswork and greatly influenced by the sensational depiction of them in popular culture.

Top Illuminati Conspiracies

  1. Everyone famous is in the Illuminati, including Jay-Z, the Pope (all of them), Usain Bolt, Glenn Beck, Queen Elizabeth II, George Bush, and Lady Gaga are members. Taylor Swift and Howard Stern are some of its biggest promoters. Stanley Kubrick was an insider who tried to expose it in his film Eyes Wide Shut, and the patron saint of the Masonic silver screen, Nicolas Cage, makes films in promoting its ideals.
  2. That a “global elite” society that is either in control of, or is seeking to take control of, the world.
  3. That Freemasonry and Satanism are the driving forces behind the Illuminati.
  4. That they seek to form a one-world government, a one-world monetary system and a one-world religion.
  5. The entertainment industry is controlled by the Illuminati.
  6. Organizations like the United Nations, European Union, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, G-20 Economic Group, the World Court, NATO, Council on Foreign Relations, World Council of Churches and various multinational corporations are pawns of the New World Order.
  7. Denver is an Illuminati world domination layover site to off the grid blacked out labor camps.
  8. Gay Activism and feminism are an Illuminati Conspiracy.
  9. That the Illuminati is governed by a race of shape-shifting reptilian pedophiles who are ultimately behind an “Orwellian Global Super state”
  10. The moon is the home base of the Illuminati.

10 Notables of the Bavarian Illuminati

You can read more on the top 10 at Terry Melanson’s Conspiracy Archive.

And, to see how deeply these ideas are held, David Icke has some thoughts on the Conspiracy of the Lizard Illuminati from Vice Magazine.


More Masonic History.

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A devoted student of the Western Mystery Traditions, Greg is a firm believer in the Masonic connections to the Hermetic traditions of antiquity, its evolution through the ages and into its present configuration as the antecedent to all contemporary esoteric and occult traditions. He is a self-called searcher for that which was lost, a Hermetic Hermit and a believer in “that which is above is so too below.” Read more about Greg Stewart.

10 Comments

  1. That would be a history of the Bavarian Illuminati, and the mythos surrounding its alleged continuation. It is however only fair to make a distinction between this particular Illuminati and the Rosicrucian Illuminati(s) which preceded and followed it, along with the various other groups who have called themselves by such a name, and those who were historically known by the same moniker and their associated movements (e.g. the Illuminés d’Avignon / Illuminati of Avignon, the Alumbrados / Illuminati of Spain, the Fratres Lucis / Brotherhood of Light, Order of the Asiatic Brethren / the Ritter und Bruder des Lichts / Knights and Brothers of Light, and so-called Ordo Illuminatorum / Illuminati Order associated with the OTO, etc). Any relation between the aforementioned groups and any contemporary Masonic orders however would be speculative, at best, if not completely imaginary.

  2. Like your comment reads, I feel this ‘Illuminati’ has died out, but some act as if ‘they’ still control a lot of areas, such as the entertainment industry, which so many people love. It is very disturbing, and I hate feeling as if all of these entertainers are under some kind of ‘spell’, as are those of us who watch and/or love certain entertainers… just curious as to your thoughts on this, as you seem to be well versed on the subject – thank you. Hoping they allow my comments to be approved… … … … moderated, whatever.

  3. Research the Rothschild family history and it’s present wealth valued over 50 trillion dollars in combined holdings. Their world design is to bring together a one world government under one economy and one world religion with them controlling the puppets who will run it. Research Clinton/Rothschild connection and you’ll be shocked to your core…..and scared to death.

  4. Woodrow Wilson was aware of the “Illuninati” in 1913….

    “Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men’s views confided to me privately. Some of the
    biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of
    somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so
    subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak
    above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.
    They know that America is not a place of which it can be said, as it used to be, that a man may
    choose his own calling and pursue it just as far as his abilities enable him to pursue it; because
    to-day, if he enters certain fields, there are organizations which will use means against him that
    will prevent his building up a business which they do not want to have built up; organizations
    that will see to it that the ground is cut from under him and the markets shut against him. For if
    he begins to sell to certain retail dealers, to any retail dealers, the monopoly will refuse to sell to
    those dealers, and those dealers, afraid, will not buy the new man’s wares.”

    He knew of their Power then…

    Me… I study Masonry (aka “Synagog of Satan”) and the Illuminati because… IMHO…
    THEY… are what makes AMERICA “The Daughter Of Babylon” (That will be NUKED to OBLIVION in ONE HORRID HOUR)…. more than ANYTHING/ANYONE ELSE!!!

    God calls her (The Daughter Of Babylon)… “The Arrogant One”… the one “Who Leads The Whole Earth Astray” and who “Destroys The Whole Earth”….

    And she (America) fulfills this Prophecy to the letter…

    Leads the World Astray… into VICE/Corruption!!!
    She “LIBERATES” the WORLD!!!

    And GOD ALMIGHTY (NOT THE BS “HIGHER POWER/GRAND ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE”)… BUT THE SOVEREIGN ALMIGHTY GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC and JACOB…..

    HAS FORSWORN TO SEND AN ALLIANCE OF GREAT NATIONS AGAINST HER… TO BURN HER TO THE GROUND!!!

    HOW DARE ANY MAN ATTEMPT TO STEAL GODS GLORY?!!!
    GOD ALONE (AND NO MAN) IS TO “WORSHIPED AS MASTER”!!!

    TRUE WISDOM… DEAR MASONS… BEGINS WITH “THE FEAR OF THE LORD”!!!
    And Jesus His Christ… is THE ONLY WAY TO THE TRUE LIGHT!!

    MAKE NO MISTAKE… HELL COMETH TO AMERICA (The Daughter Of Babylon)… TO SHOW THE MASONS WHO ALONE IS GOD!!!

    That’s what I’ve been learning!!!
    Welcome to the LIGHT!!!

    Obadiah 1:3-4

    “The pride of your heart has deceived you,
    you who live (ON HIGH) in the clefts of the rocks
    and make your home on the heights,
    you who say to yourself,
    ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’
    4
    Though you SOAR LIKE THE “EAGLE”
    and make your nest among the stars,
    from there I will bring you down,”
    declares the Lord.”

    “THE PROUD EAGLE”… is AMERICA!!!

    RUSSIA IS PRACTICING CRUISE MISSILE STRIKES ON AMERICA FOR A REASON!!!

    “from there I will bring you down,”
    declares the Lord.”

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  9. You look for a man that has the key to the reset of Global cause your club in not in church to get power from God. With no key from him you have no power to do it by self. He can stand in front of you and with no works you will not believe just like the back of dollar bill they pass in mock. At a certain time he will prove it by works and all will bow to his wisdom of power. The parts of body cell move with no hookups and move in right locations in a certain speed that proves in a power of mind in that life in cell. Matter energy is lost with no guide in body cell in science. You never saw all the past life forms or out in space that proves you only have faith in no others.

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