Everything about Illuminati totally explained
» "Illuminata" redirects here. For the 1998 John Turturro film, see Illuminata (film). For other uses, see Illuminati (disambiguation).
Illuminati (plural of
Latin illuminatus, "enlightened") is a name that refers to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically, it refers specifically to the (
Bavarian) Illuminati, an
Enlightenment-era
secret society founded in the late
eighteenth century. However, in modern times it refers to a purported conspiratorial organization which acts as a shadowy
power behind the throne, allegedly controlling world affairs through present day
governments and
corporations, usually as a modern incarnation or continuation of the
Bavarian Illuminati. In this context,
Illuminati is often used in reference to a
New World Order (NWO). Many
conspiracy theorists believe the Illuminati are the masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of such a New World Order. Confusing the issue further is the fact that there are also several modern fraternal groups which include the word "Illuminati" in their names.
In rarer cases, the Illuminati refers to an elite set of enlightened individuals who may not cooperate but are uniquely empowered by their enlightenment, much like the
intelligentsia classes of today are empowered by their education and intelligence. These are people who have become
illuminated and have achieved a higher mystical understanding of the universe. Many secret societies and
mystical traditions are concerned with this kind of illumination or enlightenment, such as the
Rosicrucian Societies, the
Martinists and the original Bavarian Illuminati.
The Bavarian Illuminati
This movement was founded on
May 1,
1776, in
Ingolstadt (
Upper Bavaria), by
Jesuit-taught
Adam Weishaupt (d.
1830), who was the first lay professor of
canon law at the University of Ingolstadt. The movement was made up of
freethinkers, as an offshoot of the
Enlightenment, which some believe was a conspiracy to infiltrate and overthrow the governments of many European states. The group's adherents were given the name "Illuminati", although they called themselves "
Perfectibilists". The group has also been called the
Illuminati Order and the
Bavarian Illuminati, and the movement itself has been referred to as
Illuminism (after
illuminism). In
1777,
Karl Theodor, Elector Palatine, succeeded as ruler of Bavaria. He was a proponent of
Enlightened Despotism and in
1784, his government banned all
secret societies, including the Illuminati.
While it wasn't legally allowed to operate, many influential intellectuals and progressive politicians counted themselves as members, including
Ferdinand of Brunswick and the diplomat Xavier von Zwack. Xavier von Zwack was also the number two man in the operation and was caught with much of the group's documentation when his home was searched. The Illuminati's members pledged obedience to their superiors, and were divided into three main classes, each with several degrees:
» ;MYSTERIES
:
Greater Mysteries » :*Rex ("king")
:*Magus ("sorceror")
» :
Lesser Mysteries
:*Regent ("ruler")
» :*Presbyter ("priest")
;MASONRY
» ;*Illuminatus dirigens / Scotch Knight ("directory illuminated")
;*Illuminatus major ("more illuminated")
» ;NURSERY
:*Illuminatus minor ("less illuminated")
» :*Minerval ("skilled")
:*Novice
» :*Preparation
The order had its branches in most countries of the European continent; it reportedly had around 2,000 members over the span of 10 years. The scheme had its attraction for literary men, such as
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and
Johann Gottfried Herder, and even for the reigning dukes of
Gotha and
Weimar. Internal rupture and panic over succession preceded its downfall, which was effected by The Secular Edict made by the Bavarian government in
1785.
Modern Illuminati
Conspiracy theorists such as
David Icke,
Ryan Burke and
Morgan Gricar, have argued that the Bavarian Illuminati survived, possibly to this day. Many of these theories propose that world events are being controlled and manipulated by a
secret society calling itself the Illuminati. However, very little reliable evidence can be found to support that Weishaupt's group survived into the 19th century.
In addition to the conspiracy theories, several modern groups have used the name Illuminati to found their own rites, claiming to be the Illuminati, including the
Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) founded by
Theodor Reuss and
Aleister Crowley (England), Grand Lodge Rockefeller founded by David Goldman (USA), Orden Illuminati founded by Gabriel López de Rojas (Spain), The Illuminati Order and others.
Illuminati in Fiction
Several Illuminati-based conspiracies are central to the plot of a series of novels by
Robert Shea and
Robert Anton Wilson, entitled
The Illuminatus! Trilogy. This series takes place in then-present late 1960s America. Robert Anton Wilson later wrote a separate series,
The Historical Illuminatus Chronicles. Set in the eighteenth century, it gives a historical perspective on the Illuminati.
The Illuminati is central to the plot of
Dan Brown's novel
Angels & Demons, in which the Illuminati brotherhood appears to resurface stronger than ever after surviving for years underground.
The Illuminati have featured in the plots of many comic book series. In Marvel comics a faction of the most influential heroes of the
Marvel Universe formed a group called the
Illuminati. In the DC universe,
Vandal Savage is known to have served as the leader of Illuminati.
In the
Disney animated television show
Gargoyles, the Illuminati have existed for over 1,000 years, with a heavy hand in the world of organized crime. To hint at the scope of their power and influence, the character
David Xanatos is referred to as a "lower echelon member."
The Illuminati are central to the plot of the movie starring Angelina Jolie, a film adaptation of the popular video game series by the same name.
The Illuminati also figure prominently in plot lines of the video games
Deus Ex and its sequel, . The villains of
Resident Evil 4 are known as Los Illuminados, though whether these are, or are a branch of, "the" Illuminati is never confirmed in-game.
The Illuminati are described in the fictional encyclopedia "Sub Rosa", which is a supplement to the Swedish roleplaying game "Götterdämmerung". The description includes various elements of different Illuminati descriptions, but includes mostly fiction.
Further Information
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