The Illuminati is the name of many groups, modern and historical, real and fictitious, verified and alleged. Most commonly, however, The Illuminati refers specifically to the Bavarian Illuminati, the least secret of all secret societies in the world, described below. Most use refers to an alleged shadowy conspiratorial organization which controls world affairs behind the scenes, usually a modern incarnation or continuation of the Bavarian Illuminati. Illuminati is sometimes used synonymously with New World Order.< ...

Including:

Illuminati - Origins
Illuminati - Alumbrados of Spain Illuminati - Illuminés of France Illuminati - Rosicrucians Illuminati - Martinists
Illuminati - The Bavarian Illuminati
Illuminati - History Illuminati - Cultural effect
Illuminati - The Illuminati in popular culture

Read more here: » Illuminati: Encyclopedia - Illuminati

See also:

Illuminati, Illuminati - Origins, Illuminati - Alumbrados of Spain, Illuminati - Illuminés of France, Illuminati - Rosicrucians, Illuminati - Martinists, Illuminati - The Bavarian Illuminati, Illuminati - History, Illuminati - Cultural effect, Illuminati - The Illuminati in popular culture

Read more here: » Illuminati: Encyclopedia II - Illuminati - The Bavarian Illuminati

Since Illuminati literally means 'enlightened ones' in Latin, it is natural that several unrelated historical groups have identified themselves as Illuminati. Often, this was due to claims of possessing gnostic texts or other arcane information not generally available. The designation illuminati was also in use from the 14th century by the Brethren of the Free Spirit, and in the 15th century was assumed by other enthusiasts who claimed that the illuminating light came, not by being communicated from an authoritative but secret source, but from within, the result of exal ...

See also:

Illuminati, Illuminati - Origins, Illuminati - Alumbrados of Spain, Illuminati - Illuminés of France, Illuminati - Rosicrucians, Illuminati - Martinists, Illuminati - The Bavarian Illuminati, Illuminati - History, Illuminati - Cultural effect, Illuminati - The Illuminati in popular culture

Read more here: » Illuminati: Encyclopedia II - Illuminati - Origins

The Illuminati is the name of many groups, modern and historical, real and fictitious, verified and alleged. Most commonly, however, The Illuminati refers specifically to the Bavarian Illuminati, the least secret of all secret societies in the world, described below. Most use refers to an alleged shadowy conspiratorial organization which controls world affairs behind the scenes, usually a modern incarnation or continuation of the Bavarian Illuminati. Illuminati is sometimes used synonymously with New World Order.< ...

Including:

Illuminati - Origins
Illuminati - Illuminés of France Illuminati - Rosicrucians Illuminati - Martinists
Illuminati - The Bavarian Illuminati
Illuminati - History Illuminati - Cultural effect
Illuminati - The Illuminati in popular culture

Read more here: » Illuminati: Encyclopedia - Illuminati

Illuminati

(“Enlightened Ones”) A rationalistic society founded in Germany soon after 1776 by Adam Weishaupt, a professor of canon law. Originally promoted free thought and democratic political theories.

It had close affinities with the Freemasons and seemingly was organized on a Masonic plan. For ten years it was very popular among German rationalists, but as a society it had limited influence. The Roman Catholic Church, which Weishaupt left in his youth and rejoined before his death, condemned the Illuminati; in 1785 the Bavarian government dissolved the organization, believing it was secretly trying to take over monarchies. All members were arrested except for Weishaupt who fled, and is believed by some to have escaped to America.

In Spain and Italy in the 15th cent. the term Illuminati referred to persons believed to hold supernatural mental powers. Other groups using the name have included a mystical sect that flourished in the 16th cent, in Spain and France, the original Rosicrucians, and certain followers of Boehme and Swedenborg.

There is also an order of Freemasons called Illuminati. Many people today believe that Weishaupt recreated the society in America and that today it is the power behind all the world's governments and giant corporations.

(See also: Illuminati, New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)