Secret societies...what do you know about them???
 

I have for some years been vaguely interested in secret societies solely from the standpoint of the amazing networks they seem to represent.

I'm thinking of the Knights Templar, Freemasons, Rosicrucians etc—but also even more esoteric sects. I stress that I'm not interested in the funny hats and secret handshakes—just the networks.

I recently had some dealings with a gentleman whose business card contained the legend "Member of the Knights of Malta" together with a Maltese cross. During the course of these dealings, which lasted a couple of weeks, this guy picked up the telephone a half dozen times and absolutely blew me away with the people he had access to in the very highest levels of government in three different Asian countries.

I lived and worked in Asia for many years and know how valuable and precious such "know-who" is, so was doubly impressed that this guy had this kind of access—apparently through his Knights of Malta network.

Anyone have similar experiences? I would love to hear from you. How the feck does one become a Knight of Malta for example? (I didn't have the presence of mind to ask this gentleman about this, and he's now far gone.)

http://www.knightsofmalta.com/history/history.html

the most recent history is pretty interesting

If i told you, it wouldn't be a secret!

I know some of them have some very catchy tunes.

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They remain secret because the membership wants it that way and have agreed to not discuss anything about the organization.

Those that have websites are not necessarily secret but perhaps "exclusive" or "selective" in who they allow in as members. If they are secret then you are either asking for outside information which may or may not be accurate or asking a member to break an oath of secrecy.

I'd guess most are just exclusive and are fraternal in nature.

Well I'm thinking they've been around for so long that there must be a body of information accumulated through former members etc etc.

With the Masons it is "If you want to be one ask one..." I don't think most of these orgs usually recruit.. I think you apply and are either accepted or rejected.

FWIW, I think we probably have a better networking opportunity on this board than anything that these orgs could produce... Although the calibre of persons may differ, that is what I think, and here we don't have to wear anything but foil hats...:D

Interesting topic... I've always wondered the same.

I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you.

I knew that was going to come out eventually!

usually there isn't much secret about the organization and much can be told. All you need to do is ask. Usually to get into an organization it is good to know somebody or get to know somebody who is in it. Usually you need a couple people who know you to vouch for you and your character.

Speedy:)

I have a friend who is a freemason and we talk about it occasionally.
They do charity work and strive to be good human beings.
Nothing mysterious about it.

The Masons arent so mysterious. My father and grandfather are both master masons. Like someone said they mostly do charity work and stuff. However masons with give "brothers" as they refer to each other business breaks and do things for them that they wouldnt for regular joes. You do have to ask to join and be approved. Cant tell you much else as some things they do are still secret

We have a curious cat in the barn.

Repeat, we have a curious cat in the barn...

and some cowans and eavesdroppers as well it appears!;)

These days, but they have a long and sordid history.


Some more obscure, and quite secret old societies that still exist in some form are the Golden Dawn, the Ordo Templi Orientis, and the Argenteum Astrum (Silver Star)

Funny nobody has mentioned the Skulls and Bones yet. Now, here is a secret society which had a member in office, hence must have had an influence on the policies of the past eight years...

Aurel

I was once asked to join a militia. I responded that I didn't want to get that close to DEA agents...:rolleyes:

i was going to, but just typing their name on the computer automatically gets you on their list.