Bilderberg Group No celeb members, but big shots like Ben Bernanke, Spanish and Dutch royals, World Bank officials, and corporate reps have shown up. The Bilderberg Group isn’t a classic secret society but operates under a similar veil of mystery, sparking countless conspiracy theories and gripes. Launched in 1954, it’s an annual, invite-only shindig for world leaders, business moguls, and media bigwigs. It started to quell post-WWII anti-Americanism in Europe but morphed into broader cultural chats. It’s controversial ’cause no press is allowed and no details leak. Heavy security, with armed guards, cops, and even jets overhead, feeds conspiracy theories. The most popular? That it steers public policy, markets, and media to form a “one world government.” The group shrugs it off, saying global understanding and nukes-free are the goals.
The Knights Templar The Knights Templar (full name: The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta) is a modern Masonic spin-off, not directly tied to the original 12th-century religious military crew. Masonic Knights Templar members don’t claim a direct link but borrowed ideas and symbols. To join, you must be a Christian Master Mason. It’s its own thing, not just a fancier Masonic tier. Despite Freemasonry’s disclaimer about no direct heritage, some rites and orders mirror the medieval bunch. Think of them as “commemorative.” Still, some Masons, non-Masons, and anti-Masons insist there was Templar influence on certain Masonic bits.