The Distinction Between the Illuminati Skull and Bones and Freemasons

In the distant past, before the invention of steel and modern building materials, the most impressive buildings like cathedrals were constructed entirely out of stone. The intricate design and techniques behind building massive stone structures with cavernous interiors required highly specialized skills. These skilled artisans, known as masons, were in high demand.

Masons and the Rise of Guilds

During feudal times, a specific mason might be bound to a lord or king owing to the family having been born in the lord's territory. As feudalism began to dissolve, masons gained prominence and greater independence. However, advanced masonry skills were still a rare and precious commodity. Masons did not want to teach their skills to just anybody, and the wealthy had to ensure that the mason they hired was truly skilled.

Emergence of Masonry Guilds

Masonry guilds began to form to maintain quality, provide standardized training, and establish credentialing systems. Just like modern trade unions, these guilds worked to ensure consistent standards, rates of pay, and levels of craftsmanship. However, before the advent of computers, telephones, and other modern methods of verification, a mason's reputation and skill had to be proven in more tangible ways.

Freemasonry as an Exclusive Society

Freemasonry evolved from a practical craft into a more exclusive and social organization. As masonry skills became less cutting-edge and more widespread, the Freemason guild became less practically important, but still retained its elite status. It became a prestigious social club for well-off, often intelligent, and well-organized professionals, who shared a tight-knit social scene and elaborate secrets to prove membership.

Shift to Prestige and Networking

Like any exclusive club, Freemasonry shifted focus from actual masonry to the prestige, networking, and social connections that came with membership. They began to admit non-masons who were powerful, wealthy, or simply interesting, treating the elaborate secrets more like a fun tradition than a necessary part of their organization.

The Illuminati and Skull and Bones

While Freemasonry transitioned into a more social and elite organization, other secret societies like the Illuminati and Skull and Bones emerged, adding layers of intrigue and mystery to the discussion of hidden powers and secret societies. The Illuminati, founded in 1776, is often portrayed as a mysterious fraternal organization with powerful ambitions. The Skull and Bones, a secret society at Yale University, has similarly sparked fascination and controversy.

Illuminati: A Previously Misunderstood Organization

Contrary to popular belief, the Illuminati was not primarily a global conspiracy but rather a Bavarian Illuminati, a group founded by Adam Weishaupt in 1776 with goals of spreading enlightenment. The organization evolved and faced suppression, but it remains a subject of intrigue and misunderstanding.

Skull and Bones: A University Trademark

The Skull and Bones society at Yale University is a secret society with a long history, initiated in 1832. It serves as a secret fraternity rather than a political or secret governmental organization, and its members are bound by a code of secrecy and loyalty, often portrayed in literature and media as having significant influence.

Understanding the distinctions between these secret societies and Freemasonry provides insight into their different origins, purposes, and legacies. While Freemasonry has evolved into a predominantly social and philanthropic organization, other secret societies like the Illuminati and Skull and Bones maintain their air of mystery and intrigue.

Conclusion

Freemasonry, the Illuminati, and the Skull and Bones each have rich histories and unique focuses. Freemasonry emphasizes practical skills and social connections, while the others, such as the Illuminati and Skull and Bones, add layers of mystique and social influence. Understanding these differences helps us navigate the historical and cultural significance of these organizations.