Knights Templar

Religious order of knights founded by Hugues de Payens in 1119. Technically a monastic order, the Templars obeyed strict religious discipline but also amassed great wealth during the Crusades, wealth that made them unpopular with monarchs in Europe. In 1312, the group was officially disbanded and in 1314 Jacques de Molay was burned in Paris. There were rumors that the Templars worshiped the devil and engaged in sodomy and many people, including Scottish Rite Masons, claim to be decedents of the Templars.

Cabbala

A mystical branch of Judaism that believes detailed study of the Torah will reveal divine mysteries.

Sefirot

In Cabbala, the Sefirot are the ten manifestations of God. Each stage has its own meaning and scriptural significance.

Rosicrucians

Collection of German secret societies in the 17th century that claim to follow the teachings of Christian Rosenkreuz. Instrumental in the development of enlightenment thought in Germany and the...