Over the centuries, these groups practiced openly in some countries, and secretly in countries where Christianity or other religions opposed their practices. Among the groups with these ancient roots are the Knights Templar, the Rosicrucians, Baptism, and the Druidic cults. These groups were the precursors, or roots, of modern Illuminism. Early Illuminist leaders chose to take what they felt were the best practices of each root religion, combine them into principles, and then organize those principles along specific guidelines.
Modern Illuminism is a philosophy funded by the wealthy, but practiced in all walks of life. It is a philosophy whose principles have spread throughout the world. It began with the German branch of the Rosicrucians, spread to England, and then arrived in the United States with the first settlers.
