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The world of secretive cults is stranger than fiction.
Behind closed doors, some groups continue to operate quietly, often blending in with mainstream society while quietly holding fast to unusual, strict, or downright bizarre belief systems. Many of these cults fly under the radar, keeping their practices hidden from the public eye, yet they persist with loyal followers and intricate hierarchies.
While some are harmless eccentricities, others wield significant psychological influence over their members. From obscure spiritual sects to mysterious doomsday enthusiasts, here are ten secretive cults that remain in operation today.
1. The Church Of The SubGenius
Founded in the 1950s, The Church of the SubGenius claims to worship a deity named “Bob” and thrives on absurdist humor and anti-establishment philosophy. What makes this cult so intriguing is its unique blend of satire, conspiracy, and doomsday prophecy, attracting followers who enjoy the theatricality as much as the ideology. Members often participate in bizarre rituals that parody traditional religious ceremonies. Despite its humor, the group has managed to maintain a devoted following for decades. They continue to publish newsletters, hold events, and keep their distinct subculture alive while rarely attracting mainstream attention.
2. The Aetherius Society
The Aetherius Society is a UFO-centric spiritual organization that believes in advanced extraterrestrial beings guiding humanity. Founded in the mid-1950s, it mixes elements of yoga, meditation, and cosmic energy work. Members practice spiritual healing and channeling, claiming to communicate with alien intelligence for guidance. Despite the outlandish beliefs, the society maintains a disciplined structure with a global network of adherents. Their public presence is minimal, keeping the organization enigmatic and largely off the radar of conventional society.
3. The Order Of Nine Angles
The Order of Nine Angles (ONA) is a clandestine occult group originating in the UK, known for its dark and controversial practices. They blend Satanism with paganism and are infamous for their intense training rituals, including what they call the “sinister” path. Members are taught to challenge societal norms and moral boundaries in ways that push psychological limits. Though often whispered about in underground circles, the cult remains highly secretive, rarely exposing their inner workings to outsiders. Law enforcement and scholars have noted their influence on extreme subcultures, yet they operate quietly, leaving many unaware of their presence.
4. Raelian Movement
The Raelian Movement claims that life on Earth was scientifically created by extraterrestrial beings called the Elohim. Founded in the 1970s, it promotes a philosophy of universal love, cloning research, and human contact with aliens. Members participate in highly structured ceremonies, including elaborate greetings for visitors and meditative rituals. Their messaging focuses on the potential for humans to ascend to higher intelligence through science and technology. Despite occasional media coverage, the group largely exists outside mainstream awareness, quietly attracting followers worldwide.
5. The Family International
Originally known as The Children of God, The Family International has been operating since the late 1960s. Known for its controversial practices and strict hierarchy, the group has reinvented itself multiple times to escape scrutiny. Members are heavily involved in missionary work, communal living, and shared spiritual exercises. Over time, the organization has moderated some of its more extreme policies while maintaining a loyal core following. Despite decades of headlines, it still operates discreetly in various countries under different names, often flying under the radar.
6. The Twelve Tribes
The Twelve Tribes is a religious community that blends elements of Christianity, communal living, and traditional crafts. Members live in shared spaces, run businesses together, and follow a strict interpretation of the Bible. They have their own schools and internal rules governing daily life, often insulating themselves from outside influences. While some praise the group for its tight-knit community and self-sufficiency, others criticize it for authoritarian practices. Despite occasional media attention, the Twelve Tribes continues to function quietly in multiple countries, attracting devoted followers who value structure and spiritual rigor.
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7. Church Of The Last Testament
Inspired by the teachings of a man known as “Vissarion,” the Church of the Last Testament is a Russian spiritual movement that blends Orthodox Christianity, environmentalism, and apocalyptic prophecy. Followers live in isolated communes, practicing sustainable living and adhering to strict moral codes. Vissarion’s teachings include claims of divinity and guidance for followers in preparation for a coming spiritual era. The group maintains a relatively low profile outside Russia, creating a mysterious aura for outsiders. Despite being founded in the late 20th century, it continues to attract new adherents and expand its communal settlements.
8. Heaven’s Gate Legacy Groups
Though Heaven’s Gate famously ended in tragedy in 1997, smaller offshoots and legacy groups continue to maintain the teachings of the original cult. These clandestine groups still embrace UFO beliefs, ascension narratives, and strict communal discipline. Their followers are discreet, often connecting online rather than publicly, to avoid attention. They continue to hold secret gatherings, discuss extraterrestrial communication, and preserve their founder’s doctrines. While largely unknown to the general public, these legacy groups maintain a network of committed adherents.
9. The Love Has Won Movement
Originating in the United States, Love Has Won gained notoriety through social media for its charismatic leader and New Age teachings. The cult combined spiritual messages, apocalyptic warnings, and intense loyalty to the founder. Despite recent media coverage of legal issues surrounding the group, its remnants continue to operate quietly, often rebranding and maintaining loyal followers. Members participate in online and offline gatherings, continuing practices rooted in devotion and mystical beliefs. Their ongoing presence demonstrates how some cults can persist even after public scandals.
10. The Church Of Euthanasia
Founded as a provocative, extreme advocacy group, The Church of Euthanasia promotes radical environmentalism and anti-human overpopulation messages. Members use shock tactics, performance art, and philosophical writings to communicate their beliefs. Despite being highly controversial, the group has continued to operate online and occasionally in person, attracting niche followers intrigued by countercultural ideologies. Its secrecy and symbolic messaging help maintain a layer of mystery. Even decades after its founding, it remains active in promoting its vision quietly but persistently.
The Hidden World Of Secretive Cults
The world of secretive cults is vast, strange, and often fascinating. While some exist purely as eccentric communities, others wield significant influence over members’ lives, beliefs, and behaviors. What unites them is a commitment to secrecy, loyalty, and an often-rigid belief system that operates largely under the radar. Understanding these groups requires curiosity, careful research, and an open mind without falling into sensationalism.
Have you ever encountered a secretive group or had experiences with any of these cults? Share your thoughts, stories, or insights in the comments section.
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