The Skull and Bones Society: The Secret Brotherhood of Power

Origins and Foundation

Founded at Yale University in 1832, the Skull and Bones secret society is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Its roots are said to lie in Freemasonry, and its symbols draw inspiration from pirate imagery and the Brotherhood of Death. Much like the Freemasons, only those chosen by existing members can join—through an exclusive process called “tapping.” Each year, just 15 new members are tapped, making the society highly selective. Despite the small yearly intake, the list of Skull and Bones alumni reads like a who’s who of powerful historical figures.

Notable Members and Their Influence

Notable Bonesmen include three U.S. Presidents: William H. Taft, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. The society has also been the alma mater of many U.S. Senators, such as Prescott Bush, John Kerry, and David Boren, as well as numerous Governors, Congressmen, and Supreme Court Justices. Even top financial figures, such as Pierre Jay, the first chairman of the New York Federal Reserve, and George L. Harrison, president of the NY Federal Reserve, were members of Skull and Bones.

The primary objective of Skull and Bones appears to be placing its members in positions of power. According to Fritz Springmeier, author of Bloodlines of the Illuminati, the society aims to infiltrate key areas of influence. President George W. Bush, for example, brought several fellow Bonesmen into his administration, including William Donaldson, who served as the Securities and Exchange Commissioner. This strategy of positioning members in key roles has allowed the society to maintain influence over important sectors of government and industry, ensuring their interests are always represented.

Careers of Power and Influence

Bonesmen have excelled in all walks of life. William Maxwell Evarts, class of 1837, became a U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and Attorney General. Russell Davenport, class of 1923, edited Fortune magazine and created the famous Fortune 500 list. Not to mention Winston Lord, class of 1959, who was chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Ambassador to China, and an Assistant Secretary of State under President Clinton. From media moguls like Henry Luce, founder of TIME magazine, to prominent businessmen like Percy Rockefeller, Skull and Bones alumni have occupied positions of significant influence across industries. The society’s reach extends into business, media, politics, and finance, creating a web of interconnected power that is difficult to unravel.

The Tomb: The Fortress of Secrets

The society’s mystique isn’t limited to the impressive careers of its members. The Skull and Bones building at Yale, known as “The Tomb,” is a fortress of secrets. Its exterior is foreboding, designed in an Egyptian Revival architectural style, with its dark, windowless facade creating an aura of mystery. The Tomb is surrounded by high walls, with restricted access that keeps outsiders at bay. Its very presence on the Yale campus evokes a sense of separation and exclusivity, representing the inner sanctum of one of the world’s most secretive organizations.

Inside, the Tomb is rumored to be filled with macabre artifacts—symbols of death, skulls, bones, crypts, and blood-red drapery. The atmosphere is said to resemble that of a crypt, enhancing the sense of mortality and the symbolism of death that pervades the society. Accounts from former members and investigative journalists describe rooms filled with historical relics, including the skulls of famous individuals, a display of bones, and Masonic-inspired decor. The Tomb is also said to contain war memorabilia, Nazi artifacts, and esoteric literature, all of which contribute to its eerie and chilling environment.

The rituals carried out within the Tomb are infamous for their bizarre and often macabre nature. In April 2001, ABC News and the New York Observer filmed members performing mock throat-cutting rituals. The most infamous rumor claims that new initiates must lie naked and blindfolded in a casket while performing acts of self-gratification as other Bonesmen watch. The secrecy and intensity of these rituals have only fueled the aura of darkness surrounding the society.

Rituals and Alleged Blood Sacrifices

These rituals are believed to serve a deeper purpose—cementing loyalty to the society above all else. The psychological impact of such initiation rites fosters a sense of unity and shared secrecy among members, binding them to the organization’s cause. The Tomb itself is said to radiate an eerie energy, with some claiming they can feel a physical sense of negativity emanating from the building. Ear-piercing screams are often reported by those passing by during initiation ceremonies, adding to the chilling reputation of the society.

Adding to the controversy are the claims of Freemason ties and even blood sacrifices. Many conspiracy theorists argue that Skull and Bones serves as a higher echelon within Freemasonry, incorporating Masonic rituals into their own. The links between Skull and Bones and Freemasonry are evident in the shared symbolism—skulls, bones, and cryptic imagery—which suggests a connection to ancient secret orders and esoteric practices.

Some researchers believe that the society’s rituals may involve dark occult elements, including blood sacrifices designed to evoke power and allegiance among its members. These rumors of blood sacrifices have persisted for years. Whispers of dark ceremonies involving animals or even human sacrifices have fueled theories that Skull and Bones draws its power from the arcane and the macabre. The concept of ritual bloodletting is consistent with other secret societies throughout history, where such acts are believed to be a means of sealing oaths and binding participants to the group’s cause.

The initiation process is said to involve elaborate ceremonies that are deeply symbolic, often invoking the imagery of death and rebirth. The casket ritual, where initiates lie naked while blindfolded, is believed to symbolize a form of symbolic death and resurrection, a rebirth into the society’s inner circle. Additionally, rumors suggest that initiates must confess their deepest secrets, which are then used as leverage to ensure loyalty and discretion. While concrete evidence of these rituals is scarce, the aura of secrecy and the numerous testimonies of strange occurrences only add to the chilling mythology of the society.

The Tomb is also said to be a place where Bonesmen gather to share information about their connections and strategies for gaining power. It is where the elite of Yale congregate to forge alliances that will carry them through their careers. Many believe that it is within the confines of the Tomb that members make the key decisions that shape their futures. The influence of these rituals, and the setting in which they are conducted, underscores the society’s emphasis on unity, loyalty, and shared purpose.

The Bush Family and Skull and Bones

Among the notable Bonesmen is George H. Walker, grandfather of George H.W. Bush. Walker, a successful banker and businessman, served on the boards of numerous corporations and was the namesake of the biennial Walker Cup in golf. His daughter, Dorothy, married Prescott Bush, another Bonesman, who became a U.S. Senator and fathered George H.W. Bush. The interwoven connections of the Bush family and Skull and Bones are no coincidence, highlighting the society’s impact on shaping American power structures. The Bush family, with its deep ties to Skull and Bones, exemplifies how the society’s influence has been passed down through generations, ensuring that power remains within a select group.

Manipulating the Political Landscape

The influence of Skull and Bones goes beyond politics. Members have often been found on both sides of political ideologies, manipulating narratives to maintain control. The Nation and New Republic, financed by Bonesman Willard Straight, were on the “left,” while National Review, published by William F. Buckley, another Bonesman, represented the “right.” In 2004, George W. Bush, a Republican, ran against John Kerry, a Democrat—both were members of Skull and Bones and, interestingly, 16th cousins. Despite the supposed differences in their political stances, they shared a deeper connection to one of the most secretive organizations in America.

This pattern of dual manipulation highlights the society’s ability to control the political landscape, ensuring that their members are in power no matter which side wins. In interviews, both Bush and Kerry have laughed off questions about their Skull and Bones membership, refusing to provide answers. The society thrives on secrecy, which fuels endless speculation and conspiracy theories. By positioning members on both sides of the political spectrum, Skull and Bones creates an illusion of choice for the public, while maintaining control over the outcomes.

A Global Agenda

The Skull and Bones agenda isn’t limited to American politics—it’s a global game. Bonesmen have been linked to financing both sides of the World Wars and the Russian Revolution, contributing to the emergence of a New World Order. The society’s reach extends into international banking and finance, allowing them to influence global events behind the scenes. As George H.W. Bush allegedly once admitted, “If the people were to ever find out what we [the Bush family] have done, we would be chased down the streets and lynched.” This chilling statement hints at the extent of the society’s involvement in shaping world events and manipulating power for their own gain.

Influence on Intelligence and Foreign Policy

The reach and influence of Skull and Bones cannot be underestimated. The carefully curated selection of members, the strange rituals, and the subsequent rise of Bonesmen to positions of extraordinary power tell the story of a secret society whose grip on the world’s levers of power remains tight to this day. The question remains: How far does their influence truly go, and what else remains hidden behind the closed doors of The Tomb?

Many Bonesmen have found their way into the intelligence community, further extending the society’s reach into the shadows of government operations. Members such as F. Trubee Davison, Howard Weaver, William Sloane Coffin Jr., and Hugh Cunningham have all held roles within the CIA and other intelligence agencies. This infiltration into intelligence allows Skull and Bones to exert influence over national security, covert operations, and international espionage, ensuring that their agenda is carried out without public scrutiny.

The influence of Skull and Bones in shaping American foreign and domestic policy is evident. The society has been linked to major historical events, including the establishment of the Federal Reserve, the creation of the United Nations, and the implementation of policies that have shaped modern America. Bonesmen have played pivotal roles in the development of major institutions, steering the country in a direction that aligns with their vision of a New World Order. The connections between Skull and Bones and other secretive organizations, such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission, further demonstrate their far-reaching influence.

Network of Loyalty and Influence

The society’s emphasis on secrecy and loyalty means that members are bound to support each other throughout their careers. This network of mutual support has allowed Bonesmen to rise to prominent positions in business, media, finance, and government. The influence of Skull and Bones extends beyond the individual achievements of its members; it is a collective effort to shape the direction of society according to their interests. This shadowy network of power brokers operates behind the scenes, pulling the strings of government, industry, and media to maintain control.

Skull and Bones Today

The Skull and Bones society represents more than just a college fraternity—it is a powerful network that has shaped the course of history. The society’s members have been instrumental in major historical events, and their influence continues to be felt today. From the halls of power in Washington, D.C., to boardrooms and media empires, Skull and Bones alumni are strategically positioned to maintain their grip on power. The question that remains is not whether Skull and Bones is influential, but how deep their influence goes and what their ultimate goals are.

List of Notable Skull and Bones Members and Their Roles Today

1. George W. Bush – Former U.S. President, played a key role in shaping foreign policy, especially after 9/11.
2. John Kerry – Former U.S. Secretary of State and current U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, instrumental in diplomatic and climate initiatives.
3. David Boren – Former U.S. Senator, current President Emeritus of the University of Oklahoma, influential in both education and politics.
4. William Donaldson – Former Securities and Exchange Commissioner under George W. Bush, involved in financial regulatory matters.
5. Stephen A. Schwarzman – CEO and co-founder of The Blackstone Group, a major player in private equity and finance.
6. Winston Lord – Former U.S. Ambassador to China, prominent in foreign relations and policymaking.
7. Henry Luce – Founder of TIME magazine, influential in shaping public perception through media.
8. William F. Buckley Jr. – Founder of National Review, key figure in the development of conservative political thought.
9. Averell Harriman – Former U.S. Ambassador and Secretary of Commerce, influential in diplomacy and business.
10. Jonathan Brewster Bingham – Former U.S. Congressman, involved in shaping legislative policies.
11. Robert A. Taft – U.S. Senator, instrumental in mid-20th century American politics.
12. Edward Baldwin Whitney – Associate Justice of the New York Supreme Court, influential in the judiciary.
13. Howard Weaver – Former CIA official, involved in intelligence operations and national security.
14. Percy Rockefeller – Prominent businessman and board member of various corporations, influential in industry.
15. George L. Harrison – Former President of the New York Federal Reserve, key figure in financial policy and banking.
16. F. Trubee Davison – Former Assistant Director of the CIA, influential in intelligence circles.
17. William Sloane Coffin Jr. – Former CIA operative and chaplain at Yale, involved in both intelligence and social activism.

As we peel back the layers of secrecy surrounding Skull and Bones, one thing becomes clear: this is not just an elite college club. It is a carefully constructed organization designed to create and maintain a network of power that extends far beyond Yale University. The rituals, the secrecy, and the influence all serve a purpose—to ensure that members remain loyal to the society and to each other, and to position them in roles where they can shape the future according to the society’s vision. The true extent of their influence may never be fully known, but the impact of Skull and Bones on the world stage is undeniable.