The Secret Society of the Thule Society
Uncovering Its Influence on History
The Thule Society was a German secret group founded in Munich after World War I that became known for its occult interests and nationalist views. It played a significant role in shaping early Nazi ideology, bringing together members who would later contribute to the rise of the Nazi Party. The group's membership included influential figures and provided a meeting place for those promoting radical ideas during a volatile period in German history.
Operating like a private lodge, the Thule Society combined folklore, mysticism, and a focus on Aryan origins. The society stands out not just for its secrecy but for the wide-reaching impact it had on German politics and culture at a critical time. Many are drawn to the story of the Thule Society due to its mix of mystery, politics, and its connection to major historical events.
Origins and Founding of the Thule Society
The Thule Society was established in Munich during a period of social unrest and rising nationalist sentiment in Germany. The organization’s founding was influenced by secret societies, occult philosophy, and political developments at the end of World War I.
Historical Background and Influences
In the wake of the First World War, Germany faced widespread instability, particularly in Bavaria. Revolutionary movements resulted in the brief existence of the Bavarian Soviet Republic, contributing to a climate of fear and upheaval.
Various secret societies flourished in this context. The Thule Society drew inspiration from earlier groups such as the Order of Teutons and certain aspects of Freemasonry, adopting ritual elements and hierarchical structures. They were especially interested in Germanic mythology, concepts of Aryan supremacy, and esoteric beliefs about ancient civilizations.
Their core ideology included the notion of a legendary northern homeland called “Ultima Thule,” which they believed was the cradle of the Aryan race. The group also promoted anti-Semitic and anti-communist views, positioning themselves as defenders of German cultural identity.
Key Founders and Early Members
The Thule Society was founded in 1918 by Rudolf Freiherr von Sebottendorf, an occultist and political activist. He viewed the society as both a scholarly group and a spiritual order.
Sebottendorf attracted a mix of aristocrats, intellectuals, and former military officers. Early meetings included members who later played prominent roles in German nationalist politics. Some participants would eventually become involved in the early Nazi movement.
Membership requirements involved strict vetting and a commitment to the society’s ideals. Although Adolf Hitler was not a formal member, several future Nazis, including Dietrich Eckart and Alfred Rosenberg, attended meetings and shared the society’s interests in nationalist and mystical ideas.
Society Name and Symbolism
The name “Thule Society” refers to the mythic land of Thule, which classical sources described as a distant northern region. Members regarded Thule as a symbol of ancestral purity and mystical origins.
The society adopted a variety of symbols to express its beliefs and identity. The swastika, which they incorporated into their emblem, was chosen for its ancient associations with power, luck, and Aryan heritage. Other symbols included swords and references to Germanic runes.
Rituals, coded language, and secret badges reinforced their identity as an exclusive brotherhood. These practices helped distinguish the Thule Society from mainstream political organizations and emphasized its unique blend of mysticism and radical politics.
Beliefs and Ideologies of the Thule Society
The Thule Society shaped its worldview through a mix of mystical ideas, strong racial theories, and intense nationalist conviction. Its doctrines played a foundational role in pre-Nazi völkisch movements and influenced later political developments in Germany.
Occultism and Mysticism
The Thule Society drew heavily from occult traditions, including those of the Rosicrucians and Theosophy. Its members believed in a spiritual hierarchy led by so-called "hidden masters," guiding select individuals toward enlightenment.
Rituals, symbols, and secret knowledge were considered essential. The group conducted ceremonies that aimed to tap into mystical forces and claimed a direct connection to ancient wisdom supposedly lost through the ages.
Mystical ideas were blended with Germanic myths and legends. The society saw itself as reviving an authentic spiritual tradition rooted in a mythical Aryan past.
Aryan Race and Racial Theories
Promoting the concept of the Aryan race was central to the Thule Society's ideology. Members viewed Aryans as the original and most spiritually advanced race, believing they held a special destiny.
Key tenets included:
Belief in Aryan superiority: They asserted Aryans were biologically and culturally superior to other groups.
Emphasis on ancient Germanic heritage: The society sought to reconstruct and idealize a pre-Christian, "pure" Germanic past.
Rejection of racial mixing: Intermarriage or relations with non-Aryans was strictly opposed.
The group's literature and lectures often referenced pseudo-scientific racial theories, which would later influence broader völkisch and Nazi racial thought.
Nationalism and Anti-Semitism
Radical German nationalism was at the heart of the Thule Society. They saw themselves as defenders of German culture against what they described as external and "un-German" influences.
Anti-Semitism was explicitly promoted and institutionalized within the group. Members believed Jews were responsible for Germany’s problems, viewing them through a conspiratorial lens. Frequent publications and speeches spread anti-Semitic ideas both internally and to the public.
The society advocated political activism to combat what it claimed were threats from "non-German" elements—especially Jews and communists. This focus on exclusion and racially defined community anticipated later policies seen in Nazi ideology.
Key Personalities and Influencers
The Thule Society played a notable role in shaping key figures within the emerging Nazi movement. Its influence extended to leading nationalists and prominent individuals who would later drive the direction of the Nazi Party.
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party
Adolf Hitler’s early connections to the Thule Society were indirect but significant. When he joined the German Workers' Party (DAP) in 1919, the group already had strong ties to the Thule Society, as several founding members transitioned from the Society to the DAP.
The Thule Society influenced the ideological foundation of the Nazi Party, instilling völkisch, nationalist, and anti-Semitic beliefs. The Society’s meetings provided a platform for prominent activists, some of whom later joined Hitler in leadership roles.
Although Hitler was never a formal member, the Society’s network and support aided the formation of the NSDAP. Some early members of the NSDAP, such as Anton Drexler, were closely connected to Thule. Their resources, including access to influential people and propaganda materials, helped launch Hitler’s career in politics.
Heinrich Himmler and Alfred Rosenberg
Heinrich Himmler admired the mysticism and racial doctrines that originated with circles like the Thule Society. Himmler later oversaw the SS, an organization that shared some of Thule’s interests in occult and pseudo-historical traditions, though Himmler’s direct association with the Society remains unproven.
Alfred Rosenberg, a former Thule member, played an essential role as one of the Nazi Party’s main ideologues. He promoted theories about Aryan supremacy and participated in the dissemination of völkisch ideas. Rosenberg’s writings and connections helped carry Thule-inspired beliefs into official Nazi policies, especially in the fields of culture and race.
Summary Table: Influences on Nazi Leadership
Name Connection to Thule Society Impact on Nazi Movement Heinrich Himmler Admired Thule doctrines Oversaw SS, promoted mysticism Alfred Rosenberg Former member Major ideologue, shaped Nazi theories
Dietrich Eckart and Rudolf Hess
Dietrich Eckart was a core member of the Thule Society and one of Hitler’s earliest mentors. He introduced Hitler to nationalist circles in Munich and co-founded the German Workers' Party, the precursor to the NSDAP. Eckart’s poetry and journalism helped spread anti-Semitic and nationalist ideas tied to both Thule and Nazi dogma.
Rudolf Hess, who later became Hitler’s deputy, also had associations with Thule members. While not a central figure within the Society, Hess’s ideology was shaped by similar sources, notably völkisch and mystical thought. He maintained connections with Thule-influenced activists as he rose within the Nazi Party hierarchy.
These relationships provided Hitler with key advisors and supporters during the movement’s formative years. The exchange of ideas within this network had lasting impacts on Nazi ideology and strategy.
Connections with Other Secret Societies
The Thule Society interacted, overlapped, or was often linked in the public imagination with a variety of other occult, esoteric, or secretive groups in early 20th-century Europe. These connections included shared interests, similar members, and intersecting narratives around mysticism, Aryan mythology, and political power.
The Vril Society and Maria Orsic
The Vril Society, sometimes called Vril Gesellschaft, emerged from similar circles as the Thule Society in post-World War I Germany. It drew on the concept of a mysterious energy force called "Vril" described in Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 19th-century novel The Coming Race. This hypothetical power was believed to grant its possessors superhuman abilities.
Maria Orsic is a name often associated with the Vril Society. She was claimed to be a medium who communicated with entities from Aldebaran and led a group interested in advanced technology and metaphysical ideas. However, documentation about Orsic and the Vril Society is scarce, and much of the story relies on later sources and speculation.
Despite the mythic aura, some ideological overlap existed between Thule and Vril circles, particularly regarding Aryan supremacy and esoteric lore. Both societies were rumored to have exchanged ideas and even members, fueling conspiracy theories and popular legends about occult Nazi roots.
Society Key Figure Major Beliefs Thule Society Rudolf von Sebottendorff Aryan mythology, German nationalism Vril Society Maria Orsic Vril energy, extraterrestrial contact
Ordo Templi Orientis and Aleister Crowley
The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) was another esoteric order in early 20th-century Europe, known for its rituals, teachings about Thelema, and occult connections. Aleister Crowley, who later became the most famous leader of the O.T.O., emphasized magical practices and individual spiritual liberation.
There are stories suggesting minor interactions or at least ideological awareness between the Thule Society and the O.T.O., mainly because both operated in the same era and were influenced by shared European occult trends. Some Thule members expressed respect for Crowley’s magical systems, but clear evidence of direct collaboration is lacking.
Crowley's own work remained focused on personal transformation rather than the racial or political ideology espoused by the Thule Society. Any links that exist are best described as coincidental and reflect the cross-pollination of esoteric themes in Europe at the time.
Key Differences
Thule Society: Political and nationalist orientation, mainly German-focused.
O.T.O.: International, individualist, less overtly political.
Freemasonry, the Illuminati, and Templars
The Thule Society borrowed symbols and some ritual elements similar to those found in Freemasonry, drawing on the imagery of ancient mysteries and secret orders. In the public consciousness, connections with groups like the Illuminati and the Templars were routinely speculated on, but these links were primarily thematic or symbolic rather than organizational.
Freemasonry in Germany represented a long-standing tradition of fraternal and philanthropic secrecy. The Illuminati, a much-mythologized Enlightenment-era order, was often referenced in conspiracy literature. Templar legends invoked medieval military and religious orders, connecting modern societies to a supposed unbroken chain of Western esotericism.
While these groups sometimes shared motifs—such as secret meetings, coded rituals, and hierarchical structures—there is no verifiable documentation proving formal alliances or shared leadership with the Thule Society. Instead, the overlap arose from a general tendency in that era’s secret societies to reference mythic pasts and to cloak their activities in mystery and exclusivity.
Shared Elements:
Use of symbolism (e.g., pentagrams, swords)
Elitist structures
Claims of hidden knowledge or power
Activities and Influence in Pre-War Germany
The Thule Society played a role in shaping radical political networks in Munich after World War I. Its members contributed to early völkisch movements and later intersected with the founding of influential political groups.
Geopolitical Impact and Network
The Thule Society was active in Munich's tumultuous post-war environment, where power was contested among various revolutionary and right-wing groups. Its structure combined occultist interests with nationalist and anti-Semitic ideologies, attracting individuals who were influential in far-right circles.
The society maintained a network including former military officers, aristocrats, and intellectuals. Through these connections, members exchanged information and provided support to like-minded organizations. Meetings often involved discussions on Geopolitik, Aryan heritage, and the supposed threats posed by Marxism and Judaism.
Thule members promoted German nationalism and strove to resist Bolshevism’s influence in Bavaria. Their activities included supporting paramilitary actions, influencing local press, and occasionally involvement in acts of violence or political agitation. The society's impact was amplified by its connections rather than its size or direct political control.
Role in the German Workers' Party
The Thule Society was instrumental in the early development of the German Workers’ Party (Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, DAP). Several Thule members, including Anton Drexler and Karl Harrer, helped establish and organize the party, which served as a precursor to the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP).
Thule Society resources—such as their meeting rooms and printing presses—were made available to the DAP. This allowed the fledgling party to recruit members, distribute propaganda, and establish a foothold within Munich’s political scene. Notable Nazis, including Rudolf Hess and Alfred Rosenberg, had ties to the society.
While not every DAP or later Nazi leader was a Thule member, the society’s intellectual environment and network facilitated the DAP’s initial growth. Their contributions are evident in the party's early platforms, which echoed Thule's völkisch and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
The Thule Society’s Role under the Nazi Regime
The Thule Society influenced early Nazi ideology, especially in Munich after World War I. Its connections with Nazi leadership and occult beliefs helped set the foundation for later developments in the Third Reich.
Involvement with the Third Reich
The Thule Society was active in Munich around 1918-1920 and served as a meeting ground for early nationalist and völkisch figures. Several founding members of the German Workers' Party, the forerunner of the Nazi Party, were Thule members, including Anton Drexler.
Adolf Hitler did not formally join the Society, but its members shaped the ideas that influenced the party. The Society's activities focused on anti-Semitic propaganda, the promotion of Aryan superiority, and opposition to communism.
By the late 1920s, the Thule Society lost influence as the Nazi Party centralized power. Its public presence faded, and the Nazi regime distanced itself from independent occult societies.
Key Thule Members Later Roles in Nazi Party Anton Drexler Co-founder of Nazi Party Dietrich Eckart Mentor to Hitler Rudolf Hess Hitler’s Deputy (early years)
Himmler, Ahnenerbe, and Nazi Occult Programs
Heinrich Himmler held a strong interest in the occult, pseudo-history, and ancestral myths. In 1935, he founded the Ahnenerbe, an academic institute meant to research Aryan heritage.
The Ahnenerbe organized expeditions and archaeological research to support Nazi racial theories. These activities, while inspired by occult currents, became a tool for Nazi propaganda rather than a direct continuation of the Thule Society’s approach.
Although the Thule Society did not control the Ahnenerbe, its early ideas about Aryan origins influenced some of Himmler’s programs. The link between Germanic mythology, occult beliefs, and Nazi ideology helped shape the image and practices of the SS under Himmler’s command.
Occult Practices, Rituals, and Symbolism
Thule Society members were drawn to occult beliefs and ritual practices in their search for hidden knowledge and power. Their activities incorporated elements such as black magic, psychic communication, symbolic objects, and astrology to reinforce the group’s ideals.
Black Magic and Psychic Mediums
The Thule Society explored black magic as part of their interest in mysticism and the supernatural. Rituals would often feature occult symbols, candles, and references to ancient runes. They believed these elements offered secret insight and access to lost Aryan wisdom.
Female psychic mediums played a critical role, serving as intermediaries who claimed to channel messages from spiritual entities or legendary ancestors. These sessions included séances and trance communications, aiming to provide direction or validate the group’s mythological beliefs.
Symbols such as the swastika and stylized runes decorated meeting spaces and ceremonial objects, reinforcing group identity. While solid historical evidence of supernatural results is lacking, the use of occult symbolism was central in creating an atmosphere of mystery and exclusivity.
Astrology and Esoteric Practices
Astrology held particular importance for the Thule Society, forming part of their interest in revealing hidden truths about the world and destiny. Members would study planetary alignments, birth charts, and cosmic cycles to predict future events or justify key decisions related to the organization.
Society meetings might include astrological readings and the discussion of esoteric philosophies tailored to a völkisch worldview. These sessions blended astrology with mystical numerology, drawing on medieval and ancient sources to create an aura of secret knowledge.
By intertwining astrology with nationalist and racist theories, the group attempted to legitimize their ideas as preordained or scientifically justified. Esoteric rituals and astrological symbolism were used to strengthen internal cohesion and provide an intellectual foundation for their broader ideological goals.
Technology, Experiments, and Extraterrestrial Theories
The Thule Society has often been linked to experimental technologies, secret research programs, and controversial claims involving extraterrestrial contact. Evidence about these topics is mixed, but their influence on conspiracy theories and speculations about Nazi Germany remains significant.
Arado-Brandenburg Aircraft Facility
The Arado-Brandenburg aircraft facility was reputedly involved in developing advanced technology for the German military. Researchers have pointed to this location as a site where innovative aircraft prototypes were tested and possibly constructed, including unconventional propulsion systems.
Some writers connect the facility to the development of disk-shaped aircraft, though there is little reliable documentation. The association with secretive societies like Thule fueled rumors that experimental projects took place without broader military oversight. Official archives confirm the existence of advanced projects at these sites, but no verified evidence of so-called "flying saucers" has surfaced.
Notable areas of interest:
Test flights involving jet and rocket propulsion
Alleged secrecy and compartmentalization of research
Speculation about technology transfer from unknown sources
UFOs, Flying Saucers, and Aliens
Stories about Nazi UFOs and flying saucers emerged after World War II and later became part of conspiracy literature. Some claimed that German scientists, under the influence of the Thule Society or similar groups, attempted to build craft based on recovered alien technology or even direct extraterrestrial contact.
Public fascination grew with reports of unidentified flying objects connected to wartime Germany. These claims often referenced circular craft—sometimes called "Haunebu" or "Vril"—alleged to utilize anti-gravity engines. The credibility of documents and testimonies surrounding these stories remains highly questionable, as most evidence relies on hearsay and postwar speculation rather than primary sources.
A few surviving photographs and technical sketches are cited by proponents, but mainstream historians find these lacking authentic verification.
Aldebaran, Sumeria, and Extraterrestrials
The Thule and Vril societies are frequently linked in fringe literature to the idea of contact with extraterrestrials from Aldebaran, a star in the Taurus constellation. It is claimed that this contact involved communication with advanced beings who shared technological knowledge, although no credible primary sources confirm the reality of such interactions.
Some theorists reference Sumerian mythology, suggesting that ancient contacts with "star beings" were recalled by secret societies in Nazi Germany. These stories propose a lineage of knowledge passed through the ages, allegedly accessed by Thule members during occult rituals or séances.
Academic review does not support these claims, as historical records of the Thule Society focus on nationalist and esoteric interests rather than direct extraterrestrial contact. Most sources treating these subjects as fact are considered speculative or fictionalized.
Global Influence and International Connections
The Thule Society's networks extended beyond Germany's borders during its period of activity. Its ideas, activities, and legacy drew international attention and became entwined with both real and imagined connections to foreign powers.
Links with Japan and the Soviet Union
There is limited credible evidence of direct organizational ties between the Thule Society and either Japan or the Soviet Union. Some German right-wing groups during the early 20th century sought to cultivate relationships with like-minded nationalist movements abroad, including in Asia. However, specific documented contact between Thule and Japanese societies is minimal.
With regard to the Soviet Union, the Thule Society's anti-communist and anti-Bolshevik stance placed it in opposition to Soviet interests. Its members supported counterrevolutionary efforts during the German Revolution of 1918–1919.
Allegations occasionally surface in fringe literature about secret collaborations, espionage, or occult missions between Thule members and Japanese or Soviet figures. There is no substantial archival evidence supporting these claims. Most connections remain speculative or rooted in myth rather than historical fact.
Influence on Global Conspiracy Theories
The Thule Society features prominently in modern conspiracy theories about secret societies, Nazi occultism, and hidden global power structures. Its occult interests and role in the founding of the German Workers’ Party—later the Nazi Party—fuel speculation about its continued influence.
Some conspiracy theories claim Thule maintained international branches or secret collaborations with foreign elites, especially in Japan and Russia. These stories often conflate documented facts with imaginative speculation, lacking credible historical sources.
The society’s real influence was limited, yet it has become a staple in books, documentaries, and online forums about “hidden history.” Its mythologized image often overshadows the reality of its short-lived and localized activities.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Thule Society has been linked to early Nazi ideology, esoteric theories, and the spread of pseudoscientific ideas regarding race and ancient origins. Its influence extended into both real historical events and later depictions in media and scholarship.
Postwar Myths and Modern Interpretations
After World War II, the Thule Society became the subject of numerous myths connecting it to Nazi leadership and occult activities. Claims frequently suggest that its members promoted the idea of a superior race, drawing on pseudoscientific theories and combining them with legends of Atlantis as a supposed ancestral homeland.
These narratives often include Atlantis as a lost civilization whose descendants, according to the Thule mythos, were the Aryan people. Such ideas were later adapted into Nazi rhetoric supporting concepts like Lebensraum, or the claimed need for "living space" for the German people.
Historians generally agree that the Thule Society’s direct influence on high-ranking Nazis is overstated in popular accounts. Though some early members of the Nazi Party, including Alfred Rosenberg, were involved, most links are speculative. Figures like Wilhelm Canaris are sometimes mentioned, but there is limited evidence of their membership or active participation.
Representation in Popular Culture
The Thule Society appears in various forms of literature, film, television, and video games. These portrayals often emphasize its occult connections and secretive nature, sometimes assigning it a more significant role in the rise of Nazism than historical evidence supports.
Works of fiction frequently blend real historical figures and groups with conspiracy theories. The Thule Society is depicted as pursuing mystical artifacts, seeking out the lost civilization of Atlantis, or fueling the Nazis’ obsession with creating a “superior race.”
Popular media sometimes link the Thule Society with other organizations, like the Ahnenerbe, presenting them as part of a broader occult Nazi network. While these portrayals increase public interest, they often reinforce misconceptions and blur the distinction between historical fact and myth.
