The term “Illuminati” remains familiar throughout contemporary society. We’ve all at least heard of it before, and while some think it’s just a theory, others believe that it’s the hard truth. Conspiracy theorists link the word Illuminati to members of hidden societies while some believe these secret groups control everything.
One of the intriguing aspects associated with the Illuminati is the alleged secret hand signs or signals that people claim are used by its members. These unique gestures have been the focus of countless conspiracy theories and led to a wide range of speculations.
In this article, we delve into the various alleged classic Illuminati signs/symbols, some of which even celebrities have been accused of showcasing.
The Origin of These conspiracies:
Before we delve into these various signs, we should really think about their origins. But more importantly, we have to ask ourselves a very important question: does the Illuminati still exist today?
The original Illuminati was founded by Adam Weishaupt. The original one actually worked for only about a decade, from 1776 to 1785. The founder was a German professor who was very interested in law. The society only consisted of a few people, but it grew to as many as 2,500 at some point, according to some speculations.
The historical Illuminati did have symbols and rituals, but their influence and existence were short lived. In 1785, Karl Theodor, Duke of Bavaria at the time, banned all kinds of secret societies. Of course, the Illuminati was included in this. After this period, experts tend to agree that the group was actually wiped out, and this is what led to many conspiracy theories surrounding the Illuminati.
There were many attempts over the years to bring the group back, but the most successful was in the 1970s. From that point on, the conspiracies about the Illuminati and their hand signs began to come back, and only grew in popularity.
6 Rumored Illuminati Gestures, And What Do They Mean:
1. The Triangle or The Pyramid Hand Gesture:

There are a few gestures that have been linked with the Illuminati, but the most popular or common one would definitely be the triangular shape that we sometimes see on TV. There are several celebrities who have been seen showcasing this shape with their hands. Some had obvious reasons for doing so (or at least, so they said), and some had not explained why.
The pyramid sign is made by placing the tips of the fingers together to form a triangular shape with both hands. This hand sign is called by a few different terms, depending on the context. For instance, some would say it’s the ‘all seeing eye’ or the sign of enlightenment. But others, instead, associate this sign with the Illuminati and believe it is a message between members of this secret society.
Formally known as the Eye of Providence, this sign has even been used by the United States. In the 1780s, it was portrayed on the rear side of the Great Seal of the United States. The sign usually includes a pyramid like structure or a triangle and an eye. It is said to be an ‘all seeing eye’ like that of a God watching over its own creation.
But some conspiracy theorists have also pointed out that it could mean something else. For instance, some think that this ‘all seeing eye’ is more of a sign that the Illuminati, or at least the members of this group, are watching the people. This is something that conspiracy theorists often say, that the Illuminati wants to rule the world.
2. The Hand over eye Gesture:

There is also the ‘Hand-over-eye gesture’ that is associated with the Illuminati, where the person would cover one of their eyes.
It is believed that this gesture means that the person is not going to follow the right path. Others believe that it means the person has chosen to walk away from “wisdom” and “enlightenment”.
3. The Devil’s Horns Sign:

Another gesture that is associated with the Illuminati is the Devil’s horns sign. The “Devil’s Horns” hand sign involves extending the index and pinky fingers upward, while tucking the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb.
Although this gesture predates the Illuminati, it has been associated with the group in conspiracy theories, symbolizing alleged dark forces at play.
4. The Hidden Hand Gesture:

The ‘Hidden Hand’ gesture is when one hand is placed inside a coat or jacket, with only the thumb and fingers showing. Conspiracy theorists say this gesture is a secret symbol of Illuminati membership, and that it is a sign of hidden influence.
5. The Shush Hand Gesture:

Often linked to the idea of secrecy, the “Shush” gesture involves placing a finger over the lips, indicating silence or the withholding of information. Some conspiracy theorists interpret this sign as a symbol of the Illuminati’s vow of silence that they take to not reveal what really goes down behind the scenes.
6. The “666” Sign or The “OK” Sign:

In some conspiracy theories, the simple “OK” sign, made by forming a circle with the thumb and index finger, is alleged to be a secret signal for the Illuminati.
This gesture involves forming the shape of the number six with one’s fingers, often (The three fingers representing the tail of three sixes) while covering one eye. It is believed to symbolize the devil and is associated with the Illuminati.
These are, of course, theories and have not been officially confirmed, and there is mixed opinion about them with the general public.
Conclusion
Although it is thought that the original Illuminati group was wiped out and never really came back, many theorists believe that the secret group is still very much active in society today.
While these hand signs have garnered attention and speculation, it is important to approach the topic with skepticism. Critics argue that many of these gestures have alternative meanings or are simply coincidental. Well, this remains a debate.
Amna El Tawil is a professional journalist, reporter, and an Amazon published author based in Cairo, Egypt. With a journalism degree from MIU, Amna has a rich background as a reporter and content creator, having contributed to esteemed publications like the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC), the International Herald Tribune, Thomson Reuters, and the BBC. As a published author, she has written several books on various topics that are published on Amazon. Amna’s love for research and her dedication to authentic spiritual exploration shine through in her insightful writings on TrueSpiritualSoul.com.