The circle is formed in the flickering lights of a raging bonfire. The red- and black-robed figures gather close to the feet of their ancient owl-God Moloch. Hoods are drawn close over the hundreds of faces as the chanting grows louder and louder, then when the incessant rhythm reaches a pitched frenzy, the ritual "Cremation of Care" is performed: An effigy of a human child is tossed into the raging, fiery pit. The figures chant and sway with wild abandon as the figure burns, and with its descent into ashes comes the end of the ritual. Sounds like a great movie plot doesn't it? Or perhaps some mystical ritual from the history books of ancient Europe. Well, you're right about the ritual part. The "Cremation of Care" is an ancient Molochian ritual practiced in many cultures, from Ireland to Phoenicia. But this particular event didn't take place hundreds of years ago. It happens every year at one of the worlds most secretive and elite clubs -- The Bohemian Grove.

The 2,700-acre retreat is about 70 miles north of San Francisco, and two weeks out of every year, deep in the redwoods of Monte Rio, Calif., the Bohemian Club meets. It is one of the most prestigious clubs on earth. Formed in 1872 by wealthy newspapermen who wanted a taste of culture in the middle of the old west, the Bohemian club has evolved into a meeting of some of the most political and influential people in the nation. One of the more queer aspects of the club, is that although it was formed by members of the media, media people are no longer allowed admittance. The club is said to boast anywhere from 2000 to 3000 members; all male, and all of impressive social and political standing. The waiting list can be as long as 15 years. On the membership list, one would see every member of the Bush family, the President of Mexico, leaders of the Bank Of America, the Secretary Of State (current and many past) and a multitude of other very prominent names. In fact, every republican president has been a member, and a few democratics as well. "Weaving Spiders Come Not Here," the club's motto, is obviously not in mind when prominent members listen to "lakeside chats" on world power economics, given by the head of the world bank. After which the secretary of the Navy might gab about military budget issues and the stock exchange. While portrayed as harmless talks, these powwows allow elite clubbers to walk away with inside information on high-level issues and in-depth knowledge of future plans for world politics. The ultimate in conspiracy and elitism.

During the day, members can lounge in various camps around the club, each bearing its own name, like "The Hillbillies" or "Devil Heads." Some of these camps are the utmost in luxury, sporting pianos and posh furniture, others are mere tents around a fire. But all members get the utmost in service. A great number of servants is needed to host the large gathering; with servants being 99% white males (although the California Supreme Court has recently ordered the club to accept female food service workers). Meals consist of anything each member would like, from lobster to hot dogs. Champagne and other alcohol flows freely as members participate in shooting contests, hiking, fishing and swimming. But that is not the only activity the spoiled members of this club enjoy.

On July 15, 2000, reporter Alex Jones [http://www.infowars.com/bg1.html] infiltrated the woods near Bohemian Grove armed with his digital video camera, and what he filmed was truly amazing. As midnight approached, Jones filmed the hundreds of Grove members form a circle around a large, 40-foot-tall, owl-shaped idol in the center of a clearing. Priest-like figures wearing red and black robes circled the statue, chanting and swaying in the firelight. During this display, across the water paddled a black-garbed boatman, his face painted in the image of a skull. The boatman delivered what Jones called "an effigy of a human form," which was tossed onto the flames as members screamed and thrashed about the fire.

While the image of our country's leaders performing mock sacrificial rituals deep in an exclusive club might seem odd, other allegations are even stranger. In Cathy O'Brien and Mark Phillips' book, The Trance-Formation Of America, sources state that brainwashing, kidnapping, sodomy and ritual murder is practiced on the wooded lot of the club. The local paper, Santa Rosa Sun, reported on the strange occurrences at the Grove. The paper also wrote of the Cult Of Canaan and the human sacrificial rituals performed for the great owl god Moloch. In the late 1980s local and state police started investigating disappearances and murders in remote areas of the clubs grounds, but none of these investigations ever went anywhere.

The gathering of elite, high-level executives and top political figures alone can raise some suspicion of conspiracy. But the strange hooded rituals and chanting in the woods is something almost unimaginable by most, especially when the chanting and sacrifice is done by the likes of George Bush and Dick Cheney. The outrage over the actions of the Bohemian Club has spawned a group called the Bohemian Grove Action Network [http://www.sonomacountyfreepress.org/bohos/bohoindx.html]. The images gathered by the group definitely portray some bizarre events. But whether they portray a friendly camping trip for the rich and powerful, or a dark conspiracy fueled by the power of, and adoration for, an ancient, dark God, that is for you to decide.

In Paradise Lost, John Milton described Moloch as follows:

"First Moloch, horrid king, besmirched with blood
Of human sacrifice, and parents' tears,
Though, for the noise of drums and timbrels loud,
Their children's cries unheard, that passed through fire
To his grim idol."

Nick Razer ( nickrazer@toosquare.com )