Illuminati

this isn't the funhouse.

Agreed. Half of these "discoveries of symbolism" are nothing more than coincidences of people using symbols because they look cool/have been used for centuries, without really understanding what they mean. Whether you like Dan Brown or not he is correct in his novels when he describes this aspect of modern human society.

However, the one fact you can't trifle on is this: the Illuminati were, at one point, a real organization. I am no symbology/archaeology specialist in Illuminati lore, so I don't know the full story behind the organization nor whether or not a contemporary group descended from the original exists, but I can affirm that it was a real organization designed to further human insight in science during the Catholic Inquisition of the late Renaissance (if I recall correctly).

Again, whether or not you like Dan Brown, I have yet to see evidence his novels are incorrect in their presentation of brotherhood legend, so I'd suggest reading some of them if you'd like to learn more (with Angels & Demons, of course, being the specific choice if you're looking for a plot focusing on the Illuminati). Of course, the best way to learn the truth would be to look for credible information from teachers/professors; many colleges/universities may even have symbology courses that highlight certain organizations, so check those out if you have the credits.