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Baphomet: An Exploration of Symbolism and Misunderstanding Baphomet is one of the most iconic and controversial figures in occultism, often misunderstood and surrounded by mystery. This figure, a half-human, half-goat entity, has evolved over centuries, from a symbol alleged to be worshipped by the Knights Templar, to a powerful representation in modern occult traditions such as Satanism. Its origins, imagery, and usage reflect a deep history of religious, political, and esoteric elements. Origins and Medieval Allegations The exact origin of the name “Baphomet“ is uncertain and has been the subject of much speculation. One theory suggests it is a corruption of “Mahomet,“ an old European term for Muhammad. Another interpretation proposed by occult historian Montague Summers links the name to two Greek words, “baphe“ (baptism) and “metis“ (wisdom), which together might signify “absorption of knowledge.“ Over time, the name has been connected to various mystical and occult traditions. Another concept was that Baphomet was an invented pagan or Gnostic idol or deity that the Templars were accused of worshipping and that was later embraced by various occult and mystical writers. The first known mention of Baphomet was in a letter written in 1098 by Anselm of Ribemont describing the Siege of Antioch during the First Crusade. In the Middle Ages, Baphomet was thought to be an idol worshipped by the Knights Templar. This idol was often described as a human skull, a stuffed human head, or a figure with curly black hair, and it was believed to be a source of fertility and wealth. The Templars were accused of heresy, and Baphomet became a symbol tied to those Éliphas Lévi’s Baphomet: The Sabbatic Goat The modern conception of Baphomet owes much to the work of Éliphas Lévi, a 19th-century French occultist. In his seminal work *Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie* (Dogma and Ritual of High Magic), Lévi introduced the now-famous drawing of Baphomet known as the Sabbatic Goat. This image is a hybrid figure with a goat’s head, a human body, female breasts, wings, and a torch between its horns. Its arms are inscribed with the Latin words “SOLVE” (to dissolve) and “COAGULA” (to bind), representing the process of destruction and creation in alchemical traditions. Lévi’s Baphomet was designed as a symbol of balance and duality. It represents the union of opposites: male and female, good and evil, animal and human. The figure’s pose, with one hand pointing upward and the other downward, mirrors the Hermetic maxim “As above, so below,” emphasizing the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds. Lévi saw Baphomet not as a demonic figure, but as a representation of equilibrium and a manifestation of the divine nature of opposites. The Knights Templar and Freemasonry Theories In the 18th and 19th centuries, Baphomet was further associated with Freemasonry and Gnostic traditions. Some writers, such as Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall, argued that the Templars had inherited secret knowledge from the Gnostics, and Baphomet was the symbol of their hidden beliefs. Others speculated that Baphomet was an emblem of alchemical transformation, tying the figure to esoteric concepts of spiritual enlightenment through symbolic death and rebirth. Freemasons, especially during the Enlightenment, were accused of practicing similar secret rituals, and Baphomet was sometimes invoked in anti-Masonic rhetoric. These speculative theories, though lacking solid evidence, helped to cement Baphomet’s place in the broader history of secret societies and occultism. Baphomet in Modern Satanism Baphomet took on new life in the 20th century when Anton LaVey’s Church of Satan, founded in 1966, adopted a stylized version of Baphomet as a central symbol. LaVey’s Sigil of Baphomet features a goat’s head within an inverted pentagram, encircled by a double ring that includes the Hebrew letters spelling “Leviathan,” a demon associated with chaos. This symbol was intended to represent the rejection of traditional religious dogma and the embrace of individualism, power, and rebellion. The Sigil of Baphomet is now widely recognized as a symbol of modern Satanism, although it differs significantly from Lévi’s version. While Lévi’s Baphomet symbolized balance and harmony, the Church of Satan’s Baphomet emphasizes defiance against conventional morality and the celebration of human nature’s carnal and instinctual aspects. Cultural Depictions and Controversies In contemporary culture, Baphomet has appeared in various forms of media, from literature and films to art and music. One notable example occurred in 2015, when The Satanic Temple unveiled an statue of Baphomet in Detroit. The statue was part of a larger campaign to advocate for religious freedom, specifically protesting the installation of a Ten Commandments monument on public property in Oklahoma.
