Since time immemorial, the figure of an anthropomorphic goat has fascinated and disturbed Western cultures. This emblem, known as Baphomet, has crossed centuries of history, transforming from a pagan god of fertility to an emblem of Satanism.
Symbolism and History of Baphomet in Mythology and Occultism
Its influence has been so great that it even sealed the fate of one of the most powerful secret societies in history: the Templars.
This emblem, associated with ritual magic, witchcraft, Satanism and esotericism, has made its appearances in every era and at different moments in history, although its popularity skyrocketed from the 20th century onwards.
Baphomet is like a patchwork quilt made up of fragments of various mythologies, predominantly pagan, which extend from ancient Egypt to northern Europe and India.
Indeed, the idea of a horned deity is universally found in the individual psyche. Baphomet intertwines with similar figures such as Cernunnos, Pan, Hathor and the devil, as presented by Christianity. Its name is often associated with the Greek term for “baptism of wisdom”.
Baphomet has notable connections, especially with occult personalities Eliphas Levi and Aleister Crowley. Even though the representation of Baphomet has circulated for a millennium, the most famous is the image depicted by Levi in 1861 in his book “Dogmas and Rituals of High Magic”.
Later, British occultist Aleister Crowley would adopt this figure for the Secret Society OTO, a Gnostic Catholic church.
The Link of Baphomet with the Templars and Freemasonry
A Symbol of Fertility and Ritual
Baphomet’s link with secret societies such as the Templars and Freemasonry is quite well known but we highlight Anton Lavey’s Church of Satan, founded in 1966, which adopted the “Seal of Baphomet” as its official emblem.
According to Lavey, the Templars venerated Baphomet as a symbol of Satan, present during their rituals as a prominent emblem above the altar. But Baphomet also has more earthly interpretations.
Instead of the dreaded symbol of Satan, some secret societies view it as a pagan god, symbolized only as a stone head, a symbol of fertility. The Templars were said to pay homage to Baphomet, congregating around a stone replica of his head and reciting prayers.
This ritual celebrated the creative magic of sexual union. But the Church had its own interpretations.
The Evolution of Baphomet
Its Journey from Ancient Fertility to Modern Pop Culture
Under the papacy of Clement V, the Templars were falsely accused of heresy and worship of false idols. Baphomet became the perfect scapegoat, his image used as concrete proof against the Templars.
The evolution of Baphomet, from a pagan god of fertility to a satanic demon, reflects the Church’s efforts to discredit the Templars.
Even today, we find echoes of this ancient god of fertility in our traditions, such as the cornucopia present on tables during the celebration of Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
From being a mere symbolic creation of alchemy and esotericism, Baphomet has transformed into an omnipresent figure in contemporary popular culture, even reaching video games.
This goat icon, whose origin is rooted in ancient myths and mysteries, has endured in our collective imagination, reminding us of the complexity and richness of our cultural and religious history.”
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