Baphomet is a deity that has been incorporated into various occult and Western esoteric traditions. The name Baphomet first appeared in trial transcripts for the Inquisition of the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar were accused of worshipping a bearded male head called Baphomet, which was later embraced by various occult and mystical writers. The origin of Baphomet-worship is subject to much debate, and even the origins of the word Baphomet are unknown. Some scholars believe that the word refers to Muhammad, the founder of Islam. However, over the years, the interpretations of the word and its meaning have grown, and it has become a recognized occult icon.
The best-known modern image of Baphomet was drawn in 1856 by the French occultist Eliphas Levi, in his book Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual. Levis Baphomet was a winged hermaphrodite with a torch between its horns and a pentagram on its forehead. Its arms bore the Latin words SOLVE (separate) and COAGULA (join together) - the powers of "binding and loosing" usurped from God. Levis drawing was the inspiration for the Satanic Temples new monument.
Baphomet is a contradictory and enticing symbol depicting a goat-headed god with both male and female anatomy often surrounded by symbols and markings. Baphomet represents duality, harmony, and the combination of sexes, gender nonconformity, and religious freedom. While Baphomet isnt inherently a wicked symbol, it can portray the darkness in all as well as the light. The symbol is shown beautifully in one of Alchemys pieces, the goats head of Baphomet being the iconic identifier.
In summary, Baphomet is a deity that has been incorporated into various occult and Western esoteric traditions. The Knights Templar were accused of worshipping a bearded male head called Baphomet, which was later embraced by various occult and mystical writers. The best-known modern image of Baphomet was drawn in 1856 by the French occultist Eliphas Levi, in his book Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual. Baphomet represents duality, harmony, and the combination of sexes, gender nonconformity, and religious freedom.
