BAPHOMET
Baphomet is a bearded, goat head deity who represents the symbolization of the equality of opposites.
While I know Baphomet as a male spirit, some believe that the deity is both male and female.
Although, Baphomet has both masculine and feminine qualities and attributes, it is imperative that one
not let gender or the question of gender be a dealbreaker in deciding whether or not to have a
relationship with the spirit. Baphomet is a peacemaker, one who brings order to other spirits,
an occult icon. He serves the independent, brave soul who is dedicated to seeking their own true path,
their individuality and highest purpose in life, especially if it means the person must commit to their
path from a place of defiance and rejection of society’s normalized, problematic and soul-stifling
ideals. Baphomet brings purpose into focus, guides one’s intent on the cultivation of their own
personal transcendence and craft, and provides clarity in the mission. While one has his
companionship, they may receive a greater degree of clarity about who they really are and their path
cannot be disputed by any human or spirit who attempts to thwart them from it. This is if the person is
truly open to positive growth and the longevity of growth. They who are holy created Baphomet.
His spirit is a center for grounding, centering one’s own dark side and uniting their dark and light
aspects into a workable dynamic, all while maintaining the necessity of order in our world full of
constant chaos, limits and challenges. Baphomet is godly, regal-like, proud, loyal, poised, intelligent,
sentient, kind and humble. He has a diplomatic but authoritative edge over a wide range of spirit
forces, which he exercises on behalf of his creators, his practitioner and their godhead/goddesshead
(if they have one). He serves as an appropriate, sometimes warring opposition against his practitioner’s
enemies and their own stupidity when it arises. He calms the inner rage and the inner chaos.
All for the sake of the bigger picture, of course. In addition to being an independent spirit, Baphomet is also a manifestation of Satan and is one of Satan’s many counterparts. Do not underestimate the feats
Satan can overcome. Baphomet is one good reason that the collective Satan has been able to hold onto
its resilience for this long at the capacity it has and hasn’t lost its head. Baphomet is upstanding and
grounded by high morale laws of the dead, our ancient primordials; the Great Divine. For those of you
who do not know: Satan was created to teach us. Do not fuss over accusations that any Satanic
manifestation pretends to be higher than “God.” They do not see the highest God/Goddess force in the
Universe the way is has been painted by the teachings of mass religion but do understand they have
great pride in whatever it is they truly are. This truth is one Baphomet exemplifies in the highest care
and manner. If any spirit tells you that its name is Satan, you must question whether it is an actual
Satanic manifestation or just some nasty wannabe demon pretending to be Satan because it longs for
the same perks Satan himself enjoys. It is those pretender spirits you really have to worry about.
Baphomet knows lesser spirits want to vamp off our souls. Lesser spirits have figured out that
throwing around Satan’s name as they claim the name for themselves, illicits unique responses from
humans, and they acknowledge that illiciting responses from humans leads to a relationship of give and
take with the human; usually accompanied with ill-gained rewards and the person not knowing any
better what they are getting themselves into or who they are actually dealing with. This threat to the
practitioner, the wizard, the human is one Baphomet can mitigate rather well. This is only going to
come with facing the truth of who he is head on. This means going well above and beyond just
wearing Satanic sigils, being ‘loud’ with the image of Goat-Man-Beast, or making an accidental
mockery of him. This is about understanding him and hearing him out. For Baphomet may not speak
often, but he never misses the mark in addressing how a task can be better handled, how life can be
lived better, how the adversary can be best dealt with, how karma can be ironed out with the least
collateral damage entailed. His words will always count for something and he does not appreciate his
energy being wasted. Just like a person can walk away from you when they have had enough of your
BS, he can leave you alone much the same. Although, his residue will still linger, the most of him will
be done with you when you have pushed his anger, disappointment and disgust of you too far.
Baphomet can be a lover, a sweet sarcastic friend, a commander who protects against your detriment or
can become your angry, bitter enemy. Choose your battles wisely and tread carefully. Baphomet’s
presence in your life can only add value if you cultivate the right dynamic for that. You decide if you
want his sentiment or heat and you definitely get what you ask for.
They say Baphomet was created a gnostic and pagan deity, that he was invented for pagan worship
and idolatry. During the Siege of Antioch of the First Crusade, Anselm of Ribemont made the first
known mention of Baphomet. He said the Turks “called loudly upon Baphomet.” The Inquisition
regarded Baphomet a demonic, evil, deviant force and a subversive element. On October 13, 1307,
Philip IV of France had every one of The Knights Templar arrested. The Templars were accused of
heresy and a multitude of heretical acts, including worshipping the goat head deity. Many were forced,
tortured to confess to what was at that time considered heinous, sinister, corrupt and an idolatrous act of
heresy under the rule of Inquisition to serve the human-goat amalgamation. People who were even
remotely assumed to have given into Baphomet worship were brutally, severely punished. Many
Templars denied even knowing of Baphomet’s existence. Some believe that the people who enforced
punishment for service to the deity were just looking for a reason to execute cruelty and scare people
away from idol worship. It is assumed that Philip IV saw an opportunity to make money off of turning
over the Templars for heresy and idol worship of the bearded male goat head spirit since he was in need
of money. At one point, he had Pope Boniface VIII kidnapped and tried for similar “spiritual crimes”
and heresy. Subsequently, the deity was later embraced, adopted, and revered by various witches,
occultists, practitioners and writers of the mystical arts and incorporated into their practices. In 2007,
author Karen Ralls published Knights Templar Encyclopedia: The Essential Guide to the People,
Places, Events, and Symbols of the Order of the Temple. She argues that Baphomet veneration and worship is not evident in Templar Rule or in other medieval period Templar documents. Some still
associate Baphomet with evil and deviance and see him as a sign of defiance. Acknowledgment of
Baphomet fell into relative insignificance for some time after the Inquisition, but was revived and
‘reborn’ thanks to the renowned, influential French practitioner Eliphas Levi. Although, some of Levi’s
claims of Baphomet have been deemed proposterous by some occultists, his writings inspired and
ignited the flame of Baphomet worship for many who were scared to step outside the bounds of more
accepted occult practices. In Levi’s book Dogme et ritual de la haute magie(1861; Transcendental
Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual), the Baphomet that is now an occult icon today was ‘created’.
Levi put an illustration of the hermaphroditic winged human figure with a goat head and goat feet at the
beginning of the book. It was envisioned as a “Sabbatic Goat” and was marked with the Latin words
SOLVE(dissolve) and COAGULA(coagulate). The drawing of the half-animal, half-human was
embellished with numerous esoteric and occult symbols. Levi describes Baphomet as representing
both male and female, good and bad, on and off, etc, and delineates the interpretations of each element
of the illustration by its keen and extensive duality. On one hand, Levi’s aim was to symbolize his
notion of balance that was crucial to his magnetistic concept of the Astral Light. On the other hand,
Baphomet is regarded as a tradition that should ensue perfect community order. In 1987, the original
goat pentagram first materialized in the book La Clef de la Magie Noire, which was written by French
mystic poet and occultist Stanislas de Guaita who was a member of the Rosicrucian Order.
The Hebrew inscription on the goat pentagram translated is “Leviathan”, which is a sea creature that
originated from Judaic mythology. Aleister Crowley later developed Thelema and incorporated
Baphomet into his practice and teachings, particularly in his “Gnostic Mass.” In 1913, he wrote
The Gnostic Mass(aka Liber XV or Book 15) while making his way through Russia. Many scholars
believe that the name Baphomet cryptically alludes to Mahomet, the religious leader
Muhammad/Mohamed. Many medieval Christians were convinced that Muslims were idolatrous and
revered Muhammad as a god and some swear the deity was created as a manifestation of Mohamed
himself(some subsequent spirits and their integrations are created this way) and Freemasons started
getting victimized for Baphomet worship by the 19th century. Many refer to Baphomet as “the devil.”
There are many cryptic associations and cryptic origin theories of Baphomet who influenced the
“The Devil”(XV-the fifteenth trump) tarot card in the Ryder-Waite deck, which was published in 1909.
The Church of Satan, founded and established by Anton Szandor LaVey, adopted the figure of
Baphomet and depicted the deity in an inverted pentagram as their official symbol in the late 1960’s.
It first showed up on the cover of The Satanic Mass LP in 1968 and LaVey produced a new sigil of
Baphomet for the cover of his book The Satanic Bible in 1969. The Baphomet symbol has been called
a “material pentagram” emblematic of carnality(fleshliness) and earthy principles. The Church of
Satan relates the symbol as the “...preeminent visual distillation of the iconoclastic philosophy of
Satanism.” As the Baphomet becomes more and more acknowledged by the curious and explored by
the brave, the reality of the iconoclastic sense and effects of the deity do come more to light over time,
becoming ingrained as an accepted truth of the spirit by the person who has researched and experienced
Baphomet for himself.
Many occultists and practitioners believe that Baphomet brings together, harmonizes and integrates
cosmic opposites. This is a true implication. I know from experience that Baphomet polarizes deities
who are considered opposites and unifies them through some acts of mutual agreement and codification
with him and with each other. He harmonizes male and female(man and woman), “good” and “evil”,
and has both good and evil attributes himself. In my house, Baphomet has unified Satanic
manifestations into continual integration with Ifá consciousness with Ifá serving as their godhead,
surrendering even himself over to Ifá in a brotherhood pact, and serving as my husband and one of my
many protectors. I serve as Baphomet’s living goddesshead and grand high priestess. The Baphomet
sigil is an identifying marker for people associated and aligned with witchcraft, the occult, Satanic practice and various occult practices. Although, I am only Satanic in part, I am 100% Buddhist in
approach(not religiously so), a polytheistic practitioner who has relationships with a multitude of
spirits. Baphomet is more than enthusiastic to share the spiritual love in my house. He is a part of
Satanic consciousness as he is an integral part of my Ifá consciousness and crucial in the development
of forces coming together to work in my own personal army of spirits. His close association with
The Devil has no doubt contributed to his prolific reputation, which for many seems not likely within
reach of redemption. Truthfully, no redemption is sought on Baphomet’s part in regards to this.
He does not an apologize for being synonymous with Satan aka The Devil nor does he care what one
thinks of this association. He does not have a problem with what or who he is in any way, especially in
a way which one thinks they can manipulate him based on their limited series of spiritual and occult
understandings. That slight smile on his face can quickly become a grimace, no lie. It has been said
that Satan represents indulgence, vital existence and undefiled wisdom. Very very true. For some may
call Baphomet and various Satan spirits selfish or self-centered, liars and deceivers, but it is the
deceivers and the hyprocrites Satan despises! Baphomet loathes, despises self-destruction, deceit,
self-deceit, self-abandonment, an overbearing ego, hypocrisy, dishonesty, self-loathing,
self-deprecation, self-hatred, lowly rationalization, thoughtlessness, carelessness, lack of self-control,
lack of compassion, lack of self-compassion, and feeling sorry for oneself. He says you have no
worries as long as magick is by your side and he is there to carry you. This creature man is his own
storehouse for magick and he does not tolerate one trying to get something out of him they do not
deserve, especially at the expense of his magick and stimulating presence being used for selfish,
gluttonous, and ignorant reasons. One will not tarnish his charisma and his integrity, not in the
slightest. Self-betrayal is as much a betrayal as any(more actually) and self-hatred turned too far
inward and gone too deep is in the recipe for Baphomet to become a foe or opposition to the
practitioner. Baphomet will seek to end a connection with somebody over their own self-deceit and
stagnant ways. Indulgence comes at a price. He teaches about the karmas of indulgence,
about moderation, knowing one’s actual limits and their different kinds of limits, the positive and
negative potentials of one’s karma, and the importance of choosing strength over cowardice and
weakness. Not to say that Baphomet is not ok with one’s vulnerability. Some degree of vulnerability
in the individual he finds endearing. When vulnerability turns into one letting another practically walk
on him like a sidewalk, is a time when Baphomet sees it as a weakness and not as a strength
accompanied with necessary self-compassion.
Baphomet fills the role necessary to enlighten the real ones the truth is still right here as it has always
been and that the Universe has its rules for a good reason, that a good life is just a matter of reaching
out and manifesting the raw and pure magick of your greatest dreams, molding them, weaving them,
molding YOU for the destiny you were truly truly meant for. To live without attaining one’s own truth,
to betray one’s own highest destiny and transcendence is considered a disgrace by the divine powers
that be. You can disagree with me all you like, but you cannot change the truth. Consider Baphomet as
the one who will make sure the spirit of paganism and polytheism burns alive so fine in a person,
they will NEVER forget where they came from, WHO they descended from, they will KNOW who
they are, and what their role and significance is on planet Earth. And yes, they WILL know these truths
while he is at their side, whether he has to be the first one to burst their bubble about it all or not.
He won’t have it any other way. The pretenders, the wannabes will never know how they could have it
better. They cannot perceive the high frequency truth of Baphomet. The finest parts of him are too
great for words. He filters one’s feed and absorption of energies through the ladder of lights. So if you
are transmitting his magick at the highest level you can go, Baphomet should emit a lwa like quality to
you. You must determine if you are going to feed into the stereotypes and the misuse of his likeness
and symbol or if you are going to cater to the high frequency reality of who he is. One must surrender
to transcendence rather than the guaranteed, eventual downfall they will inevitably ask upon themselves by abusing or misusing his essence. Baphomet is a key to unlocking the dark uglies inside
and hashing through them one by one until you have destigmatized them for yourself. Just be honest
about who you are, let him do what he is supposed to do, and you will free yourself in the Buddha-ness
of his likeness and capabilities. You determine if you will feed into him or the lowly pretenders.
In my home, Baphomet is integrated with Ifá, so spirits who have served Baphomet prior to this
integration now serve Ifá as their central godhead with Baphomet. I have seen Baphomet cry from
sadness and joy. For me, Baphomet represents my ability to accept my own mind, intellect,
access to divine counsel and divine knowledge, and my right to my own free will to make choices
knowing there are always some kind of consequences entailed with a choice. The Divine Mother and
The Divine Father created Baphomet to enlighten us, to influence paradigm shifts in nature worship
and the world of occult practice, and to steer the course of nature worship onto the path of a
revolutionary reimplementation into the world. Baphomet communicates with me through empathy
and feeling more so than in words. Baphomet is the Mind Of Resolution for Satan, bearing a different
kind of charisma than say Lucifer. He is also very very different from other various manifestations of
Satan while sharing threads of commonality with each of them. One must understand that Baphomet’s
image and magick has been abused by so called ‘Satanists’ and occultists, but a TRUE Satanist, a
TRUE wizard knows Baphomet and his magick should not be abused. For where you feel the true
heart of Satan, you can FEEL Baphomet plainly speaking through with the strength of confidence,
solid clarity, focused mission and shared divine intent. Baphomet guides you to grant yourself the
peace in your own darkness. He can make it easier for you to look at yourself in the mirror, to be more
introspective, and to be more honest about who you are and who you are becoming. He will lead you
on the road of learning The Summation of All. Some believers say Baphomet represents the sum of the
entire Universe and all its opposing forces.
I believe Baphomet can be incorporated into a multitude of practices without one having to identify
as Satanic or have any involvement with other Satanic manifestations at all. Although, if one
has an itching curiosity about using Baphomet in their practice but is turned off by any other Satanic
manifestation, it is best to leave him be. Baphomet will open the door but he will not close it.
You let occult truths come through that door and you will take responsibility for the truth you acquire.
He is a key, a guide to enhancing your overall spiritual intellect and emotional intelligence.
A truly successful life with Baphomet is one of integration of the many aspects of the human spirit and
an integration of the wrathful deities, meditational deities and peaceful deities of one’s house.
He takes darkness head on and brings light of the truth and the truth to the light, for you, for all that has
been drowned in and blinded by all the darkness, especially if you forgot it or never knew it before. He
is the spirit of meditation, both light and dark, in cohesion and coercion of The Source Itself.
Baphomet is a great listener, always in the spirit of seeking resolution. He is not exactly impressed by
the majority of mankind, for we fail ourselves more than anybody. You can see in his face in its usually
constant smile, where all is said that needs to be said. He is powerful and very very wise. He is a
carnal spirit needing, wanting, yearning, expecting to be expressed when you are joined to him through
marriage, pact and practice. He can dismiss you as he can guide and protect you. He can speed up
your karmic delivery, although he hopes you won’t give him a reason to. All the good and bad that
makes you you, he takes it all from you. Better know what you must pay to use his magick, to put the
good and bad of who you are in the path of this badass, to be great enough for him. Although,
Baphomet is much wiser than most of his Satanic counterparts, he has a propensity for evil as any other
demon, he just isn’t a stereotype or a typical demon. The Winged Goat-Man is his own version of
greatness and awesomeness. He is vital and full of love, proud in serving his purpose. In spite of the
doubts of some, Baphomet is a sensei for many others. He takes joy in watching one grow as much as
he takes joy in watching one suffer from their acts of blatant selfishness, hatred, and arrogance.
He is very satisfied in knowing that everybody gets theirs eventually, whatever that means for them.
Indulge his humor. Be proud, but know when you must swallow your pride. Holy or unholy, he will
do what he is going to do.