What is the story behind this Baphomet thing?
The image and statue of Baphomet, is closely tied to Satanism, but what exactly is it? Is it a representation of Satan, the Devil, or some other demon?
Despite being repeatedly and incorrectly identified as Satan, it’s none of those. When the statue of Baphomet went to Oklahoma and people lost their minds, it was rather funny. They had no idea what they were afraid of.
To be honest, the Baphomet story is a little convoluted with plenty of allegations to go round. The name Baphomet could be a corruption of the name Muhammad-as Mahomet.
However we got there, the name Baphomet, is in trial documents from 1307 at the Inquisition of the Knights Templar. Allegations were leveled that the Knights Templar worshipped it as a god.
All dubious charges since confessions came from torture.
Baphomet is the current spelling, but is also seen as Baphometh, Bafomet, Mahomet and others.
There are even fun plot twists where Baphomet is code for different phrases and combinations such as Basileus philosophorum metaloricum.
Regardless of the underlying story, the current depiction comes from Éliphas Lévi, and doesn’t represent a demon at all. As noted before:
Baphomet is a symbol of balance in various occult and mystical traditions. Since 1856 the name Baphomet has been associated with the “Sabbatic Goat” image drawn by Éliphas Lévi, composed of binary elements representing the “symbolization of the equilibrium of opposites” half-human and half-animal, male and female, good and evil, etc. Lévi’s intention was to symbolize his concept of balance, with Baphomet representing the goal of perfect social order. [1]
Indeed, the Baphomet image is a small puzzle of “hidden” messages for those who seek enlightenment.
Within the image you can see the four elements, sex and motherhood, sin and redemption. The crescent moons represent good and evil. The torch between the horns represents knowledge-the greatest gift. [2][3]
It is male and female, animal and human, light and dark, above and below.
It’s been adopted because it represents harmony and balance. It represents plurality.
It’s an elaborate form of the Yin-Yang symbol, so it’s laughable when people cry out in terror fearing plagues and curses. They are quick to anger, slow to understand.
It does not represent destruction or torture.
It does not represent a demon or a devil.
There is a lot more to the history and symbolic imagery and to Éliphas Lévi, so have fun digging deeper. However, keep in mind, Baphomet will be listed as a demon, especially by Christians. Like everything else, they see it as sinister and another manifestation of Satan.
Baphomet is a Gnostic image, meaning-an emphasis of personal spiritual knowledge (gnosis) above the orthodox teachings, traditions, and authority of religious institutions.