Who is Baphomet?

Baphomet is the name of the idol supposedly worshipped by the Knights Templar, who were tried for heresy by a greedy French king at the beginning of the fourteenth century. “Baphomet” is a French corruption of “Mohammed,” which suggests that their inquisitors may have believed that the Templars were corrupted by Islam during their time in the Holy Land. No idols were ever found, but the name endured.

Baphomet is a magical image published by French occultist Eliphas Levi in the mid-nineteenth century, the frontispiece of the second volume of his magnum opus, Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic. Levi’s drawing represents the astral light, the ubiquitous and universal medium through which all magic is accomplished. An icon inspired by the alchemical androgynes of old, Baphomet also represents Azoth, the stone of the philosophers, formed from the harmonious combination of Salt (cube), Sulphur (goat), and Mercury (caduceus). Levi gave his icon a demonic appearance to conceal the mysteries it contains from those uninitiated in the occult sciences.

Baphomet is the Spirit of the Earth, the egregore of the element of Spirit within the Earth’s biosphere. Crowned with the torch of spirit and sitting on the cube of matter, they are the soul of our planet. A deity that came into being when animistic life first stirred, four billion years wise. Baphomet’s relationship with humanity has weakened as we have evolved, but human-caused climate change has compelled them to reemerge in our collective consciousness.

Baphomet is the Outsider, who operates outside the system of human society and culture to promote necessary change inside the system. Goat-headed, with cloven hooves and black wings, they bear the characteristics of the adversary of the system in Christian mythology. Baphomet favors those who choose to or are forced to live outside the system.

Baphomet is the Transmuter, the force of evolutionary change from which nothing can escape. Crowned with the pentagram of the five elements, over which they have dominion and in which is humanity’s salvation. They manipulate the elements through the powers of solve (dissolution) and coagula (coagulation).

Baphomet is an androgyne, not a he, nor a she, but a they. The caduceus that emerges between their legs is formed from the penis (rod) and the vagina/uterus (snakes). A deity with both male and female parts, they have an affinity for transgender and intersex folks. Baphomet represents the gender spectrum as opposed to the gender binary.

Baphomet is a modern Pagan manifestation of a primordial deity that has come forth to repair our dysfunctional relationship with our planet. An embodiment of transformation and balance, a herald of evolution and enlightenment, Baphomet is a wellspring of strength and wisdom for those who know Them. Hail Baphomet!