Baphomet

Manly P. Hall (1901–1990) – Freemason & Occult Philosopher

“The Baphomet is not a devil but a symbol of divine wisdom, the perfect equilibrium of opposites

Baphomet: The Occult Symbolism and the Knights Templar Connection

Baphomet is one of the most mystically charged and misunderstood figures in occult history. Through an esoteric lens, Baphomet represents the union of opposites, divine wisdom, and the hidden mysteries of the universe. However, its historical origins are deeply tied to the Knights Templar, who were accused of worshiping this enigmatic entity during their trials in the 14th century.

  1. Historical Origins: The Knights Templar and the Baphomet Accusation

The Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order, were accused of heresy in 1307 by King Philip IV of France, leading to their downfall. Among the charges:

  • Worshiping a mysterious figure called Baphomet
  • Engaging in secret rituals with occult or heretical significance
  • Spitting on the cross and renouncing Christ

Theories About the Templar Baphomet

  1. Misinterpretation of Esoteric Teachings
  • Some scholars believe that the Templars, through their time in the Middle East, were influenced by Sufi mysticism, Gnostic beliefs, and Hermetic wisdom.
  • The name Baphomet may be a corruption of “Mahomet”(Muhammad), as some accused them of adopting Islamic mystical knowledge.
  1. Secret Knowledge & Alchemy
  • The Templars were rumored to possess alchemical wisdom, sacred geometry, and Kabbalistic teachings.
  • “Baphomet” may have been an esoteric code referring to the divine secret of balance and transformation.
  1. Cipher Meaning: “Tem OHP Ab”
  • Some researchers suggest Baphometis an anagram for “Tem OHP Ab,” meaning “The Father of the Temple” in Latin, possibly referring to the inner spiritual teachings of the Templars.

Regardless of the truth, the persecution of the Templars led to Baphomet becoming a symbol of forbidden knowledge and secret wisdom.

  1. Eliphas Levi and the Modern Baphomet Symbol

The most famous occult image of Baphomet comes from Eliphas Levi (19th century French occultist) in his book Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie (Dogma and Ritual of High Magic). Levi’s Baphomet is a goat-headed androgynous figure filled with esoteric symbolism.

Breaking Down the Occult Symbolism

  • “Solve et Coagula” (Dissolve and Coagulate)
  • Written on Baphomet’s arms, referring to the alchemical process of breaking down impurities and reforming into divine perfection**.
  • Androgyny: The Union of Opposites
  • Baphomet has both male and female characteristics, symbolizing the balance between masculine and feminine, light and dark, creation and destruction.
  • This mirrors Hermeticism’s concept of the “Rebis”, the perfected being.
  • As Above, So Below
  • One hand points up, one hand points down—representing the Hermetic Axiom that the material and spiritual worlds are reflections of one another.
  • This symbolizes duality, balance, and the magician’s ability to unite both realms.
  • Goat-Head (Capricorn/Saturn Symbolism)
  • The goat is associated with wisdom, defiance, and initiation
  • In alchemy, the goat also represents primal energy harnessed for spiritual ascension.
  • Caduceus on the Stomach (Kundalini & Life Force)
  • The intertwined serpents on Baphomet’s belly symbolize kundalini energy, sexual alchemy, and the balance of polar energies (Ida and Pingala in Hindu mysticism).
  • The stomach (solar plexus) is where the transmutation of base material (lead) into spiritual gold occurs.
  • The Wings (Divine Ascension)
  • Represent spiritual enlightenment and the transcendence of earthly limitations.
  • The Flame of Illumination on the Forehead
  • The “Flaming Torch” symbolizes divine wisdom, the pineal gland (third eye), and the enlightened mind.

This Baphomet figure became a central symbol in Western esotericism, representing the true initiate, capable of mastering both spiritual and material worlds.

  1. Baphomet in Freemasonry, Thelema, and Occultism

After Levi’s depiction, Baphomet entered modern occult traditions

  • Freemasonry – Some conspiracy theorists link Baphomet to Masonic initiations, though no direct evidence exists in mainstream Freemasonry.
  • Aleister Crowley & Thelema– Crowley associated Baphomet with the Divine Androgyne and the union of opposites, taking the name Baphomet as his magical title in the O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis).
  • Luciferian & Left-Hand Path Traditions – Some see Baphomet as a symbol of personal divinity, enlightenment, and defiance against dogma
  1. Baphomet’s True Meaning in Occultism

Baphomet is not “Satan” in the Christian sense, nor is it a symbol of evil. Instead, Baphomet represents:

  1. Balance and Duality
  • The reconciliation of opposites—good and evil, male and female, light and dark.
  • This reflects the Gnostic concept that only by integrating our dual nature can we achieve enlightenment.
  1. Divine Wisdom & Hidden Knowledge
  • The flaming torch symbolizes the inner light of the initiate guiding them beyond illusion.
  • In alchemy and Hermeticism this is the Philosopher’s Stone—spiritual mastery over nature.
  1. Liberation from Dogma
  • Just as the Knights Templar were accused of heresy, Baphomet represents forbidden wisdom that challenges established religious control.
  • It calls the seeker to self-mastery, self-deification, and enlightenment beyond the limits of organized belief systems

Final Thoughts: The Occult Legacy of Baphomet

Baphomet is a symbol of transformation, wisdom, and unity—rooted in Templar myth, alchemy, Kabbalah, and Hermeticism Its historical persecution by the Church mirrors how mysticism and esoteric knowledge have often been suppressed and demonized

For true initiates, Baphomet is not an object of worship but a symbolic key—a cipher unlocking higher consciousness, self-realization, and mastery over duality

See also Idolatry