Baphomet History

Learning Baphomet History.

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Baphomet is a fascinating figure, but unlike Fenrir and the wolves you asked about earlier (who come from Norse mythology), Baphomet’s story is a lot more tangled, blending medieval legend, occult symbolism, and modern invention. Here’s a clear summary:

Origins:

• Medieval Period (Templars):
  The first historical mentions of Baphomet come from the early 14th century, during the persecution of the Knights Templar.
  • When the Templars were arrested and tortured by King Philip IV of France (partly to seize their wealth), some confessed under torture that they had worshipped a mysterious idol called “Baphomet.”
  • Scholars believe “Baphomet” was either a corrupted version of “Mahomet” (Muhammad) — linking the Templars falsely to Islam — or simply a made-up charge to justify executing them.
  • No clear description of what Baphomet was supposed to look like at that time exists.

Occult Symbolism:

• 19th Century (Eliphas Levi):
  • In the 1800s, a French occultist named Éliphas Lévi reimagined Baphomet completely.
  • He drew the famous image of a winged, goat-headed figure with a torch between its horns, a human body (one arm male, one arm female), and a pentagram on its forehead.
  • In Lévi’s design, Baphomet symbolized the unity of opposites:
    • Male and female
    • Good and evil
    • Light and dark
    • Earth and heaven
  • The torch symbolized divine enlightenment, and the gesture (one hand up, one hand down) echoed the Hermetic principle “As above, so below.”

Modern Influence:

• Occult and Pop Culture:
  • In the 20th century, Baphomet became associated with Satanism (especially after Anton LaVey used similar imagery for his Church of Satan).
  • However, Baphomet isn’t originally Satanic. It’s a complex symbol about balance, transcendence, and secret knowledge.
  • In modern times, groups like The Satanic Temple have used Baphomet statues to advocate for religious freedom (for instance, challenging the placement of Ten Commandments monuments on public grounds).

Quick Character Snapshot:

So, Baphomet is less a “being” with stories like Fenrir and more a symbol that changed over centuries depending on who was invoking the name.

Baphomet History.

Here is what Wikipedia has to say about Baphomet. CliCk HERE.