-Creed of the EGC
No name sends unfounded shivers down more people's spines than the name Baphomet. His image is supposedly that of the image of Satan, ruler of Hell. He is the false god of the Templars and Satanists, and worshipped by Freemasons in their temples by the name GAOTU. In D&D, he is a Demon Lord, and the ruler of Minotaurs. Surely Baphomet is eeeeeevil!
Okay, I'm sure you can all hear the sarcasm dripping from that introduction there. But what is Baphomet? What is this deity, who is: "Like a goat, Like an ass, Like an eagle, Like a bearded head, Like two or three cats, Like a duck, Like a painting on a wall, Like a serpent and a lion." (quote from T Polyphilus). What does Baphomet even mean?
Historians and etymologists believe the name Baphomet comes from the French pronunciation of the name Mohammed, prophet of Islam. The name Mohammed in French is Mahomet, in which we can see the similarity to the name Baphomet. It is also suggested that the name means Baphe Metis, or Baptism of Wisdom; or also a corruption of the name of the name of the Egyptian deity Banebdjedet, the Goat of Mendes. Some also suggest an Arabic origin, meaning "Father of Understanding." Whatever the origin, the name Baphomet still seems to hold power. Even typing the name, its almost as if I can feel him watching on, and thats not just because of his image on my altar.
Speaking of the Image, why does Baphomet look like that anyway. Baphomet is the balance of opposites. As described by Eliphas Levi: The goat on the frontispiece carries the sign of the pentagram on the forehead, with one point at the top, a symbol of light, his two hands forming the sign of occultism, the one pointing up to the white moon of Chesed, the other pointing down to the black one of Geburah. This sign expresses the perfect harmony of mercy with justice. His one arm is female, the other male like the ones of the androgyne of Khunrath, the attributes of which we had to unite with those of our goat because he is one and the same symbol. The flame of intelligence shining between his horns is the magic light of the universal balance, the image of the soul elevated above matter, as the flame, whilst being tied to matter, shines above it. The beast's head expresses the horror of the sinner, whose materially acting, solely responsible part has to bear the punishment exclusively; because the soul is insensitive according to its nature and can only suffer when it materializes. The rod standing instead of genitals symbolizes eternal life, the body covered with scales the water, the semi-circle above it the atmosphere, the feathers following above the volatile. Humanity is represented by the two breasts and the androgyne arms of this sphinx of the occult sciences.
Baphomet is also the spermatoza, and the union of the male and female. Baphomet is shown to be very giving, giving more than Bacchus and Apollo according to Liber A'Ash. A line soon after states that whome he loves, he chastises with many rods. Some point to this, as well as the sexual nature of witch trial accounts, to say that Baphomet is also the patron of BDSM. If one believes (like I do) that Baphomet is a modern expression of Banebdjedet, then one can see the sexual nature of Baphomet brought forth again. However one looks at it, Baphomet is a god of Wisdom as well as Sexuality, as well as trial and initiation. In fact, Levi called Baphomet the sign of initiation. I can certainly attest that beginning to call upon Baphomet is a trial, to get past what one is uncomfortable with, and to a more well rounded person.
I'm going to let you in on a little secret that I came to discover when I began venerating Baphomet, and calling upon him. In the Torah, as well as in Jewish and Christian traditions, angels used to tell the people they appeared to, "not be afraid." Why would they say that? Why would a cute cherub say that, who could be afraid of a cherub? Well, those who study angelology know that, in ancient times, angels did not look like the cute little cherub. In fact, take a moment and read the Book of Revelations, specifically Revelations 4:8. Here, I'll post it here on this blog: "Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.""
Jesus loves the little chil... WAIT, DON'T RUN, DON'T BE AFRAID!!!
For the nerds like me: I would run in horror if I saw Cthulhu knocking on my door, even if he told me not to be afraid. Baphomet is the same, however, he will not give you that warning. Baphomet is force and darkness and rage, he is the storm and the night. Yet, he is also the light of wisdom and peace and truth. Lady Liberty might lift her lamp beside the golden door of Liberty, but Baphomet will butt the door open and guide you with the torch betwixt his horns. First, however, you must learn not to be afraid. The darkness and rage is of your own creation, your Shadow if you will.
I guess one can say that, ultimately, Baphomet is the Holy Guardian Angel, which is ultimately us.
NEXT WEEK: Celtophilia, or the misapproptiation, mislabeling, and what exactly is a Celtic tradition (or, I make a whole bunch of enemies :P)
No comments:
Post a Comment