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--- baphomet [2023/03/26 14:08] – [Eliphas Levis Explanation] andy
+++ baphomet [2023/03/27 16:17] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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+{{tag>god_forms}}
 ====== Baphomet ======
-Baphomet is an enigmatic figure with a complex history, often associated with the occult, esotericism, and ceremonial magic. The origins of Baphomet can be traced back to the medieval period, when the Knights Templar, a powerful and influential Christian military order, were accused of worshipping a mysterious idol during the Inquisition. The name 'Baphomet' is thought to have been derived from a variety of sources, including a corruption of 'Mahomet' (an alternative spelling of Muhammad) or possibly from the Greek words 'baphe' (baptism) and 'metis' (wisdom).
+{{ :baphomet_thelema.png?400|}}Baphomet is an enigmatic figure with a complex history, often associated with the occult, esotericism, and ceremonial magic. The origins of Baphomet can be traced back to the medieval period, when the Knights Templar, a powerful and influential Christian military order, were accused of worshipping a mysterious idol during the Inquisition. The name 'Baphomet' is thought to have been derived from a variety of sources, including a corruption of 'Mahomet' (an alternative spelling of Muhammad) or possibly from the Greek words 'baphe' (baptism) and 'metis' (wisdom).
 The most enduring and widely recognised representation of Baphomet comes from the 19th century, when French occultist Éliphas Lévi created an illustration of the figure for his book "Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie" (Dogma and Ritual of High Magic). Lévi's Baphomet is depicted as a humanoid figure with a goat's head, wings, and cloven hooves, seated with one arm raised and the other lowered, forming the 'as above, so below' gesture. The figure also bears a torch between its horns, symbolising enlightenment, and a caduceus at its waist, representing the union of opposites.
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 The beast's head expresses the horror of the sinner, whose materially acting, solely responsible part has to bear the punishment exclusively; 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."
+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."
 **— Éliphas Lévi, "Dogme et rituel de la haute magie"**
 </WRAP>
+Baphomet is a complex and enigmatic figure with roots in medieval history and 19th-century occultism. While frequently associated with the occult and the darker aspects of spirituality, Baphomet's core symbolism revolves around the reconciliation of opposites and the harmonisation of dualistic forces in the pursuit of spiritual transformation.
+Aleister Crowley held a unique perspective on Baphomet, rooted in his esoteric teachings and understanding of the figure as a symbol of the unity and equilibrium of opposing forces.
+Crowley's interpretation of Baphomet is closely linked to the concept of the "Aeon of Horus," a new era in human spiritual evolution that he believed had begun in the early 20th century. Within this context, Baphomet embodies the central Thelemic principle of "Love is the law, love under will," signifying the harmonisation of the individual will with universal cosmic forces.
+In Crowley's system, Baphomet serves as a symbol of spiritual initiation and transformation, representing the adept's journey towards self-realisation and the union of opposites. This is exemplified in the androgynous nature of Baphomet, which combines both male and female attributes, reflecting the union of the masculine and feminine energies necessary for spiritual growth.
+Furthermore, Crowley associated Baphomet with the Tarot card "The Devil" (Atu XV) in his Thoth Tarot deck, emphasising the figure's connection to the material world, the mastery of earthly desires, and the transmutation of base instincts into spiritual power. Crowley's Baphomet thus represents the alchemical process of transforming lower, mundane energies into higher, spiritual forces, aligning with the Thelemic pursuit of self-discovery and the realisation of one's true will.
-In summary, Baphomet is a complex and enigmatic figure with roots in medieval history and 19th-century occultism. While frequently associated with the occult and the darker aspects of spirituality, Baphomet's core symbolism revolves around the reconciliation of opposites and the harmonisation of dualistic forces in the pursuit of spiritual transformation.
+Aleister Crowley's ideas about Baphomet are deeply rooted in his esoteric teachings and the principles of Thelema. Crowley saw Baphomet as a symbol of spiritual initiation, the union of opposites, and the transformation of earthly desires into spiritual power, embodying the central Thelemic concept of "Love is the law, love under will."