Baphomet is a mystery. A contradictory and enticing symbol depicting a goat headed god with both male and female anatomy often surrounded by symbols and markings. Currently Baphomet is more popular than ever; influencing subculture scenes, fashion and much more! But it is so often misunderstood and is frequently tarnished with the same ideology of being a symbol of darkness and evil.
Since 1856 the name Baphomet has been associated with the "Sabbatic Goat" image drawn by Éliphas Lévi, composed of binary elements representing the "symbolization of the equilibrium of opposites": half-human and half-animal, male and female, good and evil, etc. Lévi's intention was to symbolize his concept of balance, with Baphomet representing the goal of perfect social order.
Baphomet became popular among those who opposed orthodox religion or order, and became a patron of many different Left-Hand faiths. Among them is theistic Satanism, where he was seen as either a symbol or a literal being depending on the beliefs of the cult and could vary in function. But Baphomet itself is a representation of duality, harmony even – showing the combination of sexes, gender nonconformity, and religious freedom. You can especially see this in the way the image is depicted, one of the many variations: showing both male and female body parts, shades of light and dark, part animal, part human, etc.
The Truth Behind Baphomet
