The image of Baphomet that is iconic today was created by the occultist Eliphas Levi in 1855 and was included in his book “Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic”. (it was written in French of course and the most famous (and thus most criticized translation was by Arthur Edward Waite)). Levi seemed to think the image was hermetic and alchemical…pointing to the union of opposites and the hermetic principles rooted in the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismigestus “As above…so below” ect.
He also seemed to think Baphomet symbolized what he called the Astral Light…the “medium” or “substance” of the astral plane that carried or transmitted (among other things) the Will of the practitioner in magical workings.
What does the torch and flame between the horns symbolize? “…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…”
-from “the Dogma and Ritual of High Magic”, by Eliphas Levi-
It has been attributed to the Left Hand Path by many practitioners and identified with “the Devil” by various groups…Crowley (who believed he was the reincarnation of Eliphas Levi, said this about it, “…The Devil does not exist. It is a false name invented by the Black Brothers to imply a Unity in their ignorant muddle of dispersions. A devil who had unity would be a God... "The Devil" is, historically, the God of any people that one personally dislikes ... This serpent, SATAN, is not the enemy of Man, but He who made Gods of our race, knowing Good and Evil; He bade "Know Thyself!" and taught Initiation. He is "The Devil" of the book of Thoth, and His emblem is baphomet, the Androgyne who is the hieroglyph of arcane perfection ... He is therefore Life, and Love. But moreover his letter is ayin, the Eye, so that he is Light; and his Zodiacal image is Capricornus, that leaping goat whose attribute is Liberty.”
-from “Magick: Liber ABA, Book 4”, parts 1-4 by Aleister Crowley-
Here at Witch Joseph we love the Occult symbolism of Baphomet and these Baphomet charm necklaces have fascinated and thrilled us since we first saw them.
Comes with a 30” 2.4MM silver tone ball chain.
