Baphomet: History, Ritual & Magic of the World's Most Famous Occult Icon

by Michael Osiris Snuffin

Uncover the truth of who Baphomet is, how they have evolved through history, and how to work with them in your occult practice. This book explores the creation and proliferation of a deity who began as a Knights Templar symbol, was made into an icon of astral light and alchemy by Éliphas Lévi, and became famous in the works of Aleister Crowley. Sharing rituals, invocations, and meditations, Michael Osiris Snuffin shows you how to build a relationship with Baphomet and perform altar work that celebrates their energy. Michael also introduces you to the symbolic faces of Baphomet, from the outsider (for subverting the system) to the transmuter (for facilitating personal change). Through historical texts, illustrations, and perspectives on Baphomet from diverse practitioners, this book demystifies an often misunderstood but essential part of esotericism.

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

I have always had a passion for the written word, learning to read early and often. I got involved with my high school and college newspapers, writing opinion pieces and working on layout and design. I published my first magazine article at seventeen, and continued to write and publish articles through college. I graduated from The Evergreen State College in 1993, earning a BA in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in media and communications; there I studied media propaganda, literary journalism, and political science/economics.

In 1996 I started the research on tarot symbolism that eventually became my first book, The Thoth Companion. I also started giving public lectures and writing articles on the tarot and related subjects. When I began preparing my manuscript for submission, I discovered The Chicago Manual of Style, the bible of many book editors, and I developed an interest in editing. I realized I had a knack for editing work after helping Brandy Williams prepare her popular book, Practical Magic for Beginners, for submission to Llewellyn Publications in 2004.

While I had already taken a year of classes at North Seattle Community College to explore a possible career as a math teacher, my interest in numbers soon gave way to working with words. I eagerly enrolled in the Editing Certification Program at the University of Washington, which I completed in 2006. Unfortunately, after publishing and promoting The Thoth Companion in 2007-08, a medical accident left me with some serious health issues to deal with, delaying my debut as an professional editor for a couple of years.

I overcame those challenges and started preparing my second book, Conjuring Spirits: A Manual of Goetic and Enochian Sorcery, for release in 2010. During the publication process I also picked up a few clients, which led to more editing projects and opportunities. I truly enjoy editing work, and look forward to helping more authors and publishers make good books better.

In 2020, I published two more books: The Complete Conjuring Spirits, an expanded and revised edition of Conjuring Spirits; and Introduction to Romantic Satanism, An overview of the 19th century artistic and political movement that redefined Satan as a heroic rebel against tyranny, oppression, and injustice.

In my leisure time I enjoy reading books, researching, and writing. Particular topics of interest include cosmology, esotericism, Egyptology, symbolism, and linguistics. I have a large library, and I often browse used bookstores looking for new books of interest. I currently live in Tacoma, WA.

Reviews

[Candy Melys · Rating 5 out of 5]

well researched and wonderful at explaining complex topics in an easy to read way. Excited to try the exercises given in the last part of the book.

[Alex J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baphomet: History, Ritual & Magic of the World’s Most Famous Occult Icon by Michael Osiris Snuffin is a comprehensive analysis of the historic and modern Baphomet figure. The figure of Baphomet has often been misunderstood and misinterpreted—and historically, this book sets the record straight. The author’s tone is unpretentious and gets to the point, and there’s a lot of information in the book without it feeling academically heavy or purely occult.

The book is split up into three sections: history, ritual, and magic. The first two sections focus on the origin and evolution of the famous (or infamous) Baphomet figure. Snuffin discusses the contributions of Eliphas Lévi, Aleister Crowley, and Peter Carroll—but also expands on this with modern information that you aren’t going to find elsewhere. While it does discuss the Baphomet of the Church of Satan and The Satanic Temple, Baphomet isn’t overtly geared towards Satanism (either theistic or atheistic).

The third part is focused purely on occultism and ritual, including information on magickal workings and useful correspondence tables. Snuffin recommends a practical, minimalist approach to ritual using what works for the individual, and practitioners are encouraged to visualize and connect with Baphomet on a personal level.

My favorite line is an invocation from the book that calls Baphomet "the DJ of the universe" ... Both appropriate and something new.

If you’re looking for an updated perspective on Baphomet, this is the ideal book for your reading list. Recommended!

[Raven Digitalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baphomet, a nuanced deity of paradox and evolution, is explored from every imaginable angle in this monumental book. Both academic and practical, Michael Osiris Snuffin's latest offering is invaluable for Pagans and occultists who are steadfastly devoted to exploring life's mysteries and finding our unique places in the world. This is the book we've been waiting for!

- Raven Digitalis, author of The Empath's Oracle and A Gothic Witch's Oracle