What is Baphomet? This comprehensive and accessible history sets the record straight on this captivating icon of the occult. Baphomet, often misunderstood and cloaked in misinterpretations, has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, standing at the crossroads of the occult, religion, and the quest for arcane knowledge. This provocative entity, existing simultaneously as myth, magick, and symbol, demands an exploration not bound by the confines of a single discipline or perspective. Baphomet Revealed sets out to undertake this multifaceted exploration. Over the years, Baphomet has been called a demon, deity, and the devil himself, but Baphomet is none of these. Baphomet’s origins are as elusive as its symbolic form, yet we begin our inquiry with the Templars, where the name Baphomet was perhaps first uttered or misunderstood as a distortion of the name of the prophet Muhammad. We trace Baphomet’s course through history, their intersections with Gnostic thought, Freemasonry, the teachings of Aleister Crowley, and the myriad occult groups that have drawn upon their potent symbolism. While Baphomet has often been misconstrued as a demonic figure, the figure is, in reality, a symbol—a complex cipher holding within its form the keys to profound philosophical and esoteric truths. Baphomet Revealed will take readers on a journey that weaves together the threads of history, symbolism, and esoteric philosophy, unraveling the tapestry of Baphomet’s enduring mystique. Such a journey would be incomplete without acknowledging the essential contribution of Eliphas Lévi, whose conceptualization of Baphomet has profoundly shaped our modern image of this occult icon. Lévi’s Baphomet, far removed from demonic caricature, emerges as an emblem of equilibrium—a harmony of opposing forces and a mirror to the universe’s inherent dualism and an icon of equity and gender equality. References will be drawn extensively from primary sources. The inclusion of historical depictions and magical seals associated with Baphomet will provide a visual companion to the text, inviting readers to engage with the symbol directly. By melding rigorous academic inquiry with a spirit of open-minded exploration, Baphomet aims to shed new light on this shadowy figure, illuminating Baphomet’s proper place in the annals of human thought and spiritual endeavor.
The history of Baphomet is complex and nuanced. Heather Lynn does a fantastic job highlighting the history of this iconic symbol from it's origins with the Knights Templar, to the influences of Eliphas Levi, Aleister Crowley, Anton LaVey, and others. The book is well researched and provides insights into every aspect of Baphomet's symbolism: from the goat head, to it's androgynous body, pentacle, posture, and even to the words written on its arms. A timeline of Baphomet's development and distortion is also included. This entity is most likely not what you think it is.
I felt very unintelligent reading this. Can't say I took a lot from it, except that the Templars were whack, and that the Baphomet statue is pretty cool. Maybe I need to read it with my eyes to be able to give a better analysis because my ears were drifting. Rosemary's Baby wasn't even mentioned.
Excellent history lesson through time of the enduring, yet evolving image of Baphomet. I listened to the audio book, mostly because a friend (writer/director Edward Puente) is making a horror film where I'm playing the Demon character patterned after Baphomet, so it's research for me. The film, Naturom Demonto, will be entered into film festivals starting this October. I'm also a heavy metal fan so the goat-head image of Baphomet has been appropriated and bastardized for pop culture uses in bands like Venom, Slayer, and so many other bands, but Baphomet's origins come from Christian and Muslim groups such as the Knights Templar and The Assassins, evolving through time. Fascinating book.
I was excited when I picked up Baphomet Revealed: Mysteries and Magic of the Sacred Icon by fringe historian Heather Lynn, PhD, hoping to gain a different perspective on the occult icon of Baphomet. It didn’t take very long for my enthusiasm to turn to disappointment, however, as the book is heavy on conjecture and light on substance.
In some places, Lynn struggles with the basic facts of the Baphomet myth. She relies on the work of Austrian Orientalist Joseph Von Hammer-Purgstall to connect Baphomet and the Templars with Gnosticism, one of the themes of her book. The problem is that Hammer-Purgstall’s work is a well-known forgery created to support the political agenda of his powerful mentor, Prince Metternich of Austria. That Hammer-Purgstall’s work is fabricated is confirmed by respected Templar historians Malcolm Barber, Barbara Frale, and Peter Partner—in works included in Lynn’s bibliography. Lynn also disputes another well-known fact, that the name Baphomet originally referred to Mohammed (see pages 32-41); once again, a casual reading of many of the sources in her bibliography would confirm this.
In other places it appears that Lynn simply has a poor grasp of the subjects that she writes about, a failing most on display in her chapter about Aleister Crowley. Here Lynn focuses too much on Crowley’s notoriety and not enough on his magical philosophy. The importance of The Book of the Law is completely understated. There is no mention of “Liber A’Ash,” the received document in which Baphomet converses with Crowley, and Baphomet’s role and symbology in the Gnostic Mass, where Crowley defines Baphomet in the context of Thelema, is completely glossed over. Indeed, sex magick, an essential element of Crowley’s magical practice, is a subject so seemingly foreign to the author that she puts it in quotation marks. The only quote Lynn can muster to elaborate on Crowley’s conception of Baphomet is the “Devil=Hadit=Baphomet” quote from Magick in Theory and Practice, which is difficult to understand without some knowledge of Thelemic philosophy and for which she provides little explanation. As if to underscore her ignorance, she mistakenly cites this quote as originating in The Equinox, Vol. I, No.8.
While Lynn’s work covers all of the major milestones in the history of Baphomet, her documentation of these elements is often inadequate and misleading, and it is buried under mounds of speculation that often doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Her final chapter is so nebulous that it barely mentions anything substantive about Baphomet at all, and her conclusion seems to be that Baphomet is a mysterious, complex, non-dualistic figure that transforms those who interact with it—essentially stating the obvious. There are no true mysteries of Baphomet revealed here.
I’m making a targeted effort to learn more about anything I have misunderstood due to being taught to fear it in some way. Like many, I grew up erroneously equating the image of Baphomet with Satan and Satanists. Heather Lynn gives a broad overview of historical context of how the image and perception of Baphomet has evolved, from the Knights Templar to Alastair Crowley. This definitely makes me want to research more about the Knights Templar and older history, then come back and revisit this. I learned a lot and would absolutely recommend to anyone! Knowledge is power!! I received an audiobook copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
While containing a lot of interesting information, unfortunately the delivery is where this book lets you down. The history of Baphomet’s conception through to its use by the Templars and onward to Masonic inspiration is bogged down by recanting what you’ll learn in future chapters and a repetition and over-explanation of concepts. This certainly feels more like a thesis rather than an informative text, written by an academic for academics.
Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.
Over recent years I have found that many of the beliefs I have are based on hearsay more than fact. Having grown up in the 1980's. it seemed like everything was labeled "evil" or "Satan" without actually understanding what was behind the story. So I enjoy exploring nonfiction, research based details for topics like Baphomet. Though this wasn't very long - less than 5 hours for the audio version - the author did refer back to topics rather often, which seemed unnecessary. Maybe if I had at printed version of the book in hand to refer to or flip back to, I wouldn't have minded this so much, but as I was listening to an audio version, I couldn't do that.
Still, I think the research and effort put into this book is worth the time to read and education yourself with.
4 stars for 'really liked it, will recommend to others"
This book was so thought provoking. What is in an image and what does that image say to us. Baphomet first appears in the twelfth century and was hidden until the 19th century by the French occultist. In 1854 there was no concept of “the cosmo” or “the universe”. Levi reborn this symbol to bring together the spiritual and material worlds. Levi, Aleister Crowley, Anton LaVey and others were mentioned throughout this book. Baphomet is a complex and nuanced image. Baphomet for me is not to be feared but to look closer at it and see what is looking back at me.
A quick insightful read. This volume is a good introduction into the enigmatic figure of Baphomet. From its introductory days in the fourteenth century up to its influence into the modern culture of today, Heather Lynn does a good job of describing how the image changed over the years. The only thing this book could have done without was the reference points in parentheses though out the book. It was kind of a distraction. Overall, a good jumping off point for anyone that wants to learn more about this controversial, and misunderstood, figure. Recommended.
This book is a timely exploration into one of the most misunderstood figures in occult history. Baphomet, often shrouded in misinterpretation and controversy, stands at the intersection of occult symbolism, religious history, and esoteric philosophy. Lynn embarks on an ambitious journey to unravel this complex icon's enigmatic origins and enduring mystique.
One of the book's significant strengths is its comprehensive tracing of Baphomet's history. Beginning with the Templars—where the name might have been first uttered—Lynn delves into the evolution of Baphomet through various esoteric traditions. She illuminates the figure's connections with Gnostic thought, Freemasonry, and the teachings of influential occultists like Aleister Crowley and Eliphas Lévi. Drawing extensively from primary sources, including historical depictions and magical seals, she invites readers to engage directly with the symbol, fostering a deeper understanding of its multifaceted nature.
Lynn excels in highlighting the work of Eliphas Lévi, the creator of the most recognized image of Baphomet.
She deftly explores the complex socio-political issues that influenced Lévi's work, aspects often overlooked in other discussions. Her emphasis on Baphomet as an icon of the reconciliation of opposites is both clear and compelling, reminding readers of the profound philosophical and esoteric truths encapsulated within the symbol.
Particularly noteworthy is the chapter titled "Black and White Thinking: Seeing Beyond Good and Evil." Here, Lynn intelligently blends color theory with the thoughts of thinkers like Manly P. Hall, Joseph Campbell, and even Carl Gustav Jung to strongly convey that our current society needs the message of coincidentia oppositorum—the unity of opposites—that Baphomet embodies. Even when she delves into quantum realms and quantum theory—a topic that often risks being mishandled—the book still manages to present these concepts appropriately, reinforcing her points without veering into pseudo-science.
However, the book is not without its shortcomings. At 177 pages, it manages to feel both too long and too short. There are moments where Lynn repeats certain points excessively, which can lead to a sense of redundancy and dilute the impact of her arguments. Conversely, some crucial aspects receive only cursory attention. For instance, the Thelemic interpretation of Baphomet—a perspective as groundbreaking and significant as Lévi's—is glossed over in a brief chapter, leaving readers wanting a more in-depth exploration.
Additionally, there are instances where Lynn appears to present her opinions as facts, which may detract from the book's academic rigour. A notable example is her interpretation of Robert Eggers' 2015 film The Witch. Lynn describes Baphomet, in the guise of the goat Black Phillip, as an "embodiment of ultimate evil," seemingly overlooking the film's critical examination of puritanical Christianity. Such oversights suggest a need for a more nuanced analysis of contemporary cultural representations.
While these critiques address the content, it's also worth mentioning the presentation. It's a real pity that publisher New Page decided to reuse the same stock image for the cover that was already featured on Lon Milo DuQuette's "Allow Me to Introduce". Furthermore, the cover design closely mirrors my own "The Aleister Crowley's Manual", down to the colour scheme, which feels unoriginal. Though this doesn't detract from the value of the text itself, one would hope that publishers, especially well-established ones, would invest more effort into presenting their books uniquely. A distinctive cover can enhance the reader's experience and more accurately reflect the originality within its pages.
On a positive note, the book concludes with very useful final appendixes that summarize in visual form the analysis of Lévi's Baphomet image, as well as the overall timeline discussed throughout the book. These appendixes serve as excellent reference tools, allowing readers to visualize complex concepts and historical progressions at a glance.
In conclusion, Baphomet Revealed is a much-needed addition to the occultural landscape, shedding light on a figure that has long been cloaked in misunderstanding.
Heather Lynn offers valuable insights and brings important historical contexts to the forefront. While it may not be the definitive work on the subject, it serves as a substantial foundation for further exploration and discussion. For readers interested in the occult, esoteric philosophy, or the rich tapestry of symbolism that Baphomet represents, this book is a worthy read that opens the door to deeper inquiry.
I enjoyed the history of the symbol Baphomet and why it has changed so much over the years.
The book did the thing that I really struggle with in nonfiction. When the author keeps telling you what you will learn about. In chapter three we will explore this or in a previous chapter we mentioned this. Like it’s not that long. Mentioning these things just pulls me out and feels like the author either doesn’t trust me or doesn’t trust themselves to fill a word count.
I liked the information and topic but the presentation I struggled with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the Audio ARC!
I'm not sure how it's possible to make a deep dive into an iconic demonic figure utterly boring, but this book does it. Snooze. Yes, the author spends most of the first half going hard into the Templars and Freemasons. And then hops over to Crowley and other magicians. But I struggled to find any of it intriguing or interesting. I tend to listen to audiobooks while I work on chores at home and while I'm running errands, and I kept finding myself becoming distracted by other things and tuning out the voice in my ear. Not a good sign. Recommended for people who are interested in niche history of religious institutions.
This was so interesting! Have you ever realized you were pronouncing something wrong your entire life? Thanks to this audiobook I won't be embarrassing myself anymore. I loved this fully and completely. My little girls recently got into collecting "creepy" stuffed animals and one ended up with a Baphomet toy. She loves it. It is super cute. But I didn't know how to explain them to her properly. Now I do. This book was definitely timely for me. I have a ton to think about after this wonderful listen. Oh and I loved the narration too! What a wonderful performance.
Heather Lynn provides the reader with an in-depth historical review of Baphomet. From Baphomet's creation as a piece of art to its most current influences within pop culture and everything in between, this icon has influenced many. For centuries, Baphomet has been a controversial icon- influencing religions and anti-religions. Baphomet revealed also provides the reader with a detailed description of every symbol and pose.
This is a great read for anyone who wants to dive into the true history and meaning of Baphomet, lovers of the occult/macabre history, or any conspiracy theorist.
Baphomet revealed by Heather Lynn PhD - non fiction book. So this book is written about Baphomet, a relic that currently is used in satanism but that’s not how it started out. It’s not a real deity. The knight Templar created the imagery to incorporate many religions and both male and female, light and dark.
It was a fascinating book and how something that was used to unite has changed and adapted to create something new.
It's a representation and I could actually see how it progressed. Fascinating read
We see how Baphomet came to be throughout time, since the beginning to how we currently see it. From the Knights Templar to the church of Satan to the French philosophers, we see how Baphomet has changed and continues to change its symbolism.
Good but if I have to hear the word ‘esoteric’ one more time…
This was a strangely structured book. I found a lot of the information interesting around the Knights Templars, Alastair Crowley and others, but I struggled to see how this 'revealed' much about Baphomet. It felt more like a history of esoteric thought to me. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
An interesting look at the history of a symbol and how its meaning changes depending on which group is using it in history. From the Knights Templar and Freemasons to the Church of Satan and The Satanic Temple. It is interesting to know Baphomet wasn't connected to "the devil" until someone used the image in a tarot deck.
What a fantastic book!! Goes into a very appropriate amount of detail and history as well as current day iconography. Loved the authors non-judgmental perspective and how the information was conveyed. Loved the appendices and rich bibliography. Overall great book!
Incredible work! Well written and easy to read. The author takes us in different interpretations and approaches towards Baphomet from the 1300s until today. Mind blowing!
It is a history of Baphomet and how that history has been often misunderstood. The author uses a lot of primary sources which makes it not only interesting, but well researched. I enjoyed this book a lot.
Overall I found this a really interesting read. I knew absolutely nothing about Baphomet prior to this book, so all of the information was new to me. I had no idea that Baphomet had been around for so long or that they were so integral to so many different religions.
The history side of this book was fascinating - I loved learning more about different things that I'd heard of peripherally but didn't know much about. I do wish there was more information on the underlying symbolism of Baphomet; while there was a little bit, it wasn't nearly as much as I expected.