In occult studies, teachings and practices, the Baphomet is a deity, demon and/or symbolic icon depicted as representing opposites unified as one.

The Baphomet is depicted as a goat-headed anthropomorphic being that represents light, dark; masculine and feminine.

It’s written that Knights Templar allegedly worshiped the Baphomet during the 14^th century which the Baphomet became associated with the Christian version of the Devil or Satan.

The Baphomet has become a symbolic figure associated with both the Church of Satan and The Satanic Temple (both are considered atheistic religious/spiritual organizations, however The Satanic Temple is more geared towards activism and equality).

The Baphomet is also a symbol also among those who follow the Left Hand Path or other esoteric and occult practices – both atheistic and/or theistic.

In 2018, The Satanic Temple made headlines when the organization unveiled a seven and a half foot Baphomet statue in Arkansas as a protest against the Ten Commandments monument that had been erected on the state capitol in Little Rock. The monument was a display to emphasize religious equality and the importance of separation of state and religion.

Now the statue can be viewed at The Satanic Temple headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

The symbolism and meaning behind the Baphomet goes much deeper than the common fears and speculative beliefs that it are connected to the Devil, i.e. in the Christian sense of the word.

Written on each arm of the Baphomet are the Latin words “Solve” and “Coagula” meaning “Dissolve” and “Coagulate (Join)”.

These words suggest the process of spiritual enlightenment and transformation through alchemy to dissolve the “ego” (which this term is connected to the Devil card in the tarot) and to “coagulate (join)” the One / Prima Materia (Prime Material) / Source (e.g. God / Universe).

Find out more about the seven stages of spiritual alchemy here.

The Baphomet is a symbolic way of representing and unifying opposites that are found in the Universe as a way of visualizing and connecting to this depiction of the One / Prima Materia (Prime Material) / Source.

Baphomet Tarot Spread

Here’s a tarot spread to work with the symbolism of the Baphomet:

1. Light: How can I embrace the light that is inside me?
2. Dark: How can I embrace the dark that is inside me?
3. Masculine: How can I heal the Divine Masculine within myself?
4. Feminine: How can I heal the Divine Feminine within myself?
5. Dissolve (“Solve”): How can I begin to “dissolve” my ego (false sense of self) that may have a negative effect on others and/or myself?
6. Coagulate/Join (“Coagula”): How can I begin the work to connect myself (my mind/soul/higher self) to the Prima Materia (Prime Material / The Spirit / The One)
7. As Above: What part of the macrocosm (Universe, Planets, World) is affecting me most at this time?
8. As Below: What part of my own microcosm (my inner workings, thoughts, shadows, nuances) is affecting my life in the everyday world?

Lilith Tarot Spread

How to use Tarot in Witchcraft

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