The “sabbatic goat,” often shown as a half-human, half-goat figure or simply as a goat’s head, is a symbol with a long and intricate history. Most commonly, it is linked to the name Baphomet—a term that has inspired debate and speculation for centuries.
The true origin of the name Baphomet is still uncertain. Some scholars believe it may be a variation of “Mahomet,” the medieval European name for Muhammad, reflecting the religious tensions of that era. Others, such as the English witchcraft historian Montague Summers, have suggested that Baphomet comes from the Greek words “baphe” and “metis,” meaning “absorption of knowledge.” This interpretation connects Baphomet to ideas of wisdom and esoteric learning.
Over the years, Baphomet has been known by several names, including the Goat of Mendes, the Black Goat, and the Judas Goat. Each name carries its own associations, often shaped by the fears and imaginations of those who used them.
In the Middle Ages, Baphomet was believed to be an idol, though descriptions of its form varied widely. Some accounts described it as a human skull, others as a stuffed or metal head with curly black hair, and some as a wooden effigy. These descriptions were often influenced by the anxieties and suspicions of a society deeply concerned with heresy and the occult.
The most well-known connection to Baphomet comes from the history of the Knights Templar, a powerful military order founded in the early 12th century. In 1307, King Philip IV of France, motivated by political and financial reasons, accused the Templars of heresy, blasphemy, and other crimes, including the worship of a mysterious idol called Baphomet. The Templars were even accused of anointing this idol with the fat of murdered children, reflecting the era’s most extreme fears about secret societies.
Despite these serious accusations, historical records show that only twelve out of the two hundred and thirty-one knights questioned by the church admitted to worshiping or even knowing about Baphomet. These confessions, often obtained under torture, were inconsistent. Some novices said they were told to venerate the idol as their god and savior, but their descriptions differed: some claimed it had up to three heads and four feet, while others said it was made of wood, metal, or was painted and sometimes gilded.
The story of Baphomet did not end with the Templars. In 1818, several so-called “heads of Baphomet” were found among the antiquities of the Imperial Museum of Vienna. These artifacts were later identified as replicas of the Gnostic divinity Mete, or “Wisdom,” suggesting a possible link between Baphomet and ancient traditions of esoteric knowledge.
The most influential image of Baphomet comes from the 19th-century French occultist Eliphas Levi. In his well-known illustration, called “the Baphomet of Mendes,” Levi combined elements from the Tarot’s Devil card and the he-goat worshiped in ancient Mendes, Egypt. Church authorities believed this goat was involved in sexual rites with its followers, echoing accusations made against witches and heretics throughout history.
Levi’s Baphomet is a highly symbolic figure. It has a human torso with rounded, female breasts, a caduceus at the midriff, human arms and hands, cloven feet, wings, and a goat’s head with a pentagram on the forehead and a torch between the horns. Each feature has its own meaning. Levi explained that the figure represents the totality of the universe—intelligence, the four elements, divine revelation, sexuality and motherhood, as well as sin and redemption. The white and black crescent moons at its sides symbolize the duality of good and evil.
In the 20th century, Baphomet’s symbolism was further developed by occultists and ceremonial magicians. Aleister Crowley, a major figure in modern occultism, adopted the name Baphomet when he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis, a secret order focused on sexual magic and mystical exploration, founded in Germany around 1896. For Crowley and his followers, Baphomet became a symbol of spiritual transformation, the union of opposites, and the search for hidden wisdom.
Today, Baphomet remains a subject of fascination and debate. It serves as a powerful symbol in both occult traditions and popular culture. Its image, shaped by centuries of myth, accusation, and reinterpretation, encourages us to look beyond appearances and consider the deeper currents of history, belief, and the search for meaning.
