REVIEW: BAPHOMET REVEALED
A Much-Needed Addition, Yet Not the Definitive Work
Baphomet Revealed: Mysteries and Magic of the Sacred Icon by Heather Lynn 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.
