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Baphomet: What's In A Name?
Theories surrounding the name Baphomet and what it meant to the Templar Knights are many. Perhaps we will never truly know. Perhaps it never truly existed but rather was put in the mouths of confessors by those torturing them. The following are some of the more common theories proposed and some commentary on each.
* A Corruption Of The Name Mahomet(Mohammed)
It is held that the Baphomet was an idol. If we take this as fact, then the word Baphomet as a corruption of Mahomet doesn't hold. This is because, if the Templars followed Moslem beliefs there would be no idols Islam forbids all idols.
* A Corruption Of The Arabic Term, Abufihamat
The meaning of the word is Father of Understanding or Father of Wisdom. It is a term used to refer to a Sufi Master. In Arabic, father is taken to mean source. If this is the case, this could imply God. The Templars were quite likely to have come in contact with Sufism while in the Holy Land.
For an interesting theory on The Abufihamet connection you must read Baphomet: A Mystery Solved At Last? by Frater Baraka IV O.T.O.
* From The Greek Words, Baph and Metis
The word Baphomet is derived from two Greek words Baph and Metis meaning Baptism of Wisdom. The Templars are said to worship a Head (The Baphomet). One of the theories stands that this head was none other than the head of John the Baptist. If this were true, then perhaps this Greek origin of the term is true also.
* Atbash Cipher For The Goddess Sophia
The Word Baphomet was altered by Knowledge of the Atbash Cipher and was actually a representation of the Greek Goddess Sophia.
* A Latin Code For Solomon's Temple.
Eliphas Levi believed the name could be reversed, fleshed out and formed into a phrase that made a reference to King Solomon's Temple
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