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Baphomet is a deity allegedly worshipped by the Knights Templar that subsequently became incorporated into various occult and Western esoteric traditions. The name "Baphomet" appeared in trial transcripts for the Inquisition of the Knights Templar starting in 1307, but it did not enter popular English usage until the 19th century during debate and speculation on the reasons for the suppression of the Templar order. Baphomet is a symbol of balance in occult traditions, the origin of which some occultists have linked with the Gnostics and Templars; although Baphomet is also revered as a deity or a demon. Since 1856 the figure of Baphomet has been associated with the "Sabbatic Goat" image drawn by Éliphas Lévi.

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Obsidian

• ... that obsidian is not a mineral, but a mineraloid?
• ... that Ordo Templi Orientis administers weddings and last rites?
• ... that the Bible describes the Seraphim as having six wings?
• ... that the angel name Asmodel means "destruction of enemies"?
• ... that the grimoire De praestigiis daemonum is considered a precursor to modern psychiatry?
• ... that the goetic demon Zagan can turn blood into oil?
• ... that The Sun tarot card usually depicts a frowning sun?
• ... that the First Mirror of Lilith ritual summons Lilith through necromancy?

This month in history Pamela Colman Smith 1 February - German polymath Johannes Trithemius is born. (1462) 1 February - Anton Szandor LaVey performs a Satanic wedding ceremony for journalist John Raymond to New York City socialite Judith Case. (1967) 4 February - John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England. (1555) 4 February - The prophesized beginning of the Age of Aquarius as declared by philosopher Samael Anun Weor. (1962) 7 February - Pluto moves inside Neptune's orbit for the first time since either was discovered. (1979) 8 February - French author and occultist Éliphas Lévi is born. (1810) 8 February - American psychic Evangeline Adams is born in Jersey City, New Jersey. (1868) 12 February - Italian author Petrarch finishes his poem I Trionfi, the inspiration for later decks of tarot cards. (1374) 12 February - English author and Wiccan Gerald Gardner dies. (1964) 13 February - Accused witch Rebecca Nurse is born in England. (1621) 13 February - Galileo Galilei arrives in Rome for his trial before the Inquisition. (1633) 15 February - Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei is born. (1564) 16 February - Spanish theologian Michael Servetus is denounced as a heretic. (1553) 16 February - Pamela Colman Smith, an English occultist and illustrator is born. (1878) 16 February - British Egyptologist Howard Carter opens the sealed chamber leading to the burial chamber of Tutankhamen. (1923) 17 February - On his way to be burned at the stake for heresy, the philosopher Giordano Bruno has a wooden vise put on his tongue to prevent him continuing to speak. (1600) 18 February - Mary I of England is born. (1516) 18 February - German author and polymath Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa dies in Grenoble. (1535) 18 February - While studying photographs taken in January, Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto. (1930) 18 February - The first Church of Scientology is established in Los Angeles. (1954) 19 February - The anti-paganism policy of Constantius II forbids the worship of pagan idols in the Roman Empire. (356) 19 February - Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish mathematician and astronomer is born. (1543) 19 February - Spanish serial killer, Dámaso Rodríguez Martín, known as the Warlock is gunned down by police. (1991) 19 February - Occult horror film The Witch receives a wide release in the United States. (2016) 22 February - French fortune-teller and poisoner La Voisin is executed in Paris. (1680) 22 February - British astrologer and witch Sybil Leek is born in Staffordshire, England. (1917) 22 February - Salman Rushdie's controversial work The Satanic Verses is published in the United States. (1989) 23 February - Traditionally the date of publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western book printed with movable type. (1455) 23 February - English occultist Edward Kelley is knighted by Emperor Rudolf II for his work in alchemy. (1590) 24 February - With the papal bull Inter gravissimas, Pope Gregory XIII announces the Gregorian calendar. (1582) 24 February - Dutch physician and demonologist Johann Weyer dies in Tecklenburg. (1588) 25 February - Saint Walpurga, for whom Walpurgisnacht is named, dies. (777) 26 February - English author and occultist Robert Cross Smith dies in London. (1832) 27 February - Constantine the Great is born. (272) 28 February - John Dee's son is born, likely a result of Edward Kelley sleeping with his wife. (1588) 29 February - Christopher Columbus uses his knowledge of a lunar eclipse that night to convince Jamaican natives to provide him with supplies. (1504)

Featured image Gertrude the Great was a German Benedictine nun and mystic. She is recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church and by The Episcopal Church. In 1281, at the age of 25, she experienced the first of a series of visions that continued throughout her life, and which changed the course of her life. Her priorities shifted away from secular knowledge and toward the study of scripture and theology. Gertrude devoted herself strongly to personal prayer and meditation, and began writing spiritual treatises for the benefit of her monastic sisters. Gertrude became one of the great mystics of the 13th century. Together with her friend and teacher Mechtilde, she practiced a spirituality called "nuptial mysticism," that is, she came to see herself as the Bride of Christ. Artist: Miguel Cabrera (More Images)

Featured Quote "The Atheist complains about the wind. The Christian prays for it to change. The Satanist adjusts his sails." - Anton Szandor LaVey

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