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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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Did you know...

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 Woodcut of Vlad the Impaler 1 January - Beginning date of the Gregorian calendar. 3 January - British Egyptologist Howard Carter finds the sarcophagus of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor after several years of searching. (1924) 3/4 January - Earth-Sun Perihelion, when the earth is closest to the sun. 5 January - Jeane Dixon, American astrologer and psychic is born. (1904) 6 January - Gertrude the Great, a German mystic is born. (1256) 6 January - Author and occultist Dion Fortune dies . (1946) 8 January - Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei dies. (1642) 8 January - Samuel L. MacGregor Mathers is born. (1854) 9 January - Trial of Joan of Arc begins in Rouen, France. (1431) 9 January - The horror film The Omen wraps production. (1976) 10 January - Probable date of Vlad the Impaler's death. (1477) 14 January - The Huygens space probe touches down on Saturn's moon Titan. (2005) 16 January - Ivan the Terrible is crowned Tsar of Russia. (1547) 16 January - Magician Aleister Crowley is initiated into the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. (1900) 17 January - Author and astrologer Robert Fludd is born. (1574) 18 January - Marjorie Cameron first meets Jack Parsons at his house in Pasadena, California. (1946) 21 January - Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin is born. (1869) 21 January - Occult horror film Hereditary premiers at the Sundance Film Festival. (2018) 22 January - Argentine folk saint Eva Perón meets her future husband, Colonel Juan Perón at a charity event. (1944) 24 January - The Voyager 2 space probe makes its closest approach to Uranus. (1986) 24 January - L. Ron Hubbard founder of the Church of Scientology dies. (1987) 25 January - Early Tarot author Antoine Court de Gébelin is born in France. (1725) 27 January - The occult horror film The Witch premiers at the Sundance Film Festival. (2015) 28 January - Execution of Agnes Sampson, accused of witchcraft in Edinburgh. (1591) 28 January - Collin de Plancy, an occultist and author is born. (1793) 28 January - Author W.B. Yeats dies in Paris. (1939) 31 January - Alvan Graham Clark discovers the white dwarf star Sirius B, a companion of Sirius, through an 18.5-inch (47 cm) telescope now located at Northwestern University. (1862)

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 "Never regret yesterday. Life is in you today and you make your tomorrow." - L. Ron Hubbard

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