The Sigil of Baphomet is one of the most recognizable symbols of modern Satanism. Its familiar form combines an inverted pentagram, a goat’s head, a surrounding circle, and Hebrew letters spelling Leviathan.
The symbol did not begin with Anton LaVey, but the Church of Satan adopted and popularized a refined version during the 1960s.
Origins of the Sigil of Baphomet
Éliphas Lévi and Baphomet
French occultist Éliphas Lévi published his famous image of Baphomet in the nineteenth century. His illustration influenced later occult associations between goat imagery, polarity, and esoteric symbolism.
Stanislas de Guaita’s Goat Pentagram
An 1897 occult illustration by Stanislas de Guaita placed a goat’s head inside an inverted pentagram and included the Hebrew spelling of Leviathan. This design became a major visual predecessor of the modern sigil.
Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan
Anton LaVey adopted a simplified version in the 1960s. It appeared on early Church of Satan material, The Satanic Bible, and later publications before becoming the organization’s official emblem.
Elements of the Symbol
The Inverted Pentagram
The downward-pointing pentagram is commonly interpreted within modern Satanism as emphasizing material existence, carnality, reversal, and opposition to conventional spiritual hierarchy.
The Goat’s Head
The goat visually connects the design with Baphomet, animal nature, fertility, independence, and imagery historically assigned to the Devil.
The Hebrew Letters
The five letters around the pentagram spell Leviathan, a biblical and mythic sea creature later associated with chaos, the abyss, or infernal symbolism.
The Circle
The circle unifies and contains the design, turning the image into a complete emblem or seal.
What the Sigil Means in Modern Satanism
- Material existence: Emphasis on life in the present world
- Individualism: The self as a central source of authority
- Opposition: The adversarial questioning of religious dogma
- Carnality: Acceptance of human beings as embodied animals
- Identity: A visible emblem of Satanic philosophy or affiliation
- Psychological focus: A ritual image used for concentration and atmosphere
Baphomet and Satan
Baphomet has a complex history and is not automatically identical with Satan in every occult system. In modern Satanic use, the goat image within the sigil functions as an emblem rather than proof of one universal theology.
Common Misconceptions
“The sigil automatically represents criminal activity.”
No. It is a religious, philosophical, artistic, and cultural symbol used by many lawful individuals and organizations.
“Every person displaying it worships a literal Satan.”
No. Many Satanists are non-theistic and use the image symbolically.
“The symbol originated with the Church of Satan.”
No. The Church of Satan adapted and popularized an earlier occult design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Hebrew letters spell?
They spell Leviathan when read in the intended sequence around the pentagram.
Is the Sigil of Baphomet the same as every inverted pentagram?
No. The complete sigil includes the goat’s head, Hebrew letters, and enclosing circle.
Is Baphomet a historical pagan god?
The familiar goat-headed Baphomet image is primarily a modern occult construction rather than a straightforward surviving ancient deity image.
Using the Sigil in an Altar Setup
For a physical focal point, a Baphomet engraved slate altar tile keeps the complete emblem visible without taking up much space. A Baphomet votive holder combines the imagery with candlelight, while an 8-inch Baphomet statue creates a larger central focus.
