The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Hieroglyph, The Devil

"HIEROGLYPH, THE DEVIL" is a complex symbol in the Tarot Clavicle, representing the Goat of Mendes or Baphomet, a figure associated with pantheistic attributes. Often depicted in esoteric and occult contexts, this symbol embodies moral and spiritual corruption, as well as the forces of chaos and rebellion. The hieroglyph is notably interpreted by Etteilla, who recognized its potent and manifold role in the Tarot, making it a central and significant representation within the broader symbolism of the occult and esoteric traditions.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Tower→Ritual

Devil associated with the fall of persons from a tower, symbolizing spiritual and moral decline

Devil and Baphomet are synonymous in some tarot interpretations

Hieroglyph, KetherConcept

Truth and devil, despite their opposition, both reside within the hierarchy of the tarot

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughTowerilluminatesTarot →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Tower

Devil associated with the fall of persons from a tower, symbolizing spiritual and moral decline

II. Tower & Tarot

The Tarot includes The Tower symbolizing sudden destruction leading to enlightenment and transformation

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughTowerilluminatesMoon →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Tower

Devil associated with the fall of persons from a tower, symbolizing spiritual and moral decline

II. Tower & Moon

Both cards deal with themes of destruction and chaos, where the Moon's watery, transformative nature contrasts with the Tower's sudden collapse, signifying different modes of upheaval.

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughBaphometilluminatesChrist →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Baphomet

Devil and Baphomet are synonymous in some tarot interpretations

II. Baphomet & Christ

Both Baphomet and Christ are represented as divine entities, connecting them through their shared spiritual authority

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughTowerilluminatesDevil →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Tower

Devil associated with the fall of persons from a tower, symbolizing spiritual and moral decline

II. Tower & Devil

Devil concept illustrates the nature of material life, while the Tower concept symbolizes the demolition of false truths, both dealing with the duality of reality.

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughBaphometilluminatesPhilosophical Stone →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Baphomet

Devil and Baphomet are synonymous in some tarot interpretations

II. Baphomet & Philosophical Stone

Baphomet represents the Philosophical Stone in Gnostic writings and is thus part of its symbolic lineage

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughTowerilluminatesCrown →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Tower

Devil associated with the fall of persons from a tower, symbolizing spiritual and moral decline

II. Tower & Crown

The crown on the tower, subject to destruction by the lightning bolt, signifies the fall of man's divine nature to materialism when the divine crown is destroyed.

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughTowerilluminatesSolomon →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Tower

Devil associated with the fall of persons from a tower, symbolizing spiritual and moral decline

II. Tower & Solomon

Solomon built the 271-cubit tower, a significant structure besides the temple.

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughBaphometilluminatesTemplars →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Baphomet

Devil and Baphomet are synonymous in some tarot interpretations

II. Baphomet & Templars

The Templars, a prominent medieval military and religious order, are controversially linked with the supposed worship of Baphomet, a demonic idol mentioned in historical accounts. This association with Baphomet, an entity believed to represent pagan or satanic forces, is often cited as evidence of the Templars’ heretical beliefs and practices, although the historical accuracy and extent of such activities remain uncertain. These accusations played a significant role in the Templars' eventual downfall, as they were charged with idolatry and other forms of heresy, leading to the suppression of the order in 1312 by Pope Clement V and King Philip IV of France. The worship of Baphomet and its alleged presence in Templar rituals became a central aspect of the group’s persecution and downfall, though the nature and historical truth of these allegations remain subjects of debate and speculation.

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughTowerilluminatesLast Judgment →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Tower

Devil associated with the fall of persons from a tower, symbolizing spiritual and moral decline

II. Tower & Last Judgment

Both cards symbolize destruction and the end of an era, the Tower representing a sudden collapse and the Last Judgment representing a final judgment.

Hieroglyph, The DevilthroughTowerilluminatesSamael →
I. Hieroglyph, The Devil & Tower

Devil associated with the fall of persons from a tower, symbolizing spiritual and moral decline

II. Tower & Samael

The betrayal symbolized by the Tower led to the sword of Samael being stretched over the Garden of Delight