The motto of our Temple, announced publicly, is “Sincere and Sacred Silence.” We hold these words with the utmost reverence as they not only guard our Temple but elevate ourselves. To these ends, we advise acquainting yourself with the deeper meaning of these terms.
Sincere
Sincere is best known from the virtue of sincerity, which is acting and communicating in accordance with the entirety of your being. This virtue encompasses honesty not only to others but especially towards yourself. It, therefore, demands knowledge of oneself at a profound level, and this is one of the developmental paths that we seek to nurture in each of our initiates.
The etymology of ‘sincere’ is a worthwhile pursuit, as is the etymology of all keywords. The Oxford English Dictionary records the first English use from the Latin sincerus, meaning “clean, pure, etc.” in the 1530s. The OED incorrectly states as the root prefix sin– meaning “without” is actually from the prefix sim– meaning “one.” The rest of the word comes from crescere, which means “to grow,” and with sim implies “one growth.” That is to say, “the grain in this bag is sincere, and is from one type of grain and one regional origin, not mixed.” The Dutch linguist Michiel de Vaan also points towards the Proto-Indo-European root caerus meaning “whole, or intact.” A spurious etymology of this word means “without wax” from other Latin-based languages, but this has proven to be a false cognate. However, the addition of wax to various materials would imply a deficiency of those materials and also an impure state. So “without wax” affirms purity or wholeness as well, although through a factually incorrect origin story.
Of course, our sincere approach is towards Baphomet, as a whole figure without pretense or dishonesty. Thus we must accept Baphomet’s history and mythology in total. We must appreciate the aspects of Baphomet as an entire composition, without any prejudice towards, or a focus solely on, certain parts via our whims. As is exemplified in our initiatory material, Baphomet acts upon the surrounding discourse. It affects the outcome in its way, thus proving the existence and direction of Baphomet by personal experience. Baphomet becomes a verifiably immanent source that guides and shapes the process of our attainment. Baphomet is the one field that is the origin of all the separate parts. We may appreciate one or another element, or grain, of Baphomet’s being more so than another. Still, we cannot ignore the whole picture that Baphomet has created and continues to paint. We, therefore, adopt a radical acceptance of the many aspects of Baphomet, affirming the evolution of our Lord.
To relate this to a more common word associated with Baphomet, this is one way among many that we incorporate the principle of Coagula.
Sacred
Sacred is a word often brought up in religious discourse. The exact meanings vary according to context, but the notion is always that which is set apart for reverence or devotion. Sometimes this is used for objects that are employed in specific work. Other times it references the reverence of divinity. We accept both terms and use them appropriately. The central idea is that a setting apart from the everyday occurs, as the early sociologist Émile Durkheim was apt to point out.
The various origins of this word in English all trace back to the Latin sacrare meaning “consecrate, immortalize, set apart, or dedicate.” These imply a very active intention or to speak plainly; they are things that you do, the dynamic and creative role humans have in making the sacred.
We make our Temple sacred by setting it apart from the mundane, profane, or everyday. Our devotional work is done according to this principle and holding time, space, and energy aside for our sacred pursuits. Our work with Baphomet is likewise set apart from all other work that we may do, magically or otherwise. For this reason, we refuse association with other religions, orders, trends, labels, and organizations. To reference ourselves and our work, we have coined the terms Baphometic, Baphometism, and Baphometian.
As the astute reader may have guessed, this is one way among many that we incorporate the Baphometic principle of Solve.
Silence
One of the most misunderstood virtues in magic is that of silence. Too many only see silence as some effort of gatekeeping a closed tradition or elitism. Nowadays, very few bother to recognize the vital importance of this trait within magic. So crucial that it is near impossible to complete higher magical workings without the disciplined cultivation of this powerful virtue.
Silence is an absence. Whether of any sound occurring or simply an absence of one speaking. While being sincere and making sacred are active attributes, silence is a passive one. Using silence is to open the reception of what you have worked so hard to cultivate.
The origin once again traces back to Latin, with the word silentem meaning “still, calm, or quiet.” Here suggesting more than just an auditory meaning but an emotional or physical state as well. Notably, the term silent was used among the Victorians to refer to the dead as the dead are often still and quiet.
Templi Baphometi is significant for a strict policy of silence. Moreso than most magical, initiatory, or religious societies use today. Our members are strictly bound to never speak of the Temple or its teachings on any occasion. The only exception being those members who have earned the title of Episkopos. This silent secrecy is how we ensure our sacred undertaking is sincere. Or how our sincere task is sacred. It is the attribute that unites the otherwise contradictory Solve and Coagula, among other mysteries of Baphomet.
If you encounter anyone claiming to be a member, who is not openly listed by us as an Episkopos, they are either lying or an oathbreaker. You would be wise to treat them as such.
All Together
All three of these virtues interlock and support each other. While we may focus on one or another at a time, they all depend on each other, and the breaking one is the breaking of all.
These words create a system that is at once both highly effective and highly demanding. Our Temple is therefore closed to all, except by invitation at this moment. We seek mature and disciplined individuals who have demonstrated an ability to abide by our motto. To do otherwise would be to invite failure and only spread discontent.