In the 14th Century, under torture of the Spanish Inquisition for suspected heresy, the Knights Templar confessed. Yes, they had worshipped a heathen idol.
Through their agony, the imagination conjured an image; a made-up demon.
They called it Baphomet.
In 1856, French occultist Eliphas Levi drew an androgynous creature with the head of a goat and the wings of an angel. Set upon this head was a pentagram, above that a torch.
With his hand, the imagination created an image; an occult symbol.
He called it Baphomet.
By way of imagination, Baphomet was brought into existence. And despite its ‘made-up’ beginnings, it took on ‘true’ meaning as a symbol. It came to represent many things: a reconciliation of opposites; a celebration of contrasts; a pursuit of wisdom through knowledge.
So, it seems, this Fake Demon had lessons to teach.
“As above, so below.”
Hermetic axiom
We learn the power of imagination at a young age. While adults tend to relegate it to the realm of child’s play and make-believe, kids are less concerned with what is ‘real’ and what is ‘made-up’. They see Symbol as the Truth it embodies.
Beyond just Baphomet, the world of a child’s imagination is wrought with Fake Demons. We need look no further than the very cartoons we grew up on. And, as with Baphomet, each has a lesson to teach.
Dabura
“The Demon King fears no mortal!”
Dabura,
King of the Demon Realm
Once a king, Dabura is brought under the spell of the alien wizard, Babidi, who seeks to resurrect the all-powerful genie, Majin Buu, and conquer the world.
Though he plays the part of the gentleman, Dabura’s sadistic nature shows. Serving as Babidi’s body guard, he does as he’s told, taking pleasure in other’s pain while maintaining an arrogance of nobility.
His confidence proves fatal. Dabura’s downfall is Pride.
Upon Majin Buu’s release, Dabura recognizes the genie’s untold power. Nevertheless, he charges into battle against an unbeatable foe. He is transformed into a cookie and consumed, whole.
Let this be a lesson to you…
Peaches
“I am the Dark Underlord, the Prince of Doom, the King of Eternal Torment! I am Pain! I am Evil!”
Peaches,
(Assistant to the) Ruler of Heck
When Heffer chokes on a chicken bone, he has a near-death experience. While his body lays motionless, his soul is sent to Heck. Here, he meets a demon named Peaches.
Peaches proceeds to half-heartedly torment Heffer. But Heffer ultimately escapes as Rocko revives his corporeal body. And Peaches doesn’t seem to care.
His apathy proves costly. Peaches’ downfall is Sloth.
His boss, the Ruler of Heck, is rather displeased with Peaches’ performance. This lazy demon must be punished. But his torment is not without irony. He is cast into Rocko’s intro, to star in the ultimate rerun, for eternity.
Let this be a lesson to you…
HIM
“Splendidly evil, isn’t it?”
HIM,
The Evilest of Evils
No one knows where HIM came from, only that HIM exists. HIM stands as the Powerpuff Girls’ most deadly foe, thriving on chaos and destruction alone.
HIM’s torturous tendencies are matched only by HIM’s flamboyance. HIM is more than happy to hurt, using fear and hatred as weapons. HIM finds joy and strength in the pain of others.
HIM’s rage proves disastrous. HIM’s downfall is Wrath.
HIM takes time torturing Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles. But HIM always fails to recognize their power: sisterly love. Again and again HIM’s attempts to divide and conquer are thwarted by the Powerpuff Girls!
Let this be a lesson to you…
Final Thoughts
Growing up Christian, I was always told pop culture was a tool of the Devil; that Satan was behind the media of the world; that demons lurked behind every TV channel.
But as Baphomet took on new meaning throughout the ages, so too did this demonic programming.
It turns out the Devil was just my imagination.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t still be my friend.
Fake Ritual 