The Baptism

From literary allusions to metaphoric usage, the Baphometic Fire Baptism has come to symbolize the infinite rebirth of consciousness. In reality, for adult baptismal rites, this is truly the case. There is a definite difference between the adult baptism and the child baptism rites. For children, no blood is extracted and no marks are burnt into the skin. For adult rites, however, the baptismal rite does involve a small amount of pain.

The rite is opened as usual. However, at the center of the ritual chamber or space there is a circle painted with the sigils of each elemental demon and that of Satan marking their corresponding points. At the center of the circle is the sigil of either the Sect demon if the recipient is a child, or if the recipient of the ritual is an adult - the patron/matron demon. In cases where a patron/matron has not been chosen the Sect demon’s sigil is used. Around this circle are many candles. White candles are traditional.

Once the circle has been constructed the baptism recipient, if an adult, is asked to give a few drops of blood, and if it is a child the parents are asked to give drops of their blood. The blood is mixed with the consecrated (blessed by Lord Leviathan) water on the altar for later use during the rite. The recipient of the ritual shall wear traditional robes of white, gray, or black.

The Adult Baptism - The person to be baptized stands inside the circle of candles as it is closed. It should be wide enough to allow the person to safely stand inside it with at least a foot on all sides to prevent robes or cords from catching fire. It is always best to keep extra water on hand and a fire extinguisher as a precaution. The candles are then lit. The following (or a variation thereof) is said by the presiding priest/ess over the person -

“Hail our infernal Lord, Satan. Hail [Sect Demon or Matron/Patron name].”

The enns of the these Demons are then spoken.

“Blessed in the name of our Lord Satan is [name of person being baptized] , your beloved child. By the North our Lord Belial, may she know her path. By the East our Lord Lucifer may she know her spirit. By the West our Lord Leviathan may she know her emotions. By the South our Lord Flereous may she know desire. By Baphomet may her path lead her to wisdom. All of this in the name of our Lord Satan and our Lord [presiding demon] let it be known that this (wo)man is kindred among you and all those present this night. May she walk her path in Lucifer’s light. So be it.”

At this time a pitcher of consecrated water is poured over the circle of candles until all flames are extinguished. The presiding priesthood opens the circle and leads the recipient to the altar. At this time the priest mixes the appropriate oleums with the blood water and anoints the recipient. Then the branding iron is removed from the fire and the recipient bares her upper left thigh to receive the mark of either the Sect Demon or the Matron/Patron. Once marked the remaining water mixture is discarded to the soil and the rite is closed.

The Child Baptism - If the child is old enough to stand inside the circle quietly by herself she may. However, if the child is young it is best that one parent enter the circle and hold the child or stand next to the child. The ritual proceeds as normal, however instead of the child’s blood, the parents’ blood is used and the child is not branded, but is anointed. Most Sects require both parents’ permission to baptize a child (defined as any person under the age of 18). Some already baptized children choose to have the ceremony re-done once they are old enough to undergo the full adult baptism ritual.