Introduction to Levi

Dogme et rituel de la haute magie: Tome 2. Rituel

Eliphas Levi

Behind the veil of all the hieratic and mystical allegories of ancient doctrines, behind the darkness and strange ordeals of all initiations, under the seal of all sacred writings, in the ruins of Nineveh or Thebes, on the crumbling stones of old temples and on the blackened visage of the Assyrian or Egyptian sphinx, in the monstrous or marvellous paintings which interpret to the faithful of India the inspired pages of the Vedas, in the cryptic emblems of our old books on alchemy, in the ceremonies practised at reception by all secret societies, there are found indications of a doctrine which is everywhere the same and everywhere carefully concealed. 

- Eliphas Levi, Introduction to Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie

Eliphas Levi

Eliphas Levi's Goat of Mendes aka Baphomet

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One of the most famous occultists of all time, Eliphas Levi's work is considered crucial. 
Astute readers will recall that Levi, a native of Paris, was responsible for the drawing of the Goat of Mendes, symbolising Baphomet. Again, this hideous figure represents the "astral light" among many other occult concepts.