"[Eliphas] Lévi's Baphomet incorporated the concept of "solve et coagula" (dissolve and coagulate), representing the alchemical process of breaking down and rebuilding, death and rebirth. The figure's dual male and female characteristics symbolized the unity of opposites, while the pentagram on its forehead represented human mastery over the elements. This symbolic interpretation transformed Baphomet from a historical curiosity into a powerful representation of hermetic philosophy and magical thinking."
https://www.bibleanalysis.org/baphomet-f...symbolism/