Skulls and Bones: Rituals and Worship of Jesus and John

In addition, the religious symbol of the skull and bones, one the most distinguished of ancient symbols, was also related to traditions of worship practiced by the Knights Templar. Specifically, the skull contained in this secret symbol reflects the supposed Templar Knights’ tradition of worshipping the head of either John the Baptist or Jesus Christ.

The Templars and Worship of the Head

The accusation that the Templar Knights worshipped the head was first made during the trials held against the group in the fourteenth century.

Theory suggests that the Templars were practitioners of the cult of the severed head, a cult which dates back to ancient times and which has also been associated with the Celtic cult. The Celtic cult of the head is represented in carvings of the La Tène culture, an Iron Age culture named for the archaeological site found in Switzerland, north of Lake Neuchâtel.

The Celts believed that the decapitated head represented capturing the soul’s enemy and many Celtic legends remain regarding the pursuit of Celtic bands of their enemies. The severed head was symbolic of spiritual power and was often impaled on a stick, as it was believed that the head would sing and therefore warn the Celts that their enemies were advancing.

Some experts also believe that the Templar knights worshipped the Caput Mortuum (death’s head), an alchemy symbol, to which the Templars were believed to have been exposed during the Crusades. The symbol was represented using a stylistic image of a human skull. However, some experts believe that it was unlikely that the Templars worshipped an alchemy symbol.

John the Baptist

It is also believed that the Knights Templar worshipped the head of John the Baptist, who was beheaded by Herod Antipas.

This theory is based on the belief that the Templars worshipped St. John the Baptist. Also, the Templars were believed to have been in the possession of many religious relics, including the severed head of John the Baptist. It is believed that the Templars, including Templar rulers, may have worshipped John the Baptist, who espoused a life of poverty and of devotion to God; the group also worshiped his feast day.

The Head of Jesus Christ

Dr. Keith Laidler was the academic who articulated the belief that the Templars were practitioners of the cult of the head. Laidler states that Jesus’ head was severed following the Crucifixion and subsequently came under the jurisdiction of the Templars. The Knights of the Templar worshipped the head as part of their cult. According to Laidler, the head is buried in the apprentice Pillar at Rosslyn Chapel, located in Scotland.

The symbol of the skull and crossed bones used by the Templars is furthermore associated with Jesus’ crucifixion, and more specifically, with both the place and manner in which Jesus died.