The Four Powers of the Sphinx, According to Eliphas Lévi

In the book Transcendental Magic (1854), French occultist Eliphas Lévi (1810 - 1875), explains that the Four Powers of the Sphinx (later known as the "Magi's Pyramid") is the unwavering conditions a student must embody on their path to achieving the "Sanctum Regnum" (Holy Kingdom).

According to the occult meaning of Magick, it is defined as "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will”. The Sanctum Regnum refers to attaining a supreme level of knowledge and wisdom. This knowledge allows us to understand the changes we experience in life by developing a deeper relationship with our senses, power, and Transcendental Magic.

Lévi's Four Powers of the Sphinx serves as an essential guide for an initiate on the path to occultism, and in Alice A. Bailey's work A Treatise on White Magic (1934), Tibetan Master DK also explains:

"The occult aphorism: 'To will, to know, to dare, and to be silent', has a special significance not hitherto revealed and at which it is only possible for me to hint. Those of you who have the inner knowledge will comprehend at once."

What are the Four Powers of the Sphinx?

The Four Powers of the Sphinx are Knowledge, Will, Courage, and Silence. They are believed to correspond to the classical elements of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.

Below, we will take a closer look at each and their layers of esoteric correspondence for mystical seekers looking for deeper meaning.

Knowledge

Latin word: Scire

Power: To know — the power of thought.

Kerubic Aspect: Human

Zodiac: Aquarius

Element: Air

Chakra: Ajna center, Third Eye, located between the brows

Color: Indigo

Will

Latin word: Velle

Power: To will — the power of the mind.

Kerubic Aspect: Lion

Zodiac: Leo

Element: Fire

Chakra: Muladhara center, Root chakra, located at the base of the spine

Color: Red

Courage

Latin word: Audere

Power: To dare — the power of emotions.

Kerubic Aspect: Eagle

Zodiac: Scorpio

Element: Water

Chakra: Svadhishthana center, Sacral chakra, located in the lower abdomen below the navel

Color: Orange

Silence

Latin word: Tacere

Power: To keep silent — the power of strength.

Kerubic Aspect: Bull

Zodiac: Taurus

Element: Earth

Chakra Center: Manipura center, Solar plexus chakra, located around the abdomen above the belly button up to the breastbone

Color: Yellow

In conclusion, as Lévi himself stated: “In order to DARE we must KNOW; in order to WILL, we must DARE; we must WILL to possess empire and to reign we must BE SILENT.” — Eliphas Lévi