Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

Understanding Biblical Symbolism


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SPHINX

A symbol of the higher nature arising from the lower, or of the Spirit triumphant over matter.

"Primarily the sphinx represented an imaginary quadruped, human-headed, and supposed to be the favourite incarnation assumed by Ra the Sun-god when he desired to protect his friends and adherents." - WIEDEMANN, Rel. of Anc. Egyptians, p. 197.

“Horus changed himself into the form of a lion, with the head of a man sur- mounted by the triple crown (Legend of the Winged Sun-disk). - Ibid.

Then the Son of God (Horus) came forth under the aspect of Conqueror, and stood, as it were, on the lower quaternary (lion), which is now brought into unison with the higher triad (triple crown) through the mind (head).

“In representing the lowest as linked to the highest,-the loins of the creature of prey to the head and breast of the Woman, the Sphinx denoted at once the unity, and the method of development, under individuation, of the soul of the universal humanity." - The Perfect Way, p. 25.

 

See Also

AKERT
BULL (man)
GRIFFIN
LION
QUADRUPED