The Great Sphinx

A sphinx is a mythical creature with the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the wings of a falcon. In Greek mythology, it is almost always depicted as female. This might have something to do with the supposed wrath a sphinx would enact on anyone who could not answer her riddles. She would kill and devour those poor souls without a second's thought. Hell hath no fury, anyone? This version of the sphinx was made popular in the Greek drama Oedipus.

However, in the Egyptian tradition, the sphinx was often depicted as a man and viewed more as a benevolent and wise guardian—a keeper of ancient secrets. It is interesting to note that the Egyptian lore is far older than the Greek, but the Greeks decided to write the sphinx as a treacherous and malevolent being in female form. It is anyone's guess why, but given the current cultural conversation around the historical demonization of women, it is unsurprising that they would take this route given the time.

This is one of those questions that will, most likely, remain a mystery. The oldest theory is that it was built on the backs of slaves over many years. However, modern theories point to the possibility that it was built by skilled, well-paid laborers. The construction of the Sphinx is so perfect that many believe slaves would never have been able to accomplish such precision.

Regardless of what one believes, it is unlikely that we will ever know the truth, and its secrets will remain hidden in thousands of years of sand.

One of the fascinating things about the Great Sphinx is the sacred geometry embedded in its construction. The monument is perfectly symmetrical and laser-accurate, which is not easy to do even in modern times. During construction, stone shifts and continues to do so as time passes. This is not the case with the Sphinx, which, to this day, remains perfectly balanced. It is difficult to explain just how perfect it is without visuals, so we encourage you to search “Sphinx sacred geometry” or watch the documentary Magical Egypt. In Magical Egypt, the famous archaeologist John Anthony West goes over in great detail exactly what is so unique about the Sphinx's oddly perfect geometry. He uses incredible visuals to show the viewer just how rare this marvel of construction actually is in the world.

The first photograph of the Great Sphinx began circulating the globe in the mid-1800s. As one can imagine, it fascinated the world and sparked the archaeological gold rush that would dominate Egypt to this very day. Hordes of academics flooded Egypt, all wanting to study and offer their expert opinions on its origin—and gain fame and fortune from plundering tombs and temples, I might add. Back then, there were no rules for the handling and care of artifacts, and so many simply “went missing” or were sold on the black market.

Ultimately, the general consensus of Egyptologists was that the Sphinx was built around 2500 BCE. How did they reach this conclusion? They thought that the male face of the Sphinx bore a resemblance to Khafre, the Pharoah of the time. So, by their logic, it must have been built in his era. This theory held solid until recently, when a new wave of rogue archaeologists and geologists started to poke holes in the established view. Many believe that the Sphinx is far older than we could have ever imagined. Dr. Robert M. Schoch was the first geologist on record to show evidence of water erosion on the great statue. But Egypt has been a dry, arid desert for over ten thousand years, which is why his theory is so contentious. It would mean that the Sphinx would have had to have been built at least that long ago and probably longer to sustain that much erosion. We aren't just talking about some random rainy days here and there. We are talking about frequent flooding and downpours that would last for weeks or months at a time. This opens us up to the possibility of a much older advanced civilization that we hadn't even considered before.

Their theories have not been well-received among the “authoritative experts” who have built careers on upholding the old views. However, as numerous papers and documentaries continue to pile up, it becomes rather challenging to not even consider that the long-held belief just might be false and that we are, in fact, the descendants of a civilization lost to time.

It seems that the more we study the ancient statue, the less we agree about where and when it came from. Even the mountains of information we have collected on it bring us no closer to understanding anything of substance about it. And so, this incredible statue has fallen into the land of unsolvable mysteries. Theories are the lifeblood of a mystery and will multiply unceasingly until that mystery is solved, so it is safe to say that differing theories on the Sphinx will continue for quite some time. The “Riddle of the Sphinx” is alive and well. Perhaps that is what we love about it. Its obstinate refusal to be solved and understood, combined with our stubborn need to solve riddles, is a pairing that will never exhaust itself. We can keep returning to the well with fresh ideas and theories that will titillate or infuriate other seekers. That's the whole fun of it. Who will solve the Sphinx's riddle, and what, if anything, will its answer reveal?

In honor of the sacred wisdom hidden away in the sands of Egypt, we thought it appropriate to create a Mabon charm endowed with the energy of the wise Sphinx. This charm will bring ancient knowledge to the person who creates it and allow them to see deeper into the hidden wisdom kept secret by the Sphinx. It will also give insights into the underworld for those curious about the journey through death and the afterlife. But don't worry, you will stay firmly in the land of the living. Only your inner eye will traverse the great expanse.

Cut the ribbon after the writing and set it aside. Lay the sprig of pine over your gem or pine cone and use the ribbon to securely tie it into place as you repeat the incantation aloud three times. Once your charm is complete, place it in your right hand and place your left index finger on the center of your forehead where your third eye is. Repeat the incantation another three times while firmly holding your wisdom-seeking intention in mind. You can repeat the incantation as many times in groups of three for as long as you need. When you feel a gentle tingling or vibration in your pineal gland or hand, then you are probably good.

You can place this charm in a place where you will see it regularly or simply keep it hidden away for rituals that seek wisdom or insight.

Turn to this charm when you seek wisdom and insight in your life. It will help illuminate the path that will take you forward and away from confusion. Rubbing it on your forehead when you need a little clarity is a great way to use this charm. But ultimately, how you choose to use it will be what is right for you.