The Right Angle Incarnation Cross of the Sphinx is the plot line or storyline that your Type stars in, acting in the character of your Profile.

The Right Angle Cross of the Sphinx is derived from the conscious and unconscious gates in your sun and earth. Any configuration of Gates 1, 2, 7, and 13 creates this cross. The Sphinx and the Vessel of Love are the only two crosses that have all their gates in one center, the G Center or the Self Center.

Each one of us brings an energy with us into this life that somehow the world finds useful. It’s not necessarily attractive, we might not understand it at all, might not even be aware of it. But somehow the world needs it, and we supply it – willing or not.

Right Angle Crosses

This is a right angle cross that indicates to any who have it that they are here in such a way that in this lifetime their focus is more on themselves than on others. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t able to see, understand, or help others. It just means that what propels them to do so stems from an inherent and deeply rooted need to do so for their own reasons. In a nutshell, they are not motivated to help a hungry person because they are hungry, but because it somehow serves them (aligns them as a soul) to do so.

The Incarnation Cross of the Sphinx

The Sphinx has been with us since ancient times and has often been cast as a creature that devours those who cannot correctly answer her/his riddle. Oedipus bested the Sphinx by recognizing that the answer was “man”. Oedipus can therefore be recognized as a “liminal” or threshold figure. Oedipus helps effect the transition between the old religious practices (cultural norms). This is represented by the death of the Sphinx and the rise of the new Olympian gods (cultural norms).

This riddle persists in all times and all cultures, and can be reduced to “What is man and where is he going?” This is essentially the storyline, the energy that accompanies them everywhere. Every person who comes into your aura faces the question, “Who are you and where are you going?”

The Riddle of the Sphinx

Again, this question is presented by their aura to everyone who comes into it. “What is your story” they, the Sphinx, ask of their world. They are the timeless riddles that people ponder. Without them doing anything, people are drawn to look at them, to wonder about them, and to therefore wonder about themselves. To ask themselves, where am I going?  When the Sphinx feels secure in their knowledge, they can answer those people.

The Sphinx offers guidance to others based on logic – secure patterns for the future – and their own experience. This doesn’t mean the Sphinx has to take charge of them; they are naturally designed to point the way and offer encouragement.

Simply by being, the Sphinx offers others the possibility of transformation from the old to the new. To those who merit it, the Sphinx is willing to offer guidance, to explain their direction and why they aim for it. As long as they stay true to their type and authority, then the Sphinx’s direction will always be right for them and their world.

History of the Sphinx

The Sphinx, an iconic mythical creature, elicits a unique fascination and intrigue. The Sphinx holds a crucial place in the human imagination. Tracing its origins in ancient mythology, the Sphinx is a powerful embodiment of the fusion between human intellect and animal strength. Over the ages, interpretations of the Sphinx have evolved, keeping up with changing cultural, social, and psychological understandings. This essay aims to take you through a journey, exploring both the ancient and modern interpretations of the Sphinx, revealing its enduring significance in human culture.

Ancient Interpretations

Egyptian

The Sphinx’s tale begins in the sands of Egypt and the scrolls of Greek mythology. It’s remarkable to note that despite the cultural and geographical distance, both civilizations independently developed strikingly similar representations of this creature.

The Sphinx has existed in Egyptian mythology since at least 2575 BCE, making it 4,598 years old in 2023 CE. The oldest known example is the Great Sphinx, which stands outside the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The Great Sphinx was built by Khufu’s son, Khafre, and its face was carved in his likeness. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was created by ancient Egyptians of the Old Kingdom during the reign of Khafre (c. 2558–2532 BC).

In Egyptian mythology, the Sphinx, referred to as “Shesep Ankh” or the ‘Living Image,’ was a majestic, divine symbol. The Great Sphinx of Giza had the body of a lion and the head of a human. The Great Sphinx of Giza was not just an architectural marvel but also held deep symbolic significance. The lion’s body represented the mighty strength of a solar deity, while the human head symbolized the Pharaoh’s wisdom and might. Thus, the Sphinx served as an emblem of divine kingship, protection, and the amalgamation of strength with wisdom.

Greek

The Sphinx first appeared in Greece around 1600 BCE. Objects from Crete at the end of the middle Minoan period and from the shaft graves at Mycenae throughout the late Helladic age showed the Sphinx characteristically winged.

The Greek interpretation of the Sphinx, on the other hand, was tinged with a darker, more ominous symbolism. Unlike the Egyptian Sphinx, the Greek Sphinx had the head of a woman, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle. The Greek Sphinx was often also depicted with a serpent-headed tail. The Greek Sphinx was not a protector but a Riddler, a punisher of those unable to decipher her complex puzzles. The most famous riddle of the Sphinx, solved by Oedipus, revolved around the stages of a human’s life. It portrayed the Sphinx as a gatekeeper of knowledge, reflecting the potential perils of wisdom and understanding.

In this version, the “head of a woman” refers to the principle of the Feminine – Hexagram 2 in the I Ching. The mystery of the feminine is legendary and no matter how deeply the Masculine penetrates the Feminine, it can never penetrate deeply enough for the Great Mystery to be revealed. The depth of the Feminine is endless for it is timeless and without eternal shape.

The Sphinx in Egyptian Mythology

In ancient Egypt, the Sphinx was not only an architectural construct but also a profound symbol of the sacred. The Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the most famous and enduring examples, stands as a testament to the ancient Egyptians’ technological and artistic prowess. But beyond its physical impressiveness, the Sphinx played a crucial role in reflecting and reinforcing the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the time.

The Egyptian Sphinx, traditionally depicted as a lion with a human head, is a reflection of the synthesis between strength and wisdom. The lion, the king of beasts, symbolizes power, courage, and the fierce, relentless sun. The human head, often adorned with a royal headdress, embodies the wisdom and sagacity of the Pharaoh. The Pharaoh was considered a living god on earth. In essence, the Sphinx personifies the Pharaoh’s divine authority, bridging the gap between the terrestrial and the celestial.

The Sphinx in Greek Mythology

Meanwhile, in Greek mythology, the Sphinx was not seen as a divine protector but as a monstrous embodiment of chaos and destruction. Kali, Hindu Goddess of Destruction. The Greek Sphinx was often depicted with the head of a woman, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle.  The Greek Sphinx was associated with riddles and death. Its most famous myth involves the city of Thebes, where the Sphinx posed a riddle to the citizens. Those who failed to answer it correctly were strangled to death.

The renowned riddle of the Sphinx, which only Oedipus could solve, alludes to the human life cycle, with the answer being a man. The Greek Sphinx’s destructive and terrifying nature, coupled with its association with riddles, positions it as a symbol of the dangers of knowledge and the fragility of human life.

Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden because they “ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil.” That was the transformation from pure holistic innocence to the first steps of intellectual capacity. The suit of Swords in the Tarot deals with splitting things apart in order to study them.  Eventually, the schism created by such activity led to Cain killing Abel.

Is it any surprise that the Greek version casts the FEMININE as the destroyer of those who didn’t understand the Mysteries? In Greece, it represents the destructive consequences of failed intellect. Despite these differences, the Sphinx in both cultures stands as a symbol of profound mysteries.

Modern Interpretations

The modern interpretation of the Sphinx has moved beyond its mythological roots. The Sphinx is influenced by cultural, artistic, and psychoanalytical perspectives. The Sphinx’s image has permeated various forms of art and literature, ranging from sculptures and paintings to novels and films. The emphasis has shifted from the Sphinx as a divine or dangerous entity to its symbolizing enigma, wisdom, or the subconscious mind.

The psychoanalytical interpretation, particularly from the perspective of Carl Jung, sees the Sphinx as an archetype, a universal symbol dwelling in the collective unconscious. Jung considered the Sphinx a representation of the “Riddle of the Unconscious.” It symbolizes the human struggle to comprehend the mysteries of the subconscious mind.

In popular culture, the Sphinx often emerges as a symbol of enigma and wisdom. Its image is invoked to represent inscrutable individuals or complex problems. Moreover, the Sphinx has found its place in fantasy literature and films as a wise, often cryptic character, encapsulating its ancient role as a gatekeeper of knowledge.

The Sphinx, while rooted in ancient mythology, has managed to retain its relevance in modern times, its interpretation adapting to contemporary perspectives. It continues to hold a mirror to humanity’s quest for understanding, symbolizing the enduring riddles of existence and the human psyche.

The Sphinx in Modern Interpretations and Symbolism

Once we transition from ancient history to modern times, we see that the Sphinx has retained its aura of enigma and profundity, its symbolism adapting and evolving with shifting cultural perspectives.

The Sphinx, in its enigmatic silence, has often been viewed as a metaphor for mystery and the unknown. Whether it’s in literature, arts, or even psychology, the Sphinx has come to represent the unfathomable depths of knowledge that often elude human understanding. This motif has been repeatedly employed in various art forms, underlining humanity’s perennial quest for wisdom and understanding.

In the realm of psychology, the Sphinx’s role has been particularly pronounced. Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis, considered the Sphinx an emblem of the ‘Riddle of the Subconscious.’ The subconscious mind, much like the Sphinx, is a storehouse of mysteries, riddles, and unexplored knowledge, withholding insights about our deepest desires and fears.

The Sphinx’s representation in popular culture, while diverse, often circles back to its foundational symbolism of power, wisdom, and mystery. The Sphinx continues to capture the human imagination, with its grandeur and enigma remaining unfaded. From being part of architectural wonders like the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas to its depictions in books, movies, and video games.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sphinx, from its origins in ancient civilizations to its interpretations in modern times, remains a fascinating figure, reflecting humanity’s innate desire to unravel the mysteries of existence. Whether it’s seen as a divine protector, a terrifying monster, or a metaphor for the unknown, the Sphinx’s enduring symbolism attests to its central role in human culture and psyche.

The Sphinx’s tale isn’t merely about a mythical creature but reflects the evolving human consciousness in its quest to grapple with the mysteries of life and the cosmos.

Photo credit: Jessica Kantak Bailey