"The symbol of the sphinx uniquely brings together the sphinx as the guardian of knowledge, the sentinel of the opening of the door to higher knowledge, the power of human nature that is to say the face of human intelligence connected with the body of the lion, the forces of nature that are put in balance with that of the solar system or the greater notion of life in the universe. All three themes are brought together in one. It is the perfect symbol of initiation into life eternal." -James J. Hurtak