The Animals on the Great Way of the Spirit

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The animals each correspond to an astrological sign -- specifically the cardinal signs. Each is therefore a symbol of an element. Lion (Leo) - fire, Eagle (Scorpio) - water, Man (Aquarius) - air, Bull (Taurus) - earth. This interpretation of these animals is very, very widely accepted among occultists. In the dynamic form of an animal, they each represent one of the four seasons of experience. This cycle is often referred to thus, "To know, to dare, to will, to be silent."

It is also worth mentioning that the sphinx is composed of these four animals.
See: On the Powers of the Sphinx