The witches’ pyramid is a magical philosophy that predates modern witchcraft and was first articulated by the French occultist and magician Éliphas Lévi (1810–1875) in his two-volume book Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual.
In Transcendental Magic, Lévi writes: “To attain the knowledge and power of the Magi, there are four indispensable conditions: an intelligence illuminated by study, an intrepidity which nothing can check, a will which cannot be broken, and a prudence which nothing can corrupt and nothing intoxicate. TO KNOW, TO DARE, TO WILL, TO KEEP SILENCE such are the four words of the Magus, inscribed upon the four symbolical forms of the sphinx.”
The purpose of the pyramid is to explain the needed functions for magical work to be effective. It’s both a learning tool for witches and a philosophy to abide by while performing magic.
“To know” is the first point of the pyramid and corresponds with the element of air. Air is associated with clarity, intention, and intellect. It’s not about knowing everything; it’s about knowing what you seek and how to channel your intentions. Whether performing a ritual or casting a spell, it begins with a clear vision of your desired outcome. As you walk the path toward manifestation, this knowing evolves and is shaped by action, experience, and continued learning along the way.
“To dare” on the witches’ pyramid is associated with the element of water. This element is associated with many things: healing, intuition, emotions, death. These are all things that take us into the unknown and that require bravery or daring. Once you know who you are, what you want and how to get it, all you have to do is be brave. Jump. I dare you.
“To dare” is the energy and mindset it takes to make that leap of faith into our work, into the unknown, so that we can manifest what we want or become who we want. We all understand the feelings that come with the word “dare.” It’s a challenge, and we like to believe we can live up to that challenge. It’s also probably something scary or something that makes us anxious. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t be hedging on it. To dare is to accept that we are going to do something. It is emotionally preparing ourselves to physically take action and set things in motion.
“To will” is putting motion to our thoughts and feelings. “To will” is about doing the work. In the witches’ pyramid, “to will” is associated with the element of fire. It is the passion and drive to see our work through to the end. And ideally, our will is like fire — something that will motivate us and burn hot enough that we finish what we start.
Our will is what manifests change, and if we don’t utilize our will, we won’t get the results we are looking for in our magical work. Our will also applies to the tools we have at our disposal outside of ourselves; our will fuels the internal fire that gives us the desire to study and learn. Our will is also about overcoming roadblocks and getting around obstacles and obstructions that stand in the way of our goals.
“To keep silent” is the last point on the pyramid and is associated with the element of earth.
It means that we should not discuss what we are working on magically. It’s understood by modern practitioners that intentions by others can interact or interfere with the magic you are working. Therefore, if no one knows what you are working on, they cannot direct energy (either positive or negative) to that intention. “To keep silent” is also a great life skill and can serve you in many situations.
Whether you identify as a witch or a healer or something else entirely, the witches’ pyramid is a tool that you can use in your manifestation work. Following the witches’ pyramid can help you find structure for your magical practice and be a tool to enhance your energy and focus.
Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.