Unlocking the Power of Granada and the Mystery of Sacromonte
Introduction
Granada holds a unique position in history, blending Jewish, Islamic, and Christian influences. The city is renowned for its breathtaking Alhambra, the grandeur of its Cathedral, and the mystery of Sacromonte. But beyond its surface, what makes Granada a true place of power?
One of the most fascinating yet lesser-known aspects is the foundation of Spain’s first private university in 1610 by Pedro de Castro (detailled info in Spanish) , Archbishop of Granada. Intriguingly, the Seal of King Solomon, often mistaken as merely the Star of David, is prominently displayed across the site. What is the connection between this ancient symbol of wisdom and the hidden power of The monetary of Sacromonte? And more importantly, what can leaders learn from it today?
(Picture of La Abadia de Sacromonte, 2025)
The Triangle of Power in Granada
Granada’s spiritual and intellectual energy is anchored in what I call the Triangle of Power for multiple reasons:
- Alhambra – The Islamic fortress of wisdom and strategy.
- Granada Cathedral – A symbol of Christian spiritual power.
- Sacromonte Monastery – The site of the first private university, linked to esoteric knowledge.
Sacromonte (meaning “Holy Mountain”) sits at the heart of this triangle, offering a breathtaking view of the Sierra Nevada. This landscape emanates vitality and inspiration. Andalusians call it tiene embrujo—it has an enchantment. I see it as a power spot, similar to Chartres, Machu Picchu, or Stonehenge.
While some may dismiss these impressions as mere aesthetics, the frequent presence of the Seal of Solomon at the monastery – and to be more precise at the private university called ‘El colegio de san Dionisio Areopagita de Granada’ (more info in Spanish) – suggests something deeper. This seal—associated with aligning the 4 kabbalistic worlds of power —raises questions about what was truly being taught at this private university.
The Meaning of the Seal of Solomon
The Seal of Solomon is more than a symbol—it represents an integrated state of being. According to biblical tradition, Solomon asked not for wealth or power but for wisdom (I Kings 3:10-13). This wisdom enabled him to lead with justice, elevate humanity, and create prosperity.
The Four Levels of Power
The Seal of Solomon consists of two interlocking triangles, representing four levels of power:
- Physical – The body, material world.
- Psychological – The mind, emotional intelligence.
- Soul – Core purpose, true self.
- Divine – Higher wisdom, transcendence.
When these elements align, a leader’s wisdom flows seamlessly into action—like water. However, in today’s world, such harmony is rare. Most leaders struggle with conflicting desires: the body seeks comfort, the mind craves validation, the soul longs for purpose, and the divine remains distant.
Leaders like Bill Gates embody this principle—using wisdom to elevate the world rather than exploiting it for greed. When leaders begin to reflect on and align these four levels—harnessing their power, cultivating visionary thinking, and elevating their organizations and partnerships—true transformation occurs. Deep leadership cannot emerge from a shallow psychological life. Showing symbols and living symbols are two different things.
That’s why they say: the righteous (leader) is the foundation of the world: he can channel the power of all 4 worlds.
Proverbs 10:25
The Seal of Solomon and Jewish Knowledge
Historically, only a few schools truly understood and taught the deeper meaning of the Seal of Solomon. In Spain, these were the Kabbalistic schools of Gerona and Toledo, linked to luminaries like Isaac the Blind, Azriel of Gerona, Ramban, and Abulafia. In modern times, Ze’ev Halevi continued to explore these teachings.
Granada was not a major Kabbalistic center, yet two remarkable Jewish figures might have influenced its intellectual landscape:
Abraham ben Isaac of Granada – Kabbalist of the 13th century, their work influenced later mystical traditions. Even the AriZal (Isaac Luria) praised Sefer HaMenucha for its depth.
Moses Ibn Ezra – One of the greatest poets of the Sephardic world. His piyut, El Nora Alilah, is still sung at the closing of Yom Kippur, a moment when the highest level of the soul (yechida) is said to be present. Rabbi Simon Jacobson notes that at this moment, the gates of heaven are open, and ultimate transformation is possible.
However, with the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, much of this knowledge was lost. Spanish Rabbi Don Isaac Abravanel wrote prophetically (to read the entire response and the unofficial Jewish cultural centre of Granada has a copy):
“We Jews cherish knowledge immensely. In our homes and in our prayer houses, learning is a lifelong pursuit. Learning is our passion; it is the reason, according to our sages, for which we were created. Your love of power could have been balanced by our love of wisdom. Now, Spain will become a land of conquerors but also of illiterates, and one day it will wonder: What has become of us?”
Was Pedro de Castro aware of this void? Did he establish the private university at Sacromonte to restore lost wisdom? While history remains unclear, the connection is striking.
An Invitation to Experience the Mystery
We invite you to explore this mystery for yourself. Developing a higher mindset and making sense of the unseen are vital for leaders in today’s world. At the end of this month, we are organizing an exclusive guided tour for 10 participants to uncover the deeper secrets of Sacromonte. We will explore the Seal of Solomon, the Triangle of Power, and the esoteric history that shaped Granada. Join us in unlocking this mystery.
About Circle of Gerona
We create/facilitate executive leadership programs, pilgrimages and sometimes concepts.
With our experience in the world of business, corporate leadership and Kabbalah we help executives to create from their core like great leaders.