Alphonse Louis Constant, better known by his pen name Eliphas Lévi, was a French occultist and writer born on February 8, 1810. He is best known for his influential works on Kabbalah, magic, and tarot, which helped shape modern esoteric thought. His writings emphasized the connection between mysticism and philosophy, making complex ideas more accessible to the public. Lévi's most notable work, "Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie," published in the 1850s, laid the groundwork for contemporary Western esotericism. He introduced the concept of the astral light and explored the symbolism of the tarot, which has since inspired many occult traditions and practices. He passed away on May 31, 1875.