Serpents in Hermetic Philosophy
Snake Ring of Eternity, Alchemical Texts and Cosmic Time
Snakes, serpents and dragons were a popular theme in alchemical texts and picture books. What is their importance, and how did this tradition begin?
Images of Snakes in Alchemical Texts
Alchemists believed snakes embodied "the cosmic spirit which brings everything to life." (A. Eleazar, Donum Dei, 1735) The Snake Ring of Eternity is one of the most common motifs found in alchemical texts and picture books. Snakes became a popular subject matter for alchemists, due to their connection with Hermes (the Greek god of travel and the underworld) and Asclepius (the Greek god of healing). In ancient Greece, snakes were associated with magic and healing powers. They were often used in rituals at the Temple of Asclepius. In Egypt and Arabia as well, symbolic images of snakes were often used to portray "The Secret Arts."
What Does The Snake Ring of Eternity Mean?
Alchemists used the image of a snake biting its own tail to represent the notion of cosmic time: "There is no beginning, nor is there an end; The end is swallowed up by the beginning." (D.A. Freher. Paradoxa Emblemata, 18th century) In other words, they believed everything in the universe will eventually return to where it came from. It is the cycle of birth and death; darkness and light. Alchemists theorized that everything originated from an original source (sometimes referred to as "The One"), and ultimately returned to that source after death. Like humans, stars die too. They eventually cease to be, but the cycle is repeated over and over again.
Sometimes "The One" is referred to as a single god, while others times it is not. Some alchemists believed the true force of the universe cannot be described, and that it remains an enigma.
Snakes are unique because they shed their skins - and are thus reborn. This pattern can repeat itself, and was metaphorically linked to the state of the universe.
How Else Were Snakes Depicted?
Sometimes, images of snakes varied in alchemical texts. Other popular motifs of serpents include:
- a large dragon biting its own tail, often shown standing on top of the earth or a large tree
- two dragons biting each other's tails
- two dragons with intertwined necks; one facing the sun, the other facing the moon
- a large serpent wrapped around a cross
- a large serpent wrapped around the body of a man
All of these images represent the same concept as The Snake Ring of Eternity. Overall, they are meant to convey the idea of cosmic time, and the enviable cycle of the universe.
