Translate

Monday, 10 January 2011

The caduceus as a spiritual tool

What is it?  Where did it come from and what does it represent?

The caduceus is thought to be as old as Babylonian times (approx 3,000 to 4,000 BCE) and is a staff with 2 intertwining snakes winding up its length.  It is the staff of Hermes (Messenger of the gods, also a god himself) in the Greek pantheon, and his counterpart, Mercury in the Roman.



The staff was a symbol of the planet Mercury, as well as the element and was used in alchemy and in magic (the qabalah as well).


Among other things, it represents commerce, communication, travel and thresholds.  It's colours are both light blue and orange (these are the gods, which the staff represents).

Not to be mistaken for the Rod of Asclepius (son of Apollo), which has but one snake, not winged.


For a little more detail, have a look at this article:


If you are looking for something to meditate on, the symbol of the caduceus, with or without wings, is a good place to start. 

Enjoy this?  Have a look at the origins of the 4 winds, used in witchcraft/magic/wicca/ceremonial magic etc

No comments:

Post a Comment