The Gnostic Association

-- City of New York

 

 

Serpent

It is necessary to point out that serpents have two meanings in ancient theological and philosophical currents.  The tempting serpent of Eden in the Book of Genesis in the Sacred Hebrew Bible, as well as the serpent found in the middle of the Tibetan Wheel of Existence, both represent adverse and imperfect attributes of humans.  However, the serpent Moses made on bronze like rising on a staff to heal Israelites is a positive one, representing virtues that overshadow and overcome defects and imperfection that made the Israelites get ill that time in the first place; in this context, of course, the Israelites represent all human beings who need guidance in the process towards complete enlightenment.

The serpent on the forehead of the Egyptian Magician in Arcanum I indicates Mastery, as the Staff of Power also indicates.

 

 

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Last modified: April 04, 2003