Rod of Hermes or Mercury. Caduceus: what does this symbol really mean Caduceus staff tattoo what does it mean

They were also common among other ancient peoples. In the Mesopotamian tradition, entwined snakes were considered the embodiment of a healing god (perhaps this is where the biblical image of the copper serpent healed snake bites comes from). The words “snake” (nachash-נחש) and “copper” (nichoshet-נחושת) are cognate in Hebrew, their three-letter root (נחש). How can one be healed from a snake bite by contemplating a copper serpent? (question for Bible translators) Copper is also considered an element of the biblical Jacob...

The snake is a snake, a symbol represented in almost all mythologies, associated with fertility, earth, female productive force, water, rain, on the one hand, and the hearth, fire (especially heavenly), as well as the male fertilizing principle, on the other.

In the archaic cosmogonic myths of Eurasia and America, it carries out the separation and connection of heaven and earth. A similar motif in Aztec mythology is associated with Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca, who turned into two Serpents in order to tear into two parts the voracious earthly monster (the ancient Mexican analogue of the Mesopotamian Tiamat) that swam in the original ocean. From one part of the monster they made the earth, from the other - the sky.

A possible continuation of the ancient Balkan cult of snakes (in connection with the goddess of fertility) are early Cypriot and Cretan images of women (“priestesses”) with a Serpent (most often two) in their hands. According to ancient authors and archaeological data, in the Scythian-Iranian tradition there is a known idea of a goddess with snake legs and two snakes growing from her shoulders. Thus, twins, who were represented in the early stages of the development of twin myths as creatures dangerous to humans, can be identified with the Serpent.

In Christianity, the serpent is an ambivalent symbol: it is both Christ, as wisdom, ascended on the Tree of Life as an atoning sacrifice, and the devil in his chthonic hypostasis. The serpent is Satan, the tempter, the enemy of God and a participant in the Fall. He personifies the forces of evil, destruction, the grave, deceit and deceit, evil that a person must overcome within himself. Dante identifies the serpent with the enemy, but if it entwines the Tree of Life, then it is wisdom and a favorable symbol; if the Tree of Knowledge, then this is Lucifer and the harmful principle. The serpent raised on a cross or pole is a prototype of Christ raised on the Tree of Life for the healing and salvation of the world. [Wikipedia. Serpent]

In addition to Hermes, the caduceus is an attribute of the Egyptian Anubis, so it is possible that the Greeks borrowed the staff from the Egyptians. Also, his image is found in the hands of the Phoenician Baal and sometimes in Isis and Ishtar. The caduceus can be shaped like a ball topped with horns - it is a Phoenician solar symbol.
In medieval astronomical atlases, the caduceus is often found in the hands of the zodiac Virgo. However, this is obviously explained by the fact that the ruler of Virgo is Mercury. The caduceus is often confused with the staff of Asclepius (among the Romans - Aesculapius). But the rod of Asclepius was depicted with one snake, unlike the rod of Hermes and Mercury

Sometimes the caduceus is called the rod of Dionysus - thyrsus (thyrsus or thyrsos, ancient Greek θύρσος).

Dionysus is the god of the fruitful forces of the earth, vegetation, viticulture, and winemaking. A deity of eastern (Thracian and Lydian-Phrygian) origin, which spread to Greece relatively late. In Rome, Dionysus was revered under the name Bacchus. Bacchus was depicted as a young man, with a wreath of leaves and bunches of grapes on his head, with a staff entwined with ivy, grape leaves and crowned with a pine cone or pine cone (θύρσος κωνοφόρος - thýrsos konofóros), which was also called the “heart of Bacchus.” Sometimes the thyrsus was decorated with ribbons tied into a knot.

On the other hand, there are known images of Dionysus in which his head is decorated with a snake crown. The manipulation of snakes was part of the rituals in honor of Bacchus, and thus snakes became an attribute of his retinue - the satyrs. The ivy and snake shoots were not interchangeable symbols, but the common roots of the thyrsus and caduceus are obvious. Again, Plutarch mentions a thyrsus entwined with snakes (ὄφεις περιελιττόμενοι τοῖς θύρσοις - ófeis perielittómenoi toís thýrsos). As well as the image of a caduceus, topped with a cone and entwined with two snakes, is a very common phenomenon. Valerius Flaccus, in his description of the Bacchic mysteries, mentions the snake grass ophiana (from οφιος - snake), entwining the thyrsus:
“Bacchus plunges thyrsus into the foamy juice entwined with ivy and the snake grass ophiana.”

The symbolism of snakes is relevant where snakes are ubiquitous. For example, in Egypt, especially in the swampy Nile Delta. In Greece, the symbolism of snakes entwining a rod could easily be relayed to plants, which, like snakes, rise up, entwining trees.

I’ll focus on the office of Όφις – the snake
Single roots:
οφίδια- snake
ὀφιοειδής - serpentine
Οφιούχος - Ophiuchus (constellation)
ὀφρῦς ofrýs - she draws an eyebrow on her eye
And the snake οφίδια o f hits objects/staff
Mythical herb ophiana from οφιος – snake from liana; any climbing or climbing plant, including grapes.

The eye that ofta lmologists are “in charge”
οφθα λμός
1) straight, trans. eye; eye (book);
2) bud, eye (in plants); bud;
3) polygam. point;

Thus, this “cone-pineapple-artichoke-epiphysis-herm (pisyun)” on the staff is a symbol of the KIDNEY.
The bud rests and sleeps in winter, and in the spring it swells, swells, swells, swells, swells...

Kidney Meaning
nerd. primordium of shoot, leaf or inflorescence
biol. the rudiment of a new organism formed during asexual reproduction on the body surface of some lower animals and plants (which reproduce by budding)

In some translations, “staff” is translated as xylon. Literally it means "tree" or "wooden". In Matthew 26:47, 55 and parallel passages it is also translated "clubs."
ξύλο xýlo
1) wood, forest (material);
2) wood; stick; wooden beam;
3) plural firewood;
4) plural horns (of animals);

Xylem, or wood - the main water-conducting tissue of terrestrial vascular plants; one of two subtypes of conducting plant tissue, along with phloem - phloem.
Woodcut (ancient Greek ξύλον - tree and γράφω - write, draw) - a type of printed graphics, wood engraving,
Xylon is also an ancient Egyptian unit of length equal to 3 royal cubits or = 1.57 m = Straight fathom

The obsolete word Okstitsya with the abolished letter KSI.
Reflexive form from okstit, further from Russian. baptize (the result of condensing sounds), further from the cross.

I stole photos of a cane staff from vaduhan, I think this is Xylon, and the verb to okstit is to calculate the surroundings/circles.

The caduceus of Mercury with a pommel in the form of a cone-bud is also the rod of Aaron, which sprouted and blossomed into an almond-shaped tree.
Aaron's rod also had other miraculous powers. In particular, he could turn into a snake, devouring other snakes (this is exactly what happened in Egypt in the palace of the Pharaoh).
In Christian exegesis, the miraculously flourishing Aaron's rod is considered a symbol of the Mother of God and in this capacity is often found in iconography, miniatures, monumental painting, icons (iconography of the Mother of God), being an attribute of both Aaron and Joseph.

Cross staff and track-orbit

Life-giving Cross (Greek ὁ ζῳοποιὸς σταυρός o zoo poiós stavrós -( Zoo-zoya-come alive phenomenon)), or the True Cross, or the Cross of the Lord, or the Life-Giving Tree - the cross on which, according to Christian doctrine, Jesus Christ was crucified.

1) In the diagram, Vulcan is a hypothetical small planet, the orbit of which was assumed to be located between Mercury and the Sun, the existence of which in the 19th century tried to explain the deviations of the movement of Mercury from the calculated orbit.
2) An interesting version and comparison of the staff and the cross with the crosshairs of the orbits of the planets. The mystery of the cross. The staff is a sign of the church authority of the bishop and the administrator of the monastery, the archimandrite or abbot. “As a result of much thought and research, I came to the conclusion: The top of the staff (crossbar-sickle-inverted anchor) is the orbit of the Moon.”

More staves Exhibition "Golden Pantry of Veliky Novgorod"
Count the number of joints in the staves, it varies. What do they symbolize? Land parishes under the authority of a clergyman or the orbits of planets as a symbol of the hierarchy of power?
And miters, headdresses that symbolize church power, are very similar to the Monomakh Cap. What is the difference between MON+akhs and MON+archs -ARKhireev?

Let's return with Dionysus and his staff Thyrsus.

Perhaps the snake attributes are associated with the winter hypostasis of Dionysus. In the Orphic view, based on the ancient fusion of theriomorphic cults, a mystical connection is established between the snake and the bull: the bull is the solar one, the serpent is the chthonic hypostasis of Dionysus. Dionysus appears as a bull in the world of the living and as a serpent in the underworld. Or, simply put, the bull is the summer hypostasis of Dionysus, the serpent is the winter hypostasis. Hence, in the prayers to Dionysus there was an expression: “The bull gave birth to a snake and the snake gave birth to a bull” (kidney-barrel).

In a later tradition, Dionysus (Bacchus) was given only a quarter of the year, when the seasons came to be symbolized by four deities - Venus, Ceres, Bacchus and Boreas. In this tradition, Dionysus personified the autumn sun, ruling the zodiac Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.

The thyrsus rod is associated primarily with Dionysus (Bacchus), but is also sometimes found in Egypt and Asia Minor. The ivy entwining the thyrsus also embodied the vitality of plants and was an attribute of the resurrecting gods. In Greek mythology, ivy is dedicated to Dionysus, who is crowned with ivy and his cup is the "ivy cup". His thyrsus is entwined with ivy, and one of his emblems is a pillar overgrown with ivy. Numerous epithets of Dionysus are associated with ivy: κισσοχαίτης, κισσοκόμης - “with curls like ivy” or “with hair entwined with ivy”, κισσοφόρος - “ivy-bearing”. In the Athenian deme of Acharna (Ἀχαρναί), Dionysus-Ivy (Κισσός) was revered. And in Megara, Dionysus “Leafy” was revered.
“They (the inhabitants of Acharna) call Athena “Horse” and Dionysus “Singing”; They call the same god “Ivy” (Κισσός), saying that ivy first appeared here as a plant.”
(Pausanias. Description of Hellas. Attica, XXXI: 3)

Ivy - Dionysus Κισσός - kiss+kiss+kiss.
Ivy, like a vine, climbs, touching the support and also bites if it is poisonous

The Proto-Germans bit and touched while kissing. *kussijanan, from which, among other things, came: Old English. cyssan (and English kiss), Old Saxon. Kussian, Old Norse kyssa, Old Frisian kessa, German küssen.
Why is the magpie jay pussy?
κίσσα - jay, kareza, magpie
Probably kitty-kis sings?

Among the Egyptians, ivy is the plant of Osiris. . Plutarch in his treatise “On Isis and Osiris” writes: “The Hellenes dedicate ivy to Dionysus, and among the Egyptians, according to rumors, it is called henosiris (χενόσιρις), and this name is said to mean “the shoot of Osiris.” In Semitic mythology, ivy is dedicated to the Phrygian Attis and signifies immortality.

One explanation for the presence of a cone in the form of a pommel on the thyrsus is that fermented pine resin (κωνῖτις πίσσα) was mixed with the wine that was drunk during bacchanalia - it was believed that this cocktail enhances sexual sensations. However, the pine cone (κῶνος) was generally considered a symbol of life and fertility, and was also an attribute and emblem of Sabazius, Astarte in Babylon and Artemis in Pamphylia, as well as Mithra. Pine (πεύκη; sometimes spruce, ἐλάτη) was also considered the tree of Zeus (in Roman mythology Jupiter), Cybele and Attis of Phrygia. When the cult of Serapis developed in Egypt, the pine tree became its emblem.

To be continued...

A golden rod entwined with snakes with wings and a ball-shaped tip is a symbol that comes from ancient times. He is an unchanging reality of the mythology and religion of the most diverse peoples of the world, be it the Romans, Indians or Egyptians. The mysterious rod is called the caduceus. What is it and why did the ancient gods need it? How was it used in the Middle Ages and how does a person use it in modern reality? We will answer these and many other questions by taking a short journey into the history of this ancient symbol.

in Mesopotamia

The Caduceus appeared several thousand years ago, and even the approximate date of its origin remains a mystery to modern science. This symbol existed back in Mesopotamia. The caduceus was an integral part of the image of the god Ninurta. With the help of this rod, its owner was able to heal and even resurrect people.

What did the caduceus symbolize in Ancient Egypt?

And in Ancient Egypt, according to some researchers, there was a special type of caduceus. It was a rod, which was crowned by the sun, bordered by the moon.

It is quite possible that the caduceus, like the uraeus, symbolized the unity of Upper and Lower Egypt. When it embodied the world axis, supporting the daylight and its satellite. The snakes entwined around him personified the lunar gods, who were closer to the earth, and the wings - the heavenly gods, who lived not far from the sun.

However, after the great war that occurred between them, the situation changed somewhat. The lunar gods moved underground, and the heavenly (solar) gods moved to its surface. In this regard, the caduceus also received a different interpretation. Its meaning now came down to the unity of the underground and above-ground worlds, illuminated by moonlight and sunlight.

The caduceus was usually held in the hands of Anubis, a god with the head of a jackal and the body of a man. He once escorted the dead to the afterlife. Perhaps it was from him that the ancient Greeks borrowed this amazing symbol.

Caduceus in and Ancient Rome

In ancient mythology, the caduceus was called the “rod of Hermes” and had the ability to reconcile enemies. The ancient Greek dexterity and eloquence, according to one version, received it from the patron of the arts Apollo in exchange for a pipe, according to another, from the skilled blacksmith Hephaestus. And the god of the underworld Hades gave the rod to the ancient Roman prototype of Hermes Mercury.

Initially, it looked like an olive branch with two shoots, entwined with garlands. Subsequently, they were transformed into snakes, and the rod acquired wings. Ancient legends say that Hermes (Mercury) once saw snakes fighting under the spreading branches of an oak tree. To reconcile them, God threw a caduceus between them. A miracle happened, and the snakes immediately stopped fighting. But two of them, in a fit of rage, wrapped themselves around Hermes’ caduceus and froze forever, meeting each other’s gaze.

Later, the ancient Greek god gave the rod to his son Nerik. It was from him that the family of heralds came. As a sign of their immunity, they took the caduceus with them when they went to distant lands. At the same time, the rod of Hermes became a symbol of trade, prosperity, prosperity, as well as mutual understanding and reconciliation. However, these are not all the hypostases that the caduceus embodies. A photo of an image of an ancient Greek deity with the famous staff in his hand is presented below.

Thyrsus of Dionysus and Caduceus

The Caduceus bears some resemblance to the thyrsus of Dionysus, ancient Greek inspiration and religious ecstasy. His staff was made from a fennel stalk and was crowned with a pine cone. The thyrsus of Dionysus was surrounded by ivy, which sometimes turned into snakes. Plutarch also mentioned this transformation. Perhaps that is why some researchers consider the thyrsus to be a type of caduceus.

In ancient Greek myths, a fennel rod was an obligatory attribute of the mysteries of Dionysus and a sign of the great creative principle. Moreover, the thyrsus was possessed not only by the god himself, but also by his entire retinue: the dissolute demons of fertility, the satyrs and his admirers the maenads.

Caduceus and kundalini awakening

An ancient symbol shaped like a caduceus was also discovered in India. What it is, you can truly feel only by immersing yourself in the religion of this country. In Buddhism, this symbol is closely associated with yoga and meditation and has a special meaning. The snake is identified with the energy concentrated at the base of the human spine. There it lies, curled into a spiral of three and a half turns. Otherwise, Buddhists call it kundalini.

The staff of the caduceus is like the sushumna, the hollow channel in the spine. When awakening, energy is divided into streams. Like snakes, they twine around the sushumna, passing through the ida and pingala channels, forming intersecting spirals and connecting at seven points. The pattern of energy flows visually resembles the “caduceus” symbol.

Buddhists achieve the awakening of kundalini with the help of specific exercises and a special state of mind. It is characterized by "inner fire", clairvoyance, telepathy, heightened intuition, changes in sexual temperament, mood swings and visions.

What did the caduceus mean in alchemy and medicine?

During the Renaissance, the medicinal properties that the caduceus possessed even in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago became relevant again. created by its inhabitants, was now used by alchemists. They, as a rule, put a seal with the image of Hermes and the caduceus on vessels with medicines. The staff of the ancient Greek deity, who became the patron of alchemy, was often crowned with a crow.

The wings of the caduceus symbolized the ability to cross any boundaries, the snakes symbolized the unity of opposites: illness and healing, and the rod symbolized the axis of the world. Alchemists were trying to find the perfect medicine and it was not by chance that they chose such an emblem. After all, according to the Caduceus, the secret of life and death could be revealed. Medicine, however, soon received a different emblem - a bowl with a snake.

The staff of Asclepius is also considered to be its symbol. It is sometimes associated with the caduceus. The Staff of Asclepius is a wooden staff entwined with a single snake. Its history also goes back to ancient Greek mythology, but it has nothing in common with the caduceus.

Aaron's rod

Of certain interest is also the one that belonged to the ancestors of the Jewish high priests and had the same shape as the caduceus. What is it and what is its history?

According to European occult sciences, Aaron's rod contained a sacred fire. It is generally accepted that he could turn into a snake and devour his relatives. With his help, Aaron, the brother of Moses, was able to carry out three Egyptian plagues: the punishment of blood, the execution of toads and the invasion of midges.

Another amazing story is connected with the rod, which happened during the wanderings of the Jews in the desert. Wandering among the high dunes, representatives of different tribes entered into a fierce argument. Its reason was the election of the Levites to serve God. Representatives of other tribes, however, also had their own claims to this privilege. To resolve the dispute, they resorted to God's judgment and laid down their rods in the Tabernacle for the night. In the morning, the Almighty gave a fateful sign: Aaron’s rod was covered with leaves, flowers and almond fruits. This miracle became the final proof of God's chosenness of the Levites.

An ancient symbol in Christianity

In Christianity, the caduceus became an attribute of Our Lady Sophia. Her image with him can be seen in Orthodox iconography. Seated on a golden throne, Sophia holds a caduceus in her right hand. Only it is crowned not by a rounded tip, but by a point.

It can be assumed that it is a symbol of power, but it is much more likely that the rod carries some kind of spiritual meaning. It is similar to the copy with which in Orthodoxy it is customary to cut out particles from the prosphora as a symbol of the perforation of the body of the Lamb. And this action is a reference to the event of antiquity, when the Roman warrior Longinus pierced the side of the crucified Christ with a spear on Calvary.

What else could a caduceus mean?

There are many other assumptions about what the caduceus could mean. In psychoanalysis it is, and in Hermetic semiotics, the key to the afterlife. It is generally accepted that it was with the caduceus that Hermes opened the door to the underworld.

The rod traditionally means power over the forces of nature, and snakes symbolize opposing sides striving for unity: light and darkness, fire and water, masculine and feminine. Their symmetrical arrangement speaks of the harmonious development of the spiritual and material.

The central part is usually identified with the world axis along which the intermediary gods move between heaven and earth. From the point of view of some researchers, this was Hermes, which is why he got the caduceus. We’ve figured out what it is, but how is it used now?

Caduceus in modern heraldry

In the modern world, the caduceus is used in the symbolism of chambers of commerce and industry in many countries around the world. It is included in the emblems of arbitration courts and the Federal Customs Service of Russia, as well as the US Army Medical Service. The caduceus is also depicted on the coat of arms of the Finnish city of Jyväskylä.

As you can see, the ancient symbol is still considered popular and relevant. It was once held in the hands of Egyptian, Roman and Greek gods. They did things with it that put people in awe, and now the caduceus has become a symbol depicted on the emblems of federal bodies and government departments. However, it still retains the mysterious spirit of ancient times.

CADUCEUS

A staff - a golden staff entwined with two snakes with or without wings - was an attribute of deities in India and Ancient Egypt, Phenicia and Sumer, Greece, Rome and throughout the Mediterranean, Iran and even pre-Columbian America.

This is a symbol so ancient that it is almost impossible to establish when it appeared.

And no matter what deity held it in his hands: Serapis, Asclepius or Hermes, Mercury or Aesculapius, the caduceus always reflected the same thing: the principle of universal movement.
Acted as an attribute of the Greek god Hermes and, by analogy, of the Roman Mercury.
According to one version, the caduceus originally had the shape of an olive branch or twig with several leaves. Then the rod was crowned with a tip in the shape of a ball and a crescent and, finally, took the form of snakes entwining it. According to another version, the snake, as a sign of healing, was originally an integral part of the rod. According to Homer, Hermes received the caduceus from Apollo in exchange for a pipe; another legend says that the caduceus was made especially for Hermes. According to legend, Hermes threw a caduceus at two snakes fighting each other, and as a result they became attached to the rod. Hermes gave the caduceus to his son Nerik, from whom the line of heralds descended.
Hermes, the messenger of the gods, was recognized by the caduceus in Ancient Greece. The image of the messenger of the gods was also associated with ideas about the religions of the Middle East; sometimes it served as an attribute of a figure personifying the World. The caduceus had the ability to put people to sleep and awaken them from sleep, so it often acted as an emblem of dreams. In psychoanalysis, the caduceus is a phallic sign associated with the sublimation of sleep. In a broader interpretation, it is a symbol of magic. According to Hermetic semiotics, the caduceus is the key to the underworld: with its help, Hermes opens the gates of the underworld and introduces the souls of the dead there.

Since Hermes acted as the mentor of Eros, the caduceus also symbolized such teacher qualities as eloquence and prudence, or generally denoted pedagogy.
There is an opinion that a rod or rod is the axis of the world (an option is the world tree), down and up which, between Heaven and Earth, the intermediary gods move. Therefore, all messengers wore the Caduceus as a sign of peace and protection, and it was their main attribute. Two snakes with their heads turned upward symbolize in this case evolution and at the same time two principles of the universe (like yang and ying in Taoism) or are interpreted as two mutually dependent processes of the evolutionary development of material forms and souls that control material forms.
The symmetrical arrangement of snakes and wings serves as proof of the balance of opposing forces and the harmonious development of both the lower, bodily, and higher, spiritual levels.

Snakes are also associated with the cyclical rebirth of Nature and the restoration of universal Order when it is disrupted. Quite often they are equated with a symbol of wisdom. In the Asia Minor tradition, two snakes were a common symbol of fertility, and in the Mesopotamian tradition, entwined snakes were considered the embodiment of a healing god.

Caduceus- a “magic” wand with small wings, which is entwined with two snakes. The writhing bodies of the snakes are intertwined in such a way that they form two circles around the staff - one circle per snake. Thus, symbolizing the fusion of two polarities: good - evil, right - left, light - darkness, etc., which corresponds to the nature of the created world.
Among the symbolic figures known since ancient times, the caduceus (messenger staff - Greek) has a special meaning. It is often called the rod of Hermes (Mercury), the ancient god of wisdom.
It is recognized that the serpent of wisdom is directly related to the seducing serpent. The snake, personifying wisdom, can become so only if it sheds its old skin - from the times when it was the bearer of evil.
The wings of the caduceus symbolize the ability to cross any boundaries, airiness; core – power; double snake - opposite sides in dualism, which must ultimately unite. The two snakes, healing and poisonous (illness and health), mean that “nature can overcome nature.”
The Caduceus also represents the unity of the two sexes. In alchemy, this is male sulfur and female mercury, the power of transformation, sleep and awakening, dissolution and coagulation of the “Great Experience”.
The caduceus is worn by all messengers of peace and protection, and it is their main attribute. It is worn by the Egyptian Anubis; Greco-Roman Hermes, Phoenician Baal, and sometimes Isis and Ishtar. The caduceus was also found in India.
In occultism it is considered a symbol of the key that opens the limit between darkness and light, good and evil, life and death (it is with this meaning that the use as a symbol is probably associated

A symbol similar to the caduceus was found in ancient Indian monuments. In the esoteric directions of Buddhism, the caduceus rod symbolizes the axis of the world, and the snake symbolizes cosmic energy, Snake fire or Kundalini, traditionally represented as coiled at the base of the spine (analogous to the world axis on a microcosmic scale). Wrapping around the central axis, the snakes connect at seven points and are connected to the chakras. Kundalini sleeps in the base chakra, and when, as a result of evolution, it awakens, it ascends along the spine along three paths: the central one, Shusumna, and two lateral ones, which form two intersecting spirals - Pingala (this is the right, male and active spiral) and Ida (the left , feminine and passive).
Whatever interpretation of the caduceus (both those given above and those not mentioned in the work) turns out to be correct, it, according to most researchers, was one of the most ancient symbols of the Creative Power. Therefore, it was believed that all the laws of knowledge that govern Nature were revealed to those who owned the caduceus.
To this day, the caduceus serves as a symbol of trade and diplomacy.
It was often used as a heraldic sign: it was present, in particular, on the coat of arms of the Kharkov province.

Modern Coats of Arms:

Source: Encyclopedia of mystical terms. M., 1998; Hall J. Dictionary of plots and symbols in art. M., 1999; Mythological dictionary. M., 1991.

Caduceus (lat.), or kerikion(ancient Greek: κηρύκειον, κηρύκιον, ῥάβδοςor σκῆπτρον) - the rod of heralds among the Greeks and Romans; the name of the rod of Hermes (Mercury), which had the ability to reconcile. Similar symbols were common among other ancient peoples (see uraeus Wadjet). Like the modern parliamentary flag, it was a necessary attribute of heralds sent to the enemy camp and a guarantee of their integrity.
In occultism it is considered a symbol of the key that opens the limit between darkness and light, good and evil, life and death (it is with this meaning that the use as a symbol of medicine is probably associated).

The Rod of Caduceus or the Rod of Hermes in the occult sciences is a symbol of the key that opens the boundary between light and darkness, life and death, good and evil. This rod is a symbol of the interacting and complementary forces of nature.

Two snakes curling around the shaft of this symbol mean two opposites that strive for union. In medicine, two snakes, poisonous and healing, mean illness and healing. In Asia Minor cultures, two intertwined snakes symbolize fertility. And, for example, in alchemy, the snakes on this rod symbolize the male and female principles (male sulfur and female mercury), a symbol of dissolution and penetration, a symbol of the interaction of two principles. Two snakes intertwining and striving to unite represent wisdom.

The wings on this rod mean the ability to cross any obstacles, a symbol of air.
The cane in this rod symbolizes the axis of the world, down and up along which, between Heaven and Earth, all the gods-messengers and intermediaries move, therefore this rod is considered a symbol of mediation, consent, and trade.

In ancient times, the Rod of Hermes was also a symbol of messengers who carried the rod as a sign of peace and protection.
This rod is an attribute not only of Hermes, in whose hands it signifies health and youth; the Egyptian Anubis also wears it; the Phoenician Baal and sometimes Isis and Ishtar. In the hands of the gods, this rod symbolizes the Sky and the Moon.
One of the main meanings in all cultures of the world, this symbol means proportionality: the evolutionary process of matter cannot overtake the evolutionary process of spirit or lag behind it. Harmonious development of body and spirit.

Caduceus... This symbol is so ancient that it is almost impossible to establish when it appeared. But let’s still try to lift the veil of his origin! Caduceus - a staff entwined with two snakes with or without wings, was an attribute of deities in India and Ancient Egypt, in Phenicia and Sumer, in Greece, Rome and throughout the Mediterranean, in Iran and even in pre-Columbian America, that is, wherever there was fear the reverence of ignorant people before incomprehensible phenomena or manifestations of extraordinary qualities and capabilities of creatures “divine” for the local population.
And no matter what deity held it in his hands: Serapis, Asclepius or Hermes, Mercury or Aesculapius, the caduceus always reflected the same thing: the principle of universal movement. Question: what and where?
Not long ago, I published an interesting article for those who like to “move” towards spiritual development using accelerated methods. It was about artificially stimulating human vital potential and achieving “nirvana” through the so-called rise of Kundalini energy along the spinal cord to Sahasrara. We are talking about awakening the activity of the Snake Fire, or Kundalini, when, coiling around the central axis, the snakes connect at seven points, which are connected to the main chakras. Yoga treatises explain that Kundalini, the Serpent Fire, “sleeps” in the base chakra in the form of a coiled snake, and when, as a result of evolution, it awakens, it ascends along the spine along three paths: the central one, Sushumna, and two lateral ones, which form two intersecting spirals , - Pingale (this is the right, male and active, spiral) and Ide (the left, female and passive).

As can be seen from the figure, this “effect Kundalini"is an exact copy CADUCEUS.

More precisely, the caduceus symbolizes the awakening of Kundalini.

But did this symbol always mean exactly this phenomenon?

Moreover, the direction of Ida and Pingala does not correspond to the location of these “snakes”. Ida and Pingala in a man or a woman are directed in different directions due to the difference in their hormonal systems, and the heads of the snakes are both directed upward, which manifests itself only in white tantra, that is, in the harmonious fusion of equal partners, or as a result of endless training to balance the autonomic nervous system. systems: sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.

The Caduceus can be found in the form of two snakes entwined around a staff on Egyptian monuments built before the cult of Osiris. It is believed that Greek poets and myth-makers borrowed this symbol from the Egyptians, and from the Greeks the caduceus, in turn, was allegedly adopted by the Romans (Romeans). The Greeks remade it, since at first it had a different appearance: the rod, first depicted entwined with vines, then began to be depicted with two snakes. Again we find it in the hands of Aesculapius taking a different form compared to the scepter of Mercury or Hermes. It is a cosmic, sidereal or astronomical, as well as a spiritual and even physiological symbol; its meaning changes with application. And the Latin word caduceum comes from the priestly “messenger, harbinger” (messenger of Vesta, that is, conscience). This is a symbol of the Leader and the Initiate, the Messenger, because it is not enough to cognize and know, it is equally important to be able to transmit knowledge. In ancient times, such messengers, direct representatives and messengers of the gods were the Magi, who healed the soul and body of a person - they were connected with the Creative Power, all the laws that govern Nature were revealed to them. Spiritual maturity allowed them to recognize the nature of the disease and select the best medicine. In those days, kings and kings were both priests and healers. It is curious that in Greek the word caduceus has a common root with the word rooster. Caduceus (lat. caduceus) or kerikion (Greek κηρύκειον) is the staff of heralds among the Greeks and Romans. The rooster as a symbol is found already in the first centuries of our era. It was believed that his singing not only drove away evil spirits, but also brought relief to the sick after suffering, which often worsened at night, accompanied by melancholy, insomnia or sleepwalking. And the rooster, as you know, is a great harbinger of morning and the Sun. In occultism it is considered a symbol of the key that opens the limit between darkness and light, good and evil, life and death. Here’s how one of the church fathers, Ambrose of Milan (III century), wrote about this: “How pleasant is the crowing of a rooster at night. And not only pleasant, but also useful. This cry inspires hope in everyone’s heart; patients feel relief, pain in wounds decreases: with the arrival of light, the heat of the fever subsides.”

So, most likely, the caduceus (kerikion) served as a reminder of a certain danger that awaits people who have become reckless from drinking wine and other narcotic substances, because this symbol was carried by heralds in countries where the cult of Dionysius (Bacchus) was developed...
As a symbol of healing, the image of a rooster and snake also existed in Ancient China. According to the teachings of Chinese doctors, a necessary condition for health was the harmony of two principles in the human body: yin and yang. The personification of the masculine principle (yang) was the rooster, and the feminine principle (yin) was the snake. I consider this assumption to be quite free, since this predetermines a certain “snake” nature of a woman and a “eagle” nature of a man. Yin and yang are just multidirectional flows of energy that interact, and the snake is a symbol of poison in a reasonable amount (rooster), which creates the possibility of healing from excessive imbalance. The bird has always represented intelligence and divinity, and the snake has always represented adaptability and flexibility. This is confirmed by the symbol of medicine in the Renaissance, which was often depicted as a woman crowned with laurels with a staff entwined with a snake and a rooster in her hand. In the 13th century images of a staff with a snake and a singing rooster decorated the title pages of medical works. Since 1696, the golden rooster appeared on the coat of arms of French doctors, although here the meaning was somewhat different, but we’ll talk about that another time...
However, we should not forget that this same symbol was an attribute of divinity in pre-Columbian America. This means that it also belongs to the cultural heritage of Atlantis, in connection with this the Gnostic sect of the “ophites”, which means “serpentine”, is of interest. There is an opinion that the Gnostic Christian sect of the “ophites” are admirers of the snake race of the Atlanteans. The symbol of the Atlantean gods was the snake. Information about the same Christian sect has reached us under the name “Naassenes” (Hebrew “nahash” - snake). Another name for them is "Sethians". They were joined by “Cainites” and “Peratics” (a very interesting name in view of the above). Several Ophite texts are believed to have been found in the Nag Hammadi library.
The fact is that the snake cult is characteristic of all peoples connected in one way or another with the Atlanteans. In particular, the Hellenes believed that their ancestors were the Ophites, a snake people from the western sea, whose emblem was a snake with an egg in its mouth. And not only the Hellenes, but also the Celtic tribes and the American Indians declared the same thing.
The Ophites revered Christ as a serpentine incarnation, worshiped him as the “Good Serpent,” who personified wisdom and gave people true knowledge, and believed in the plurality of his incarnations. “Nachash” and “Messiah” in Hebrew have the same numerical meaning. Along with with this, the Ophites taught about other serpents hostile to the human race. Apparently, it was from these hostile serpents that Jesus derived the essence of the Jews, calling them “brood of vipers.”
Ophite gnosis was especially widespread in Egypt, where, as is known from the Slavic-Aryan Vedas, RIGHTEOUS people, the saved Atlanteans, were transported by “heavenly power.”

And Niy and the Elements will destroy that land,
And she will hide in the depths of the Great Waters,
Also hid in Ancient times
In the depths of the northern waters - the Sacred Daaria...
Gods of the Race WILL SAVE RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE
AND THE POWER OF HEAVEN WILL TRANSFER THEM TO THE EAST,
To the lands of people with SKIN THE COLOR OF DARKNESS...

The Caduceus symbol is widely used. Especially often such an image becomes a sketch for a tattoo. It is used in magic during various rituals. The sign also has its own meaning in medicine.

History of appearance

The caduceus has been known since ancient times. It first appeared on the territory of Mesopotamia, more than 2.5 thousand years ago. Since that time, it has had many different meanings, and the symbol itself continues to be used today, but only in certain areas.

Its other name is Kerikion. This was the name of the rod that was carried by the one who was the guide from the kingdom of the Living to the kingdom of the Dead, and by other gods. Regardless of who was its owner, the Caduceus personified the principle of universality of movement. All those who had it were messengers who carried the Caduceus with them as the main attribute with the meaning of peace, protection and amulet.

Snakes are called the personification of the forces of separation, connection, descent and ascent, fertility, wisdom, and the ability to renew.

It is not without reason that the wings are part of the Caduceus. This means that the wisdom carried by snakes or other opposing elements personified by them came from heaven. Wings symbolize the ability to cross all borders.

The staff symbolizes 3 main meanings.

Power.
The axis connecting Earth and Heaven.

The plexus of vipers is deciphered as the crossing of the right and left flows of psychic energy. Then it turns out that the image indicates the restoration and maintenance of balance between the currents of life in the bodily shell of people and life.

Since there are 7 points in the sign where snakes touch, such a symbol is often associated with those located in the human body.

Alternative interpretations

The sign also has another explanation: the unity of the sexes, their inextricable connection and mutual complementarity, harmony.

The medical symbol, which is the Caduceus, has a different interpretation. One of the snakes is poisonous, the other is capable of healing. One viper neutralizes the other, resulting in harmony between their existence.

This intertwining of health and illness means that natural forces can only be overcome by other natural forces. In the field of medicine, the symbol acquired its significance in the 18th century, which coincided with the development of alchemy and its medical bias, the focus on obtaining medicines.

The Caduceus today is a symbol that represents diplomatic relations and trade. Snakes here play the role of an equal exchange, and wings are a sign of agreement, mediation.

Often it became a heraldic image: it was once part of the coat of arms of the Kharkov province. The sign is also explained as the personification of the evolutionary process, constant development and movement forward.

Sometimes you can see an amulet in this form. Usually such things are worn by magicians and sorcerers. The caduceus and its symbolism are quite interesting to study. This sign has a fascinating history of origin and many meanings depending on the area in which it is used. This is due to the fact that the symbol was previously widespread. Today it no longer has such great significance, but its images are still used, so not everyone knows about its very first decodings.

Caduceus tattoo is an elegant and beautiful design filled with deep philosophical meaning. It is rare to find a symbol that has so many different interpretations. The image of this item is used not only as a body decoration, but also as the official emblem of institutions in many countries around the world. What is the true meaning of the caduceus and who would suit such a tattoo?

What was the caduceus in ancient times?

The name "caduceus" translated from Greek means "messenger's staff." Initially, it was an attribute of heralds in Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece and was considered a symbol of the immunity of authorized persons. Its traditional image is a rod with a round tip and wings, entwined with two snakes.

The caduceus originated in Ancient Egypt, as evidenced by archaeological excavations. The monuments that were erected in honor of the god Osiris were decorated with a similar sign and symbolized rebirth. The rod was first mentioned in the writings of Homer. According to legend, the patron of the arts, Apollo, gave it to Hermes in exchange for a flute. The Romans believed that the caduceus was an attribute of the god Mercury, the patron of trade, who received it from the ruler of the kingdom of the dead, Hades. In both cases, the object symbolized reconciliation.

There is a myth about how the caduceus became a talisman for people who trade. One day Mercury saw a ball of fighting snakes under an oak tree and threw his favorite staff at them. The reptiles immediately calmed down, two of them wrapped themselves around the rod, met their eyes and turned to stone. Mercury gave the caduceus to his son, who became the founder of the family of heralds.

During the Renaissance, alchemy and esotericism actively developed. The item acquired magical properties and was used in occult rituals. One of the interpretations of this image is healing and secret knowledge. The symmetrical image symbolizes space, and two snakes are the personification of two opposite principles. In ancient times, it was believed that the caduceus opened the gates between the world of the dead and the world of the living.

It is noteworthy that since the 19th century the rod has become the emblem of medicine in many countries of the world (for example, in America). By mistake, it was confused with the staff of the god of healing, Asclepius. There is indeed an external resemblance, but in the original, one snake is wrapped around a wooden stick and there are no wings. As a result, it turned out that in some drawings the base of the caduceus was replaced with a bowl.

Today, the caduceus is used in various interpretations in Russia. The staff became the official symbol of the Federal Tax Service, the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Federal Customs Service. It can also be found on the coats of arms of Russian cities and in the heraldry of arbitration courts.

Basic meanings of tattoos

So, the caduceus tattoo has several meanings. Let's look at the main ones.

Inspiration and creativity.
Tattoo is of great importance for extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to art. For them, a tattoo is a kind of talisman that gives inspiration and the desire to create.
Wisdom and knowledge
The tattoo has a deep philosophical meaning, since it consists of individual symbols: the rod - power, the wings - spirit, the snake - wisdom. Symmetry and spiral enhance the cosmic aspect and indicate balance and harmonious existence. The owner of such a tattoo strives for self-improvement and knowledge of the fundamentals of the Universe and existence. At the same time, he thirsts not only for knowledge, but also for sensory perception.
Reconciliation and Justice
The mission of the ancient messengers was almost impossible: they had to tell the truth, which they did not always want to hear. They also often ended up in the enemy camp. The caduceus helped to conduct diplomatic negotiations. It was he who served as a link between the two sides and helped reach agreement on important issues. Today, such a tattoo is suitable for calm and balanced people who are accustomed to defending the truth and are not afraid of condemnation and reprisals.
Affiliation with medicine or trade
Representatives of these professions paint an image of a staff as a talisman. Typically, such tattoos are performed on a small scale on closed areas of the body: back, chest, leg, shoulder blade. This helps to maintain energy charge and attract luck and success into life.

Caduceus tattoo is suitable for men and women of any age and religion. Because of its visual appeal, the design is often chosen as a decorative element rather than for any special symbolic meaning.

Which style to choose

Sketches in 3D technique are a creative option that is suitable for people who want to keep up with the times (see photo in the gallery). A unique trend has appeared quite recently and has gained unprecedented popularity among fans of body painting. The image looks as realistic as possible, because volume is achieved through the correct placement of shadows. It seems as if the snakes are about to crawl up the body, which in itself looks very impressive. This type of work requires a high level of tattoo artist skill. In addition to artistic talent, it is worth taking into account his experience of working specifically in this direction. One wrong move can destroy the entire composition.

A less shocking, but no less exciting option is realism. The tattoo looks very natural due to the play of shadows and rich color palette. It is better if the sketch is in color and large in scale. Shoulder, arm, leg, back are suitable for application. For small tattoos, choose the wrist, ankle, neck or stomach (see photo below).

Monochrome lovers can take a closer look at the dotwork style. The drawing is done with small dots, thereby creating a translucent effect. The tattoo is done in black ink without the use of additional shades. Despite this, the composition looks stylish and elegant. This tattoo will be an excellent decoration for the fair sex.