Observations placeholder
Cirlot on the caduceus
Identifier
001815
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
A Dictionary of Symbols – J. E. Cirlot
The caduceus .. is a wand with two serpents twined round it, surmounted by two small wings or a winged helmet ….. It signifies the integration of the 4 elements, the wand corresponding to earth, the wings to air, the serpents to fire and water.... This symbol is very ancient and is for example to be found in India engraved upon stone tablets called nagakals, a kind of votive offering placed at the entrance to temples........
According to esoteric Buddhism, the wand of the caduceus corresponds to the axis of the world and the serpents refer to the force called the Kundalini...........
In the Caduceus, the balanced duality of the symbol is twice stated; in the serpents and in the wings, thereby emphasising that supreme state of strength and self control and consequently of health which can be achieved both on the lower plane of the instincts (symbolised by the serpents) and on the higher level of the spirits (represented by wings)