In addition to the well-known “ouroboros” of the alchemist (a single serpent devouring its own tail), another important symbol is that of two serpents devouring each other. A crowned and winged serpent, representing the universal or cosmic spirit holds a common snake by the tail. This latter snake, representing base matter or the virgin earth, is eating the tail of the crowned serpent. They signify the volatile and the fixed, the sulfur and the salt, the elements of fire and earth, and distillation and condensation. They negate each other and become one (an ouroboros) and in doing so complete the work.
Size: 3.5″ x 2.5″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, gold pigment, resin on canvas.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
In truth, immediately i didn’t understand the essence. But after re-reading all at once became clear.
Interesting and informative. But will you write about this one more?
I tend to write brief descriptions and leave the interpretation and further investigation to the viewer.
I have been searching high and low for the name for this 2 serpent figure. Read (1937) “Prelude to Chemistry” says it is a symbol for the philosophers’ stone. I see much written about it, apart from the ouroboros (single serpent) but haven’t found a distinct name for it.
Also, I think it is interesting that there are other pairs of double vs. single serpent icons connoting health and healing, such as the caduceus and the staff of Asclepius. My gut response is a distinction between health or wholeness and the healing act or process. Your thoughts?