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When combined, the triangles of fire and water form a potent symbol of balance and
divine union. In western tradition, it is called the Seal of solomon, and the symbols for
air and earth are derived from the combination of water and fire. It is an important
symbol in hinduism and buddhism as well, where it also represents the divine union, or
perfect balance of male and female energies. Kabbalistically, it is the sign of resurrection
and completeness. Occasionally, this conjunction forms a diamond shape.
The philosophical or cosmic egg is another nearly universal symbol. Alchemically, the
egg is a symbol of the cosmos, as it is in a multitude of folk legends. In Hindu
cosmology, it is the source of the universe. The egg as a container of the universe is
found in many ancient religions. The egg symbolizes birth and potential. It contains
within a miniature sun, and it features prominently in solar mythology. The gods Vishnu,
Phanes, and Mithras, are all "egg born" solar deities. Another solar entity, the rooster, is
also born of an egg.
The serpent plays an important role in every culture. It is a dual role, as a symbol of
wisdom and of evil. A snake is a lowly creature who cannot leave the ground, making it
an obvious symbol of base desires and material entrapment. As a sexual symbol, the
snake can represent the energies of the universe, or base human desires and lusttraditional
pictures of dragon slayers are allegories to conquered material desires such as
these, as are many human/monster hybrids. However,as even the lowest serpent sheds its
skin and renews itself, it is a token of resurrection. As a symbol of spiritual power, the
serpent represents the awakened self.
The serpent is most often related to sexual energies, which can be harnessed for spiritual
purposes, or when abused, can overwhelm the spirit. Serpents depicted symbolically on a
vertical axis nearly always represent sexual energy- the twin serpents of the cadeceus, the
kundalini serpents, the alchemical crucified serpent, and the serpent of Genesis are all
symbols of the sexual nature of man. In the Judeo-Christian allegorical story of Adam
and Eve, the serpent represents the dual nature of sexual energy, which can either entrap
or release the spirit. It is this serpent who guards the mythical tree of life and immortality
featured in mythology the world over, where it serves as both a protector of the aspirant
and an obstacle to the uninitiated.
One of the most recognizable serpent symbols is the Ouroboros. The ouroboros is found
in alchemy, in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Gnostic texts, in Norse mythology, and even
Aztec icons. The ouroboros is a serpent swallowing its own tail, and usually describes a
circle, although a lemniscate shape is also common. It is a symbol of eternity, rebirth,
and resurrection. It is often colored dark and light to illustrate the victory of the spiritual
nature over the material.
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General information: What Makes a Fluffbunny?
Posted by: Nyxks on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 02:21 PM
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