Ouroboros | Mythology, Alchemy, Symbolism (2024)

FAQs

Ouroboros | Mythology, Alchemy, Symbolism? ›

The particular form which the alchemical symbol took was that ot the Ouroboros, or serpent devouring its tail; as such, it is usually accepted as symbolizing in general the essential Unity of Matter and in particular the Work which had neither beginning nor end.

The particular form which the alchemical symbol took was that ot the Ouroboros, or serpent devouring its tail; as such, it is usually accepted as symbolizing in general the essential Unity of Matter and in particular the Work which had neither beginning nor end.

The term derives from Ancient Greek οὐροβόρος, from οὐρά oura 'tail' plus -βορός -boros '-eating'. The ouroboros is often interpreted as a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death and rebirth; the snake's skin-sloughing symbolises the transmigration of souls.

In speech and writing, the ouroboros is often called “the self-eating snake,” used as learned term or metaphor for infinity, cyclicality, or some other kinds of loop phenomena, often self-destructive in nature. The ouroboros is also a popular tattoo and internet icon as personal symbol for rebirth.

The symbol was assimilated into several beliefs and cultures. It was in the shape of a serpent or often a dragon biting its own tail. It represented the ideas of rebirth, perpetuity, immortality, repetition, and cycles. The name Ouroboros means "Devouring its Own Tail" or "All is One" since 1600 BC.

Is Ouroborous an evil symbol? The Ouroboros serpent is meant to be a positive symbol that represents unity and the natural eternal cycle of destruction and re-creation. It is unlike many other cultural representations of snakes, such as in Christian tradition, which have distinctly evil associations.

Overall, the paradox of the ouroboros challenges our conventional understanding of time, renewal, and the relationship between opposites. It invites contemplation and reflection on the interconnectedness of all things and the complex nature of existence.

If Ouroboros wishes for aid on his quest, he may bestow his curse upon mortals at any time, which appears as a Seal of Ouroboros on his victim. In order to bestow his mark, he must consume a small piece of himself, in this way, he must suffer un-healing wounds, and writhe in agony for each additional mortal he accrues.

User with this ability either is or can transform into an ouroboros, a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. While rarely appearing in any active role, they are steeped in heavy symbolism, including introspection, the eternal return or cyclicality, especially in the sense of something constantly re-creating itself.

In this same chapter of John's gospel, the uroboros image first appears in the call to be born from above (water and the spirit). Uroboros is associated with water (as in the Genesis story of creation), and it is affiliated with Okeanos, which has the dual meaning of life (zoë) and death (Thanatos).

What religion is Ouroboros from? ›

In Norse mythology, the serpent Jörmungandr encircles the world with its tail in its mouth, while in Hinduism, the ouroboros forms part of the foundation upon which the Earth rests.

A double ouroboros (two creatures swallowing one another) in alchemy signifies volatility. Spiritually, it signifies the balance of the upper and lower natures. It can also be seen as an infinity symbol, the serpents twisting into each other.

Ouroboros and Butterfly. A snake forming a circle with its tail in its mouth is called an ouroboros, and symbolises eternity. A butterfly symbolises resurrection and metamorphosis.

The ouroboros snake first appeared as an alchemic symbol in the 3rd-century texts Leyden Papyrus and The Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra. To alchemists, the ouroboros symbolized eternity and the unity of all matter.

The nickname "Ouroboros Dragon" refers to Ouroboros ophis (Greek: οὐροβόρος ὄφις, lit. tail-devouring snake), the Infinite Snake first appearing in Egyptian and Indian mythology. Its Norse counterpart is Jörmungandr, the serpent son of Loki.

The symbol of a broken Ouroboros is often used to symbolize Old Leech and its Children. The Ouroboros adorns the cover of The Black Guide described in Mysterium Tremendum and The Men from Porlock.

The Ouroboros is a mystical symbol representing a dragon devouring its own tail. It represents the eternal cycle of life and death or wholeness and infinity.

I am Ouroboros, the Dragon God of Infinity and nothingness.

The alchemist identifies the cobra in the desert as a symbol of life. Traditionally, snakes also are emblematic of male potency. The cobra's power may give Santiago the strength to return to Fatima and declare his love for her.