The Entwined Serpent
The symbol of the entwined serpents has existed through the earliest of known ages and cultures. “The oldest known representation of two snakes entwined around a rod is that of the Sumerian fertility god Ningizzida (A History of Babylon).” It has also been a symbol of the Hindu concept of Kundalini, which refers to the “mothering intelligence behind yogic awakening and spiritual maturation leading to altered states of consciousness (Wikipedia).”
Although different variations of the symbol have represented unique meanings, this article will focus mainly on its representation as the symbol for DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), which is the nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions needed for development and functions within all living organisms. Although approximations vary there is said to be anywhere from 10 to 125 billion miles of DNA within the human body, with each strand being 120 times narrower than the smallest wavelength of visible light. One strand of DNA is stated to be from 2 to 3 meters in length. Certain aspects of DNA are arguably still a mystery to geneticists, microbiologists, and other professionals surrounding the science of its nature, so this article will not delve too deep into the various technical characteristics of DNA, but will be covered in another article in the near future.
The structure of DNA, which was founded by Francis Crick and James Watson in 1953, is that of the double helix. This structure is seen in many other forms of life and creation throughout the Universe, such as the Double Helix Nebula (below), and various plants all over Earth.
Jeremy Narby, in his book; The Cosmic Serpent, points out the connection between the stories of creation within many ancient tribes and, seemingly, distant cultures throughout history. He notes that “the theme of twin creator beings of celestial origin was extremely common in South America, and indeed throughout the world.” All too often, the symbolism that represents this belief is drawn as “plumed” (entwined) serpents. Through years of research, Narby outlined the correlations of this belief between ancient cultures in Tibet, Australia, Nepal, Egypt, Africa, and the Americas. Although stories vary, most conclude that the symbol coincides with the origination of life.
In modern times, or societies rather, when one thinks of the origin of life, DNA should come to mind at some early point. Coincidentally, the objective structure of DNA is two entwined strands of nucleotides with the base pairs in between; very much resembling a spiraling staircase. Narby further points out that spiral ladders, stairways, and braided ropes were symbolized throughout distinct cultures on 5 continents. Various researchers agree with the conclusion that communication between sky and earth was symbolized by the ladder, rope, vine, etc., where “gods descend to the earth and men go up to the sky.”
Assuming communication is now the primary focal point of the symbology, DNA is known to contain the information, or instructions, necessary to form and develop all unique life forms. Currently, the science academia states that about 95% of the human genome is “junk” DNA. Junk DNA represents the sequence of a genome or chromosome that has yet to have an identifiable function. Some speculate that they are sequences that are no longer used, due to evolution, while others state it is a part of our nature that must be “unlocked.”
Ayahuasqueros of the Amazon, as well as many Shamanic healers throughout the world, believe that Ayahuasca (aya-soul/dead, wasca-vine/rope), a medicinal tea prepared principally from Banisteriopsis Caapi, provides the state of consciousness needed to communicate with spirits, or inter-dimensional beings. It depends on who you ask as far as what or who is experienced, but many will agree upon seeing the same visions of communicating with plants, insect-like creatures, and half human half animal entities, to name a few. It is a highly hallucinogenic entheogen used for spiritual healing and exploration, which shamans who have even done it for 20 years have yet to control its profound effects. It is known to many as “the purge,” as it commonly induces vomiting and bowel movements, but its most notable effects are the purging of the mind. One is usually very refreshed and experiences a feeling of enlightenment after a session with ayahuasca, as each goes through their own mental, spiritual, and physical battle with the vine, which happens to grow in an entwined pattern like two serpents coiling around each other. Essentially, one usually comes out of the session with an answer to his or her own personal problems, as well as a new perspective on life.
Could this at-least be the “ladder” of communication for the Ayahuasquero? Shamans, in general, are well known for their, seemingly, intuitive knowledge of plants, animals, and nature, in essence. How did they gain their extensive knowledge? Through their predecessors? Could they possibly have found one of the keys to unlock the information stored in our DNA? Many messages left behind for thousands of years seem to tell a similar story. There is a great deal of information not covered in this article correlating ancient knowledge of this symbol or structure with that of the origin of life. This article is not meant to discredit any hypothesis on the origin of life, but rather, and at the very least, to point out that there is a strong possibility that the ancients were, somehow, enlightened to the degree of knowing the significance of this structure.
Source: http://www.granddistraction.com/symbols/the-entwined-serpent/
