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LESSER KNOWN IMMORTALS IN HISTORY: A CROSS-CULTURAL EXPLORATION

Lesser Known Immortals In History - A Cross-Cultural Exploration

The concept of immortality has fascinated humanity since ancient times, appearing across diverse cultures, mythologies, and traditions.

From deified heroes of Greek mythology to eternally living sages in Hindu scriptures and alchemists of old, the notion of transcending death has inspired countless legends, beliefs and even historical claims of immortality.

These figures represent diverse traditions, ranging from transcendence to divine intervention and mythical quests.

As we continue to explore scientific possibilities for extending human lifespan, these ancient and historical narratives of immortality remain relevant, reminding us that the quest for eternal life is among humanity’s oldest and most persistent ambitions—one that continues to shape our understanding of existence.

This analysis examines some of the most notable immortal figures from various sources, exploring their purported paths to immortality, cultural significance, and the enduring impact of these narratives on human imagination.

Greek Deified Mortals and Immortals – Heroes Elevated to Divine Status

Ancient Greek religion featured numerous mortals who achieved immortality through various means. This transformation, termed “apotheosis,” was granted to exceptional individuals who demonstrated heroic qualities or received divine favor.

One of the most celebrated examples is Heracles (Hercules), whose remarkable labors and good deeds to mankind earned him immortality.

Archaeological discoveries have fueled speculation about a historical figure behind the Heracles myth, with archaeologists claiming evidence of his tomb in the Peloponnese area.

Asclepius represents another fascinating case of deification. This Thessalian physician possessed such exceptional healing abilities that he could supposedly resurrect the dead.

This power, transgressing natural order, provoked Zeus to strike him down with a thunderbolt. However, Asclepius’s father Apollo later recovered him from the underworld and brought him to Mount Olympus as a god. His story illustrates both the Greek belief in potential immortality and the perceived dangers of going beyond mortal limitations.

The process of achieving immortality in Greek tradition followed several pathways. Some received this gift as reward for doing good to humanity, others through marriage to Gods, and some by chance or circumstance.

In some accounts, Ariadne, a Cretan princess abandoned by Theseus on Naxos, achieved immortality through marriage to Dionysus, who brought her to Mount Olympus as his divine spouse.

Similarly, Aristaeus, who invented beekeeping and olive oil production techniques, received immortality for his contributions to human civilization.

Resurrection and Physical Immortality

Ancient Greek religious beliefs included concepts of physical resurrection and immortality that predate similar Christian doctrines. Achilles, after his death, was reportedly rescued from his funeral pyre by his divine mother Thetis and granted immortal existence in Elysium, the Islands of the Blessed.

Memnon, an Ethiopian king, was considered immortal during his life and regarded as inferior only to Achilles in warrior prowess. His death at Achilles’ hands is recounted in the lost epic Aethiopis.

Amphiaraus, a seer, experienced a distinctive transformation to immortality. When fleeing during a war, the earth opened and swallowed him. Rather than dying, he was transformed into a prophetic spirit presiding over a subterranean oracle, achieving a form of immortality through this metamorphosis into a chthonic hero.

Tithonus is a figure in Greek mythology known for being granted immortality by Zeus but not eternal youth. He was a Trojan prince, the lover of the Goddess Eos (Aurora in Roman mythology), and became cursed with perpetual old age and weakness.

Greek attitudes toward resurrection were generally ambivalent or negative, with immortality considered neither universally desirable nor possible for ordinary mortals.

The philosopher Plutarch openly scorned such beliefs, writing that deifying “creatures naturally mortal” represented “improbabilities” promoted by “fabulous writers”.

This skepticism highlights the tension between popular religious beliefs and philosophical thought regarding immortality in ancient Greece.

Hindu Immortals and Chiranjivi

Hindu scriptures describe eight notable immortals known as Chiranjivi (literally “forever living”) who continue to exist through the ages.

Unlike Greek deified mortals, these figures obtained immortality through various divine interventions, blessings, or curses, and many are believed to still walk the Earth today.

Lord Hanuman is perhaps the most widely worshipped immortal in Hindu tradition. As per Hindu scriptures, he is believed to live eternally and will survive even after the Kalpa (destruction of the universe). His immortality serves as a testament to his unwavering devotion and represents the eternal nature of true selfless service.

Historical Figures Associated With Immortality

Throughout history, various individuals have claimed immortality or had such claims attributed to them. These cases offer fascinating insights into human psychology and the enduring appeal of transcending death.

The Count of St. Germain – The Enigmatic Alchemist

One of history’s most enigmatic figures associated with immortality is the Count of St. Germain, an 18th-century European courtier, adventurer, and alleged alchemist.

Described by Voltaire as “a man who knows everything and who never dies,” he frequented 18th-century royal courts, displaying expertise in alchemy, diplomacy and languages.

Myths and legends about St. Germain proliferated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including beliefs that he possessed the “Elixir of Life” and never aged.

Contemporary accounts described his youthful appearance despite his apparent advanced age, noting that his skin “seemed not to have experienced the passage of time”.

He looked no older than 45 despite claims of having witnessed events centuries prior.

His avoidance of public meals and reliance on a mysterious “elixir” further solidified his reputation as an alchemist who had unlocked eternal life.

The mystery deepened with conflicting reports of his death. According to some official records, he died in Eckenförde, Germany in 1784, yet no tombstone bearing his name exists there.

Sightings persisted for over a century. He was reportedly seen during the French Revolution (1789), and at the Congress of Vienna (1815).

Historians attribute his longevity to skillful disguise and myth, and the lack of definitive evidence keeps the legend alive.

Qin Shi Huang’s Quest for Eternal Life

China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, is renowned for unifying China, building the Great Wall, and commissioning the Terracotta Army.

Less well-known is his obsessive pursuit of immortality.

According to legend, he dispatched his servant Xu Fudong eastward with thousands of people to discover the secret of eternal life.

This expedition never returned to China, with some legends claiming they discovered and populated Japan.

Despite his extensive efforts and the beliefs of his followers who considered him immortal, Qin Shi Huang died at age 50 in 210 BCE from a sudden illness.

His pursuit of immortality reflects the common human desire to extend life indefinitely and the lengths to which powerful individuals might go to achieve this goal.

Cartaphilus and Christian Traditions

Christian apocryphal traditions include immortal human figures cursed with physical immortality for transgressions against Christ.

One notable example is Cartaphilus (The Wandering Jew), a mythical immortal man whose legend began to spread in Europe in the 13th century. In the original legend, he was a Jew who taunted Jesus on the way to the Crucifixion and was then cursed to walk the Earth until the Second Coming.

This concept of immortality as punishment rather than reward demonstrates the complexity of eternal life as a philosophical and theological concept.

Al-Khidr

In Sufi Islamic tradition, Al-Khidr is considered an immortal prophet or servant of God. He is also described as an angel or a wali, who guards the sea and teaches secret knowledge and aids those in distress.

He is also often depicted as a guide for other prophets, teaching those who seek divine wisdom.

Mahavatar Babaji

Mahavatar Babaji is a mystical figure in Indian tradition, believed to have lived for thousands of years. He is said to have manifested in 203 BCE and continues to exist in his physical body, residing in the Himalayas. Babaji is associated with Kriya Yoga and is revered as an eternal yogi.

Nicolas Flamel – The Immortal Scribe

A real French scribe, manuscript seller and alchemist from the 14th century, Nicolas Flamel is rumored to have discovered the Philosopher’s Stone and achieved immortality. Though records show he died in 1418, legends claim sightings of him centuries later.

By the 17th century, rumors circulated that Flamel and his wife Perenelle had been sighted in India and Turkey, preserved by the Stone’s elixir.

Flamel’s association with immortality stems from his 15th-century alchemical text, Livre des figures hiéroglyphiques.

Though modern scholars dismiss it as allegorical, the work fueled speculation that he had transcended death.

Sir Galahad

According to the legend, among the knights of King Arthur’s Round Table, Sir Galahad found the Holy Grail.

He is often depicted as being taken to paradise by angels after his death, which can be interpreted as a form of mystical immortality or a higher state of existence beyond earthly life.

In some versions, he may be physically transported to another realm or his body is left behind and later buried, granting him eternal life in heaven.

Gilgamesh

He was possibly a historical king of the Sumerian city-state of Uruk, who was posthumously deified.

The Epic of Gilgamesh, the most complete account of Gilgamesh’s adventures, was composed in Akkadian during the Middle Babylonian Period.

In the epic, Gilgamesh is described as being “two thirds divine and one third mortal”.

It relates how Gilgamesh, driven by grief and fear of his own mortality, undertakes a long and perilous journey to discover the secret of eternal life, overcoming many obstacles to find the home of Utnapishtim, the sole survivor of the Great Flood, who was rewarded with immortality by the Gods.

Gilgamesh learns from him that “Life, which you look for, you will never find. For when the Gods created man, they let death be his share, and life withheld in their own hands”.

Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov – The Incorruptible Lama

A Russian Buddhist monk, Itigelov predicted his own death in 1927 and entered deep meditation before passing away.

His body was exhumed 75 years later, found remarkably preserved, seated in lotus position, with flexible joints and intact skin.

Buddhist adherents view Itigelov’s preservation as evidence of tukdam, a meditative state between life and death.

Scientists were unable to explain the phenomenon, and had documented the body’s stability under fluctuating temperatures and humidity.

Though not “immortal” in the traditional sense, Itigelov’s case challenges conventional understanding of decomposition and has been cited in studies on bioresistance.

Li Ching-Yuen: The 256-Year-Old Herbalist

Li Ching-Yuen, a Chinese herbalist, was born in 1677 and allegedly lived 256 years.

While birth records from the Qing Dynasty are unreliable, Chinese authorities reportedly documented his age in 1933, attributing his longevity to a diet of herbs like goji berries and lingzhi mushroom.

A 1928 New York Times article featured interviews with Li’s neighbors, who claimed he had outlived 23 wives.

Though modern gerontologists dismiss his age as implausible, his case underscores historical interest in extreme longevity.

Jeanne Calment: The Validated Supercentenarian

Jeanne Calment (1875–1997) holds the verified record for the longest human lifespan: 122 years and 164 days.

Unlike others on this list, Calment never claimed immortality.

Her documented age—confirmed by birth certificates, census records, and eyewitnesses—provides a scientific benchmark for human longevity.

Calment’s long life was attributed to genetics (her family members lived into their 90s), a Mediterranean diet, and regular physical activity, including fencing until the age of 85.

According to some researchers, her case dispels immortality myths while demonstrating the limits of human lifespan under optimal conditions.

The Line Between Legend and Reality

These cases reveal how historical figures leveraged mystery, science, and mysticism to cultivate an aura of immortality.

While none provide conclusive evidence of eternal life, they reflect humanity’s persistent quest to overcome mortality—whether through alchemy, meditation, or medicine. Modern science continues to explore these frontiers, with research into cryonics, telomere extension, and metabolic therapies.

The diverse traditions of immortality across cultures reveal both the universal human desire to transcend death and the varied cultural expressions of this longing.

From Greek heroes elevated to divinities, to Hindu sages blessed with eternal life, and historical figures claiming immortality, these narratives continue to captivate human imagination and inspire research.

These accounts reveal humanity’s enduring fascination with transcending mortality and what may lie beyond this plane of existence.

What do you think about Immortals and the Human Quest for Eternal Life? Let us know in the comment section and share the post!!!

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Video version with images here:

Lesser Known Immortals In History – A Cross-Cultural Exploration


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Balancing and Healing the Chakras through Yoga https://www.udemy.com/course/balancing-and-healing-the-chakras-through-yoga/?referralCode=12C81A148616B419AA06

Mudras to Balance and Harmonize your Chakras and Energy Body https://www.udemy.com/course/mudras-to-balance-and-harmonize-your-energy-body/?referralCode=1A275C6E67E05E8C8130

Elemental Energy for Success and Well Being https://www.udemy.com/course/elemental-energy-for-success-and-well-being/?referralCode=A680413E03BEAD96E744

Book a Tarot reading here: https://www.suryaholistictarot.com/book-a-reading/

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Websites:

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https://www.lennyblandino.com

https://www.staciebronson.com/


Links and References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apotheosis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepius

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariadne

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristaeus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memnon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphiaraus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithonus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiranjivi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_of_St._Germain

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qin_Shi_Huang

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wandering_Jew

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khidr

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavatar_Babaji

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Flamel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galahad

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgamesh

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashi-Dorzho_Itigilov

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Ching-Yuen

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Calment

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_claimed_to_be_immortal_in_myth_and_legend

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longevity_myths

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3062986/

https://listverse.com/2013/05/28/10-notable-people-thought-to-be-immortal/


PICS:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Calment#/media/File:JeanneCalmentaged40.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apotheosis#/media/File:Veronese-Triomphe_de_Venise.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracles#/media/File:Mosaic_with_the_Labors_of_Hercules,_3rd_century_AD,_found_in_Lliria_(Valencia),_National_Archaeological_Museum_of_Spain,_Madrid_(15457108142).jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepius#/media/File:Asklepios_-_Epidauros.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariadne#/media/File:Titian_Bacchus_and_Ariadne.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malarz_francuski_XIX_wiek_-_Aristaeus_and_dead_bees_-_M.Ob.2034_MNW_-_National_Museum_in_Warsaw.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles#/media/File:Achilles_fighting_against_Memnon_Leiden_Rijksmuseum_voor_Oudheden.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memnon#/media/File:Eos_Memnon_Louvre_G115.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphiaraus#/media/File:Amfiaros,_Nordisk_familjebok.png

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:E_and_T.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiranjivi#/media/File:A_Hanuman_sculpture_in_Singapore.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_of_St._Germain#/media/File:Count_of_St_Germain.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qin_Shi_Huang#/media/File:QinShiHuang19century.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wandering_Jew#/media/File:Wandering_jew_-_Gustave_Dor%C3%A9.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khidr#/media/File:Khidr.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavatar_Babaji#/media/File:Babaji-transparent.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Flamel#/media/File:Nicolas_Flamel_Histoire_critique.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galahad#/media/File:Sir_Galahad_(Watts).jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgamesh#/media/File:Hero_lion_Dur-Sharrukin_Louvre_AO19862.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashi-Dorzho_Itigilov#/media/File:Itigelov.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Ching-Yuen#/media/File:Li_chingYuen.jpeg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutarch#/media/File:Plutarch_of_Chaeronea-03_(cropped).jpg

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hanuman-ramayana-monkey-rama-8783409

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-count-of-st-germain-7867107

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Head_of_a_member_of_the_so-called_Immortals,_the_1000_special_royal_guards._Glazed_brick._From_the_East_Gate_of_the_Palace_at_Susa,_Iran._Achaemenid_period,_521-500_BCE._British_Museum.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immortality#/media/File:Fountain_of_Eternal_Life_crop.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immortality#/media/File:Holbein_Danse_Macabre_3.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immortality#/media/File:Ankh.svg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_of_Immortality#/media/File:Corona_immortalitatis.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_of_Immortality#/media/File:Sainte_Blandine_patronne_des_servantes_(…)_bpt6k6350834v-1.jpg

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/desert-fathers-desert-monks-desert-8838926

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/01/20/i-met-the-oldest-woman-in-the-worldwho-shared-her-memories-of-van-gogh-in-arles

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OCCULT SCIENCES – MEANING AND HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION

Occult Sciences - Meaning and Historical Interpretation

The occult is a category of esoteric and supernatural beliefs and practices, encompassing phenomena involving a ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’ agency, such as magic and mysticism.

It can also refer to paranormal ideas such as extra-sensory perception and parapsychology.

The Occult, from the Latin word occultus, meaning “clandestine”, “hidden”, “secret”, is defined as “knowledge of the hidden”.

In common usage, occult refers to “knowledge of the paranormal”, as opposed to “knowledge of the measurable”, usually referred to as science. The words esoteric and arcane are sometimes used to describe the occult, although they do not have the same meaning.

The term “occult sciences” is often used in a broad and sometimes vague way, and the practices and beliefs associated with it can vary widely, often concerned with knowledge that is considered beyond the scope of mainstream science or common understanding.

It was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to astrology, alchemy, and natural magic, although the concept is present all over the world since immemorial times.

The term “occultism” emerged in 19th-century France and became associated with various esoteric groups and traditions.

It generally refers to a collection of practices and beliefs that explore hidden knowledge, unseen forces and dimensions, with the three major branches traditionally being alchemy, astrology and magic.

While these sciences have long been shrouded in secrecy, they have played a profound role in shaping philosophical thought, mystical practices, and even early scientific inquiry.

Often misunderstood or dismissed as superstition, these sciences have played a significant role in human history, blending philosophy and practical wisdom.

Many occult practices are rooted in esoteric traditions, which are characterized by their focus on inner knowledge and understanding.

The 3 Main Occult Sciences:

Alchemy: The practice of transforming base metals into gold and seeking the elixir of life.

Astrology: The study of the influence of celestial bodies on human affairs and events.

Natural Magic (Magia Naturalis): The use of rituals, incantations and practices to influence events or achieve specific outcomes, harnessing the powers of nature.

Other branches of Occult sciences are:

Numerology: the belief in an occult, divine or mystical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events.

Divination: the practice of seeking knowledge or predicting the future through various methods, such as cartomancy, scrying or palmistry.

Spiritualism: the belief in communication with the spirits of the dead.

Witchcraft: the practice of using magic, often with a focus on nature and healing.

Hermeticism: a system that emphasizes the importance of knowledge and wisdom, often associated with ancient Greek and Egyptian traditions.

Kabbalah: a Jewish mystical tradition that explores the hidden nature of the divine and the universe.

Let’s explore these concepts in detail:

1. Alchemy: The Sacred Art of Transformation

Alchemy is one of the oldest and most profound occult sciences, rooted in ancient Egypt, Greece, India and later flourishing in the Islamic Golden Age and medieval Europe. Alchemists sought to transform base metals into gold and discover the philosopher’s stone, a legendary substance believed to grant immortality.

It carried deep symbolic meanings tied to personal transformation, enlightenment and inner purification. Figures such as Paracelsus and Nicholas Flamel contributed heavily to this field, blending chemistry with mysticism.

The alchemical process mirrors the stages of inner growth: calcination (breaking down ego), dissolution (facing the unconscious), coagulation (integration of opposites).

While modern science emerged from alchemy’s experimental methods, its symbolic depth remains relevant for seekers of self-realization.

2. Astrology: Mapping the Cosmic Blueprint

Astrology traces its origins to Babylonian star charts and Jyotish Vedic Astrology, and gained prominence mostly in Mediterranean and Asian cultures.

By observing celestial bodies and their movements, astrologers believed they could predict events, understand personality traits, and guide decision-making.

The zodiac system, planetary alignments, and horoscopes are some of the enduring legacies of astrology.

Modern astrology has evolved to include psychological insights, often used for self-reflection and guidance.

3. Natural Magic (Magia Naturalis):

Natural magic deals with natural forces directly, as opposed to ceremonial magic which deals with the summoning of spirits. Natural magic makes use of physical substances from the natural world, such as stones or herbs.

It includes disciplines that we would today consider fields of natural science, such as chemistry and botany.

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa discusses natural magic in his Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533), where he calls it “nothing else but the highest power of natural sciences”.

Magia Naturalis (in English, Natural Magic) is a work of popular science by Giambattista della Porta first published in Naples in 1558.

Its twenty books include observations upon geology, optics, medicines, poisons, cooking, metallurgy, magnetism, cosmetics, perfumes, gunpowder and invisible writing.

Other branches are:

Numerology: The Language and Power of Numbers

Numerology is the study of numbers and their mystical significance. It suggests that numbers hold vibrational frequencies that influence life patterns, character traits, and future events. Each number is believed to have symbolic meaning, with calculations such as life path numbers or destiny numbers serving as tools for insight and guidance.

For example, the number 1 signifies independence and leadership, while 7 embodies introspection and wisdom.

Divination: The Art of Revelation and Seeking Hidden Truths

Divination is a broad category encompassing methods like tarot reading, scrying, I Ching, and runes. Practitioners use symbolic tools and intuition to uncover hidden truths or foresee potential outcomes. Tarot, in particular, has grown in popularity due to its rich imagery and capacity to offer revelations.

Each method relies on symbolic language that taps into the subconscious, offering intuitive guidance.

In Hebrew, “Nachash” means “serpent” or “snake”, and is associated with divination, and is also used to describe the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

Spiritualism

Spiritualism was popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, according to which an individual’s awareness persists after death and may be contacted by the living.

The afterlife, or “spirit world”, is seen by spiritualists not as a static place, but as one in which spirits continue to interact and evolve.

These two beliefs—that contact with spirits is possible, and that spirits are more advanced than humans—lead spiritualists to believe that spirits are capable of advising the living on moral and ethical issues and the nature of God.

Witchcraft

Witchcraft is the use of alleged supernatural powers or magic by a person called a witch.

Traditionally, “witchcraft” means the use of magic to inflict harm or misfortune on others, and this remains the most common and widespread meaning.

Many indigenous belief systems that include the concept of witchcraft likewise define witches as malevolent, and seek healers (such as medicine people and witch doctors) to ward-off and undo bewitchment.

The reality is that there are “white witches”, practitioners who focus on benevolent magic, using their abilities for healing, protection, and positive energy, and “black witches”, who are associated with harmful magic.

Hermeticism

Hermeticism is a philosophical and religious tradition based on the writings attributed to the legendary figure of Hermes Trismegistus, encompassing occultism, magic, and a search for ancient wisdom, with roots in ancient Greek and Egyptian traditions and influential during the Renaissance. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the universe and the potential for human growth through understanding and interacting with natural laws.

The Kabbalah: Sacred Mystical Wisdom

Stemming from Jewish esotericism, it is focused on the structure of the universe, the soul’s journey and the nature of God.

Kabbalistic teachings use sacred texts like the Zohar to unlock deeper mystical truths. The Tree of Life, a core symbol in Kabbalistic practice, maps out divine energies and paths of wisdom and enlightenment.

Zahir and Sufism

Ẓāhir is an Arabic term for what is external and manifest. Certain esoteric interpretations of Islam maintain that the Quran has an exoteric or apparent meaning, known as zahir, but also an underlying esoteric meaning, known as batin, which can be interpreted only by a figure of esoteric knowledge.

In Sufism, the actions of an individual are the zahir, and the intention in the heart is the batin. Zahir is the world of bodies whereas batin is the world of souls.

The zahir (exoteric) form and the batin (esoteric) essence co-exist, in that the zahir form is the manifestation of the batin essence. The zahir (outer form) without the batin (essence) is just like a mirage or an illusion.

Throughout history, these occult sciences have influenced art, literature, scientific thought and personal growth. Renaissance thinkers merged esoteric knowledge with scientific ideas.

These principles also shaped many influential occult societies.

They have endured for centuries because they speak to the universal human desire for meaning, transformation, and connection with unseen forces.

In modern times, the occult sciences have experienced a resurgence as people seek mystical meaning outside conventional frameworks.

Whether approached as symbolic tools for introspection or as genuine systems of exploration, these disciplines continue to captivate those drawn to the mysteries of existence.

By integrating these timeless practices into your life, you can create a deeply immersive experience that offers both mystical insight and practical wisdom.

While often shrouded in mystery, they reflect a timeless quest for deeper understanding, a journey that transcends the physical world and invites seekers to explore the unseen realms of consciousness and the self.

What do you think of Occult Sciences and what do they represent to you? Do you experiment with any of them? Let us know in the comment section, subscribe and share the post!!!

Also, check our website for consultations, tarot readings, exclusive videos, courses, occult related items and more!!!


Video version here:

Occult Sciences – Meaning and Historical Interpretation


Interesting sources, additional info, courses, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

Balancing and Healing the Chakras through Yoga https://www.udemy.com/course/balancing-and-healing-the-chakras-through-yoga/?referralCode=12C81A148616B419AA06

Mudras to Balance and Harmonize your Chakras and Energy Body https://www.udemy.com/course/mudras-to-balance-and-harmonize-your-energy-body/?referralCode=1A275C6E67E05E8C8130

Elemental Energy for Success and Well Being https://www.udemy.com/course/elemental-energy-for-success-and-well-being/?referralCode=A680413E03BEAD96E744

Book a Tarot reading here: https://www.suryaholistictarot.com/book-a-reading/

Check our soundtrack here:
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Websites:

https://www.alkemystica.com

https://www.lennyblandino.com

https://www.staciebronson.com/


Links and References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeticism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_magic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magia_Naturalis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divination

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpents_in_the_Bible

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zahir_(Islam)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualism_(movement)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft

https://thonyc.wordpress.com/2022/02/16/the-demise-of-the-occult-sciences/

PICS:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermes_Trismegistus#/media/File:Hermes_mercurius_trismegistus_siena_cathedral.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeticism#/media/File:HermesTrismegistusCauc.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy#/media/File:Aurora_consurgens_zurich_044_f-21v-44_dragon-pot.jpg

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Nicolas Flamel: Medieval French Alchemist, Philanthropist and Immortal

Nicolas Flamel - Medieval French Alchemist, Philanthropist and Immortal

Nicolas Flamel, a figure shrouded in mystery and legend, is often remembered as one of history’s most enigmatic alchemists. Born in the 14th century in Paris, Flamel’s life and legacy have become intertwined with tales of alchemy, mystical pursuits, and the quest for the philosopher’s stone.

While much of Flamel’s life remains clouded in historical ambiguity, his contributions to alchemy and his enduring influence on literature and popular culture make him a fascinating subject of study.

Nicolas Flamel was born around 1330 into a humble family, likely in the region of Pontoise, France. Little is known about his early life.

There is no indication that the real Flamel of history was involved in alchemy, pharmacy or medicine.

According to one theory, Flamel was a real person, and he may have dabbled in alchemy, but his reputation as an author and immortal adeptcould bean invention of the seventeenth century.

The historical Flamel lived in Paris in the 14th and 15th centuries. He ran two shops and established himself as a scribe and manuscript-seller.

Flamel’s association with books and written knowledge would later play a crucial role in his alchemical pursuits. Central to his alchemical endeavors was the elusive quest for the philosopher’s stone, a legendary substance believed to have the power to transmute base metals into gold and grant immortality.

He married a lady named Perenelle in 1368. She brought the wealth of two previous husbands to the marriage.

The French Catholic couple owned several properties and contributed financially to churches, sometimes by commissioning sculptures. Later in life, they were noted for their wealth and philanthropy.

One of the most famous stories surrounding Flamel involves an encounter with a mysterious stranger who allegedly handed him a book containing the secrets of alchemy. According to texts ascribed to Flamel almost 200 years after his death, he had learned alchemical secrets from a Jewish converso on the road to Santiago de Compostela.

An alchemical book, published in Paris in 1612 as Livre des figures hiéroglyphiques and in London in 1624 as Exposition of the Hieroglyphical Figures was attributed to Flamel.

It is a collection of designs purportedly commissioned by Flamel for a tympanum at the Cimetière des Innocents in Paris, long disappeared at the time the work was published. In the publisher’s introduction, Flamel’s search for the philosopher’s stone was described.

According to that introduction, Flamel had made it his life’s work to understand the text of a mysterious 21-page book he had purchased in 1357, at the cost of two florins.

The introduction claims that, around 1378, he traveled to Spain for assistance with translation. On the way back, he reported that he met a sage, who identified Flamel’s book as being a copy of the original Book of Abramelin the Mage.

According to legend, Flamel and his wife, Pernelle, devoted themselves to deciphering the enigmatic text and, after years of study, successfully created the philosopher’s stone.

With this knowledge, over the next few years, Flamel and his wife allegedly decoded enough of the book to successfully replicate its recipe for the Lapis Philosophorum, producing first silver in 1382 and then gold.

The essence of his reputation are claims that he succeeded at the two goals of alchemy: that he made the philosopher’s stone, which turns base metals into gold, and that he and his wife, Perenelle, achieved immortality through the “Elixir of Life”.

While historical evidence for these claims is scarce, they have contributed to the enduring mystique surrounding Flamel.

Flamel lived into his 80s, and in 1410 designed his own tombstone, which was carved with the images of Jesus Christ, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The tombstone is preserved at the Musée de Cluny in Paris.

Records show that Flamel died in 1418. He was buried in Paris at the end of the nave of the former Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. His will, dated 22 November 1416, indicates that he was generous but that he did not have the extraordinary wealth of later alchemical legend.

One of Flamel’s houses still stands in Paris, at 51 rue de Montmorency. It is the oldest stone house in the city. There is an old inscription on the wall, which states, “We, plowmen and women living at the porch of this house, built in 1407, are requested to say every day an ‘Our Father’ and an ‘Ave Maria’ praying God that His grace forgive poor and dead sinners.”

As of 2008, the ground floor housed a restaurant. A Paris street near the Tour Saint-Jacques, the rue Nicolas Flamel, has been named after him; it intersects with the rue Perenelle, named after his wife.

Contrary to the stereotypical portrayal of alchemists as reclusive and secretive, Flamel was known for his philanthropy. He used his wealth, whether acquired through alchemical pursuits or other means, to fund various charitable endeavors in Paris.

Flamel established hospitals, chapels, and schools, leaving a lasting impact on the community. His charitable acts not only endeared him to the public but also served to perpetuate the legend of his alchemical success.

Flamel’s reputation transcends historical accounts, finding a prominent place in literature and popular culture. His character has been featured in numerous works, including novels, plays, and films, often portrayed as a wise and mysterious alchemist.

The concept of the philosopher’s stone and the pursuit of immortality continue to captivate the imagination of storytellers and audiences alike, with Flamel serving as a symbol of the alchemical quest for knowledge and transformation.

Nicolas Flamel’s life remains shrouded in mystery, with historical records often blending with myth and legend.

Whether or not Flamel achieved the alchemical feats attributed to him is a matter of debate, but his legacy endures through the impact of his charitable contributions and the enduring fascination with the mystical pursuit of the philosopher’s stone.

Flamel’s story serves as a testament to the human desire for knowledge, transformation, and the enduring power of myth and legend in shaping our understanding of history.

And you, what do you think about Flamel’s story and alchemy and immortals in general? Let us know in the comments below and share the post!!!


Video version here:

Nicolas Flamel – Medieval French Alchemist, Philanthropist and Immortal


Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Flamel


https://alchemywebsite.com/flamel.html


Étienne François Villain, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Thiebes at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

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Tobikko, GFDL <http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html>, via Wikimedia Commons

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Myth and Symbolism of the Ouroboros

The Ouroboros or Uroboros is an ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. The ouroboros entered Western tradition via ancient Egyptian iconography and the Greek magical tradition. It was adopted as a symbol in Gnosticism and Hermeticism and most notably in alchemy.

This ancient and enigmatic emblem holds a unique place in the pantheon of symbols, transcending cultural boundaries and time periods. Throughout history, the Ouroboros has been interpreted in various ways, reflecting the diverse and complex nature of human thought and creativity. In this essay, we will explore the origins, symbolism, and the profound implications of the Ouroboros.

This symbol has roots in various cultures, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and China, dating back thousands of years.

Ancient Egypt: The Ouroboros is often associated with ancient Egypt, where it symbolized the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This symbol was closely linked to the sun-god Ra, who was believed to travel through the underworld at night, only to emerge renewed and rejuvenated each day. The Ouroboros, with its circular form, mirrored this eternal journey of the sun and the continuous cycles of existence.

Greek Alchemy and Gnosticism: In Greek alchemical and Gnostic traditions, the Ouroboros symbolized the unity of opposites, such as life and death, creation and destruction, beginning and end. It was a powerful representation of the cyclical nature of existence and the eternal cycle of renewal.

Chinese Tradition: While less known in the Western world, a similar symbol called the “Yuangong Shengzhi Jue” appears in Chinese Taoist alchemy. This symbol, also depicting a serpent or dragon in a circular form, is associated with the circulation of energy and the quest for immortality. It shares philosophical similarities with the Western interpretations of the Ouroboros, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life.

The term Ouroboros derives from Ancient Greek oura ‘tail’ plus 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-shedding symbolises the transmigration of souls. The snake biting its own tail is a fertility symbol in some religions: the tail is a phallic symbol and the mouth is a yoni or womb-like symbol.

One of the earliest known ouroboros motifs is found in the Enigmatic Book of the Netherworld, an ancient Egyptian funerary text found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, in the 14th century Before Current Era.

The text concerns the actions of Ra and his union with Osiris in the underworld.

The Ouroboros is depicted twice on the figure: holding their tails in their mouths, one encircling the head and upper chest, the other surrounding the feet of a large figure, which may represent the unified Ra-Osiris (Osiris born again as Ra).

Both serpents are manifestations of the deity Mehen, who in other funerary texts protects Ra in his underworld journey. The whole divine figure represents the beginning and the end of time.

Like many Egyptian serpent deities, the Ouroboros represents the formless disorder that surrounds the orderly world and is involved in that world’s periodic renewal.

The symbol persisted from Egyptian into Roman times, when it frequently appeared on magical talismans, sometimes in combination with other magical emblems.

The 4th-century Current Era Latin commentator Servius was aware of the Egyptian use of the symbol, noting that the image of a snake biting its tail represents the cyclical nature of the year.

According to the Egyptians, before the invention of the alphabet the Year was symbolized by a picture, a serpent biting its own tail because it recurs on itself.

In Gnosticism, a serpent biting its tail symbolised eternity and the soul of the world. The Gnostic Pistis Sophia (circa 400 CE) describes the Ouroboros as a twelve-part dragon surrounding the world with its tail in its mouth.

The famous Ouroboros drawing from the early alchemical text The Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra encloses the Greek words hen to pan, “The All is One”.

Its black and white halves may perhaps represent a Gnostic duality of existence, analogous to the Taoist yin and yang symbol. In the Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra the Alchemist, we find one of the oldest images of the Ouroboros to be linked with the legendary opus of the alchemists, the philosopher’s stone.

Cyprianus was also known as the Black Book of the Black School at Wittenburg, a textbook from the 18th century witches and sorcerers would get their spells from. Various figures are represented in animal form, one resembling a Ouroboros. The Black School at Wittenburg was purportedly a place in Germany where one went to learn the black arts.

In Norse mythology, the Ouroboros appears as the serpent Jörmungandr, one of the three children of Loki and Angrboda. It grew so large that it could encircle the world and grasp its tail in its teeth.

It is a common belief among the indigenous people of the tropical lowlands of South America that waters at the edge of the world-disc are encircled by a snake, often an anaconda, biting its own tail.

The Ouroboros has certain features in common with the Biblical Leviathan. According to the Zohar, the Leviathan is a singular creature with no mate. “Its tail is placed in its mouth”. It is also described as “twisting around and encompassing the entire world”.

In the Aitareya Brahmana, a Vedic text of the early 1st millennium BCE, the nature of the Vedic rituals is compared to “a snake biting its own tail.”

Ouroboros symbolism has been used to describe the Kundalini. According to the medieval Yoga-kundalini Upanishad: “The divine power, Kundalini, shines like the stem of a young lotus; like a snake, coiled round upon herself she holds her tail in her mouth and lies resting half asleep as the base of the body”

When Shakti is united with Shiva, she is a radiant, gentle goddess; but when she is separated from him, she turns into a terrible, destructive fury. She is the endless Ouroboros, the dragon biting its own tail, symbolizing the cycle of samsara.

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung saw the Ouroboros as an archetype and the basic mandala of alchemy.

Jung also defined the relationship of the ouroboros to alchemy:

“The alchemists, who in their own way knew more about the nature of the individuation process than we moderns do, expressed this paradox through the symbol of the Ouroboros, the snake that eats its own tail. The Ouroboros has been said to have a meaning of infinity or wholeness. In the age-old image of the Ouroboros lies the thought of devouring oneself and turning oneself into a circulatory process, for it was clear to the more astute alchemists that the prima materia of the art was man himself. The Ouroboros is a dramatic symbol for the integration and assimilation of the opposites. This ‘feedback’ process is ALSO a symbol of immortality since it is said of the Ouroboros that he slays himself and brings himself to life, fertilizes himself, and gives birth to himself. He symbolizes the One, who proceeds from the clash of opposites, and he, therefore, constitutes the secret of the prima materia which – unquestionably – stems from man’s unconscious.”

Some researchers also used the Ouroboros to illustrate the various scales of the universe, ranging from the subatomic at the tail, up to the supragalactic at the head, representing “the intimate links between the microworld and the cosmos, symbolised by the Ouroborus“, as tail and head meet to complete the circle.

A school of Cybernetics affirms that living things maintain essential variables of the body within critical limits, with the brain as a regulator of the necessary feedback loops.

Others apply the cybernetic Ouroboros principle to musical improvisation and self-indication, the logical processual notation for analysing and explaining self-producing autonomous systems and “the riddle of the living”.

One of the most important characteristics observed in metabolic networks is that they produce themselves as Ouroboros Avatars. We envision that the ideas behind this equation, a unique kind of mathematical concept initially found in biology, would play an important role in the development of a true systemic theoretical biology.

Second-order cybernetics, or the cybernetics of cybernetics, applies the principle of self-referentiality, or the participation of the observer in the observed, to explore observer involvement. The Ouroboros analogy is evident.

The genus of the armadillo girdled lizard, Ouroborus cataphractus, takes its name from the animal’s defensive posture: curling into a ball and holding its own tail in its mouth.

In Portuguese Uma pescadinha de rabo na boca “tail-in mouth little hake” and in Spanish La pescadilla que se muerde la cola, “the hake that bites its tail”, are proverbial expressions for circular reasoning and vicious cycles.

Symbolism of the Ouroboros

Infinity and Wholeness: The Ouroboros is often interpreted as a symbol of infinity, as it creates an unbroken circle or loop. This conveys the idea of completeness, unity, and the eternal nature of existence. It reminds us that life is a continuous cycle with no clear beginning or end.

Transformation and Renewal: The act of the serpent consuming its own tail signifies self-renewal and transformation. It represents the idea that in order to grow and evolve, one must first let go of the old, much like a snake shedding its skin to reveal a fresh layer underneath.

Unity of Opposites: The Ouroboros embodies the harmonious coexistence of opposites. It symbolizes the idea that life and death, creation and destruction, and other opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent, forming a harmonious whole. It promotes a holistic worldview that emphasizes harmony and balance.

Timelessness and Immortality: This symbol suggests that time is cyclical rather than linear. It implies a sense of timelessness and immortality, as the Ouroboros continues its eternal cycle without end.

Philosophical and Mystical Implications

The Ouroboros has profound philosophical and mystical implications, inspiring contemplation on the nature of existence and the human condition.

Embrace of Change: The Ouroboros teaches us that change is inevitable and necessary for growth. To achieve personal development, we must accept and embrace the cycles of life, including both its creative and destructive aspects.

Pursuit of Self-Knowledge: The act of the serpent consuming its tail also represents introspection and self-discovery. It invites individuals to explore their inner depths and seek self-understanding.

Whether viewed through the lens of ancient mythology, alchemical symbolism, or modern theories, the Ouroboros continues to inspire contemplation and wonder, inviting us to explore the mysteries of life, death, and rebirth at the deepest levels of human consciousness.

In doing so, we gain insight into the profound wisdom embedded in this ancient symbol and its enduring relevance in our ever-evolving understanding of existence.


The Ouroboros, as a symbol, does not inherently carry a positive or negative meaning. Instead, its interpretation and significance can vary widely depending on the context in which it is used and the cultural, philosophical, and practical perspective of the observer. Here are some common interpretations:

Positive Symbolism:

Eternal Renewal: In many interpretations, the Ouroboros represents eternal renewal and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This can be seen as a positive and hopeful symbol, emphasizing the potential for growth, transformation, and continuous renewal in life.

Unity and Balance: The Ouroboros often symbolizes the unity of opposites and the interconnectedness of all things. This perspective can be seen as positive, promoting a sense of harmony and balance in the universe.

Negative Symbolism:

Cyclical Suffering: Some interpretations emphasize the cyclical nature of suffering and hardship, suggesting that individuals may be trapped in repetitive, negative patterns. In this pessimistic view, the Ouroboros could represent the idea that we are destined to face the same challenges and problems repeatedly, without the hope of lasting change. In such cases, the Ouroboros could be seen as a symbol of entrapment or stagnation.

Existential Themes: In existentialist philosophy, the Ouroboros can be seen as a symbol of existential dread and the idea that life lacks inherent meaning. The eternal return of events and experiences can be viewed negatively when contemplating the idea of a universe without a predetermined purpose.

Neutral Symbolism:

Symbol of Nature: The Ouroboros can be seen as a neutral symbol representing the natural order of life, death, and renewal. It does not inherently carry positive or negative connotations but reflects the cyclical processes observed in the natural world.

Ultimately, whether the Ouroboros is viewed positively, negatively, or neutrally, it depends on the personal lens through which it is examined. It is essential to consider the broader context and the specific interpretation when assessing its symbolism.

In doing so, it is worth noting that it has appeared in various forms throughout history and across different cultures, and it has ALSO been featured in various works of art and masonry, even in modern culture. Here are a few notable examples:

Modern Art and Pop Culture: The Ouroboros has made its way into modern art, literature, and popular culture. It can be found in contemporary art pieces, tattoos, and literature, often used to convey themes of self-discovery, personal transformation, and the cyclical nature of life.

Medical Symbol: The Rod of Asclepius, a symbol associated with medicine and healing, features a serpent coiled around a staff. While not a traditional Ouroboros, this representation shares similarities, symbolizing health, healing, and the restoration of life.

Codex Parisinus Graecus: This ancient Greek manuscript, dating back to the 10th century, features an illustration of the Ouroboros alongside alchemical and mystical texts.

The Aztec Calendar Stone: While not a traditional Ouroboros, the Aztec Calendar Stone (or Sun Stone) features a serpent-like creature at its center, which could be interpreted as a similar concept of cyclical time.

Alchemical manuscripts frequently feature the Ouroboros as a symbol of the cyclical nature of alchemical processes, transformation, and the unity of opposites.

Here are a few alchemical manuscripts that include the Ouroboros:

“The Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra” (Cleopatra’s Gold-Making): This ancient alchemical text attributed to Cleopatra The Seventh, includes depictions of the Ouroboros. It is one of the earliest known alchemical texts and is known for its symbolic and allegorical content.

“The Rosarium Philosophorum” (The Rosary of the Philosophers): This medieval alchemical text, dating from the 16th century, contains a series of symbolic illustrations, some of which feature the Ouroboros. It explores the stages of the alchemical journey and the philosopher’s stone.

“Atalanta Fugiens” by Michael Maier: This 17th-century alchemical work by Michael Maier includes a series of emblematic engravings, some of which feature the Ouroboros. It is considered one of the most intricate and symbolic alchemical texts of its time.

“The Book of Lambspring”: This 16th-century alchemical text features a poetic and symbolic narrative accompanied by illustrations, some of which incorporate the Ouroboros. It is known for its allegorical storytelling.

“The Splendor Solis” (The Splendor of the Sun): This 16th-century alchemical manuscript, attributed to Salomon Trismosin, contains a series of colorful and symbolic illustrations, with some depicting the Ouroboros. It is a notable work in the history of alchemy.

“The Aurora Consurgens”: This alchemical manuscript, believed to date back to the 15th century, contains a collection of texts and illustrations, and some of them feature the Ouroboros. It explores the union of opposites and the process of transformation.

Alchemy and Occult teachings have always been rich in symbolism and mysticism and the Ouroboros played a significant role in conveying the philosophical and practical concepts of many esoteric schools of thought.

And you, what do you think about the Ouroboros? Did you find any new and obscure meanings that have not come to the surface yet?




Video version and more Content here:

https://youtu.be/vP9UG-3r3YY

https://www.youtube.com/@alkemystica/videos

Interesting sources, additional info and other points of views:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouroboros

alchemywebsite.com


More info about the Ouroboros, additional images and attributions here:

Monument in Ukraine

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%9F%D0%B0%D0%BC%27%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA_%C2%AB%D0%A1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B8%C2%BB.14.JPG

Ouroboros, City of Grove, Oklahoma

https://www.cityofgroveok.gov/building/page/serpent-eating-tail-ouroboros

Walter Ross Munro Mausoleum. Glencairn Parish Church, Kirklands. Dumfries and Galloway. Coat of Arms

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Walter_Ross_Munro_Mausoleum._Glencairn_Parish_Church,_Kirklands._Dumfries_and_Galloway._Coat_of_Arms.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anstey_churchyard,_Leicestershire.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Katarrhaktes_ouroboros.jpg

Photo by Simon Garbutt

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ouroboros#/media/File:Kilpeck_Details_of_Door_Arch.jpg

Prayer Book from Ethiopia by

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Livre_de_pri%C3%A8res_%C3%A0_Ragouel-Ethiopie.jpg

Atalanta Fugiens

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michael_Maier_Atalanta_Fugiens_Emblem_14.jpeg Michael Maier, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jeff Kubina, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ornament_in_the_form_of_a_Dragon_Biting_His_Tail_LACMA_AC1995.252.22.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ottignies_-_dalle_fun%C3%A9raire_Bertout_de_Carillo_04.JPG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ouroboros_on_a_cemetery_door_(cropped).jpg

Swiertz, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palazzo_della_ragione_di_Padova_12.jpg

Colin Rose, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Porte_du_palais_royal_d%27Abomey-N%C2%B0_71.1893.45.6-Mus%C3%A9e_du_Quai_Branly_(6).jpg

Ouroboros in a wall of the castle of Ptuj (Slovenija)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ptuj_Castle_Ouroboros_27102006_01.jpg

Detail of the ceiling of the “Room of the Seasons”, central part, allegory of the Year, Residenz, Munich, Bavaria, Germany.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Room_of_the_seasons_ceiling_detail_Residenz_Munich.jpg

Salterio di corbie (iniziale istoriata), Amiens, Bibliothèque Municipale, 800 circa

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Salterio_di_corbie_(iniziale_istoriata),_Amiens,_Biblioth%C3%A8que_Municipale,_Ms._18_f._46_recto,_800_circa.jpg

Steinrelief mit Symbolen für Vergänglichkeit und Ewigkeit: eine Motte, von einem Ouroboros umgeben.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sascha_Grosser_-_Motte_in_Stein.jpg

Allegorie der Toskana

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sebastiano_Ricci_003.jpg

Sebastiano Ricci, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Symbolical figure from Levi’s Haute magie

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Open_court_(1887)_(14781669601).jpg

Internet Archive Book Images, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

llustrations showing kings wearing gold crowns, represented by Uricus – a red-crowned and winged serpent – as King of the East; Paymon – a black cat-like animal with horns, long whiskers and tail – as King of the West; Maymon – a black bird – as King of the South; and Egyn – a black bear-like animal with a short tail – as King of the North. From Cyprianus, 18th century. Cyprianus is also known as the Black Book, and is the textbook of the Black School at Wittenburg, the book from which a witch or sorceror gets his spells. The Black School at Wittenburg was purportedly a place in Germany where one went to learn the black arts. Archives & Manuscripts Keywords: Occult; King; Birds; Magic; Snakes; Serpent; Demon; Bear; Monsters; Ursidae; Snake; Bird

Image taken from

https://wellcomecollection.org/search/works

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_serpent_Ouroboros,_from_Cyprianus,_18th_C_Wellcome_L0036620.jpg

Tropenmuseum

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tropenmuseum_J_left_top_stone.jpg

Raffigurazione del serpente uroboros che forma un circolo zodiacale intorno a un esagramma, ai cui angoli ed al centro sono disposti i simboli dei sette pianeti tradizionali.

Incisione dal trattato Donum Dei dell’alchimista Abraham Eleazar, pubblicato a Erfurt.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Uroboro_cosmico.png

Casa Carlini

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Via_del_Proconsolo_12r-14r_angolo_via_dei_pandolfini,_casa_carlini_(gi%C3%A0_sede_stamperia_giunti),_portale_seicentesco_attr._al_dis._di_Giovanni_da_San_Giovanni,_03_libro_e_urboro_1.jpg