Serpent Symbology

The symbology of the serpent or snake is convoluted, ambiguous and heavily reliant on cultural interpretation. However, in its most basic state the serpent or snake is a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, energy and power. As an animal it contrasts heavily with the physical nature of man and indeed most animals. It's cold-blooded, hairless, featherless, armless and legless appearance opposes and complements man's physical being — in this sense it can be seen as a direct rival to man. The natural symbolic state of this animal also represents the lower psyche, hidden psychosis and what is unusual, incomprehensible and mysterious — the part of which people have the least control over (Chevalier & Gheerbert).

Throughout myth and world cultures the serpent has consistently been associated with a degree sexual ambivalence as it symbolises both masculinity and femininity. Due to it encompassing and representing both genders simultaneously, it has often taken on the......

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Title: Serpent Symbology
Approximate Word Count: 1229
Approximate Pages: 5 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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