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The cross with the snake on it has many meanings, ranging from the staff of Aesculapius or Hermes' caduceus, which represent healing, and messengers respectively, to the asherah pole the biblical Old Testament god ordered the Israelites to build while wandering around the desert in order to be saved from snakes. All these variations of snakes on poles or crosses represent healing, as both Aesculapius and Hermes, or Mercury, were the gods of healing in ancient Greek and Roman pantheons.
The crucified snake, also known as the Flamel, or the staff of Flamel in alchemical circles follows this meaning, but in mystical terms. The snake in alchemy represents poison, so the crucified snake represents removing the volatile aspects of the potion the alchemist was working with in order to create the fabled "elixir of mercury" also known as the elixir of long life, or immortality. In alchemy, though, all the material tools are symbolic of oneself, so the poison is actually the base and animalistic instincts of oneself that as an alchemist one must remove, or "crucify", in order to accomplish The Great Work.
Another interpretation of the crucified serpent comes from the Gnostic sect of Christianity. The ancient Gnostics believed that the old testament god, who they called the demiurge, was actually evil, and was trying to keep mankind from reaching salvation. Therefore, the serpent from the old testament account of the fall of man, like Prometheus who stole the fire from the gods to give to mankind, was actually the divinity Sophia, or Wisdom incarnate, guiding mankind into salvation through knowledge by offering them the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. And therefore for Gnostics, the crucified serpent came to represent this concept of salvation through Gnosis, or [divine] knowledge.
A directly Biblical answer can be found in Mat.10:16. There is the wisdom that is needed to deal with the world, and the wisdom needed to attain the heaven of understanding
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What is the meaning of a black cross tattoo?
Well it can mean that your in love with demons
Where can one find designs for cross tattoos?
Cross tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo types, and designs can be found from many different sources. Specialist tattoo magazines contain many design ideas, along with dedicated tattoo design websites such as tattoojohnny or tattoofinder. Cross tattoo designs may also be seen in tattoo parlours.
What tattoo does deitrick haddon have on his arm?
A cross
What is the tattoo on mickey ward left arm?
celtic cross
What does a Cross tattoo under eye?
It Means New Life
What is the meaning of a black cross tattoo?
Well it can mean that your in love with demons
What does a cross tattoo on the forehead symbolize i know its a British skinhead tattoo but what does it represent what is its meaning?
Crucified by society (smaller version of the skinhead on the cross tattoo), Jailhouse tattoo, Homemade tattoo - are normally the meaning it.
What tattoo's have the meaning of true love and faithfulness?
A heart and a cross
Who is black country singer with the tattoo of a cross on his face?
Arron Neville has a cross on his face.
You are looking for the meaning of a specific tattoo The tattoo is a plain cross and on the top and sides is a line simulating a sun beam or simulating it glowing?
is it the boondock saints cross?that is an older version of the more plain current cross, which is featured plain or with christ on it
How much would a cross tattoo cost?
It would depend on the size of tattoo you want and where it is placed. ALSO, if you want black/gray ink or color.
Where can one get a cross tattoo?
Absolutely any tattoo artist can do a tattoo of a cross. To get an idea of what one might like their cross tattoo to look like they can look up samples from many sites online or look at the tattoo artists work.
Meaning of the anchor heart and cross tattoo?
faith, hope, and love or Faith, hope, and charity depends on which version of the bible
What do cross tattoos on wedding finger mean?
The meaning of the cross tattoo on the wedding finger indicates that you are doomed to come to NMCB SEVEN and serve the almight JJ "COCOC" as the S6C.
What does a tattoo of a Robin symbolize?
There aren't any specific or concrete meanings for certain tattoo symbols. For example: A cross to some may be just be a cross. But to others, there's a religious meaning. Check out tattoo symbolism here: http://tattoo.about.com/cs/beginners/a/symbols_intro.htm But remember, sometimes a rose is just a rose. It doesn't mean or symbolize anything!
Where can one find designs for cross tattoos?
Cross tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo types, and designs can be found from many different sources. Specialist tattoo magazines contain many design ideas, along with dedicated tattoo design websites such as tattoojohnny or tattoofinder. Cross tattoo designs may also be seen in tattoo parlours.
Cross tattoo on the middle finger?
Unsure
