You probably recognise the circled snake eating its own tail ?
The ouroboros is one of the oldest mystical symbols in the world, dating back to 1600 BC.
It originated in Egypt but was then used in Greece and can be found in old Viking , Aztec, Hindu and Chinese tales.
What does the ouroboros mean?
The ouroboros symbol (or the snake eating its own tail) is a symbol of life, death and rebirth, leading to immortality. It was also seen as a fertility symbol and a phallic symbol because of it's womb-like appearance.
Ouroboros in Greek translates "he who eats the tail", (oura) meaning "tail" and (boros) meaning "eating".
It can be found in numerous alchemical illustrations, where it symbolises the circular nature of the alchemist's opus. It is also often associated with Gnosticism and Hermeticism.
Sometimes drawn as half dark and half light showing the duality of things and also that those dualities can work together- "All is One".
In alchemistry it also represents Mercury, the life process of constant renewal, just like a snake sheds it skin for a new one.
In Hindu traditions you can find a similar dragon that surrounds the tortoise and the 4 elephants which carries the world.
The Ouroboros worn as a ring, pendant or earrings symbolises the infinite unity with the universe and how we are all one. It empowers the wearer to be one with what's going on around and to be able to renew and handle change. The Ouroboros is one of our most popular designs from our range of jewellery with purpose.
You can also find the Ouroboros as a Bangle.
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