Ouroboros: The Symbol of Eternity | Kemet Experience Blog

Ouroboros, the Eternal Symbol: Origins and Meaning

The Ouroboros, one of the oldest allegorical symbols in alchemy, traces its origins back to ancient Egypt. This powerful emblem encapsulates the concept of unity, highlighting the perpetual transformation of all things, both material and spiritual, within an unending cycle of destruction and rebirth. It represents the idea of eternity and the continuous cycle of life and death. The lower half of the symbol signifies the destructive forces of nature, night, earth, and Yin, while the upper half symbolizes generative and creative forces, day, heaven, and Yang.

Etymology of Ouroboros: “He That Eats His Own Tail”

The term “Ouroboros” finds its roots in ancient Greek. It comprises two words: “oura,” meaning “tail,” and “boros,” meaning “eating.” When combined, they form the meaning “he that eats his own tail” or simply “tail eater.” This imagery of a serpent consuming its own tail is recurrent throughout history, often depicted as an infinity symbol. It symbolizes life’s continuous renewal through death, representing a form of rebirth and a path to immortality. It is believed that the infinity symbol evolved from the original Ouroboros.

Ancient Depictions of Ouroboros: The Enigmatic Book of the Netherworld

One of the earliest-known depictions of the Ouroboros is found in the Enigmatic Book of the Netherworld, an ancient Egyptian funerary text discovered in KV62, the tomb of Tutankhamun, dating back to the 14th century BC. This text tells of the deeds of the god Ra and his union with Osiris in the underworld. The Ouroboros is portrayed twice in this context, with the serpents holding their tails in their mouths. One encircles the head and upper chest, while the other surrounds the feet of a large figure, possibly symbolizing the unified Ra-Osiris, “Osiris born again as Ra.” These serpents represent the deity Mehen, who, in other funerary texts, safeguards Ra during his journey in the underworld. This divine figure signifies the beginning and end of time.

Symbolism Beyond Egypt

The Ouroboros also appears in other Egyptian sources, where, like many serpent deities, it embodies the formless chaos that envelops the orderly world and plays a role in its periodic renewal. This symbol continued its presence into Roman times, adorning magical talismans and emblems. The Ouroboros serves as a mathematical representation of infinity and symbolizes the concept of primordial unity—something existing or preexisting before any beginning. It features prominently in religion and mythology and is often associated with Gnosticism and Hermeticism.

The Ouroboros, with its rich history and profound symbolism, continues to intrigue and inspire, serving as a reminder of the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth that has captured the human imagination for millennia.

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