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Draco the Dragon and the Garden of Eden: Constellation of the Cosmic Serpent (Symbolism, Mythology, and Astrology)

August 27, 2012March 10, 2015Joseph Panek

“With vast convolutions Draco holds
Th’ ecliptic axis in his scaly folds.
O’er half the skies his neck enormous rears,
And with immense meanders parts the Bears.”
– Erasmus Darwin’s “Economy of Vegetation”

“Heroes take journeys, confront dragons,
and discover the treasure of their true selves.”
– Carol Lynn Pearson

Draco is one of the largest constellations in the heavens. We
currently refer to this constellation as “Draco the Dragon”.
However, in Ancient Egypt this constellation was called “The
Cobra” or “The Serpent“

So, why is this constellation referred to as the Dragon in modern
times? And, to be even more precise, what is a dragon, and from
where do we get the word “dragon?

To properly answer these questions, it is necessary to look into
the etymology of the word “dragon”.

The word “dragon” comes from the Latin word draconem and the
Greek word drakontos. Both of these words sound like “dragon”
and both of these words contain the sound draco within them.
Therefore, by simple word association, we get Draco the Dragon
as the modern name for this constellation.

However, when properly interpreted, the words draconem and
drakontos translate as “Serpent”, or “huge Serpent”.

With these thoughts in mind, let us now analyze the Symbolism
and mythology associated with the constellation Draco in its
role as the heavenly archetype of the Cosmic Serpent.

In ancient times Draco was a much larger constellation than
it is today. However modern astronomers, astrologers and
sky cartographers, in their never ending pursuit of attempting
to improve upon the perfection of the Ancient Skywatchers,
have dissected, or broken up, what was once an enormous,
mythologically rich, constellation in the ancient sky. This
breaking up of large ancient constellations by modern
astronomers, astrologers and sky cartographers has not
been limited to only Draco.

In ancient times Draco consisted of not only the modern-day
remnant but also included both Ursa Major (the Big Dipper)
and Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper) which we also know as
the Big Bear and the Little Bear.

And because the Little Dipper resembled a “wing”, which was
then a part of this ancient constellation of the Cosmic Serpent,
this constellation was also referred to as the Winged Serpent –
or Feathered Serpent; a term which can be found in many
ancient mythologies.

For example, this constellation of the Feathered Serpent was
known as Kulkulcan to the Mayans and as Quetzalcoatl to the
Aztecs.

So now we come to the question: Why was this constellation of
the Cosmic Serpent regarded with such importance in ancient
mythology?

And the answer is: because this Cosmic Serpent is that same
“tempting Serpent” which lives within the branches of the “Tree of
Knowledge of Good and Evil” in Garden of Eden lore. This Garden
of Eden Tree is the same as The Cosmic Tree and The World Tree
we read about in the mythologies of various cultures throughout
the world.

In ancient times, stars and constellations which never set, or fell
below the Horizon, were considered more powerful than those
which did fall below the Horizon. Therefore Draco, The Cosmic
Serpent which entwines itself around the pole center of the
heavens, and therefore occupies the trunk and branches of the
Cosmic Tree, was a Symbol of eternal cosmic vigilance.

In the Garden of Eden myth we are told that there were two trees
in the Garden: The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good
and Evil.

The Tree of Life is the Tree of Spiritual Life, or the “Tree of Unity”.
Unity, of course, is “one”; and “one” is the number which is
Symbolic of the spiritual, united and undivided realm. The Tree of
Life, therefore, exists in the Spiritual Garden, or Spiritual womb,
where all souls reside prior to their manifestation, or Incarnation,
into the realm of matter.

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is the “Tree of Duality”.
Whenever we come across two extremes, or opposites, in
mythological tales or religious texts this should automatically
remind us that these opposites, or extremes, are a reference to
Duality and the realm of Duality. Duality can only exist in the realm
of matter; and duality is expressed, numerologically, by the number
“two”.

It is within the branches of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
that the “tempting serpent” resides. This is, metaphorically and
Symbolically, the same Cosmic Serpent which resides in the stars
(branches) of the Cosmic Tree; the World Tree; the Tree of Duality;
and the polar center of the heavens,

The Serpent tempts Eve with the Forbidden Fruit. Eve accepts.
She then offers the fruit to Adam who also accepts. They are then
“banished” from the Garden of Eden.

What can this tale possibly mean?

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that this
tale is a myth, a metaphor, an allegory of an archetypal process
by which spirit becomes manifested, Incarnated and united within
matter in the physical realm; the realm of duality.

The Word temptation can also be interpreted as “test”.
Symbolically, spirit is feminine: therefore Eve is the Symbol for
spirit. The “tempting serpent”, or Cosmic Serpent, is a Symbol for
Time, re-Incarnation and Cycles; all of which can only exist within
the realm of duality or matter. The Forbidden Fruit is the Symbol
for the “Seed” of manifestation into matter (the “test”). Adam is
the Symbol for mankind.

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (the Tree of Duality) is
where a soul, or spirit, who is ready to re-Incarnate (Eve) accepts
its test (temptation) from the Cosmic Serpent which is Symbolic
of Time, Cycles, and therefore re-Incarnation.

And what is this “test”? The test is for this particular soul to rid
itself of, or Alchemically purify itself from, all Karma and Sin it has
acquired throughout all of its past Incarnations. If this soul can
pass this test during its upcoming Incarnation then the soul will no
longer have to re-Incarnate again into the mundane world of matter.

At that point the soul is ready to Ascend into higher and higher
realms and receive more noble and glorious “tests” until it finally
reaches the most divine spiritual realm from whence it originally
came; which is the ultimate Destiny of all souls.

How does the soul accept this “test”? By eating the “fruit”, or
Seed of matter, with which it is presented by the “tempting
serpent”; the Cosmic Serpent.

Once the Seed of matter (fruit) in ingested, the soul then descends
from the high spiritual realm through the branches of the Comic
Tree (the stars), past the Serpent (Draco), down the trunk of the
Cosmic (World) Tree and into the realm of matter and duality
where it becomes a temporal member of mankind (Adam).

Manifesting as a member of mankind, this spiritual soul (Eve)
becomes entrapped, or impregnated, within matter (mankind;
Adam) until its Incarnation, its Adventure in the realm of matter,
is complete.

If the soul passes its test during that incarnation it will no longer
have to return to the physical realm. If it does not pass its test
it will have to re-Incarnate again and again until finally passes
its test.

We have discussed how the soul descends past the Cosmic
Serpent (Draco) into the realm of matter by accepting its “test”.
Now let us analyze what role this Cosmic, winged, Serpent plays
when a soul has completed its Incarnation in the realm of matter.

There is a painting, a Symbol, which comes to us from Ancient
Egypt. This painting portrays a soul Traveling on the back of a
Serpent amidst the stars. This represents the soul, whose earthly
journey has ended, being carried back into the spiritual, heavenly
realm to either Ascend to a much higher level of consciousness
after passing its earthly test, or, to await its next re-Incarnation
back into the realm of matter where it will once again be presented
with its “test”.

As the descending soul must accept the temptation, or “test”
from the Cosmic Serpent, and as the Ascending soul is carried
back into the heavens by this same Cosmic serpent, Draco can
therefore be considered to be the “guardian of the heavens”; for
Draco stands at the gateway, or border, that separates heaven
and earth.

For whether a soul is ascending, or whether a soul is
descending, it must have a Symbolic encounter with this
Cosmic Serpent named Draco.

It is also in this sense that the dragon (draconem, drakontos)
has become the guardian of mythological treasure (Gold;
purification). For to get past the dragon, Ascend past Draco,
we must first become Alchemically pure. This means we must
rid ourselves of all past Karma and Sin. For only then can we
gain the Gold of Ascension and be permitted to pass into the
highest and purest realms of the domain of Spirit.

Closing Thought: What is the purpose our continual Incarnations
into the realm of duality; what is the Lesson to be learned; and
what is the “test”?

The “test”, and Lesson, is to rid ourselves from the pull we
experience whenever we are “tempted” to associate ourselves
with either side of duality. For whenever we make a Choice based
solely upon the notion that this faction, or idea, is right and that
one is wrong we are drawn away from balance and Harmony.
These “temptations” are the kinds of befuddling Choices and
Beliefs which cause us to accumulate Sins and acquire Karmic
debts.

The realm of duality Instructs us that it is necessary to have
two opposing forces, tensions, or entities constantly tugging at
each other in order to establish and maintain equilibrium and
Harmony. When we learn to Transcend Duality we understand
how to balance opposing tensions: we learn how to turn the
chaos (Egyptian Isfet) of duality back into the Harmony
(Egyptian Maat) and tranquility of Unity.

This is the “temptation” or “test” our spirit is sent into this
physical Incarnation to conquer. This is the “Seed” or “fruit”
offered to our spirit by the “tempting Serpent”.

Once we pass the test of physical duality we acquire the
Wisdom, purity and tranquility which enables us to ascend to
the much higher spiritual planes.

It is at this point that the Cosmic Serpent (Draco) seats us
upon its back and flies us into the higher and higher realms
of Divine Consciousness.

See Also: “The Serpent – As a Symbol“
“The World Tree“;
“Transcending Duality“;
“The Sword – Symbol of the Mind“;
“The Apple – As A Symbol”

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The Serpent – As A Symbol(Mythology and Mysticism)

July 29, 2012September 15, 2012Joseph Panek

The Serpent is perhaps the most enigmatic Symbol in mythology,
religion and mysticism.

It is worshiped, honored and respected by civilizations and
indigenous cultures, both ancient and modern, throughout the
entire world. And even those of us who detest gazing upon a
Serpent become spell-bound by its hypnotic movements.

Its slithering, wavy movements are identical to the shapes of
Rivers. Therefore, its wavy pattern was used by the Ancient
Egyptians for their hieroglyph for Water. Its wavy pattern, when
used in a dualistic pair, is also the Symbol for the Constellation
of Aquarius, the “Water Bearer”.

And as the Serpent was the original ancient archetype assigned
to the Constellation Draco, it is also associated with the “branches”
of the World Tree along with the Great Cosmic Sea of the heavens
as well. In this heavenly aspect it is referred to as the “Cosmic
Serpent”.

As the movement of the Serpent is Symbolic of the shape of Rivers,
and the movement of Water through Rivers is Symbolic of the “flow
of Time“, the Serpent is also a Symbol for the various Cycles and
Incarnations which permeate the cosmic and earthly realms. We
find this Cyclical Symbolism represented by the ancient Symbol of
the Ouroboros; the Serpent devouring its own tail which reminds us
that as one Cycle comes to its end, or is “swallowed up”, the next
Cycle is preparing itself to begin.

The Serpent also sheds its own skin in its annual renewal. This
shedding is a Symbol for transformation, re-Incarnation, Change
and renewal; whereby an old and expired era, Cycle or Incarnation
is shed for a new and rejuvenated one; one stage of life is shed for
another; and one type of existence (physical and material) is shed
for its next higher aspect of existence (spiritual and sublime).

In this respect the shedding of the Serpent’s skin is also Symbolic
of an individual’s various Rites of Passage in which he or she
engages during their Current Incarnation. And, in a more sublime
aspect, the shedding of the Serpent’s skin is also Symbolic of the
Path of the Initiate who sheds his, or her, prior state of being in
their Ladder-like progression through higher and higher realms of
Awareness until Ascension into the realm of Spiritual Illumination
is finally attained.

The twisting shapes of the two Serpents around a central staff,
depicted in the physician’s Caduceus, is Symbolic of both the
DNA matrix and the Kundalini energy which entwines itself around
our spinal column.

However, on a much higher Symbolic plane, the dancing and
entwining Serpents Symbolized by the Caduceus represent the
Spiritual DNA which is the the Breath of Life that permeates all
realms of the physical, mental and spiritual cosmos.

It is interesting to note that the Serpents which are Symbolized
and held in high esteem by both the Ancient Egyptians, the native
cultures of the Americas and all other native and indigenous races
are always poisonous. This is Symbolic of both the Initiatory and
physical “deaths” which must be necessarily experienced at the
various stages of an individual’s Incarnation so that “birth” into
higher realms and orders can be attained.

This is further Symbolized by the fact that the same poisonous
Serpent’s venom which can end a person’s life is the same venom
which is used to create a serum which can also save a person’s
life; thereby signifying the Initiatory and Spiritual re-birth and
salvation (serum) which a worthy and well-qualified Initiate receives
once their transformative “death” (venom) has been accepted and
experienced.

The “reared-up” and “ready to strike” pose of both the cobra and
the rattlesnake is also Symbolic of its deadly protective, watchful
and defensive posture which warns all unworthy trespassers who
approach that “thou shalt not pass nor intrude”.

We see this protective pose of the cobra displayed in the uraeus
worn by Egyptian pharaohs. The uraeus is a royal protective band
which encircles the pharaoh’s head at the level of the pineal gland,
or “third-eye”. The rearing cobra extends forth from the uraeus as
if emerging from the “third eye” chakra. The cobra’s hood is flaring
out in a ready-to-attack protective posture signifying its readiness
to protect the pharaoh.

The band of the uraeus is the protective coil of the cobra which
warns the curious, the non-Initiated and the un-worthy to keep
their distance.

However, there is a higher Symbolism attached to the uraeus.

The pharaoh was a Temple Initiate who was Instructed in the
highest Esoteric mysteries of the physical and mystical arts and
sciences. In addition, the pharaoh was entrusted with defending his,
or her, nation and people from all dangers and enemies which may
attack Egypt from either within or without. In this respect the
pharaoh was considered to be, and was worshiped as, the
physical manifestation of Horus. Horus is the Divine Neter who
was identified with defensiveness, protectiveness, higher Wisdom
and direct ascension.

Therefore the uraeus, which is Symbolic of the encircling coils of
the cobra, represented the protective Circle which defended the
pharaoh’s higher mind, higher faculties and higher level of
Awareness.

The hooded cobra leaning forth from the uraeus not only
Symbolized the kundalini energy emerging from the “third eye”
chakra of the pharaoh but was also a warning to all who were
not worthy or well qualified to keep their distance from the
higher mind and higher Wisdom which were encircled and
protected within the coils of the uraeus.

Now here is another interesting Symbolism connected with the
Serpent: The Serpent Nailed to the Cross.

Many of us have seen drawings and artwork of either a Serpent
nailed to a cross or a Serpent hung upon a cross and perhaps
have wondered to ourselves what this Symbolism could possibly
mean.

The Serpent nailed to a cross is Symbolically similar to The Christ
nailed to the cross.

The cross, having four extensions, is the Symbol for matter and the
materialistic world; four being the number representing matter.

As the Serpent sheds its old skin to take on a renewed skin, it is
therefore the Symbol of re-Incarnation; the shedding of an old,
used-up life for a new existence.

Being nailed to a cross is Symbolic of the Serpent shedding its
final skin (body) and leaving it behind in the world of matter (the
cross). At this point, the physical re-Incarnations of the Serpent
have come to an end.

Likewise, The Christ being nailed to the cross (the realm of matter)
represents the final leaving behind of His physical body in the
realm of matter, never requiring to re-Incarnate in the earthly plain
ever again.

This Symbolizes the final separation of His soul from His physical
body as He has attained complete Enlightenment, Illumination and
Awareness and has now Ascended into the higher, or even highest,
Spiritual Realms having never again to experience the ongoing and
repetitive Lessons of the mundane, physical realm.

And as a final Thought: The Serpent is a unitary creature. It has no
limbs. When laid out straight it representative of the number “one”.
One is the number which represents Divine Unity; The All.

However, when the Serpent sticks out its tongue, its tongue is
forked. The forked-tongue represents the number “two”. Two is the
number for duality; which can also be Symbolized by the cloven-
hoof.

Therefore the Serpent reminds us that from Divine Unity (The All)
emerges the realm of duality. And just as the Serpent creates
duality when it sticks out its tongue, it also returns duality back
into itself when it retracts its tongue.

This is a teaching which is found in many ancient texts: The Divine
One creates the temporary, illusory world of duality and when Time
is up, Divine Unity retracts the temporal realms of duality back into
itself.

See also: “Draco: Constellation Of The Cosmic Serpent”