Related Terms • Caduceus • Rose cross • Nine worlds Related Resources • Hermetic Tradition • Freemasonry • Templars • The Tarot Glossaries  • Symbol Glossary • Alternative Religions Glossary • Glossary of Magick and the Occult

This asclepius wand, often confused with the Caduceus wand of Hermes, is the true symbol of the medical profession. It dates to antiquity, and was a symbol of the Greek God of healing, Asclepius. An explanation often given on the origin of the emblem is that the serpent-twined staff originated with an early form advertisement for parasite removal, but this is unlikely, as the snake was the symbol of a number of deities associated with healing.

The symbol of a serpent entwined staff also appears in the biblical book of Exodus, wherein Moses is instructed to erect a brass pole with a serpent; whoever looked upon it was healed.

Asclepius with his wand

Related symbols:

Related Resources:

• Hermetic Tradition
  Named after Hermes Trismigestus (Hermes the three times great), the Greek moniker of the Egyptian God Tehuti (Thoth), alleged author of hundreds of mystical tractates, the Hermetic tradition is an eclectic spiritual tradition that encompasses elements from from many religions.
• Hellenismos/Greek Revival
  The Hellenistic revival...modern attempts to reconstruct the rich religious traditions of Ancient Greece.
• Religio Romana
  Religio Romana is the main name under which various Neopagan groups attempt to accurately reconstruct ancient Roman Pagan worship.