Legends and Secrets of the Cosmic Ouroboros
There are few creatures that evoke the range of emotions like the earthbound snake. Across ancient cultures and civilizations, snakes have been viewed as mystical, dangerous, repulsive, and ultimately one of the most fascinating beings in the animal world. However, there might be a deeply rooted reason for human’s fascination with this creature, one that is embedded in the oldest mythology known to humans: Ouroboros, or the one who devours itself.
Translated from the Greek, the word “ouroboros” means “tail devourer,” referring to the circular or figure-eight shape of a snake enveloping itself. One of the oldest mythological symbols known to humans, the ouroboros has been viewed as a symbol of the regenerative cycle of life, enlightenment, renewal, and infinity.Â
What is the significance of this mysterious and universal symbol, and how did it come to represent so much for so many civilizations?
EGYPT to GREECE to the GARDEN OF EDEN: The Ouroboros Origins
The ouroboros’ origin dates back to ancient Egypt as a symbol of the sun and the sun disk’s travels. Encrypted in the Enigmatic Book of the Netherworld, the engraved stone book found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, the ouroboros is part of the story of Ra’s mythical journey in the underworld, and is one of the first instances of the symbol being depicted swallowing its tail. As described in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Ouroboros is connected to the creator god Atum, often described as being in the form of a water serpent.Â
From Egypt, the Ouroboros found its path to ancient Phoenicians and ancient Greece, where it is believed the symbol received its name as it is known today. Greek alchemists associated the ouroboros symbol with gold and the path of endless return, or the “One in All.”
In fact, Plato writes of the Ouroboros as being the first living creature in the universe, and that the self-swallowing being represents a completely self-contained system with no need for anything outside of itself.
From Plato’s interpretation, the Gnostics expanded on the theory that the Ouroboros represents the soul of the world.
For some it is the embodiment of evil; for others the reflection of knowledge, in the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Ouroboros, which we know as the serpent in the Garden of Eden, represents the external or human-bound world, or one that resides outside of “God.”
It can also be said that the snake, or ouroboros, can be attributed to what we now call “awareness,” in that after listening to the snake and eating from the Tree of Knowledge, Adam and Eve became aware of their nakedness, or innate humanity. Â
In the Hindu religion, Ouroboros is equated with Kundalini or the essential energy that resides, coiled in the base of the spine. According to the Upanishads, “the divine power, Kundalini, shines like the stem of a young lotus; like a snake, coiled round upon herself she holds her tail in her mouth and lies resting half asleep as the base of the body.” The Hindus are also among the religions that associates the Ouroboros with the divine feminine energy.
This connection to the feminine would also be mirrored in the Far Eastern interpretation of the Ouroboros with the concept of yin yang, the cosmological balance between light and dark, matter and energy, or the concept of duality. For the ancient Chinese and Japanese, duality represents opposites which form a divine unity, with each aspect being equal in such a creative and reproductive power, that a universe could emerge from the sacred union.Â
For other cultures, the Ouroboros symbolizes a strong male energy, such as in the Norse culture with Jormungand, the Midgard serpent and son of Loki and Angrboda, who resides in the ocean which encompasses the seen world. The ancient Aztecs portrayed their god, Quetzalcoatl as a serpent biting his own tail, as seen in the ruins such as the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent.
Still other ancient cultures, such as the Mayan, believe that the Ouroboros is the embodiment of a cosmic and prophetic cycle, or a magnetic pole shift which has always impacted how humans communicate and perceive our world.Â
This cosmic belief runs parallel to the alchemical associations of the Ouroboros, as described in the ancient Greek text, Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra (unrelated to the Egyptian queen). In the alchemical world, the Ouroboros is a purifying symbol, preparing the path for release, liberation, and the unification of the conscious and unconscious realms.Â
Not to be limited to terra firma, the ouroboros is also connected to the celestial realms, with mythological connections to the Milky Way, with the serpent shape representing the heavenly stars, as well as in scientific realms. Chemist August Kekule saw connections to the snake symbol in his discovery of the compound benzene. Exhausted by his efforts at studying the elusive atomic structure, he fell asleep and reportedly dreamt of the atoms working in unison to form into the shape of the Ouroboros, which inspired Kekule to persevere until he finally proved his benzene theory.Â
We can even see the existence of the Ouroboros in the art world. M.C. Escher’s famous “Drawing Hands,” often viewed as containing the essence of the circular serpent’s symbolism.
The Ouroboros is a symbol that defies time and civilizations; it would be difficult to find one that has touched so many ages and come to represent so many aspects of this and other worlds. Today, we can turn to this ancient icon as a way to find balance in our often fractured and disconnected world. From the night sky to the atomic structures that make up our universe, the Ouroboros continues to provide answers, as well as leads us into deeper meanings. Â
About the Author
The Story of Atlantis, the Lost City
The history of Atlantis, with its sophisticated society and its tragic disappearance, has been the subject of study and fascination for centuries. In the series Initiation, Matias De Stefano offers a detailed and in-depth look at the evolution and impact of this lost city. In this article we explore the origins, structure, beliefs and fall of Atlantis, based on the accounts and knowledge shared by Matias.
Table of Contents
- The Origins of Atlantis
- The Structure of Atlantis
- Their Spiritual and Religious Beliefs
- The Heyday of the Atlantean Empire
- The Fall of Atlantis
- Khem: The New Atlantis
- The Legacy of Atlantis
The Origins of Atlantis
The story of Atlantis begins with the arrival of the Anunnaki, giant beings from the Middle East, who settled on Earth to help their species survive while their own planet was dying. These extraterrestrial beings had children with humans, creating a new civilization that would eventually become the Atlanteans. This mixing of races allowed the Atlanteans to inherit advanced knowledge and skills from the Anunnaki.
The Greek god Poseidon, known to the Atlanteans as Talyn, was one of these Anunnaki. Talyn protected and guided twelve of these mixed-race children, leading them from their isolated civilization in the Middle East to the Atlantic Ocean, away from the dominating influence of other Anunnaki. This established the twelve families of Atlantis, each charged with preserving and transmitting the star information they possessed.
The twelve families of Atlantis divided the main island into twelve small regions, each controlled by a family. These were not traditional rulers, but guardians of cosmic information. Through their connection to the stars, the Atlanteans developed a civilization that valued both spiritual knowledge and technological advancement.
The purpose of Atlantis was to be an experiment in human evolution, run by star beings such as the Arcturians and Pleiadians. These beings taught the Atlanteans to use sacred geometry and cosmic energies to build structures that were not only architecturally impressive, but also spiritually potent. These practices enabled the Atlanteans to achieve high levels of consciousness and wisdom.
In the series Initiation, available on Gaia, Matias De Stefano explores these origins in depth, revealing how ancestral knowledge and connection with beings from other dimensions shaped the advanced civilization of Atlantis.
The Structure of Atlantis
The structure of Atlantis stood out for its advanced organization and the integration of spiritual and technological principles in its urban and social design. The following are the most relevant aspects of this civilization:
- Regional distribution: Atlantis was divided into twelve regions, each governed by one of the twelve families. These regions represented not only administrative divisions, but also areas of spiritual and technological responsibility.
- Spiritual rule: The twelve families that ruled Atlantis were not monarchs in the traditional sense, but guardians of cosmic wisdom. Their leadership was based on spiritual knowledge and ethical guidance rather than authoritarian control.
- Circular city: The capital of Atlantis was a circular city located on the main island. This layout reflected the harmony and balance that the Atlanteans sought in all aspects of their lives.
- Resonance technology: The Atlanteans used vibration and sound technology for building and healing. This technology allowed the construction of pyramids and temples that acted as resonance points for communication and energy transfer over great distances.
- Sacred geometry: Atlantean architecture incorporated principles of sacred geometry, using shapes and patterns such as the Flower of Life to align their structures with cosmic energies, facilitating meditation and spiritual connection.
- Portal network: Atlantis had a network of natural and artificial portals that allowed the connection with other dimensions and the transfer of cosmic information. This network was fundamental for its spiritual and technological evolution.
- Wisdom centers: Temples in Atlantis served as places of knowledge and energy. They were designed to optimize energetic resonance, facilitating advanced spiritual practices and connection with cosmic forces.
- Stellar influence: The knowledge and skills of the Atlanteans came from their interaction with beings from other worlds, such as the Arcturians and Pleiadians. This interaction profoundly shaped their culture, religion and technology, integrating cosmic knowledge into their daily lives.
- Strategic expansion: During their heyday, the Atlanteans established settlements in key regions such as Egypt and the Mediterranean. These settlements not only expanded their territorial influence, but also allowed them access to important energy portals around the world.
Their Spiritual and Religious Beliefs
The spiritual beliefs of the Atlanteans were deeply rooted in an understanding of the connection between the cosmos and life on Earth. They believed that all divinities were different expressions of a single universal consciousness. This approach allowed the Atlanteans to see every aspect of nature and the cosmos as a divine manifestation. Natural elements such as water, fire, earth and air were considered sacred, and each had its own gods and guardian spirits. This worldview fostered a deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all life.
One of the pillars of Atlantean spiritual beliefs was the practice of sacred geometry. Atlanteans used specific shapes and patterns, such as the Flower of Life, to align their structures with cosmic energies. They believed that these geometric shapes were the key to understanding and manipulating the energies of the universe. Temples and other important buildings were built according to these principles, allowing the Atlanteans to create spaces that facilitated meditation and spiritual connection.
Atlantean rituals and ceremonies were designed to maintain balance and harmony at both the individual and collective levels. They used vibration and sound to heal and elevate their consciousness, integrating practices such as chanting and harmonic resonance. These ceremonies not only strengthened the community, but also served as a means to align with cosmic forces and receive spiritual guidance. This holistic approach to spirituality allowed Atlanteans to live in harmony with the universe and foster continued spiritual growth.
The Heyday of the Atlantean Empire
At its peak, Atlantis had a population of approximately 300,000 people distributed in several villages along three main islands. This distribution reflected the advanced organization and planning of the Atlantean civilization.
The Atlantean empire reached its greatest expansion by establishing settlements in the Mediterranean and beyond. Following Earth’s energetic patterns, the Atlanteans founded colonies in regions such as Egypt, Asia Minor and the Middle East. These settlements not only extended their territorial influence, but also allowed them access to important energetic portals that strengthened their connection to cosmic energies. Atlantean expansion was both a territorial conquest and an effort to unify the planetary energies under their control.
Atlantean technology played a crucial role in their heyday. They used vibration and sound to build and heal, developing a network of pyramids and temples that functioned as resonance points. This network allowed the Atlanteans to communicate and transfer energy over great distances. In addition, this technology was used for cell regeneration and life extension, demonstrating their mastery over natural forces and their ability to manipulate physical reality.
The Atlantean system of government was based on wisdom and spiritual guidance. The twelve families that ruled Atlantis were not tyrants, but guardians of cosmic wisdom. Their leadership was focused on maintaining balance and harmony in society, using their knowledge of the stars and sacred geometry to guide the civilization toward sustainable and spiritually advanced development. This approach allowed Atlantis to flourish as a prosperous and balanced civilization, capable of integrating advanced technology with deep spirituality.
The Fall of Atlantis
The fall of Atlantis is one of the most tragic and fascinating stories of antiquity. The Atlantean civilization began to disintegrate during the Age of Scorpio. This period was marked by an abuse of the knowledge and technology possessed by the Atlanteans. The leaders of Atlantis, once guardians of cosmic wisdom, began to use their abilities to exert power and control over others, deviating from their spiritual and ethical principles.
This abuse of power led to a series of natural catastrophes that contributed to the destruction of Atlantis. The Atlanteans had developed advanced technologies that used frequencies and resonances for multiple purposes. However, these same technologies were employed for war and domination, resulting in devastating energy waves that caused the disappearance of entire cities and turned fertile regions into barren deserts.
Internal tensions and conflicts with other civilizations also played a crucial role in the fall of Atlantis. The war with the civilization of Mu was especially destructive, leading to a series of battles that depleted Atlantean resources and morale. Finally, a combination of natural disasters and internal social collapse culminated in the complete destruction of the Atlantean civilization, with the main island sinking into the ocean in a single night of misfortune.
Khem: The New Atlantis
Khem, known as the new Atlantis, emerged after the collapse of the Atlantean civilization. This transition occurred during the Age of Virgo, when the remaining Atlanteans migrated and established new bases in Egypt and other regions of the Mediterranean. Khem inherited much of Atlantean knowledge and practices, including the use of sacred geometry and vibrational resonance in their constructions. The temples and pyramids of Egypt bear witness to this transfer of wisdom, which continued to influence the spiritual and technological development of the region.
The new civilization of Khem focused on maintaining and expanding Atlantean knowledge, adapting it to its new environment. This integration allowed Khem to flourish as a center of learning and spiritual evolution. Khem’s leaders, many of them descendants of the ancient Atlantean guardians, worked to preserve the harmony and balance that once characterized Atlantis. Thus, Khem became a bridge between the legacy of Atlantis and future civilizations, ensuring that the lessons learned would not be lost to time.
The Legacy of Atlantis
Despite its destruction, the legacy of Atlantis lives on in numerous cultures and traditions around the world. The teachings and technologies of the Atlanteans were carried to new lands by their survivors, influencing regions such as Egypt, Greece and Central America in their mythology, architecture and spiritual practices. These cultures reflect Atlantean knowledge of sacred geometry and cosmic alignment in their monuments and temples.
The spiritual impact of Atlantis is also evident in many religions and esoteric philosophies. The principles of connection to the cosmos, the importance of energetic alignment, and the use of vibration and sound for healing and evolution are concepts that have endured throughout the centuries. These teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers and modern practitioners who seek to integrate these principles into their daily lives.
In addition, the story of Atlantis has been a catalyst for exploration and the search for lost civilizations. Archaeologists, historians and explorers have dedicated their lives to unearthing the remains of this ancient civilization, searching for evidence to corroborate the accounts of Plato and others. These efforts have led to numerous important discoveries that have enriched our understanding of ancient cultures and their connection to Atlantis.
The story of Atlantis continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection on human potential and our capabilities. It reminds us that while we can reach great heights of knowledge and technology, we must do so with a sense of responsibility and ethics. The legacy of Atlantis urges us to learn from its mistakes and use our abilities to create a more harmonious and balanced world, avoiding the paths that led to its downfall.
