In this fascinating historical study, Charles Edward Herring explores the symbolic significance of the serpent in various religious and philosophical traditions, from ancient Egypt and Greece to modern-day occultism and new age spirituality. Drawing on a wide range of sources and examples, he shows how the serpent has been used as a potent symbol of creative power, spiritual transformation, and cosmic renewal throughout human history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.