This symbol comes from the Greek ‘karykeion’ which means ‘staff of the herald’ and represents the power to harm or heal. It was first seen with images of Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom and looks like a magic rod with entwined snakes, although variations appear with serpents, wings or a winged sun and no snakes.
In mythology the wings on the staff are associated with the god Hermes. Interestingly enough, he carried a magic want that appeared to be a Caduceus. He became associated with healing back in 700 AD when alchemists were called ‘the sons of Hermes’.
Today the Caduceus represents medicine or pharmaceuticals and can be found in commercial and military organizations. In yoga it symbolizes the serpent energy of the Kundalini, with the two snakes being positive and negative energy. Regardless the Caduceus is usually worn by those in the medical profession.
