Today we are going to talk about a symbol very popular in Viking culture, the legendary “Ouroboros.” When representing the Ouroboros, it is a dragon or a serpent biting its own tail, often forming a circle. The word “Ouroboros” actually means “tail-biter.”
In Norse mythology, we find many stories and legends about giant serpents like Jörmungandr, the son of Loki, or Nidhogg, the dragon of the tree of life. You can then understand the importance of a symbol representing a dragon for the Scandinavian peoples.
Let’s discover together the different interpretations given to the Ouroboros.
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Ouroboros and Repetition
The shape of the Ouroboros suggests a repeating cycle: the head bites the tail, the tail is eaten by the head… In short, it goes around in circles! We all have the image of a dog trying to catch its tail, but unfortunately for it, it will spin for a long time…
Ouroboros as the Origin of the World
Some attribute a divine dimension to the Ouroboros; it would then be the origin of the birth of the world. Looking at it, many see a dragon creating matter, starting by creating itself by spitting its body out through its mouth.
It is then the one who unfolds all things; what must exist is released and shaped by a giant Ouroboros, this symbol would then be a kind of map of the universe.
The serpent taking the form of a circle is likened to a cosmic egg or a protective barrier; the different worlds would be found in the middle, and the dragon’s body defines the boundaries of the universe.
If we want to go a little further in this interpretation, we could say that a giant Ouroboros encircles Yggdrasil, the tree bearing the nine worlds of Norse mythology, while accepting the idea that it is this giant serpent that created the tree of life.
Ouroboros the Cycle of Life
One of the most well-known and appreciated interpretations of the Ouroboros is that it is the symbol of renewal. Following the dragon’s body, we will always end up starting over; it would symbolize the cycles of life which are an eternal recommencement.
As soon as we reach the head and tail, we begin a new cycle.
These cycles can also be associated with nature, which follows a cycle of regeneration like the Ouroboros biting its tail.
The idea of rebirth is naturally attributed to the serpent because by shedding its skin, the serpent offers itself new beginnings several times in its life. To represent a symbol of renewal, the serpent was therefore perfectly suited to be the actor. This gives us the Ouroboros.
Ouroboros Symbol of Infinity
A single Ouroboros is enough to interpret repetition and eternal recommencement, but if you put two together to form the famous falling 8, you get the universal symbol of infinity.
We leave you with this video that talks a bit about the serpent biting its tail, even the voice is unbearable.
Ouroboros and the Psyche
There are other interpretations of the Ouroboros, perhaps less known, but still worth exploring.
Ouroboros and Sexuality
The Ouroboros can be seen as a symbol of fertility, a kind of pledge, a blessing. Indeed, according to some interpretations, the dragon’s tail is a phallic emblem (the male sex) while the dragon’s mouth represents a uterine symbol (the female sex). In this way, the Ouroboros becomes an emblem of fertility and accomplished fertilization.
This interpretation fits perfectly with that of the cycle of life, this fertility naturally leading to a form of renewal with the child to come.
Ouroboros Unity and Duality
The head biting the tail is a junction between two basic opposites. Through this, we see perfect harmony and unity between two parties that are otherwise opposed, and at the same time, it is a meeting between two parties that do not have the same initial function at all.
Like Yin and Yang, many then see in the Ouroboros a goal of balance. Finding within oneself the ability to reconcile one’s hardships, emotions, personalities. One would then hear the Passive and the Active speaking and acting together in a common interest.
The Ouroboros is then given a meaning of harmony to be achieved, where the whole finds its meaning and place.
Ouroboros in Spiritual Alchemy
In the alchemist community, it holds a very important place. It is the “One-The-All,” which actually represents all the ideas already discussed in the previous paragraphs.
However, as stated above, alchemists also attribute a cyclical interpretation to it and hold in their hearts the serpent whose venom is full of surprises.
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