Added to
Votes for this image - View all
It is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. In Roman iconography it was often depicted being carried in the left hand of Mercury, the messenger of the gods, guide of the dead and protector of merchants, shepherds, gamblers, liars, and thieves.
As a symbolic object it represents Hermes (or the Roman Mercury), and by extension trades, occupations or undertakings associated with the god. In later Antiquity the caduceus provided the basis for the astrological symbol representing the planet Mercury. Thus, through its use in astrology and alchemy, it has come to denote the elemental metal of the same name. It is said the wand would wake the sleeping and send the awake to sleep. If applied to the dying their death was gentle, if applied to the dead they returned to life.
As a symbolic object it represents Hermes (or the Roman Mercury), and by extension trades, occupations or undertakings associated with the god. In later Antiquity the caduceus provided the basis for the astrological symbol representing the planet Mercury. Thus, through its use in astrology and alchemy, it has come to denote the elemental metal of the same name. It is said the wand would wake the sleeping and send the awake to sleep. If applied to the dying their death was gentle, if applied to the dead they returned to life.
People who voted for this also voted for
Goddesses
My Favourite images :)
Top Global Beauties
Legendary Actresses: Inger Stevens
Favorite Women of All Time
The History of the Paramount Logo
Rainbow Mountains, China
Charles Walter's Musicals And Musical Comedies
Jim Schaeffing's Gallery
my top 100 child performances!
Jennie Lee's Pictorial
Marlon Brando Was Mentioned In...
My underrated actresses
Cool Photo Manipulations
Women Under the Direction of Woody Allen