#jormundgandr

@goldenwolfmidna at your request :)

One of the coolest Loki shoots I’ve ever been able to do!!

Say hello to Ramses, an absolute gentleman of a red tail boa! My friend @thecovinator does reptile rescue and has been hint-hinting at me to do a shoot with Ramses since I think 2020? And we fiiinally made it happen this weekend!

It was so cool to have this guy hanging out on my shoulders or on my arm; he was absolutely just chilling and occasionally exploring under my cape or up to my face (snek kisses!)

I am so excited to share all the photos we got, absolute dream shoot, and remember that #adoptdontshop❤️ counts for reptiles too!!

The plot:

The Ouroboros, the ancient symbol of a serpent or dragon devouring its own tail, is one of the most enduring mystical symbols across cultures. It represents eternity, cyclicality, duality, self-reflection, and the unity of opposites. This emblem has been deeply woven into alchemical, esoteric, and magickal traditions, holding powerful spiritual and philosophical meanings.

Symbolism of the Ouroboros

• Eternal Cycle & Rebirth: The Ouroboros embodies the concept of eternal return—the infinite cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It reflects the changing of seasons, reincarnation, and the perpetual transformation of the soul. In this sense, the symbol mirrors the Phoenix, which dies in flames only to rise again.

• Unity of Opposites (The Alchemical Marriage): The serpent biting its own tail represents the union of creation and destruction, light and dark, life and death. This mirrors the balance of forces seen in Yin-Yang philosophy, the alchemical Great Work, and Hermetic principles. The Ouroboros teaches that opposites are part of the same whole—to destroy is to create anew.

• Self-Containment & Infinity: The circular shape of the Ouroboros has no beginning or end, symbolizing wholeness and self-sufficiency. It represents the idea that the universe is self-renewing, and knowledge, wisdom, and energy are constantly recycled in the cosmos.

• Alchemical & Esoteric Meanings: Alchemists saw the Ouroboros as a symbol of the Philosopher’s Stone, the ultimate goal of transformation and enlightenment. The phrase often associated with it, "One is All, and All is One", conveys the Hermetic belief that all things are interconnected.

• Self-Reflection & Inner Alchemy: As the serpent consumes itself, it represents the process of inner transformation—the ability to destroy old versions of oneself and give birth to new wisdom. This makes the Ouroboros a powerful tool for shadow work, spiritual ascension, and deep introspection.

Magickal Uses of the Ouroboros

Protection & Binding Magick:

• The Ouroboros, forming an unbreakable circle, serves as a protective sigil in spellwork.

• It can be inscribed on talismans, amulets, or ritual tools to guard against external influences and unwanted energy.

• Used in circle casting, the image of the Ouroboros strengthens spiritual barriers.

Alchemical & Transformational Work:

• The Ouroboros is ideal for spells involving personal transformation, breaking bad habits, and reinventing oneself.

• Meditating on the symbol aids in spiritual evolution and helps with understanding life cycles and karmic lessons.

Rebirth & Regeneration Magick:

• When performing rituals for new beginnings, the Ouroboros reminds us that endings are merely transitions.

• It can be used in rituals for renewal, fertility, and rejuvenation.

Infinity & Timelessness in Spellcraft:

• The Ouroboros represents the endless nature of time, making it useful in spells for immortality, longevity, and wisdom.

• It is also a symbol of past life work, helping practitioners tap into ancestral or Akashic knowledge.

Manifestation & Energy Recycling:

• Because it represents self-sustaining energy, the Ouroboros is excellent for manifestation magick.

• It helps ensure that energy used in spells does not dissipate but rather returns to the practitioner, growing in strength.

Cultural and Historical Perspectives

• Egyptian Ouroboros: One of the earliest depictions of the Ouroboros appears in Ancient Egyptian texts, particularly in the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the Book of the Dead. The serpent represents Apep, the chaos serpent, as well as Mehen, the protector of the underworld sun god, Ra.

• Norse Ouroboros: Jörmungandr: In Norse mythology, the Ouroboros appears as Jörmungandr, the great World Serpent who encircles Midgard. It represents the cycles of destruction and rebirth, especially during Ragnarok (the Norse apocalypse).

• Gnostic & Alchemical Ouroboros: The Gnostics used the Ouroboros as a symbol of the divine oneness of the universe. In alchemy, it was often depicted as half-black and half-white, symbolizing the balance of opposing forces (the union of spirit and matter, mercury and sulfur, life and death).

• Eastern Ouroboros: Kundalini & Yin-Yang: The coiled serpent in Hindu and Buddhist mysticism is associated with Kundalini energy, which, when awakened, leads to spiritual enlightenment. Additionally, the circular nature of the Ouroboros parallels the Yin-Yang, which expresses the harmony of duality.

The Ouroboros in Modern Magick

Tarot & Divination:

• The World card (XXI) and The Wheel of Fortune (X) both embody the Ouroboros’ theme of eternal cycles and completion.

• Meditating with the Ouroboros during readings enhances one’s understanding of karmic lessons and life patterns.

Sigil Work & Chaos Magick:

• The Ouroboros can be used in sigil magick to create self-sustaining symbols that regenerate their own energy.

• Chaos magicians see the Ouroboros as an emblem of self-evolution, infinite potential, and reality manipulation.

Astral Projection & Time Magick:

• The symbol is used in rituals for past-life regression, astral travel, and accessing hidden knowledge.

• Practitioners working with time magick or reality shifting often meditate on the Ouroboros to understand the fluidity of time.

How to Work With the Ouroboros Magickally

Meditation & Visualization:

• Visualize the Ouroboros coiling around your energy field for protection.

• Meditate on the symbol when working on letting go of old cycles or embracing transformation.

Sacred Jewelry & Talismans:

• Wearing an Ouroboros pendant enhances spiritual insight and protection.

• Drawing or engraving it on ritual tools amplifies magickal potency and transformation work.

Spell Example - Ouroboros Renewal Ritual

Purpose: To break old cycles and manifest personal growth.

• Draw the Ouroboros on a piece of paper.

• Write the cycle you wish to break inside the circle (e.g., "self-doubt, procrastination").

• Light a black candle for banishment and a gold candle for renewal.

• Burn the paper, visualizing the cycle dissolving and reforming into strength.

• Close with "As the cycle ends, I am renewed. So it is done."

The Ouroboros is one of the most profound and powerful esoteric symbols, embodying infinity, wisdom, and self-transformation. It teaches us that life is a constant cycle of growth, destruction, and rebirth, making it a potent ally in magickal, alchemical, and spiritual practices.