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The Caduceus

Moon, Surgeon, and Caduceus Photographic Print
Katz, Paul

The Caduceus symbol is well known in our modern Western society. Most people recognise the twin snakes coiled around a staff and probably connect it with medicine. The symbol was even incorporated into the publicity for the recent Snakes on a Plane movie!

The origin and history of the Caduceus is less well known. Where did it come from?

What Is The Caduceus?

The Caduceus is a symbol consisting of two snakes entwined around a winged rod or staff. It is also known as the Rod of Hermes. As a symbol of the Greek god Hermes the Caduceus is traditionally associated not with medicine but with trade and commerce. Hermes (the Greek equivalent of the Roman Mercury) was the messenger of the Greek gods and his staff has been used as a herald's staff.

Origin

Some legends attribute to the Caduceus powers akin to the Midas touch but without the drawbacks. In one of many versions of the myth it is said that the scheming Hermes stole the oxen of the sun god Apollo. When Apollo discovered this, Hermes charmed him with a magic lyre and escaped punishment. Hermes gave the lyre to Apollo who in return gave him a magical staff that turned all it touched into gold. Hence the association of the Caduceus with wealth and commerce.

Another version of the legend has Zeus intervening to save Hermes from the wrath of Apollo. Hermes later invented the mystical Pan pipes which he traded with Apollo for his golden staff.

Whichever story you prefer it appears that in mythology the Caduceus originated with Apollo the sun god. Hence the association with gold - whether the staff could actually turn base metal into gold or whether it was simply made of gold itself varies with the teller of the tale.

Medicine

If the Caduceus is the symbol of Hermes, messenger of the gods, and is associated with trade and commerce then why is it a specific symbol of medicine? Well it shouldn't really be a medical symbol at all.

The true symbol of medicine is the Rod of Asclepius. Asclepius was the demigod son of Apollo and was the member of the Greek pantheon associated with medicine and healing. His symbol consisted of a wingless staff around which curled a single snake coil.

Over the centuries the Caduceus slowly replaced the Rod of Asclepius as the main medical symbol. Various reasons have been given, often involving astrological or aclhemical symbolism.

There are, of course, other possible symbolic interpretations of the Caduceus. Some occultists and New Age practitioners see it as a phallic symbol of power. To others the staff and snakes represent the energy channels of the body. It can also be related to the Kabbalah and the Tree of Life.

For many people today these interpretations are irrelevant. They see the Caduceus simply as an attractive symbol with positive medical connotations. For this reason alone many people like to buy jewelry such as charms, necklaces, pendants etc bearing the Caduceus.

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