Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

Understanding Biblical Symbolism


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Five Planes of Manifestation

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OPHIONEUS, THE SERPENT

A symbol of the lower principle of desire and illusion.

“Pherecydes says that there existed before all things, and from eternity, Zeus, Chronos, and Chthon (earth). Chronos produces from his seed, fire, wind, and water; the three primal beings then beget numerous other gods in five families. . . . Ophioneus, with his hosts, representing probably the un-regulated forces of nature, opposes this creation of the world, but the divine army under Chronos hurls them into the deep of the sea, and keeps possession of heaven." - ZELLER, Hist. of Greek Philos., Vol. I. p. 89.

Spirit (Zeus), Time cycle (Chronos), and Matter (Chthon) originate existence. The Time cycle produces buddhi (fire), manas (wind), and kama (water). Then are produced the ideal qualities (gods) on five buddhic sub-planes. The lower principle the opposites, (Ophioneus) creates but in the cycle of involution these are inoperative as opponents.

 

See Also

AHRIMAN
CHTHONIE
GODS
KRONOS
OPPOSITES
SERPENT