The Serpents Purge Talismanic Oil 🐍⛎
- Tori Smith
- Dec 29, 2024
- 13 min read
“Now my soul was constantly anticipating that I would converse with the gods. Continually stretching out my hands towards the sky, I was praying to the gods to grant me something by a vision in a dream or by a divine spirit so that I could proudly return as a happy person to Alexandria and to my homeland.” Thessalos 🕯️
Asclepius
Asclepius is a figure from ancient Greek mythology, widely recognized as the god of healing and medicine. He is often known as a wise and skilled physician, holding a staff with a serpent coiled around it, a symbol that continues to represent medicine today. Asclepius was the son of Apollo, the god of the sun, and Coronis, a mortal woman. His extraordinary ability to heal and even bring the dead back to life led to his eventual death. However, his powers were seen as too great, and in some versions of the myth, Zeus struck him down with a thunderbolt to prevent him from overstepping the natural order of things.
Asclepius' connection to the star Ras al-hague lies in his association with the constellation Ophiuchus. ⛎Ras al-hague is the name of the brightest star in the constellation Ophiuchus, which is often shown as a man holding a serpent, symbolizing the healer or physician. Ophiuchus is sometimes referred to as the "Serpent Bearer," and it is associated with Asclepius because of his connection to serpents, which were considered sacred in his cult.
Asclepius is also associated with Medusa. After Perseus beheaded Medusa, he gave her head to Athena, who placed it on her shield. However, in some versions of the myth, Medusa's head is also said to have healing powers. It was believed that the blood from Medusa’s veins had both deadly and healing properties. Specifically, the blood that flowed from the left side of her neck was poisonous, while the blood from the right side could heal wounds or even bring the dead back to life. This miraculous ability of Medusa's blood is linked to Asclepius, because he literally brought the dead back to life.
Temples were dedicated to Asclepius and were widespread across ancient Greece, with over 300 such structures discovered. These temples, known as Asclepieia, served as centers of pilgrimage and healing (3rd house things). One of the most renowned of these was the Temple of Asclepius in Pergamon, which became an important medical hub. The site’s origins trace back to around 200 BCE when the first sanctuary was established. As the cult of Asclepius spread, the temple underwent various phases of construction and renovation, growing in prominence over time.
People traveled by foot to one of these temples and would often be required to bathe and eat a clean diet upon arrival. It was after that they would be permitted to stay for what is called dream incubation. Offerings would be made, which included food of course, but what I found most interesting was that they would often leave votive offerings in the shape of what body part needed to undergo treatment. Then as they go to sleep whatever symbols and certain messages they gained from Asclepius would then be relayed to the physician or healer to interpret for a "comprehensive" treatment plan. These plans often were holistic, focusing on a number of different things to incorporate on the path of healing, such as prayers, bathing, dietary needs, herbs, blood letting, vomiting, and even enema's. Shit.
The Election I Chose & Reflections
The Serpents Purge talismanic oil is designed for dreamwork, self-healing, and purging (to rid or remove) what no longer serves you in order to ameliorate the healing process. It helps you reconnect with yourself through solitude. Best used at night after performing a bath ritual and to be applied before bed. This oil supports the release of what is undesirable whether it be a person or situation not conducive to your recovery. It diminishes aimlessness, allowing you to focus, direct, and take action towards what truly matters when it comes to your health conditions. Best used in isolation, it encourages responsibility to self, prayer work at home, and deep reflection. It guides you towards making the wise choices, helping you align with your purpose and eliminate what disrupts your physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.
I found this election appealing because Venus is in the 3rd house of lower level divination and dreams. She influences and is the lord of both health (6th) and social connections (11th). The health domain encompasses things such as holistic well-being, including nutrition, fitness, hygiene, and preventive care, while the social domain pertains to friendships, aspirations, good fortune, and the fulfillment of one's goals. Dreams will highlight areas where one may be facing challenges, feelings of restriction, inadequacy, or defeat, offering valuable guidance for purification and remediation measures.
“By exposing the hidden dream-thoughts, we have confirmed in general that the dream does continue the motivation and interests of waking life, for dream-thoughts are engaged only with what seems to be important and of great interest to us.”
― Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams
Sounds like nightmares right? It's scary, but from my own experience, things that scare you is often a sign of something being reflected in our current reality. Can we eliminate this? With artful intention. Baths. Purging. Clean diet. Sifting through our emotions through art. Prayer work. Dream incubation. Therapy. Massage. Aromatherapy. I think so.
Interestingly enough when we take a look at how the decans and bounds intersect and play a part, it all starts to come together. Ras Alhague is of the nature of Saturn and Venus located at 22 degrees Sagittarius 47 minutes of arc. To have the Moon connect in an applying sextile to Venus provides a sense of ease. Venus is in Aquarius face III. Kira Ryberg says in her Decans Guidebook, that this is where we enter "unfamiliar territory and asked to consider our values, limits, and emotional ties." I think that is powerful to think about in terms of Venus's basic nature which is to unify and reconcile. With her being in the sign of Aquarius in Saturn's home where his/her/their basic nature is to exclude we might notice that there is a sense of denying access, keeping out, and freezing out.
In the intimate moments of solitude we tend to be met with uncomfortable thoughts and our truest desires.. Are you eating healthy? Is that person helping you? Do you trust this doctor? Is this the right treatment for me? Am I exercising enough? Amongst uncovering unsettling truths, we are also understanding that boundaries are necessary to maintain homeostasis. This must be communicated, learned, planned, and discovered alone. Difficulties arise as your need for detachment might be looked upon as undiplomatic, cold, and aloof to others.
Saturn plays into this as well as the ASC which is conjunct Ras Alhague, the Moon, and Venus are all in the bounds of Saturn. Making this talismanic oil one that might lead to struggles, feeling restricted, and be a reminder of our limitations. We have to remember what this is all for in terms of holistic healing. Saturn is the planet of endurance, contemplation, and time. 🕰️
So the Asc and Moon is conjunct Ras Alhague in the term of Saturn in Sagittarius. When it comes to terms, Kira Ryberg says this, "will feel the weight of expectation and responsibility more heavily than elsewhere in this sign." K.R. Bounds Guidebook
Venus in the term of Saturn- Kira says, "It will create an immense level of resilience, concentration, commitment and contemplation" K.R. Bounds Guidebook. Aquarius is a fixed air sign. An intellectual that can concentrate, stabilize, finish, and preserve. It's also more focused on the mental aspect, communication, and detachment. I'd take caution to being too stubborn to move from one's position and instead take caution of looking at it from an individual view and prod you to take every component in.
When I think of Saturn, I think of excrement. It's gross, but it is necessary. We all have to purge the toxins within our body and soon that is when you realize that not everything you were consuming was beneficial or good for you. In healthcare, I know that often times it feels isolating. You are stuck in a room with your thoughts and sicknesses awaiting for the doctors to come in and give you a diagnoses and treatment plan. But what if inside that room as well, you were stuck with people that didn't make you feel good, but instead they made you more anxious and worried. I think that since these placements are within the bounds of Saturn, this will require channeling through him/her/they who is firm, harsh, dismissive, cold, blunt, serious, and very realistic. Saturn views time as necessity. Meaning upon the daily tasks, relationships, change, something needs to give. Decisions are harder to make, but is actually key for stress management and supportive care. I often referred to Saturn as lazy, but laziness is not inherently bad. Laziness can preserve energy for what truly matters. This oil is intended for dream work, but the true work is that which comes after the information has come through and been processed. Participation is key. Dreams may give messages, but it is what you do with that message that can change your path. Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana 1. 9 - 12 :
..."And he replied : ‘I can advise you of what, under the circumstances, will be most valuable to you; for I suppose you want to get well.’
‘Yes, by Zeus,’ answered the other, ‘I want the health which Asklepios promises, but never gives.’
‘Hush,’ said the other, ‘for he gives to those who desire it, but you do things that irritate and aggravate your disease, for you give yourself up to luxury, and you accumulate heavy meals upon your water-logged and worn-out stomach, and as it were, choke water with a flood of mud.’ . . ."
Hygieia
The goddess from greek mythology, Hygieia circled my thoughts as I was researching Asclepius. Her name is recognized as the place of origin for the word "hygiene". Daughter of Asclepius, she resides right now at 23 degrees, 12 minutes of arc in the sign of Aries. She signifies health, cleanliness, and sanitation. Doctors swore oaths that they would abide by certain standards. Is this my oath? Is this your oath? I am not too familiar with asteroids, but I pay attention when significators like the Moon conjunct Al Rahague is in a close applying trine to Asclepius's daughter Hygieia. It was striking. It was my own introduction. Trine is a harmonious aspect of ease. Hygieia is associated with the prevention of sickness and so, I will look deeper to see what that looks like.
Hygieia is in the bounds of Mars. The bounds can tell us how they approach a topic and what tools they have to navigate the terrain. This bound Indicates having the will-power and overcoming challenges.
Hygieia is in the decan III of Aries. Tend to your wants. Remind yourself that in order to create the ideal health, you need to know what it is you need to do and use martial tools to aid in the process through committed determination.
Hygieia is in the sign of Aries. Initiating, active, enthusiastic, creative, assertive, passionate, daring, warm. You’re not likely to be passive when it comes to maintaining your well-being—this is where you have the inner strength and motivation to actively pursue it, even when challenges arise.
Hygieia disposes to Mars in Leo Rx in a night chart. conflict, action, courage, bravery, commitment, independent, demonstration all plays a key part in this. Also repetition, revision, re-structuring play a part as well.
It takes will-power, motivation, and initiation to get something started. Taking charge to do the things you need to do to prevent sickness. Exercising, eating healthy, seeing the doctor, staying on top of self-care and medications. Doing what you are suppose to. When Hygieia is in Aries, it suggests a proactive approach to health, one that is assertive, passionate, and driven. As Aries is known for its pioneering spirit, this placement can indicate that we have to take initiative in matters of personal health and wellness, leading by example and possibly inspiring others to do the same. You have to show up time and time again.
Intention
I will be asking Asclepius to bless this oil as if it was made from himself for the removal of illness, toxins, or spiritual blockages. I will also asking for decrease in ailments, worry, anxiety related to sickness and that through this process, let this talismanic oil aid in clarification through dreams and resting states at home.
For this specific election there is a waning moon, which indicates decrease. Of the celestial factors necessary for this working: The ASC and Moon is conjunct Ras Alhague the brightest star of the constellation of Ophiuchus. The Moon is not applying to either of the malefics. Venus is of the nature of Ras Alhague and the Moon is applying to Venus. For this reason, I found it completely appropriate and safe to move forward. Ideally I would have preferred a little dignity, but I will take what I can get and it is not necessary.
This would be a good talismanic oil for those that are okay being uncomfortable and making other's feel uncomfortable while establishing boundaries during the healing process. It's an oil that prompts discernment, decisions, and for contemplative dream and reflection work. This would also be great for those needing to write down messages that come through dreams with Mercury also applying sextile to Venus. Saturn is in the terms of Jupiter which loves asking "why". Jupiter is retrograde and in detriment. Uncomfortable, unconventional repetitive wisdom which in my opinion is warranted at some points in our life. Valens states that planets within this term of Jupiter located in Pisces specifically indicates that they are, “literary, learned, preeminent among the masses and victorious over everyone because of his words, with many brothers, prolific, with many children, having too many associates and brothers.” Kira Ryberg states that "planets within this term will be able to wield words thoughtfully and poetically." However there is a sense of Jupiter being too much. What is excessive that needs to be eliminated? Saturn being in a superior square to Jupiter says there is influence to filter, let's sift through that and use that nutrient dense soil to grow something new & better for our body, mind, and spirit.
The Preparation
I was walking one day after a few minutes of researching what cypress was and how it looked. It dawned on me that this tree might be outside for me to harvest myself. One minute, I am walking in the parking lot, the next I am climbing a mound to pick a few branches. It's "leaves" look like a pattern of snake skin. It's benefits include wound healing, relieving anxiety, and you can even use it for things like deodorant, haircare, and respiratory support. The oil of Cypress is anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal. People can use it for coughs, cuts, and acne. (Not a medical professional)
So, I took this cypress that I harvested and combined it with rose Jericho, frankincense and cypress essential oil. I used mortar and pestle to make sure that the cypress was able to release itself into the oil for maximum potency. Rose Jericho is often seen as a symbol of hope and rebirth. Often times to revive this plant, you can take a small shallow dish and water it without the requirement of soil. It is self-sustaining. I added this to the oil as well.
Something different I wanted to incorporate into this working was snake vertebrae. I find it to be truly symbolic of the snake of the staff of Asclepius and I'm of the belief that more correspondences create a stronger bond and correlation. Cool fact, Snakes generally have 175 to more than 400 vertebrae in its backbone. This is so that it can be both strong and flexible to constrict prey. Metaphorically, what would be our prey when it comes to dream interpretation? I cleaned these vertebrae with dawn dish soap. I scrubbed them and then processed them with both alcohol and hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours.
Snake's heart. In Sphere and Sundry's write-up on Oil of Asclepius I, Kaitlin says that for their talismanic oil, they used a legally and ethically acquired heart of a venomous pit viper. I shall do the same. I opted out of placing this snakes heart in a shadow box. I'm afraid that it wouldn't serve best. Just an intuitive feeling.. Therefore, I incorporated this snake heart to the talismanic oil for potency. It will not be in the roller bottles.😅 On the left side is the snake's heart. The right is a raisin.
White sage (Salvia apiana) has various traditional uses, particularly among Native American cultures. It is commonly burned in smudging rituals to purify spaces and remove unwanted energy. Medicinally, it has been used as a calming agent, digestive aid, diuretic, and remedy for cold symptoms.
Asclepius son of Apollo, the Greek demi-god of healing and medicine, is known for his ability to cure diseases. Deborah Houlding says this, "The constellation portrays the contradictory themes of kill or cure, both of which relate to periods of critical danger or change." Use this oil when you are looking to change dire situations?
A blend of herbs is combined in extra virgin olive oil to infuse. Before our traditional view of doctors now, they used to be called shamans, witch doctors, and snake charmers. Through magic, divination, potions, herbs, and prayers, they were able to create treatment plans for people seeking holistic healing.
People used to stay extended periods in a sanctuary or shrine known as an Asclepieion. I found this interesting with Venus in the 3rd house and this house's association with temples. Visitors would sleep overnight in these spaces, where it was believed that the god would reveal remedies for their ailments through dream states. The following day, they would share their findings with a priest, who would then prescribe an appropriate cure based on the divine guidance received.
Anatomical Votives were often used as offerings to Asclepius. I bought this votive of a face a long time ago. Idk, I was just attracted to it, like it was mine to have. Covered it with gold leaf for the afflicted area of my face. (It's gotten better since)
Serpent's Purge Keywords
Wellness, restoration, balance, healing, self-care, cleansing, nurturing, recovery, health transformation, mind-body connection, rejuvenation, preventative care, mindfulness, well-being, self-renewal, dreaming, anointing, contemplation, rid of anxiety, hygiene, mental health support, sleep, emotional stability, visions, hope, goal, desire, intention, removal, sterility, serenity, peace, centering, reconnection to self, recalibration, purposeful living, tranquility, isolation, initiating, firey, inspired, pro-active.
Approaching The Temple
I walked in clean and bathed in clothes that smell fresh. I approach with empty stomach and bowed before Asclepius, asking for the blessing of this oil as if it were made by his own hands with support of Hygieia goddess of health.
A prayer.
🌿Oh Asclepius,🌿
Infuse this oil with your power, with your spirit, with your pneuma, and give protection against illness and rid of things not conducive to holistic healing for the mind, body, and spirit.
Allow the wearer and that which is anointed with this oil to heal and feel your support as they drift to sleep. Give them remedies, treatments, and messages through dream incubation. Guide them. Restore their bodies. Diminish aimlessness, allowing those to focus on what truly matters.
So be it.
🌿Action, dreams, regeneration, health. Action, dreams, regeneration, health. Action, dreams, regeneration, health.🌿
This moment although seems like it ended quickly has only just begun. I put my heart and soul into this and like always, just want to share the journey. Created when the Moon in Sagittarius was conjunct Ras Alhauge while rising, this talismanic oil was specifically ensouled and blessed by Asclepius to help with health, holistic healing, and contemplation dreamwork. I will be waiting one lunation cycle and trial this oil myself. 🌿✨🐍📝
As always, thank you for reading who ever you are.
Astromage, Tori. 🤍
