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The Cosmic Serpent
1998
DNA and the Origins of Knowledge
In this seminal work, anthropologist Jeremy Narby investigates Amazonian shamanic knowledge through the lens of molecular biology. During his fieldwork with Asháninka shamans, he discovers striking parallels between their visionary descriptions of serpents of light and the double-helix structure of DNA. Narby proposes that shamanic visions may represent a direct communication with the biomolecular level of life — a form of ancient bio-information exchange between human consciousness and the living code of nature. The book weaves together anthropology, myth, and genetics into a radical hypothesis: that knowledge itself is a dialogue between consciousness and DNA.
Lineage Connection
This work activates the same current I explore through the “Cosmic Serpent” transmission. Narby re-opens the dialogue between science and shamanism, showing that the intelligence of the body — encoded in DNA — is not separate from cosmic intelligence. His insight resonates deeply with my own experience of energy rising through the spine as a living serpent, revealing that biological structure and spiritual awakening are expressions of the same universal code. The serpent becomes the bridge between molecule and consciousness.
Author’s Roles / Archetypes
Anthropologist, bridge-builder between indigenous wisdom and modern science, decoder of symbolic biology.
Primary Sources / References
• Narby, Jeremy. The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge. Tarcher/Putnam, 1998.
• Interviews with Asháninka shamans, Peruvian Amazon (1980s–1990s).
• Watson & Crick, Nature (1953) – DNA double helix.
• Comparative symbolism in world mythologies (serpents, twin gods, caduceus, kundalini).
• Interviews with Asháninka shamans, Peruvian Amazon (1980s–1990s).
• Watson & Crick, Nature (1953) – DNA double helix.
• Comparative symbolism in world mythologies (serpents, twin gods, caduceus, kundalini).
Quotes / Notes
“DNA is an intelligent molecule that communicates with itself across species through resonance.” — Jeremy Narby
“The shaman’s knowledge is not metaphorical; it is biological.”
“The shaman’s knowledge is not metaphorical; it is biological.”