So to conclude: on the ‘first level’ of the Grail, the one serpent (snake) is seen to have two properties – each representing the male and female opposites – i.e., venom associated with ‘death’ and the ‘male principle,’ and the blood associated with ‘life’ and the ‘female principle.’
Ironically, although more people can relate more to the popular image of the winged and twin-serpent staff known as the Caduceus, as associated with Hermes or Mercury, not many people know of the esoteric significance of the Caduceus – i.e., its ‘third level’ meaning in regard to the Grail.
As opposed to one serpent, the Caduceus, associated with the more esoteric ‘third level’ – also known as the ‘Arcadian Rod’ and the ‘Staff of Brahma’ – again features two serpents – each serpent again symbolising the two opposites – male and female.
The name Caduceus comes from the Latin word kerykeion, and in Greek, kerykeion skeptron mean, “heralds wand.”
Like the Rod of Aesculapius, the rod or staff symbolises the spinal column and it is an example of the straight and upright spine demonstrating confidence, good health and longevity. But in ‘third level’ terms, this particular Caduceus also reveals the dynamic processes associated with the physio-gland-related chakra system, favoured by the Hindus and Chinese mystics and is in fact linked also to divining the land – dowsing.
As we can see, the Caduceus is a staff or rod with two snakes (twin snakes) or serpents entwined around it. The snakes are making ‘spiral’ shapes around the staff or rod. The central staff itself represents the central nerve channel within the spine known by the Hindus as the sushumna – which is neutral. The sushumna in the spine is the real “ladder” through which one’s fused energies are propelled upwards.
The two spiralling snakes or serpents around the spine symbolise the two nerve channels known as the positive pingala (male) and the negative ida (female) and are in perfect correspondence with the ancient secret of the snake as a practical healing tool. The red-hot male pingala nerve channel corresponds with the venom of the snake, and the cooling, female ida channel, corresponds with its life-giving blood.