What is Ouroboros in Christianity?

The image of a serpent eating its own tail, known as the Ouroboros, is one of the oldest symbols in human history. Its origins stretch back to ancient Egypt and Greece, but it has found its way into a wide array of spiritual, philosophical, and religious traditions—including Christianity. But what does the Ouroboros mean within a Christian context?

The Ancient Origins of the Ouroboros

The Ouroboros first appears in the historical record in ancient Egypt, where it symbolized the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The Greeks later adopted the image, associating it with the concept of eternity and the cyclicality of nature. In both traditions, the Ouroboros represented unity, infinity, and the eternal return—the idea that existence is a cycle without beginning or end.

In the Hellenistic world, the Ouroboros was also linked to alchemy, an esoteric tradition that would eventually influence early Christian mysticism. For the Greeks and Egyptians, the Ouroboros was not just a decorative motif but a profound symbol of the universe’s self-sustaining nature and the interconnectedness of all things.

Encountering the Ouroboros in Christian History

At first glance, the Ouroboros might seem at odds with Christian imagery. Christianity, after all, is founded on the linear narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. These are events set on a timeline rather than a cycle. However, the early centuries of Christianity were a time of intense cultural and philosophical exchange. As Christian thinkers engaged with the intellectual traditions of the Greco-Roman world, they encountered the Ouroboros and its associated ideas.

Early Christian writers, including some of the Church Fathers, were aware of the Ouroboros and sometimes referenced it in their works. While the serpent is often a negative symbol in Christianity—most notably in the story of Adam and Eve—the Ouroboros could take on more complex meanings. In some cases, it was used to illustrate the idea of eternity, the infinite nature of God, or the unending life promised through Christ.

The Ouroboros and Christian Alchemy

One of the most significant intersections between the Ouroboros and Christianity occurred in the realm of alchemy. Medieval and Renaissance alchemy was a blend of scientific experimentation, mystical philosophy, and Christian symbolism. Alchemists saw their work as uncovering the secrets of God’s creation, and they often used the Ouroboros as a symbol of unity and transformation.

In Christian alchemy, the Ouroboros could represent the eternal nature of the soul or the cyclical process of spiritual purification. The serpent eating its own tail became a metaphor for the self-sustaining work of God in the world: creation coming from destruction, life emerging from death. In this context, the Ouroboros was not a pagan symbol but a sign of hope and renewal through Christ.

Symbolism of the Ouroboros in Christian Thought

1. Eternity and the Infinite God

The Ouroboros is commonly associated with the concept of eternity—a circle with no beginning and no end. In Christian theology, God is often described as eternal and infinite. Some Christian thinkers saw in the Ouroboros a fitting image for God’s nature: uncreated, unending, and self-sufficient. While traditional Christian symbols for eternity include the circle or the alpha and omega, the Ouroboros occasionally appears in Christian art to convey this same idea.

2. Resurrection and the Cycle of Life

Another way the Ouroboros has been interpreted in Christianity is as a symbol of resurrection and new life. The snake sheds its skin, a process that ancient people saw as a kind of rebirth. This symbolism resonated with the Christian belief in resurrection—life emerging anew from death, just as Christ rose from the tomb. In some Christian mystical traditions, the Ouroboros thus became a metaphor for the cycle of sin, repentance, and redemption.

3. Unity of Creation

The Ouroboros also suggests the unity of all creation, a theme echoed in Christian teachings about the interconnectedness of the world under God’s sovereignty. The image of the serpent encircling itself represents wholeness and completeness, reminding Christians of God’s sustaining presence in every aspect of life.

The Ouroboros and the Serpent in the Bible

For many Christians, the serpent is most closely associated with the story of the Fall in Genesis. The snake, as tempter, brings about humanity’s separation from God. This negative connotation makes the adoption of the Ouroboros in overtly Christian contexts rare and sometimes controversial.

However, the serpent is not always a purely evil figure in the Bible. In the Book of Numbers, Moses raises a bronze serpent on a pole to heal the Israelites, a story later interpreted by Christians as a foreshadowing of Christ’s crucifixion (John 3:14-15). Thus, the serpent can also be a symbol of healing, transformation, and salvation—qualities linked with the Ouroboros in other traditions.

Christian Art and the Ouroboros

In alchemical illustrations, the Ouroboros is sometimes shown alongside Christian symbols such as the cross, the pelican (a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice), or the phoenix (another resurrection symbol). These images reflect a synthesis of Christian and non-Christian ideas, characteristic of the mystical and speculative spirituality of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Modern Reflections: The Ouroboros in Contemporary Christianity

In recent years, interest in ancient symbols and mysticism has grown, and the Ouroboros has seen a resurgence in Christian art, literature, and online discussions. Some progressive or contemplative Christians are drawn to the symbol as a way of expressing the mystery of God, the interconnectedness of creation, or the ongoing process of spiritual growth.

However, this renewed interest often comes with careful theological reflection. Modern Christian writers who use the Ouroboros typically do so with an awareness of its complex history and a desire to reinterpret it in ways that align with Christian beliefs about creation, redemption, and hope.