The Circle is one of the most ancient symbols, embodying wholeness, unity, and the eternal.

The Circle has no beginning and no end, symbolizing the infinite and the divine. As a shape, it invites us to consider the unbroken, complete nature of existence and how all things are part of a seamless whole. In Hermeticism, the Circle reminds us of the interconnectedness of life and the universe's cyclical nature. It represents the All—the unity of spirit and matter, the universal consciousness from which everything emerges and to which everything returns.

The Circle also holds space for contemplation on the self. As we observe a circle, we might ask, Where am I in the endless cycle of life? How do I connect with the whole? By meditating on the Circle, we can tap into a sense of calm and centeredness, recognizing that each part of existence, including ourselves, has a place within the greater circle of life.

The square holds deep symbolic meaning in both alchemy and Hermeticism, often representing material reality, stability, and the physical world.

In alchemy, the square is typically associated with the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. These elements are foundational to alchemical processes, representing the physical substances that alchemists sought to transmute into higher forms of spiritual and material purity. The square’s four sides reflect the completion and balance of these elements in nature and the human psyche.

In Hermeticism, the square can symbolize the material plane and the fourfold nature of existence (the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realms). The square is also linked to the principle of correspondence—the idea that what is above is like what is below, with the material world reflecting the divine order.

Moreover, the square's perfect angles suggest stability and harmony, but also confinement, as it has no curved edges—this can represent the limitation of the material world that the practitioner seeks to transcend. Thus, the square embodies both the boundaries of physical reality and the potential for transformation when viewed in the alchemical or Hermetic light.

In summary, the square in these traditions symbolizes both the structure of material reality and the potential for transformation and spiritual evolution within that reality.

The triangle is a powerful symbol in both alchemy and Hermeticism, representing unity, transformation, and the connection between the material and spiritual realms.

In Alchemy:

The triangle is often used to represent the three primary elements that form the foundation of alchemical work:

1. Salt (representing the body or material substance),

2. Sulfur (representing the soul or spirit),

3. Mercury (representing the mind or the fluidic essence that mediates between spirit and matter).

These three elements are key to alchemical transmutation, where they are combined and refined to create the Philosopher’s Stone, a symbol of ultimate spiritual transformation. The triangle, with its three points, embodies this idea of integration and balance between the elements.

In Hermeticism:

The triangle symbolizes the trinity—a central concept in many mystical and religious traditions. Specifically, in Hermeticism, it can represent the triad of Mind, Body, and Spirit or the Hermetic axiom, "As above, so below." The triangle is often depicted as pointing upwards (representing the spiritual realm and ascent) or downwards (representing the material world and descent), with the idea of unity between these realms through divine balance.

It also reflects the principle of polarity—that opposites (like masculine and feminine, or light and dark) can be reconciled through their higher unity.

The Ouroboros symbol, with its serpent eating its own tail, can be seen as a profound metaphor for the practice of presence and the cultivation of awareness in the now. In this context, the tail of the serpent represents illusory time—the continuous flow of past and future that we often experience as linear and binding. This "time" is seen as a construct of the mind, constantly pulling us away from the present moment, which is the only true moment of existence.

In the practice of presence, the aim is to break free from this illusion of time, to move beyond the mental chatter and distractions that keep us anchored in past regrets or future anxieties. The Ouroboros, as a circle, symbolizes the eternal now, where the past and future dissolve into a single moment. By returning to the present moment (the "head" of the Ouroboros), we transcend the illusory flow of time that the tail represents.

The act of being present is akin to breaking the cycle of continuous time, where we become fully aware of the eternity of the moment we are in. This ultimate awareness of the now, where the past and future cease to dominate, mirrors the infinite continuity of the Ouroboros, where the serpent’s cyclical nature signifies the unity and timelessness of existence.

In essence, the Ouroboros in the practice of presence invites us to recognize that the tail (time) and the head (presence) are interconnected—ultimately inseparable. To truly "be" in the now is to step into the timeless circle, where illusionary time ceases and we experience the fullness of the eternal moment.

The Caduceus, with its intertwined serpents and upward spiral, is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the Kundalini energy in alchemy and esoteric traditions. Kundalini, which originates from ancient Hindu and yogic philosophy, is described as a dormant spiritual energy coiled at the base of the spine. When awakened, it rises through the chakras, leading to heightened spiritual awareness, enlightenment, and union with the divine.

In the context of alchemy, the Caduceus is a secret and profound symbol of this spiritual fire—the Kundalini, often referred to as the secret fire or the serpent power. The two serpents wrapped around the staff represent the dual forces of energy—often understood as masculine and feminine energies, active and passive—which, when united, catalyze spiritual transformation. These serpents are symbolic of the rising Kundalini energy, which ascends through the spinal column (the central staff) and ultimately reaches the crown chakra, symbolized by the wings at the top.

However, the awakening of Kundalini is not a simple or automatic process. In esoteric traditions, it is understood that Kundalini cannot be awakened by will alone. Rather, it requires the awakening of the Body of Light—a subtle, spiritual body that must be developed and refined through spiritual practice, purification, and inner transformation. This "Body of Light" is often associated with the energy body or light body—a higher aspect of one's being that exists beyond the physical realm. It is through the cultivation of this body that the individual becomes capable of safely containing and channeling the immense power of the Kundalini.

Many spiritual traditions that work with Kundalini energy stress the importance of purification and spiritual discipline in preparation for the awakening of this energy. If not properly prepared, the sudden awakening of Kundalini can cause profound spiritual or psychological disturbances, as the energy can overwhelm an unrefined energy body. The Body of Light, which must be awakened and developed through meditation, breathwork, energy practices, and inner alchemical processes, serves as the vessel that can safely channel the rising energy without harm.

This aspect of preparation and purification is not always emphasized in popular spiritual teachings, and the risks of awakening Kundalini prematurely are often glossed over. In alchemical and Hermetic traditions, the Body of Light is seen as the necessary vessel for the transformation, as it allows the energy to rise in a controlled and harmonious manner, ultimately leading to spiritual illumination and the integration of higher wisdom.

To summarize, the Caduceus symbolizes the Kundalini energy—the secret fire of spiritual transformation in alchemy. However, it is important to understand that Kundalini can only be awakened through the gradual development of the Body of Light. This requires deep spiritual work and inner preparation, a process that is often overlooked in many modern interpretations of Kundalini awakening. Only through proper alignment and purification can the seeker safely experience the transformative power of this sacred energy.