BrightEye
I have come across some modern depictions of the Hermit together with the Orphic Egg and I know the Thoth Hermit shows same.
It apparently is a symbol from the ancient Orphic Mysteries, the egg representing the cosmos, the serpent entwined around it the creative spirit. The egg is also the soul of the philosopher, the serpent the mysteries. At the time of initiation the philosopher’s soul hatches from the egg, ie is reborn from physical into spiritual existence. So makes sense for the Hermit, who seeks enlightenment.
I haven't seen it any earlier than Crowley, so maybe it is a Golden Dawn thing or maybe even particular to Crowley's idea of the Hermit. Are there earlier depictions of this combination?
It apparently is a symbol from the ancient Orphic Mysteries, the egg representing the cosmos, the serpent entwined around it the creative spirit. The egg is also the soul of the philosopher, the serpent the mysteries. At the time of initiation the philosopher’s soul hatches from the egg, ie is reborn from physical into spiritual existence. So makes sense for the Hermit, who seeks enlightenment.
I haven't seen it any earlier than Crowley, so maybe it is a Golden Dawn thing or maybe even particular to Crowley's idea of the Hermit. Are there earlier depictions of this combination?
