Fun Fact: The Double Helix Through the Centuries
The double helix shape of our DNA wasn’t officially discovered until 1953, by scientists James Watson and Francis Crick, who tirelessly worked to solve our genetic secrets.
Could it be possible though, that our ancestors somehow already knew, at the very least, how important this structure was to not only humanity but to our planet?
Understanding a symbol’s meaning evolves, but for a symbol to keep its high pedestal in the eye of the public is something else entirely. It’s improbable for starters. The swastika for example, in its originating Sanskrit, means ‘well-being’ or ‘good fortune’. It has taken different paths through its evolution but there are two that stand out. One, it lost its arms and became more of a cross, another symbol that we’ve seen a change in its general appearance and exact meaning over time while maintaining its overall positive vibe and familiar face. Unfortunately, I believe most know how the symbol was hijacked and became a symbol of racial purity under Nazi influences.
Moving back to our double helix DNA, take a look at this:
This is Caduceus, a symbol most people know today because of its close times and how often it is seen in the medical community. In the past, it was wielded by Hermes, a messenger to the gods with the ability to move between the world of the living and dead. The staff itself symbolized peace. We can see two snakes, spiraling around each other, embodying wisdom and knowledge. What I think is most interesting about this symbol is that there is always space between the snakes. They’re never on top of each other while they are winding.
This symbol can be seen from Caduceus to parallels in polarity of the kundalini spirit (also a snake) to Celtic ruins — we can see a theme of two parallels, spiraling around each other, symbolizing harmony, balance, and life. We still use this ancient symbol today from biotechnology company logos to the use of Caduceus in medical fields.
Why does it matter?
The presence and importance of the double helix as both a symbol and structure are written on our DNA and in our shared histories. While it has symbolized interconnectedness in the past (more on that in the deep dive below), is there no better definition by example of the world? It’s a piece of beauty in our world that deserves to be examined and admired more often. Not only is it genetically, and therefore physically, binding, but it can be felt as a cultural bond as well. How different are we? it also serves as a reminder that our inner knowing is more powerful, and often more accurate than we would think.
Want to explore this topic more? Check out my substack publication where I include a deeper dive into this article and other bite-sized metaphysical smores.
