The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge by Jeremy Narby
|
List Price: Our Price: $8.49 You Save: $6.46 (43%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $6.84 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge
Book Review: Chills & Thrills
Summary: 5 Stars
First of all, a disclaimer. I'm not an academic (my only brush with science came with biology, chemistry and physics classes in high school and then with a couple semesters of physical and cultural anthropology in college) so I cannot speak to the science in this book. However, I am compelled to write this because as Narby was making his connections between DNA and serpents, I had to stop reading as a chill overtook me. For those of you who have read the book, you'll understand the next set of references. I put the book down and I looked at my right arm. On my right bicep is a black graphic tattoo that I designed, incorporating the Christian cross, the sun and Ouroboros. On the inside of the same arm is a tattoo of entwined twin snakes doubling as the handle of a dagger. To this day, I have never been able to sufficiently answer what compelled me to draw these tattoos and get them done. They are the only tattoos I have. I should also say that I got these tattoos about a year or two of heavy LSD, psilocybin mushroom and MDMA (which affects levels of seratonin in human biochemistry) use. Coincidence? Probably but this book opens that question up for a very personal debate. Hence, the 5 star rating.Book Review: A Very Interesting Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I sincerely enjoyed reading this book as I could not put it down. This book is roughly 240 pages with eleven chapters. And, it is very easy to read. Narby's "Notes" section at the end of the book is lengthy and informative.
"The Cosmic Serpent" reads more like a novel or a personal journey rather than a scholarly work that one would normally read on the subject. Personally, I was fascinated with the sincere expression of the author's stories and his mix-in with the science of DNA. There were much confusion among the scientific community about connection between the use of hallucinogenic plants and genetic, and yet Narby was able to clear that up, even as briefly, in this book. I also find it interesting about Narby's discovery of the connection between the symbolism of snakes and that of DNA (double helix), and he backed this up with historical evidence from Americas as well from other cultures.
I found this book to be quite informative and most interesting to read. Most certainly a new look on DNA. I also enjoyed his other book, such as Intelligence in Nature.
Book Review: It's about time.
Summary: 5 Stars
Jeremy Narby has made a breakthrough of epic proportions. I am not some new age fruitcake - I have a degree in biochemistry and have studied extensively in the areas of genetics, physics, and the properties of light. This book is a MUST READ for anyone even slightly concerned with finding the truth. If you do not have a scientific background, do not worry. Narby has written this book so that anyone can understand it (I estimate that 5-10 % of the information might require additional research by those with no scientific background). I find myself incorporating the theories of Cosmic Serpent into basically all other apects of study, including the Bible, Chaos Theory, the Kaballah, Sacred Geometry, and other religious beliefs from all over the world. I have read many books, and I consider Cosmic Serpent to be one of the most important books of our time, or any time, for that matter. I hope there is a follow up soon.Book Review: Definitely on to something
Summary: 5 Stars
An excellent book. Essentially the author is saying that basically all the world's ancient cultures worshipped a giant serpent of some description. Yet they had no contact with each other as far as we know - and some, such as the Siberians - had no contact with snakes. The author suggests that the shamans took similar trance inducing herbal compounds which enabled them to see visions etc. Inevitably they saw giant snakes. The author tries this with some Amazonian shamans and he also has experiences with these giant snakes - like anacondas or boa constrictors. Sounds cuckoo..but the truth is most of us at some time have a dream with large snakes in it. I know I did. Anyway, he connects it to the molecular level, which is to say that he thinks the shamans got down to the DNA level which is represented by the double helix, intertwined snakes. Interesting, but needs more work.
Book Review: An insightful book that leads us back to the planet.
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this to be one of the most exciting books I have ever read. Not because of the science or the shaman perspective but because it leads us out of the clouds and back to the planet we live on to learn fundamental truths about life. The appreciation and love of our planet and all its species is crucial to our continued existence and Dr. Narby certainly whets our interest with his fascinating hypotheses. Perhaps, if God created everything and God is in us and all around us, God and DNA may be synonymous. And how wonderful it would be for us to feel that God actually has such a close physical association with us instead of being a separate being living in a far off realm. This book brings a number of important ideas and concepts together to attempt the creation of a whole meaning. Wonderful read!!!