The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge

his book is a fascinating dive into the connection between ancient knowledge and modern science. The Cosmic Serpent explores the idea that DNA and the knowledge of indigenous cultures may be more intertwined than we think. The author presents some bold ideas, blending biology, anthropology, and mythology, which can feel a bit out there at times, but it’s thought-provoking nonetheless. The writing is engaging, and it’s clear the author has done his research. However, some parts feel speculative, and it’s not always easy to separate science from the more spiritual aspects of the book. If you’re open to exploring unconventional ideas and love questioning the boundaries between science and mysticism, this book will grab your attention. Pros: Engaging and thought-provoking Combines science with mythology and anthropology Unique perspective on ancient knowledge and DNA Cons: Some parts feel speculative and less grounded Might not appeal to those looking for pure science

This book made for a fascinating and thought provoking review. The author has gone out of his way to study disciplines other than his own (Anthropology) and read scientific literature in many languages in order to do the topic justice. It begins with a personal account of an experience with Shamanic medicines, and evolves into a manifesto for a more open minded approach to scientific enquiry and for the intellectual property rights of indigenous people. At one point in the middle I felt a little annoyed that he had such a bee in his bonnet about the snakes he saw in his vision, and snakes in mythology the world over being representations of DNA molecules. However, I have to commend the depth and breadth of his research, and have highlighted many fascinating facts and quotes. I even read the end notes and highlighted those. Every last word. Definitely a worthwhile read.

I haven't yet finished reading this book, but so far it is excellent - well-written, thought-provoking and a reminder that there is far more to life on this planet than Western 'Civilization' wants to acknowledge, a richness that may well be destroyed forever by the idiotic, ignorant and greedy slash and burn methods of 'Taming Mother Nature' used by governments and big companies globally. Back in the day I enjoyed reading Castenada, but this is a more educational book as it explores 'behind the scenes' of Shamanic altered states, focussing on the people, their harvesting methods and their relationship with the drugs themselves and the spirits of their world, all researched diligently and thoroughly with the author's respectful and humble approach to the 'other' and his willingness to 'have a go' and truly empathise rather than just observe and record. A mind changing book.

Considering when it was written it was breakthrough ground and, as he mentions, a lot of this was just discounted as rubbish. I think it was written in early 1990’s…unsure, as I’ve passed book onto friend. I did personally find it a bit hard to read in that it came across as more of a research article in certain places, how it was written, it was not quiet what I was expecting for a book written for the general public rather than research institutions etc. However, don’t let that put you off. I did get feed up though having to constantly flick to the back of the book for references, ( that’s why I gave it four star, just my personal opinion) there is about 100 pages given over to that! So that’s quite a chunk for a small paperback book. It depends on how deep you want to delve into the topic, so caters for a good read or an in-depth information available at that time, hence all references… I did enjoy it, found it interesting, so would recommend. Perhaps it was mentioned in the references at back, as I said I didn’t read them all, so I might of got this wrong… but, I couldn’t help think of the Kundalini symbol often associated with the chakkras etc or reference to the serpent that tempted Eve in the garden of Eden. So my apologies if mentioned in the book. It’s orientated to the shaman practices throughout the world, the similarities or differences. It’s worth reading to find out how this topic was viewed all those years ago, it is a fascinating subject, considering what some folk think of these ideas in the current times, how things have moved on dramatically. I think the way the author was trying to find a middle ground to help the people, was commendable. Preserve and respect their ways, the healing properties etc, and not get ripped off by pharmaceutical companies. He was aware, even then, how these cultures are getting wiped out due to deforestation…

book felt used

Incredible book, loved it. Im a physicist with spiritual interests. And its not often that i find a book of such an incredible spiritual adventure, combined with biology, physics, genetics ... everything with scientific rigour, references. While making the book a joy to read, thrilling, fascinating and mind blowing. Cant recommended enough, though, only for people who want to research really new ideas, and are open to entertain very different mind blowing concepts. Not for the faint hearted or the sofa philosopher, this book can seriously rock your world!

Excellent read.

In "The Cosmic Serpent", Jeremy Narby shares both his mental & physical journey concerning shamanism & the biochemical, neurological, and pharmacological information understood by the shamans of various "indigenous" peoples of the Amazon. This is truly an amazing journey! Through his travels & research, Narby realizes that the Amazon forest can be likened to a huge pharmacy - and that the "natives" would have to have some form of biochemical/neurological/pharmacological knowledge & insight in order to combine & create their various "medicines". But how could they obtain such knowledge without all of the "fancy" scientific tools we have here in "civilization"? Narby finds his answer after spending time with a well-respected shaman in the Amazon - the knowledge is imparted to them while in a hallucinogenic trance brought on by a brew called ayahuasca, which Narby decides to try for himself, resulting in some really intense insights into mind, body, and soul. It's the author's hypothesis that shamans, with the aid of ayahuasca, are able to take their consciousness down to the molecular level, which allows them access to biomolecular information. But, because of the scientific tendancy toward rationalism, no research is considered to understand this further. One of the most interesting parts of this book for me was the discussion concerning DNA & its' possible link to the double serpents/double helix revered in many indigenous societies - are they already aware of what we know about DNA? Could they know even more? I recently saw a documentary re: an anthropological find where several statues were found that showed 2 serpents. From these statues, the scientists determined that this ancient civilization worshipped a snake or serpent God. After reading this book, I had to wonder if maybe they're wrong... Overall, I found this to be an interesting, thought provoking, page-turning read. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in spirituality, shamanism, anthropology, & the biological sciences - it has a lot to offer!

Fascinating perspective about the unknown quantities of life and consciousness. And a very powerful counter to Darwin’s theory of evolution. DNA is definitely not a random thing!