The Coiled Serpent

by C.J. Van Vliet

The Coiled Serpent
Erudite investigators have come to the conclusion that "the serpent always has a phallic signification." But what usually mystifies the student of symbolism is that "though the serpent is exhibited as the representative of the evil principle... it is considered also in the opposite light. " However, where the symbolism has not suffered in transition there is a notable difference between the two portrayals. While the evil serpent is coiled, "the serpent of good is always represented......as upright." This is the transformed serpent, not any more coiled but standing on its tail, its body slightly curved, reminiscent of the human spine which plays such an important part in the actual uncoiling of the serpent. It is still the phallic serpent, but conquered, tamed, and thereby changed into the most valuable adjunct of man.

Genres: Philosophy, Psychology, Spirituality, Health, Self Help, Sexuality, Nonfiction

439 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Stiltzkin Vanserine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book on the subject of spirituality.

While the writing is somewhat antiquated and some of the arguments don't seem to be backed by credible scientific proof, this book presents some truly fascinating ideas. I do not agree with everything written in it, but some concepts really intrigued me. For instance, the writer claims that every human has a soul, and every soul is sexless. Sex exists only in the bodily flesh, not on the spiritual plane. True or not, I like this interpretation (it can probably never be proven or disproven, anyway). Another example is how the author iterates that the goal of alchemy is not to transform mundane elements into gold, but, in fact, to refine the human soul and lead it to spiritual transcendence. Could be just balderdash, but hey, at least it's cool balderdash.

In a nutshell, this book is about the importance of celibacy.

Celibacy is certainly not for everyone. Everything (almost everything, I guess) works best in moderation. However, there is no denying that we live in a hypersexualized modern world, and this cultural shift has dire consequences. Just look at the wide-spread pandemic that is pornography. Porn is a dangerous type of superstimulation that bombards the human brain with dopamine and devastates its reward system. Much like the butterflies that attempt coitus with cardboard facsimiles, many a human are choosing porn over real sex and real life relationships. This is no joke. Porn is not only the bane of modern society, it is an insult to human intelligence.

[Kaberoi Rua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. It's philosophy, theosophy, mythology, religious, occultism, alchemy, mysticism, astrology, morality, and evolutionary packed in one book. All these subjects, too include every religion since ancient times, and the knowledge from secret societies have one hidden underlying connection: semen retention and sexual purity. The book is intended mainly to inculcate a clear mental appreciation of the ideal.

This book and the ideal presented is the individual and collective humanity's one chance for higher evolutionary progress which depends on its mastery and transmutation of the sex force. Upon reading this book, the reader will realize that the miseries of existence can be extinguished only by arriving at a condition...free from all passions." Every act of sexual indulgence and of self-gratification retards the possibility of liberation from woe.

I highly recommend this book to both genders and anyone attempting to master thy self. But all men need to read this book too include anyone on the path of spiritual enlightenment and kundalini awakening.

[Alex Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book seems a bit dated and can become a bit tedious/repeating to the same point that 'conservation is important', I think the countless levels and cultures of examples given really help shift one's mindset to how normalized conservation was in certain cultures and personally made it more normalized for someone in their 20's like myself who has grown around a sexuality prone culture - nowhere perfect but this book gave me more conviction in my direction of belief in continence used more often

[Kurtis Kozel · Rating 2 out of 5]

He wanted to say something important, but fell into the trap of communicating that importance with repetition instead of expansion. If he had decided to only write this on "cultures of celibacy across time and space" or "the importance of celibacy" he would have been fine a fine author, but he mixed it all up and the result is just as mixed.

[twilight · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spirituality and Sensuality, only where the one is absent can the other rule."

This book is one of the most important books I've read on transmutation of sexual energy and sexual purity. This book should be mandatory to read by everyone. The format of the chapters are listed as topics so you don't necessary have to read the whole book or read in order (you should anyways) if you are already aware of this practice. The first part of the book mostly talks about what sexual energy/the practice of celibacy is and why everyone should do it to achieve evolutionary growth for humanity "He who shall attain to perfection must be one who has courage to be absolutely chaste." While at the same time discusses different topics and lists arguments on why it is important. Such topics are, Instinct, Desire, The Senses, Pleasure, Marriage, Love, Birth Control, Abortion, Health, Disease etc.

"Every attempt to justify unreproductive sexual action can only be the result of a wish to white wash the addiction of humanity to sexual abuse."

The 2nd half of the book mostly talks about all religions/beliefs that talk about celibacy, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Greek Philosophy, Mythology, Freemasonry etc. So whatever religion/belief system you follow or even if you don't, this book shows you how sexual purity has always been important in your beliefs.

"The moral task of man is spiritualization."

[Vlad · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books out there

Grow in spirituallity will put down and make sex in importance

Tasmanian forbit sex before marriage, as so the honor lies on the woman. The sex is an dirty activity as for cambodian aswel.
As so from the tahitiians knew the benefits from celibacy

Jews hate the serpent

Cicero was also against sexual pleasure
Epicuros was overal against all desire to pleasure any desire without pain.

Freemasonry makes ceremony are normally against materialism in their ideals, wothin the myseties is to achieve moral regeneration of a person.
The masonic teachings shows sex
indication within their symbolisms
Rosucrusions also symbolise crusifixion as so

Sex is forbidden in every occultism.

Human beings possess a tremendous inner energy, most obviously expressed in sexual reproduction.
This sexual energy, when retained and redirected, can be transmuted into spiritual power, intellectual clarity, and physical vitality.
The "coiled serpent" refers to the kundalini—a latent energy at the base of the spine. In most people, this remains dormant due to dissipation through sensual living, particularly sexual indulgence.

[Zeppo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was low key one of the most interesting books I have read:

'he is free who has controlled his passion'

Of course all this talk online about nofap but that also misses the point that even sex with a women ending in ejaculation can be a life force energy depleting act.

'every purposeless or merely sensual communion is a waste of vital energy.'

'Procreation is a physical expression belonging to the animal part of man - whereas creation belongs to a higher, as yet practically unmanifested part in him'

[Jarrad Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very redundant, but great. I'd love an updated version with recent citations and some empirically-validated evidence to back up many of the claims presented. For me, there were moments when the antiquated language didn't sit right (i.e., calling original Africans/aboriginal people "savages"). However, for what it was, it clearly identified rational and spiritual reasons for practicing retention. That's all the author set out to do and that goal was accomplished.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, it is 'out there'.

If, and only if, one can suspend judgement whilst reading this book, many great gems shall be found.

It fantastically ties together the common threads in histories greatest ideas from our most powerful cultures and celebrated thinkers.

The language is intricate and often awe-inspiring.

BUT.

It is 'out there'.

[Justin Wieneke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for all men and women seeking a deeper meaning towards this mundane existence. #DutertePalpak

[Long Nguyen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredibly advanced on every page. Appreciative of sexual transmutation in every individual. Enlightenment on superhuman qualities and being one with the world.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finished. Terrible rhetoric. Hard to follow. Absolutely no practicality

[Shaad · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most underrated books of the 20th Century. It condenses all the information and lessons from various stages in history on the idea of sex transmutation.

If you practice Semenretention in your life you will like this book.

[C. Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good prefatory sourcebook for those on a path to spiritual realisation