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The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge Paperback – April 5, 1999

by Jeremy Narby (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,287 ratings
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"A Copernican revolution for the life sciences."—Medical Tribune

Unlock the mysteries of biology, anthropology, and ancient civilizations in this thought-provoking read where science and spirituality intersect.

Through Jeremy Narby′s travels and research in the Amazon, he discovered that shamans were able to use hallucinogens to tap into knowledge and insights that rival our discoveries using modern scientific methods, particularly with regards to DNA and molecular biology. Drawing on visionary experiences, indigenous knowledge, and pharmacology, Narby challenges conventional understanding, unraveling the connections between consciousness, serpent symbolism, and the origins of life itself. This enlightening book blends science, anthropology, and mysticism into a captivating narrative that will expand your mind.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam
  4. Publication date
    April 5, 1999
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.72 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0874779642
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0874779646
  8. See all details
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Previous page
  1. We see what we believe, and not just the contrary; and to change what we see, it is sometimes necessary to change what we believe.
    Highlighted by 631 Kindle readers
  2. What if it were true that nature speaks in signs and that the secret to understanding its language consists in noticing similarities in shape or in form?
    Highlighted by 452 Kindle readers
  3. Ayahuasca visions: The religious iconography of a Peruvian shaman, by Luis Eduardo Luna and Pablo Amaringo.
    Highlighted by 426 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jeremy Narby, Ph.D. is the author of The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge. He lives in Switzerland.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam; Reprint edition (April 5, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0874779642
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0874779646
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.72 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,287 ratings

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Jeremy Narby

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
2,287 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

R. Schmidt
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024
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It's a very good book by a brilliant man; thought-provoking and eye-opening
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Ronald Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2023
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Great information
One person found this helpful
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S. L. Pieper
5.0 out of 5 stars Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
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I have long covid which give brain fog so I haven't read this book yet, but I can't wait to learn this wonderful information.
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Riley James
4.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Ruminations
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2003
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This book takes you on a wild ride of DNA, mythology, and culture and somehow integrates them. The only problem is you have to be somewhat of a believer in the first place to allow Mr. Narby to buckle you in and hit the thrusts. Really though, it is a fascinating cultural study that never claims to be true or untrue, it just reports what was said and seen. There is a power to ayahuasca and hallucinogenic drugs of which we still don't know the full extent. This book is far-fetched but in today¡¯s rapidly changing world it¡¯s not impossible that we (from the modern world) will not soon agree with them (from the 'primitive' world).
The best part of the book is the way it personalizes and characterizes DNA. After reading it it¡¯s all you will think about: how much is DNA effecting everything we do.
It¡¯s a fascinating read. It points out simple similarities like the fact that the double helix is shaped like a snake but then goes into detail that I can't do justice to here. If you have any interest in DNA or anthopological studies then this book is a must.
14 people found this helpful
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Rachel Nielsen
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2023
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Fresh and appealing anthropological perspective on the cosmic mystery of the two snake imagery experienced in shamanic visions.
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The2ndhorseman
5.0 out of 5 stars What a fascinating perspective!
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2020
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Spoilers! This book has got to have one of the most profound realization towards the end of it. A fascinating reconnection to our roots of humanity, the so-called primitive shamanic societies have been fostering some fascinating science for at least 12,000 years. Not really hiding it all, but the modern world has ignored them. Shamans apparently possess a direct communicative relationship with their DNA without the need for large expensive machines, and in theory, this is possible for all humans. Yet to them this way of life is warm, natural, intuitive, and organic. As opposed to the modern cold, machine, forced, and artificial ways of modern civilization. Narby's journey is a humbling and mind-expanding escapade, reframing what we think we know, and changing our perspective a far more empowering one. Highly reccomended, one of the best books I have ever read.
18 people found this helpful
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Katie
5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Thought Provoking!
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2007
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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!
33 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Corey
5.0 out of 5 stars Ride the snake
Reviewed in Canada on November 25, 2023
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Awesome super cool book. Reminds me a little of the immortality key.
One person found this helpful
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Scatty
5.0 out of 5 stars Insights given
Reviewed in Germany on September 12, 2023
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After taking a few Ayahuasca sessions, this is a must read.
I wish I could have read it bevor hand. But I love it right now too.
Must read!
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Marco
5.0 out of 5 stars A brave investigation into indigenous knowledge and Western dogmatism
Reviewed in Italy on July 20, 2023
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This is almost a page-turner with its incredible investigation into Shamanism and links to DNA. It demonstrates with limits of reductionism and the blinkered, scientific view of Nature and life on this planet.

The world would be a better place if all scientists were obliged to read this book with an open mind lol

Science refuses to make connections as its specialists remain isolated in their own fields, this book details how a global view could revolutionise Western thought and help to solve many of our current problems.

In his scouring of other cultures for serpent symbols, it seems curious that Buddhism and Kundalini Yoga are not mentioned. Buddhist medicine has evolved an impressive vision of the human body using meditation techniques to see within our bodies and understands the flow of energy within in such incredible detail that allows Chinese medicine to be far ahead of Western practises in many fields. Perhaps the subject of his next book?

Buy this book and be amazed...open your eyes
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Irene
5.0 out of 5 stars Sorprendente
Reviewed in Spain on January 14, 2023
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El autor te adentra en el viaje que le ha llevado a descubrir la teoría que propone, conectando el shamanismo y sus conocimientos con la ciencia occidental conocida hasta entonces. Revelador y muy interesante.
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Jessica P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!
Reviewed in India on February 1, 2021
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Incredible book! A must read to broaden your knowledge of "origin of life", or maybe i could say "who we are NOT"...
One person found this helpful
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