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

Such an interesting read, it opened a whole new world to me.

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.

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…

The Cosmic Serpent is a book written by an anthropologist who sets out to aid indigneous peoples keeping rights to their land by demonstrating that their knowledge of the fauna and flora allows them to use the rainforest as a natural pharmacy, during his time with these peoples his life is re-directed by the honest spiritual accounts of the 'ayahuasqueros' the local shamans. Years later he cannot ignore the spiritual elements of what he learned with these people and he begins to push at the boundaries of the known sciences. The book is written in a very readable manner, and even though the author has little or no background in other sciences he has gone into great detail in his research. I think this book would be quite readable for those with no science type background right up to those with a good knowledge of biochemistry, but an open mind is needed to observe the logic Narby works with. As pointed out in some of his other reviews his logic can seem to leap a little far sometimes, e.g. a plumed snake from the Aztec mythology representing both 'serpent' and 'non-serpent'. However i believe this is more to do with the detail he has gone into for when he states examples from other known myths and civilisations, books on ancient Aztec and Mayan civilisations would explain this conclusion a little more. Parts of this book read very much like Bill Brysons short history of nearly everything, and it is wonderful to read the fascinating facts of DNA and biochemistry first hand from someone who has just learned about the awe inspiring facts of our bodies and there secret codes. I think Narby gives a much needed push to some 'accepted' areas of science. For example, as DNA has been further understood since Crick and Howell, it has become apparent that only a small portion of it, 3%, is used to instruct how to make a human body. When i studied biology it was a source of frustration to me that the other 97% was termed 'nonsense DNA' and was believed to be useless. Why after however billion years of evolution our DNA would only be 3% useful is beyond Darwin, It was good to read Narby pushing this and other curious elements about things we take for granted scientifically. Sorry to waffle on so much, but I have found this book really inspiring and i feel passionately about the subjects it moves through. Good fact from the book "The average human body contains 25,000,000,000 miles of DNA" Pretty cool eh?

This book is excellent - over the years I have read many books on this subject and have always been left with the sneaking feeling that what the indigenous peoples of the world say about nature is correct, particularly when their knowledge has been obtained under the influence of hallucogenic drugs. In this book Narby goes a long way to convince me. The idea that DNA holds the key is absolutely right to me, - after all, have we not been told that 80-90% of DNA is junk? This to me is plain wrong; nature does not go in for waste so why would it have this huge amount of material sitting there doing nothing but being transmitted faithfully down through the ages? Maybe, Narby is correct and DNA does transmits bio-chemical knowledge - sounds a plausible expanation to me for the use of the so-called 'junk'. I, along with other reviewers, would like to know how Yarby's spiritual conception has changed in the light of his experiences - it would be very interesting to find out. In any event this book is definitely a must read for any enquiring mind and is highly recommended.

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.

I came across mentions of this book in other material I'd read on psychedelics and shamanism, and decided to check it out. It's a short read, coming in at just over 160 pages (there are copious pages of notes filling it out). As expected it's an entertaining book, and contains some thought-provoking ideas. The trouble is that, for this reader at least, the key idea running through the book is never adequately developed or explained, and the case is just not strongly made. Given the astonishing claims the author is making, more is needed than the undeniable fact that strands of DNA look a bit like snakes, ladders, lianas etc. I was reminded somewhat uncomfortably of the kind of claims made by the "ancient astronauts" brigade, whose books are full of photographs from early civilisations that look a bit like spaceships, spacemen etc. Maybe there are interesting visual correspondences, but that in itself proves nothing. Given that it's a short read, it's worth the effort for anyone interested in the field; but I'm not at all convinced by the author's main thesis.

Love this book. Lent out my first copy and never received it back so I had to buy a second copy. Very thought provoking.

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!

Although written quite sometime ago this is an interesting and well researched book. Science has moved on and the term Junk DNA is no longer used sincd its now understood, however, it does not detract from the book. It important to keep and open mind and remember there is much we still do not know.

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!