Genesis & Grit: Unpacking the Symbolism of Crushing Serpents

Where Ancient Symbols Meet Modern Struggle (and Win)

A hypothetical conversation between Jason Mattisson, founder of CrushingSerpents.com, and Dr. Jordan Peterson.
Jason Mattisson (JM): Founder of (CrushingSerpents.com).
Dr. Jordan Peterson (JP): Clinical psychologist, author, and public speaker, known for his analytical and archetypal approach.

JP: Mr. Mattisson, CrushingSerpents.com. A rather evocative name. What, precisely, are you attempting to convey with this imagery?

JM: Dr. Peterson, we aim to provide a platform for individuals seeking to overcome the chaos and negativity that pervades modern life. The serpent, as you know, has long been a symbol of temptation, deception, and the primordial unknown. "Crushing" it signifies the act of confronting and conquering those forces.

JP: And what, in your view, constitutes these "forces"? Are we speaking of personal demons, societal ills, or perhaps something more profound?

JM: Primarily, we address the internal struggles individuals face: self-doubt, fear, and the tendency to succumb to destructive patterns. However, we also acknowledge the external chaos that contributes to these struggles, the cultural narratives that erode individual responsibility.

"The Serpent's Symbolism: More than temptation, it's the embodiment of chaos. We 'crush' it to reclaim our power and find symbolic rebirth."

JP: Let's delve into the archetypal significance. The serpent, as you've noted, is laden with symbolism. It's the adversary in the Garden, the embodiment of chaos. What archetypal role does the "crushing" play? Is it the hero's journey, the triumph of order over chaos, or something else entirely?

JM: We see it as a form of symbolic rebirth. The act of confronting the serpent, of "crushing" it, represents the individual's capacity for transformation. It's the hero's journey, yes, but it's also the individual's journey towards self-mastery. It is the victory of the conscious mind over the subconscious shadow.

JP: You emphasise self-mastery. How do you propose individuals achieve this? What methodologies does CrushingSerpents.com employ?

JM: We provide a range of resources, including online courses, articles, and community forums, designed to help individuals develop practical tools for self-improvement. We focus on principles of personal responsibility, goal-setting, and the cultivation of resilience. We also focus on the importance of creating order from chaos in ones own life.

"Order from Chaos: It's not about rigid control, but balancing the 'serpent's' energy. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth."

JP: Order from chaos. A fundamental principle. But how do you prevent this pursuit of order from becoming rigid, dogmatic, or even tyrannical? The serpent, after all, can be a symbol of necessary change, of the disruptive force that prevents stagnation.

JM: That's a crucial point. We emphasise the importance of balance. The "crushing" isn't about annihilating the serpent entirely, but about mastering it, integrating its energy into a constructive force. We encourage individuals to embrace the challenges and uncertainties of life, to see them as opportunities for growth.

"Confronting the Shadow Self: The 'serpent' represents what we repress. Integration brings wholeness. We go into the darkness to retrieve the gold."

JP: You speak of integration. This suggests a Jungian approach. Are you familiar with Jung's concept of the shadow self?

JM: Absolutely. We believe that confronting the shadow self is essential for personal growth. The serpent represents those aspects of ourselves that we tend to repress or deny. By acknowledging and integrating these aspects, we can achieve greater wholeness.

"Retrieving Value from Darkness: Crushing Serpents isn't sugarcoating suffering, it's inspiring hope. There is a way out of the darkness."

JP: The imagery on your site, the dark colour palettes, the stylised serpent, it all evokes a sense of intensity, even danger. Is this intentional?

JM: Yes. We want to convey the seriousness of the challenges individuals face. We don't sugarcoat the reality of suffering. But we also want to inspire hope, to show that it is possible to overcome adversity. The dark imagery is also about going into the darkness to retrieve the gold.

"Tools for Transformation: Online courses, community support, and biblical principles guide us. We help people understand that the tools they use are God given."

JP: A retrieval of value from the darkness. A noble pursuit. But what safeguards do you have in place to ensure that this pursuit doesn't lead to self-destructive behaviour, to an obsession with conquering perceived enemies?

JM: We emphasise the importance of self-awareness and ethical conduct. We encourage individuals to seek guidance from qualified professionals when needed. We also cultivate a community of support, where individuals can share their experiences and learn from one another. We also have a strong emphasis on the individual being responsible for their own actions.

JP: Mr. Mattisson, your ambition is clear. You aim to provide a pathway to self-mastery in a world fraught with chaos. Whether your methods achieve their intended purpose remains to be seen. But your engagement with these fundamental archetypal themes is certainly noteworthy.

JM: Thank you, Dr. Peterson. I'd like to elaborate on the source of this "self-mastery," as you put it. For me, and for many who align with CrushingSerpents.com, the core tenets and function of the Holy Bible are paramount.

JP: Ah, you're speaking of a religious framework. Please, continue.

"Beyond Willpower: True self-mastery comes through faith. 'All things through Christ who strengthens me.' It's a divine, not solely personal, endeavour."

JM: As a Christian, I believe that true self-mastery isn't achieved through mere willpower or self-help techniques alone. I understand that within myself, I am unable to overcome the "serpents" in my life. But with the Lord Jesus and His promised Helper, the Holy Spirit, I am promised that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

JP: So, the "crushing" of the serpent is not solely a personal endeavour, but a divine one?

"Genesis 3:15: A promise of redemption. The 'crushing' of the serpent's head signifies Christ's victory over darkness, our foundation."

JM: Precisely. What Christ achieved on the cross was the supreme victory over darkness, the ultimate "crushing" of the serpent, as described in Genesis 3:15, where the woman's seed shall fatally crush the head of the serpent. This is the foundation upon which CrushingSerpents.com is built.

JP: That's a powerful interpretation. It ties the archetypal imagery to a specific theological narrative. Does this mean the brand is exclusively for Christians?

JM: While the core inspiration stems from Christian faith, we aim to be inclusive. We believe the message of overcoming adversity resonates with people of all backgrounds. However, we also recognise the importance of allowing Christians who align with the brand's message to proudly demonstrate their faith. The clothing and other merchandise will serve as a visible representation of their belief in Christ's victory over darkness. It's a way to use the antithesis of the brand's image, the defeated serpent, to proclaim their Christian identity.

"More Than a Brand: It's a declaration of faith. We reclaim the serpent's image, turning fear into a symbol of triumph through Christ."

JP: So, the brand becomes a symbolic declaration of faith, a visual representation of a spiritual victory.

JM: Exactly. It's a way to reclaim the imagery of the serpent, to turn it from a symbol of fear into a symbol of triumph through Christ.

JP: This adds a significant dimension to the brand's purpose. It moves beyond personal development and into the realm of spiritual affirmation. How do you reconcile this religious focus with the broader appeal you mentioned earlier?

JM: We believe that the universal themes of overcoming adversity, finding meaning, and striving for a better life are present in both secular and religious contexts. While our foundation is Christian, we aim to provide resources and support that can benefit anyone seeking to improve their lives. We will not hide the Christian connection, but we will also not force it upon those who are not ready to receive the message.

"A Spiritual Battle: 'Enmity' between good and evil plays out in our lives. We align with Christ's victory, confronting our 'serpents' with courage."

JP: Mr. Mattisson, you've mentioned Genesis 3:15 as a cornerstone of your brand's message. Let's unpack that verse, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." How do you interpret this passage in relation to your brand's philosophy?

JM: Dr. Peterson, this verse, often referred to as the "protoevangelium" or the first gospel, is pivotal. It's not just a historical account of the fall; it's a prophetic declaration of ultimate redemption. We see it as a symbolic representation of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, between Christ and the forces of darkness.

JP: Indeed. The imagery is rich. The "woman's offspring" crushing the serpent's head, while the serpent strikes his heel. Let's dissect that. What does this "offspring" represent, and what is the significance of the "crushing" and the "striking"?

JM: Traditionally, and within my faith, the "woman's offspring" is interpreted as Jesus Christ. His crushing of the serpent's head signifies the decisive victory over Satan and sin through his death and resurrection. The striking of the heel represents the suffering and sacrifice Christ endured.

"More Than a Brand: It's a declaration of faith. We reclaim the serpent's image, turning fear into a symbol of triumph through Christ."

JP: So, the "crushing" is not merely an act of physical force, but a spiritual triumph. And the "heel strike" is a necessary component of that triumph.

JM: Exactly. Many biblical scholars emphasise the concept of a decisive, fatal blow to the serpent's head, indicating a complete and irreversible defeat. This is the core of our message at CrushingSerpents.com. It's about the assurance that, through Christ, the forces of darkness have been definitively overcome.

"Retrieving Value from Darkness: Crushing Serpents isn't sugarcoating suffering, it's inspiring hope. There is a way out of the darkness."

JP: Let’s look at the context. The verse is spoken immediately after the serpent deceives Eve. This context suggests a restoration of order, a reversal of the chaos introduced by the serpent.

JM: Precisely. This verse is a promise of hope in the midst of despair. It's a declaration that even in the face of temptation and sin, there is a path to redemption and victory. It shows that even in the darkest moment, God provides a way out.

JP: And the "enmity" between the serpent and the woman, between their offspring?

JM: That's the ongoing spiritual struggle. It's the conflict between the forces of good and evil that plays out in our lives. It's the internal battle against temptation, the struggle to overcome our own weaknesses.

"Tools for Transformation: Online courses, community support, and biblical principles guide us. We help people understand that the tools they use are God given."

JP: So, for CrushingSerpents.com, this verse serves as a foundational promise, a source of hope and strength in the face of adversity. How do you translate this theological concept into practical guidance for your audience?

JM: We emphasise that the victory has already been won through Christ. Our role is to align ourselves with that victory, to live in accordance with God's will. This involves confronting our own "serpents," our internal struggles and external challenges, with faith and courage. We provide practical tools for self-improvement, but always within a framework of Christian principles. We are attempting to help people to understand that the tools they use are tools that have been given to them by God to help them navigate his creation.

JP: A merging of theological conviction and practical application. So, to summarize, Genesis 3:15, in your interpretation, represents:

• A decisive victory over evil: The "crushing" of the serpent's head signifies Christ's triumph.
• A promise of redemption: It offers hope in the face of sin and despair.
• An ongoing spiritual battle: The "enmity" represents the internal and external struggles we face.
• A call to alignment: It encourages individuals to align themselves with Christ's victory.
• The understanding that there is a way out of the darkness: God provides a path to redemption.

JM: Exactly. It's the foundation of our brand's message. It's the assurance that, no matter how daunting the challenges we face, we are not alone. And that through Christ, we can overcome them.

JP: A powerful and deeply rooted message. Thank you, Mr. Mattisson.