The constellation Serpens depicts Satan — the ancient serpent, whose power is seized and limited by Christ. The Serpent passes through the figure of Ophiuchus, but Ophiuchus holds it with both hands: one hand grasps the head and front part of the Serpent, the other its tail. At the same time, Ophiuchus himself stands over Scorpius. This forms a unified picture of victory: Christ tramples Scorpius and holds the ancient serpent in His power. The serpent still exists and writhes, but is no longer free: the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
Full interpretation
Verifiable historical, etymological and topographical statements are accompanied by sources. The theological conclusions are the project’s interpretation according to its published methodology.
The Serpent is an ancient constellation. In the Greek star tradition it was called Ophis — 'Serpent', and Ptolemy called it more precisely — 'Serpent of Ophiuchus', to distinguish it from the other celestial serpents — the Dragon and Hydra.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
This distinction is important for the biblical picture as well. The Dragon, Hydra, Scorpius, and the Serpent depict one hostile spiritual force, but show it from different sides.
The Dragon — the ancient serpent, pursuing God's people. Scorpius — the enemy striking humanity with the sting of sin and death. Hydra — the serpent-dragon over whom final judgment is executed. The Serpent — Satan, already in the hands of the Victor.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
It is precisely the position of the Serpent that reveals its meaning. It is not depicted crawling freely across the sky. The huge Serpent passes through the figure of Ophiuchus, yet the Man firmly holds it with both hands.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
Already the ancient description of Aratus emphasizes this struggle: both hands of Ophiuchus hold the writhing Serpent, while his feet stand on the huge Scorpius.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
In the overall heavenly picture, Ophiuchus is Christ, the Good Shepherd and Victor over the ancient serpent. Therefore the Serpent shows the power of Satan, which Christ came to crush and subdue.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
This is the continuation of the first prophecy of the Bible:
The Seed of the Woman shall strike the serpent's head.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
Satan struck humanity through seduction, sin, and death. But Christ entered the human world and directly engaged in battle with the one who held men in bondage.
Therefore Ophiuchus is not merely beside the Serpent — He holds it.
There is an important thought here: Satan is never an equal opponent of God. The serpent may writhe and resist, but its position is not determined by itself. Its power has a limit. Christ has authority over it.
Scripture says that the Son of God appeared precisely to destroy the works of the devil. Through death, Christ destroyed the one who has the power of death, and to His disciples He gave authority to tread 'on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy'.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
Even the position of the two adversarial figures is connected here in one scene:
in the hands of Christ — the Serpent; under the feet of Christ — Scorpius.
This is almost a visual expression of the words:[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
'I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.'[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
The brightest star of the Serpent is Unukalhai (α Serpentis). Its name comes from the Arabic ʿunuq al-ḥayya — 'neck of the Serpent'. It is indeed located in the neck of the celestial Serpent. This again confirms the antiquity of the anatomical figure itself: we are looking at a huge Serpent, not a later arbitrary grouping of stars.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
It is especially important that the modern division of Serpens into Serpens Caput — the Head of the Serpent and Serpens Cauda — the Tail of the Serpent is merely a matter of official constellation borders. Historically, this is one Serpent passing through the hands of Ophiuchus.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
Thus the heavenly picture shows not the exaltation of the serpent nor a source of secret wisdom. It shows the defeat of his power.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
The ancient serpent who once seduced man in Eden is now in the hands of the One who came to save man.
The Serpent — the ancient serpent, Satan. Ophiuchus — Christ. The Serpent is in His hands. Scorpius is under His feet.
This is the image of Christ's authority over all the power of the enemy.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]