Ilvir is best symbolised by the Ouroboros, the "snake devouring its children" (GoH, Ilvir 5), with or without additional snakes or twisting symbols. By far the most ornate version is portrayed in the picture "snake1.gif". The symbol, often fashioned into a brooch or pendant, consists of three elements, each encompassing different aspects of Ilviran theology.
Element 1: The "snake devouring its children" represents the belief in reincarnation which is at the heart of Ilviranism. It is well-known that the souls of slain Ivashu are returned to their master's court at Araka-Kalai; from there, after a period of time during which the soul loses all memory of its former existence, the soul is reborn as an Ivashu (not necessarily the same as before) and the new creature sent out from Ilvir's court. The "snake devouring its children" in a sense depicts Ilvir himself, endlessly eating himself, yet being still complete. The cycle of rebirth is obvious. The aptness of the snake, whose ability to slough its skin and be "reborn" is known to Ilvirans, needs no further comment.
Element 2: The interwoven headless snakes (?) represent the doctrine of dualism. Creatures are believed to have two souls. One is tied irrevocably to the body and is responsible for the functioning of an organism and base instinct; the other which is the source of intellect and emotion returns to Ilvir's court on the death of the body. Ilvirans believe that the correct balance between the strengths of these two souls is critical for proper spiritual development. What constitutes that balance is a bone of contention between the various clerical orders. The careful interweaving of the snakes is indicative of the balance that is to be maintained - or at least of the truth that all beings have two souls (life is impossible without them). The snake-like image is probably a continuation of the theme of reincarnation; the absence of heads on the snakes is probably to avoid drawing attention away from the "snake devouring its children". Another possibility is that the lack of heads suggests the doctrine that neither soul is dominant.
Element 3: The crossed snakes are indicative of birth and death rather than simple reincarnation. The two snakes represent the souls of Ilviran dualism. The souls start separate, come together briefly during life (at the point where the snakes cross), and then part permanently on death. The two souls that make up a living creature can never be reunited, despite the doctrine of reincarnation.
A simpler version is the coiled serpent, sometimes with some creature (most commonly an Ivashu) contained within its coils. The snake is once again symbolic of Ilvir himself and of reincarnation. The coiled motif (especially when an Ivashu is contained therein) symbolises Ilvir's inescapable grasp upon the Ivashu; wherever the Ivashu (and, some believe, people) may go in life, the Master of Araka-Kalai maintains an unavoidable influence over them.
The Order of Tuarbalt the Golden Limbed adopts a different interpretation of this image. This radical and violent order takes the coiled serpent as an indication of Ilvir's desire for sacrifice. The serpent, after all, constricts its prey - so this image has taken on a much more sinister aspect for this order.
Tim Bateson <Timforrag@aol.com>