A snake wrapped around a sword could have several meanings. Snakes symbolize life force, fertility, and wisdom, while swords represent courage, strength, and protection. Together they can mean protecting life, wise courage, or even worldly struggles if the blade pierces the snake. Alternatively, it could be a modern interpretation of the caduceus, the rod carried by Hermes in Greek mythology, and often (incorrectly) associated with medicine. In Roman mythology, the same staff was held by Mercury. Similarly, it could represent the mythological Greek Rod of Asclepius, a symbol of medicine and healing.