A pair of uplifted hands is often depicted beside a vertical symbol resembling this object in Heka's iconography. Babylonian origin theories for this object cite depictions of Bašmu or mušḫuššu with Ningishzida. This object "of gold, with three branches," is gifted by a deity referred to as Far Shooter in a Homeric hymn. Tiresias provides one origin for this object where his use of it leads to him becoming a woman for seven years. Kerykeion is the Greek word generally used to identify this object also carried by Iris. (10[1])A "thrice-greatest" (-5[1])deity syncretized (-5[1])with Thoth wielded this object, (10[1])which lent itself to the alchemical symbol for quicksilver. This object's conflation with a possession of Asclepius leads to its (-5[1])use as a symbol (10[1])by healthcare (10[1])organizations. For 10 points, name this possession (10[1])of Hermes consisting (10[1])of a staff (10[1])with two entwined snakes. ■END■ (10[2])