The Great Serpent symbol was ancient before the Age of Legends began. It is a serpent eating its own tail, and has long symbolized time and eternity. The Serpent ring is a sign of sisterhood among the Aes Sedai. For an Accepted it is to be worn at all times on the third finger of the right hand. Full Aes Sedai may wear their ring on any finger or remove it completely as circumstances dictate.

The last words seemed to have a special meaning, just between Egwene and the Amyrlin. The Amyrlin thrust the chalice at one of the other Aes Sedai and produced a gold ring in the shape of a serpent biting its own tail. Despite herself, Egwene trembled as she raised her left hand, trembled again as the Amyrlin slipped the Great Serpent ring onto the third finger. When she became Aes Sedai, she could wear the ring on the finger she chose, or not at all if it was necessary to hide who she was, but the Accepted wore it there.