EDIT The Staff of Hermes , also known as caduceus (kerykeion in Greek) is a symbol for commerce and commercial transactions. It is associated with Hermes, in ancient Greek mythology the god of travelers, shepherds, commerce, thieves (and more). The staff used to be a herald\\\'s staff with two white ribbons attached that evolved into serpents coiled around it. Hermes is usually pictured with a winged helmet and shoes, hence the wings on the staff. The glyph shown here omits the serpents but features a winged wheel.

The caduceus is frequently confused with the staff of Asclepius (U+2695). The staff of Asclepius has only one serpent coiled around it and is carried by Asclepius, the demigod of medicine and healing in ancient Greek mythology.

 jsw