Snakes aka Serpents are beautiful creatures, that face the world in defiance of those who fear them. Slithering their way into our lives with transmutation, magic, and allure. Snakes tap into the deepest parts of us, the things we fear yet cannot look away from. Carl Jung even suggested that snakes are archetypal symbols representing the wild and mysterious parts of your psyche. They can surface in your dreams as messengers from the collective unconscious, linking you to the shared human experience and evoking primordial emotions or instincts. But, don’t forget when it comes to snake symbolism, there are various different interpretations. In some cultures, snakes or serpents are seen as helpful creatures that can guide us on our journey through life. In others, they’re considered to be malevolent, dangerous, and in some cases the source of all evil. The snake’s ability to move between underground and aboveground worlds has led to beliefs that it is a creature that can navigate between the physical and spiritual realms. Come with me on a journey through the realms, history, and time as we slither with the snake in this blogpost to shed our skins together by the end of it.
What are snakes?
Before, we really slither into the depths of what Snakes can symbolize and mean let’s first talk about what they even really are. Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles with elongated bodies, no limbs, and overlapping scales. As reptiles, they’re cold blooded and must regulate their body temperature externally. Snakes are predators and eat a wide variety of animals, including rodents, insects, birds’ eggs and even live young birds. They can be found in many different habitats, including forests, deserts, grasslands, swamps, and oceans. Which means they are found across the world.
Fun facts about snakes
- Snakes have no eyelids, so they cannot blink.
- Snakes come in many sizes and can range from 10 cm to over 10 meters in length.
- A snake has a set of hollow fangs at the front end of its upper jaw for delivering venom into their prey.
- The scales covering a snake’s body help them move smoothly over rough surfaces and through water without much resistance or friction
- Snakes will shed their skin several times per year throughout their life once they reach adulthood.
- Venomous snakes use venom to kill prey or defend themselves against predators, while non-venomous snakes depend only on constriction to catch food or protect themselves.
- There are more than 3,400 species of snakes found on every continent except Antarctica.
- All snakes are carnivores, eating small animals such as insects, birds, eggs, or other reptiles like lizards and turtles.
- The color patterning on a snake’s skin is related to camouflage so that it can blend with its environment
- Most snakes lay eggs, while there are some species that give birth to live young, which hatch out of the egg inside the mother’s body.
The Year of the Snake
The 2025 Chinese new year celebrated alongside the lunar new year that falls on January 29th is the reason I am writing this post. The Chinese new year marking the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, celebrates looking to the future for new beginnings with themes of happiness, health family, and good fortune. This Chinese new year marks the arrival of the Wood Snake, a rare and meaningful combination that appears only once every 60 years. This year of the Snake signifies introspection, subtle power, and transformative growth. It embodies a quiet yet potent and sometimes lethal energy capable of illuminating hidden paths and fostering deep emotional and spiritual understanding. Its strategic, resourceful nature makes it an excellent year for long-term growth. To learn more about the Chinese new year and how to work with the snake during this celebration you can read my guide here.
The power of transformation through shedding skins
The constant shedding and regrowth of the snake’s skin naturally represents transformative states and experience. There’s a sense of profound respect for the snake’s ability to shed its old skin and begin anew, which often translates into new beginnings for you in the waking world. They advocate for the letting go of outdated beliefs to acquire deeper understanding. Just as a snake sheds its skin, you’re encouraged to shed parts of your identity that no longer serve you, making room for an identity shift that aligns with who you’re becoming. This process isn’t merely about changing habits or altering your external situation; it’s a profound transformation that starts from within. It asks you to look deep into your core, question long-held beliefs, and courageously let go of the old to embrace the new. This isn’t easy. Just as a snake exposes itself to vulnerability during its shedding process, you too might feel exposed or uncertain as you navigate your path of renewal. Yet, this is where your greatest growth occurs. Each layer you shed reveals a stronger, more authentic version of yourself.
The venomous strike of protection
Snakes serve as guardians, protecting sacred spaces, yet also represent temptation, challenging your moral compass. They’re not just creatures slithering on the ground with a venomous bite; they’re powerful symbols of safeguarding what’s precious and standing firm against adversity. Some snakes, like cobras and rattlesnakes, will defend their territory when threatened by attacking with a single lethal strike. Reminding us that it’s okay for us to strike back against those who wrong us and protect what is ours when we wait to strike with precision.
The healing medicine of snakes
Throughout history, snakes haven’t only been revered as symbols of transformation but, also as powerful emblems of healing and medicine, offering profound insights into physical and spiritual wellness. Our spinal cord is said to be the physical manifestation of our Kundalini energy even, wrapping around us like a snake. When we awaken this energy, we align and heal ourselves. Not only are they symbols of healing they even physically contribute to our medicine with their venom contributing to both ancient medicinal practices and to many of our modern medicines. Further more we see the snake and its tie to medicine in myth as well. The Rod of Asclepius (aka The Staff of Asclepius) is a snake-entwined rod, said to be wielded by Asclepius, the Greek god associated with healing and medicine.
The snake and the divine feminine
Their phallic shape and dynamic movement have long been associated with sexual energy and potency, which are fundamental aspects of fertility. The smooth, ethereal movements of the snake evoke the image of ancient dance rituals and feminine movement. They remind us that embracing your sexual nature can be a powerful source of creative energy. The snake also represents Kundalini energy, the sexual, powerful, and demonstrative of the sacred feminine consciousness. The snake is one of the most primordial symbols of feminine strength, mirroring the profound essence of life itself.
Snakes in myths and lore
Throughout history, you’ll find that snakes have slithered their way through various religious texts and mythological stories. In many cultures, the snake is seen as a powerful animal that can take on different forms and meanings. The symbolism of the snake is multifaceted. It can personify both masculine (like when they are Satan) and feminine energy, life and death, destruction and resurrection. Snakes represent light and darkness, good and evil, wisdom and blind passion, cure and poison, guardian and destroyer, spiritual and physical rebirth. Let’s talk about some of the myths and lore about snakes and serpents below.
ouroboros
First up, what I would say is the most commonly found symbol of the snake across cultures. The image of a snake eating its tail, called the ouroboros, appears in many different cultures from ancient Greek, ancient Egypt, and even the Norse. Where a mythological creature, named Jörmungandr, symbolizing this symbol plays a crucial role in ragnorak as one of Loki’s children. These different ancient peoples considered the snake a perfect representation of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It symbolizes the intrinsic integration of everything in the universe and the infinite cycles of destruction and recreation. This endless symbol whispers tales of continuous renewal and the infinite nature of the universe’s cycle.
Typhon
Next up, Typhon was a monstrous giant snake-like creature of ancient Greek mythology who fathered many monsters with his mate Echidna. He is often depicted as a massive, serpent-like being with multiple heads. Typhon is described by Hesiod as a fearful beast with strong hands and feet and 100 fiery snakeheads, each bellowing in the language of a different sort of beast. Other descriptions give him snakelike coils instead of feet and some say he was winged. In Greek mythology, Typhon was the offspring of Gaia (the Earth) and Tartarus (the underworld), making him one hell of a formidable opponent. He and his mate Echidna are named the parents of many monsters including Cerberus, Orthrus, the Lernaean Hydra, Chimera, the Caucasian Eagle, Ladon, the Sphinx, the Nemean Lion, the Crommyonian Sow, the Colchian Dragon, Scylla, Gorgon, the Harpies, and various sea serpents. In the most popularly known myth about him. Typhon challenged Zeus’s rule and Zeus defeated him with thunderbolts, burning his many heads and casting him down into Tartarus, scorching and melting huge areas of the Earth in the process. The exact spot this happened is said to have buried him directly beneath Mount Etna, explaining the volcanic activity in the area.
Hydra
Next up is a creature you’ve seen before if you have seen Disney’s Hercules. In Greek mythology, the Hydra is a monstrous, serpent-like creature with multiple heads, most commonly depicted with nine. It was an offspring of Typhon and Echidna bred by Hera to kill Hercules. Hydra lived in the swamps of Lerna, near Argos; its most defining feature is that for every head cut off, two new ones would grow back, making it nearly impossible to kill, and one of its heads was considered immortal; the hero Hercules was tasked with slaying the Hydra as one of his twelve labors, where he managed to defeat it by having his nephew cauterize the wounds as he cut off the heads, allowing him to eventually sever the immortal head and bury it under a rock.
The serpent in the garden of Eden
Of course Christianity has it’s own representation of the snake and serpent as well. In most versions of the Bible, snakes are often associated with evil and temptation. In the book of Genesis, a serpent tempts Eve to eat from the forbidden fruit of knowledge. This fruit was from the one tree in the garden God had forbade her to eat from. The serpent tells her that “when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” She grabs the fruit and eats it, then she knows all that God knows. This entire decision leads to Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the garden of Eden forever. Depending on how you view this story and which version of the bible you read, this is why the snake is seen as evil because, they were the one who caused humans to be expelled from paradise and removed from God. Some even believe the snake was Satan himself. Now, if you look at this story from a gnostic view and from older version of the story, the serpent liberated Eve by giving her freedom to make her own choice. To stay in the garden protected by god but, ignorant of knowledge. Or to take that bite, gain knowledge and leave the only place she had known. Never to see it again. The Snake is also seen again in Jesus’ story of salvation, where it represents Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness. In Christianity, there is a widespread belief that the snake symbolizes evil, sin, and temptation.
Kundalini
Have you heard of Kundalini energy before? Well that energy is a snake as well. Kundalini in tantric tradition is represented by the serpent. Kundalini energy is even called “serpentine power”, it is a symbol of inner strength, psychic energy, it represents our infinite potential of being. Kundalini is said to be one of the most powerful, primal energy that represents the unmanifested potential within us. Kundalini is the feminine, creative, evolutionary force of infinite wisdom that lives inside every single one of us. In most depictions it is represented as a snake coiled three and a half times around, where in most of us it lies dormant at the base of the spine. I say most of us because that energy remains dormant at the base of the spine, until it is awakened. Kundalini lives in the energetic body, along with the chakras and the nadis. If you want to learn more about your energetic body and how to work with Kundalini energy you can read my guide here. OR head to the shop and book me for a womb healing session.
Lares
The Romans believed in household guardian spirits they called Lares. Lares were often illustrated in snake-form. They not only protected homes, they protected the barriers between the physical and spiritual worlds. They were believed to influence people and events. The Lares may have evolved from the practice of burying family members inside the home even.
Nāgas
The Nagas is a race of large serpentine creatures that can often be found in the mythologies of Hinduism and Buddhism. They are described as powerful, splendid, wonderful and proud semi divine creatures. Nagas are potentially dangerous but more often then not are beneficial to humans. Perhaps the most famous naga in the Hindu tradition is Shesha, who is often portrayed along with Vishnu. The Hindhu god Brahma was said to have banished the naga to their underground kingdom when they became too populous on Earth. Their domain is in the enchanted underworld called Naga-loka filled with gems, gold and other treasures.
In Buddhism, nagas were often depicted as protectors of Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha, and the dharma (Buddhist teachings). Of the many naga mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures, one particularly famous one was Mucalinda, a naga king who spread his great cobra hood to shelter the Buddha from a storm that arrived while the prophet was deep in meditation.
Other beliefs about snakes
In the Jewish faith, snakes have traditionally been seen as a symbol of evil and destruction. In the Torah, God sends a plague of serpents to punish the Israelites for their disobedience. The meaning of snakes in Judaism has also been associated with healing. According to Jewish tradition, when Moses raised his staff, it became a snake, this represented a miraculous power of transformation, representing God’s gift of healing.
The druids believed serpents were primordial beings with an ancient knowledge and wisdom of the earth. They taught snakes visited the subterranean realms of the deities and ancestral spirits in the Otherworld during their winter hibernation. The return of snakes in the warmth of spring brought a blessed connection between mortals and the chthonic gods and goddesses. Serpents were the sacred creatures of the deities in the mortal realm.
Snakes differ in symbolism depending on the Native American tribe, where each tribe has its own set of beliefs. The Cherokee fear snakes but associate them with power, believing snakes should never be killed while steering clear of them. Similarly, Lakota Sioux and Blackfoot cultures tell of a serpent named Unhcegila, whose slime caused flesh to rot. But in Hopi culture, snakes symbolize the earth, where all living beings are connected to each other, as well as the planet. Snakes are also symbols of fertility and health in Pueblo and Ojibwa cultures, who also view snakes as healers.
Gods and Goddesses associated with snakes
Snakes not only have slithered their way into countless myths as animals and guides with humans. But, they are often found as symbols associated with many gods and goddesses and at times even companions that help aid the deity in many beneficial ways. Not only that some deities even appear as snake themselves. Let’s take a look at some but, certainly not all of the deities that can be associated with snakes or serpents. Don’t forget you can then use the snake as a correspondence d to work with these deities.
Medusa
First up, we have who I would argue is the most famous deity of them all associated with snakes outside of Satan. The legend of Medusa is well-known in Greek mythology. It tells of a beautiful woman transformed into a gorgon: who some would consider to be a hideous monster with venomous serpents for hair. She is feared by many, especially men. This is because, she is incredibly misunderstood. Due to the fact that most of her myth and story isn’t commonly told and her tragic beginning many have tried to have lost in the waters of time. The truth behind the myth of Medusa doesn’t start with Perseus. It doesn’t even start with Medusa being cursed by Athena. It starts long before that, with the god of the sea Poseidon.
Because of her story many pagans and witches, especially women chose to work with her as a goddess. She’s a powerful symbol of transformation. Transformation of anger and pain into passion and drive, accountability for oneself and growing from it. Seeing ourselves for who we truly are at our core, and approaching your obstacles and challenges with ferocity. Her name says it all; “Medusa” means “guardian, or protectress”. As a Gorgon, Medusa also represents a primordial force of chaos and destruction, embodying the untamed and unpredictable aspects of the natural world. Her petrifying gaze can be interpreted as a reminder of the inherent danger and potential for devastation that exists within the natural order. She uses it to protect others, especially women. And to show others their true nature; if they choose to take from another something they have no right to take. Let go of your fear about her and come with me to stare into the slithering snakes upon her head to learn the truth about her myth, how she is much more than a monster but, a goddess who was demonized, and how to work with her in my guide here.
Quetzalcoatl
Among the most prominent deities in Mesoamerican cultures, there was Quetzalcoatl, or “Feathered Serpent,” who was a mix of bird and rattlesnake (coatl is the Nahuatl word for serpent). He is seen in both Mayan and Aztec culture as a deity of many things including rain, wind, wild animals, harvests, and creation. Not only that he is said to be the god responsible for bringing the people their knowledge of science, writing, creating books, and the creation of the calendar. Although he is the god of many things, Quetzalcoatl was sometimes portrayed as a trickster god, and while his plans did not always work as intended, they did consistently benefit humanity. Which may be why he was often referred to as the morning star. He represents creation, life, knowledge, and the dualities of existence.
Since, he plays such a crucial role in Mesoamerican history there are more myths about him then I could ever cover. In each one he plays a slightly different role and represent a slightly different aspect depending on the region of Mesoamerica you are in . Below are a few I picked to talk about this vital serpent god of Mesoamerica. First up the creation myth story of this cycle of humanity told by the Aztecs. Together, Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl created the current race of humans by descending into the underworld, Mictlan to gather the bones of the former race of humans, destroyed by disaster, and brought them to Cihuacoatl who ground them into flour. The brothers then moistened the flour with their own blood and fashioned the resulting dough into human shapes, gave them life and taught them how to care for and reproduce themselves. In one version of the creation story, he and another god, Tezcatlipoca, transformed themselves into snakes and ripped a giant sea monster named Cipactli in half; one part of her became the earth, the other the sky.
In another myth he is the reason the Aztec people have access to maize or corn which is why he is considred a god of agriculture. The story goes like this, the Aztec people initially only had access to roots and wild game for food staples. But, they knew of the existence of maize but, at that time, maize was located on the other side of a mountain range that surrounded the Aztec homeland. So, they had gone to the gods for help to bring it to them. Other gods had already attempted to retrieve the maize by moving the mountains in different ways, but their efforts had all been unsuccessful. Leaving the Aztecs still with no access to maize. One day Quetzalcoatl decides to give it try. Where others had approached this problem with their brute strength, Quetzalcoatl decided to take a different approach by relying on his keen mind. So, he decided to instead of go big and strong to go small. He turned himself into a black ant and followed the other ants in their ant trail over the mountains. After a long and difficult journey, Quetzalcoatl reached the maize. He grabs one single kernel and triumphantly brings it back to the Aztec people where it becomes a crucial part of their culture and expansion of their civilization.
Lilith
Next up, I am going to talk about probably one of the most famous goddesses outside of Medusa associated with snakes, Lilith. Her association with snake comes from her connection to Jewish folklore. I honestly could go on and on as to why she is associated to snakes through out many myths and associations with them. But I will limit myself to just a few reasons why. First, it is thought in some Jewish folklore that since she was the consort of Samael (satan) she played a crucial part in his role in the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden. Samael literally translates to venom of god so of course what image do they usually depict Samael as in this story? A serpent. So, because of her connection to him, this story, and having many children with him she is also often depicted with a snake as a symbol. In a guilty by association kind of way. But, she is associated to them for her own reasons as well. Just as a snake sheds its skin to regenerate, Lilith is seen as a figure who rejects societal constraints, particularly those placed on women, making the snake a fitting symbol for her rebellious spirit. Not only that her rebellion does allow her access to so much hidden knowledge she wouldn’t have gained access to if she had stayed in the garden as Adam’s first wife. Which is why she encourages us to always challenge and question authority to find the knowledge they hide.
Okay, so you know why she was associated with snakes but, who is she?
For 4,000 years Lilith has wandered the earth. Lilith is a “Dark” Goddess, she is one of incredible power, charisma, and persuasion. She is a mistress of the divine feminine and a true seductress. She is a Queen of Darkness and understands the powerful energies that sleep in the night and can bend them to her will. She hears the dark whispers of the forgotten night. The sleeping Dark mother who calls to the creatures of the nights and nurtures them in blankets of moonlight. She is Lilith, the Dark Mother and she is incredible to work with! She is a healer and a lover and one who can provide comfort and support to those in need. Her night energies provide rest and comfort and she can inspire those who work with her with dreams. She empowers those she works with. She can awaken our power and help us to claim who we are and our space and become the people we desire to be. She reminds us of our truth and the powerful individuals that we are. Lilith is not bad or evil. Lilith is the voice inside of you telling you to act when you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by the patriarchy. She is the voice that says it’s not only ok but good to enjoy sex and your sensuality. She is the voice calling for the divine feminine in each one of us to stand up and fight for our power.
Lilith invites us to explore the serpent energy and aspects of our being, to confront the fears and shame that may have kept us from fully expressing ourselves, and to integrate these wild, untamed parts into our conscious awareness. By embodying the untamed, Lilith also challenges societal norms and expectations, particularly those that seek to control or limit the expression of feminine power and sexuality. She reminds us that our desires, our sexuality, and our authentic self-expression are sacred and worthy of celebration, rather than something to be ashamed of or suppressed. She reminds us that if the patriarchy steps out of line its okay for us to strike back with our venomous and lethal bite. If you want to learn more about her and really go in depth into her history you can check out my guide here and purchase my eBook to work with her below!
In this ebook you will learn her detailed history, How to work with and honor her, and be provided with journal prompts, spells, prayers, and shadow work prompts to help you liberate all parts of yourself.
Asclepius
Asclepius was known in Greek and Roman mythology as the god of medicine and healing, whose powers extended not just to healing but, he was known to bring back the dead. Aesculapius is the son of the god Apollo and Coronis. In some stories, she’s a nymph but, in other stories they say she’s a mortal princess. Like many humans who tangle with the gods she meets a tragic ending by Apollo killing her in a fit of jealous rage. Then laying her body out on a funeral pyre with the aid of his twin sister Artemis. They cut open her belly and pulled his unborn child Asclepius out. Some myths say Artemis left with him and some say it was Apollo himself but, the newly born Asclepius was given to the wise healer and teacher Chiron to raise. Under Chiron’s care Asclepius learned so much about healing and medicine he absorbed the knowledge so well, he became more skilled than even his teacher. His exceptionally proficient skills in healing and medicine threatened the order of the cosmos, which lead to Zeus killing him with a lightning bolt. While he may have started as a demi god he grow in power and knowledge to claim his own spot among the Olympian pantheon as a god.
Since, Asclepius is THE Greek god of healing and snakes were seen as symbols of healing and medicine in Greece it makes sense that his main symbol would be a snake. You know that famous symbol you see at most hospitals and on ambulances with a rod and a snake twisting around it. That is his most famous symbol and healing staff. There are even a few myths and stories tying him to snakes as well. In one story he comes across a snake that is on the brink of death and he aids him with healing. As a thank you the snake whispers to him all of its secret medicinal knowledge. Especially how to use their venom in healing medicines and practices. Asclepius took that knowledge back to his temples where he used it in countless healing sessions for the people of Greece. It was even said that snakes roamed his temples freely always being welcome there to share their healing and wisdom.
Hygeia
Hygieia was very important in her role to protect the health of ancient Greeks, first in Athens, than the rest of the Greco-Roman world. In Greek mythology, Hygeia was the goddess of health, cleanliness, and sanitation. She was the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine (we just talked about above)), and Epione, the goddess of pain relief. While her father was associated with healing, her role was in the prevention of sickness and continuation of good health. Hygeia was originally associated with physical health only , but later became the patroness of mental health as well. She was a guardian of public welfare and encouraged people to maintain a healthy lifestyle in all areas. Since, she is a symbol of medicine and the daughter of the keeper of medicinal knowledge and power, Hygieia’s symbol is a either her simply holding a snake or a chalice with a snake twined around its stem. She is very intimately connected to the image and healing powers of snakes. They even were welcome and lovingly tended to by her inside of her temples just like her father.
The rainbow snake
Next up we have probably the oldest continuous religion with the influence of the snake I can find. Rock art featuring this great Ancestral being dates as far back as 6,000 years! The Rainbow Serpent (Serpant) is a deity in Australian Aboriginal lore that represents one of the great and powerful forces of nature and spirit. Connected to water, the Rainbow Serpent is the great life giver, a symbol of fertility and regeneration, and the protector of water. Which is where the rainbow Serpent lives. While the rainbow serpent is seen the creator god and protector of the people, the Rainbow Serpent can also be a destructive force if it is not properly respected. In times of anger or rage it causes storms and floods to act as punishment against those who disobey the laws. The story I found about this serpent goes like this. The story describes a time long ago when the Earth was flat. The serpent was one of the Dreamtime creatures (or creator gods) who held great powers and gave shape to the Earth. One day the serpent emerged from under the ground to awaken different groups of animals from the dreamtime. The movement of its body formed physical features like hills, gorges, creeks and rivers into the once-featureless terrain. It slithered all over the country, occupying waterholes and providing nourishing water. Once it grew tired with shaping the Earth, it coiled into a waterhole where it lays still to this day except when we see a rainbow. It is thought that a rainbow means the rainbow snake moved from one watering hole to another one to replenish the water as it lays coiled resting at the bottom.
Tiamat
The last deity I am going to bring up related to snakes isn’t really a snake but, a dragon. I am including her for a few reasons. The first being that many different cultures like those in Asia don’t see a difference between dragons and snakes at all. The second reason being, Tiamat is also a dragon who, if you believe the myths we are living inside of right now. How much more of a representation of rebirth, transformation, and fertility could she be? So, who is Tiamat. In Mesopotamian religion, Tiamat is a primordial goddess of the sea, mating with Abzû, the god of the groundwater, to produce younger gods. She is the symbol of the chaos of primordial creation. She is referred to as a woman and described as “the glistening one” As with all myths and especially those involving the divine feminine there are two parts to the Tiamat mythos. In the first half, she is a creator goddess, through a sacred marriage between different waters, peacefully creating the cosmos through their many generations of offspring born out of love. In the second half Tiamat is considered the monstrous embodiment of primordial chaos as a result of her own children’s actions. As with almost every pantheon her children and husband end up at war battling over power and her son wanting to take the throne. This war results in one of her own children killing her husband. In a response full of grief and betrayal at the hands of her children she let’s loss her rage on them by creating a legion of monsters to war against them for quite a long time. Until one day, her own son Marduk finally slays her and rips her body in half to create the realm we live on now. If you want to hear the full telling of her story and meet her check out my class with DiviNation Academy here.
A fundamental pillar of Paganism is working with the deities that one believes in. While all practicing Pagans have varying beliefs about the gods and goddesses, most agree that honoring their deities is a great way to connect with them and further their spiritual goals. But, again remember not every pagan works with deities. Also remember there are literally thousands of different deities out there in the multiverse and which ones you choose to honor will often depend significantly upon what pantheon your spiritual path follows. This eBook will walk you thru the different ways to view deities, what a deity can be, and the basics to start building a deep meaningful relationship with one.
Magical themes and energies of snakes
Snakes are seen as symbols of protection, fertility, luck, resurrection, and eternity in many cultures and religions like we talked about a lot above so far. Their symbolism is often associated with rebirth, transformation, and power. In some cases, snakes can also be seen as symbols of death and destruction. In some cultures, snakes are also associated with mystery, a symbol of healing. In other stories, snakes can be seen as protectors, guardians, and mentors to humans. To others, a snake symbolizes wisdom and the knowledge of secrets. The snake can also represent evil or danger; often associated with deception and temptation, like in one of the most well known stories we talked about above with Adam and eve.
- transformation
- rebirth
- renewal
- fertility
- protection
- healing
- medicine
- cycles of life
- sexual energy
- divine femine
- wisdom
- mystery
- temptation
- eternity
- luck
- resurrection
- power
- danger
- duality
- chaos
Duality of snakes
Since I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look at how it can help me maintain balance and how it can represent the cosmic energy of duality. This energy was a really easy one for me to write about the duality of. This is because, in many cultures, snakes already symbolize duality. Like, wisdom and cunning OR creation and destruction OR healing and death Or chaos and order. I mean as a creature of chaos, the snake itself holds within itself the duality of life and death. They are seen as creatures of duality even for the environments they live in and their abilites to move from underground to above ground with ease and adaptability. Let’s not forget their roles in different stories across cultures putting them in places of duality as well. Like how some place them as protectors to guide the people and even heal like in Greece. Where in Christianity they are the destroyers and the ultimate symbol of evil. Lastly, when we look at the act of shedding their skin that is regeneration at its core. Regeneration is a dualistic act itself. It means something is dying to make room for something new to grow in its place.
Correspondences for Snakes
First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy, the zodiac energy the moon is currently or a symbol like the snake, I will list below for you to use. Remember this is not an all encompassing list and there may be other correspondences to use. Just follow your intuition and use what calls to you.
- Planet- Mercury
- Element- all elements
- Herbs/flowers-fennel, cedar, clove, mint, juniper, sandalwood
- Stones/ crystals-Serpentine, Labradorite, Moldavite, black tourmaline, Onyx, Chrysocolla, smokey quartz, black sunstone, botswana agate
- Deities-medusa, Wadjet, Lilith, Satan, Tiamat, Hygeia, Asclepius, Quetzalcoatl, the rainbow snake, Vasuki, Shiva, Ophion, Jörmungandr, Nehebkau, Meretseger, Kukulkan, Naga, Apep, Damballa, Athena, Minoan snake goddess
- Themes- transformation, rebirth, renewal, fertility, protection, healing, medicine, cycles of life, sexual energy, divine feminine, wisdom, mystery, temptation, eternity, luck, resurrection, power, danger
Different colors of snakes can mean different things
Sometimes as a way for the universe to send us information and messages it sends them to us in signs and symbols. This could be something from a snake crossing your path while on a walk, entering your home, or even showing up in your dreams. One thing I have come across when working with snakes and understanding their messages is to pay attention to their color and pattern they show up as. Each color is believed to bring its own unique message or meaning. There are some differing beliefs about each color based on the region and culture you look at but, below I have put together the most commonly accepted ones I can find and I use in my life.
- Black snakes, typically represent bad luck and death in many cultures.
- Green snakes are viewed as messengers of good fortune.
- Red snakes are generally associated with fire, passion, and danger. They can also symbolize transformation and rebirth.
- White snakes tend to represent purity and spiritual enlightenment. They are often seen as a sign of good luck or fortune in many cultures.
- Brown snakes usually symbolize the earth element and are viewed as a symbol of protection and stability.
- Yellow snakes are seen as a sign of wisdom and the power of knowledge. They can also represent wealth and prosperity.
- In Chinese culture, black and white snakes together symbolize yin and yang—the two opposing forces of the universe —coming together in harmony.
Ways to work with snakes
Each one of us will develop our own relationship with these mysterious, sensual, healing, and wise creatures. It is up to you to sit with the energy of the snake, read the myths about them, and listen to what feels right for you and how they want to work with you. Listen to the wisdom they whisper with each hiss as they slither through the shadows. Remember; it’s important to approach them with respect, reverence, and gratitude to build a relationship with these mystical creatures. Follow your intuition and work with them however you feel pulled to but, here are some ideas to get you started on ways to work with snakes and serpents in your magical practices and life.
Study the Snake
The first thing just like with every single energy I talk about and write about for you to work with magically, is to study it. I know this guide is massive. I know I have a lot of information in here but, there is soo much more to cover when it comes to these multi faceted and mystical creatures. Go and read about more myths of snakes and their different symbolism in cultures I didn’t cover here. Read about deities who call the snake their companion and try and add them to your practice. Learn more about how their venom is used in healing practices. Learn about the different types of snakes in different regions of the world. What they look like, their habits, and how they adapt to their environments. The more you study and learn the better! When working with snakes it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.
Meditation
The slow-moving, entrancing motion of snakes is dangerously, but powerfully hypnotic. Use the imagery of the snake in meditation to enhance your trance state. Serpents are an ideal meditation focal image for conquering fear, moving through difficult feelings and regaining your power.
Visit a snake rescue or volunteer at one
What better way to connect to these creatures then to get up and personal with them while doing some kind work to help some who may need a little extra love in life right now. You can do this by finding a snake rescue near you . Most will have some way for you to go and visit the snakes who have been rehomed there. You can usually support them by paying an admission fee. Some will even let you adopt a snake from them or volunteer your time there as well. So, go online and find one near you to visit. I will be taking my son to this one near us soon. https://snakediscovery.com/
Adopt or buy a snake as a companion
If you feel you have the time and resources to care for a snake. If you have done the research and did the proper preparation. If you feel really drawn to work with them in your every day life why not add one to your home. But, again make sure you do this responsibly and only get one if you truly have done the research and feel prepared.
Go on a walk in nature to encounter one
Snakes are very versatile creatures living in many different types of climates in many regions across the world. Which means depending o the season and weather in your current part of the world you are likely to come across one. So, one way you can connect with them is do a little research about areas near you where you can go on a mindful walk in nature and hopefully come across one on your path. Don’t forget to take note of the colors and patterns you see like we talked about above. That way when you come home you can look into deciphering the message they have for you.
Slither in the shadows with them during shadow work
You can work with them as a spirit guide or familiar depending on your belief system when doing shadow work. You follow them as they slither comfortably into the shadows to show you what you hide. When working with them in that way, the snake or serpent can guide you to universal truths, cosmic knowledge, the shedding of skins, and profound healing. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here. And don’t forget to register for new 6 month course Embrace your shadow self here!
Other ways to work with the snake
- Transformation spells and rituals
- Fertility spells and magic- One I like to do is drawing a sigil of a snake on an egg and burying it in my garden and in my plants to promote growth
- Use snake skins as an ingredient in you spell workings. For example add it to your a spell jar for protection, transformation, or renewal. You can learn more about spell jars by purchasing my eBook here
- call on the snake for protection of yourself or your home. Add their image to use a protection sigils
- Work with deities that are known to be associated with them
- Connect to and work with awakening you Kundalini energy
- Use the snake as a symbol in your sex magic rituals
- Connect to the divine feminine through womb healing and allow the snake to meet you and guide you when you are doing this. You can learn about womb healing in my FREE class here. You can book me for a 1:1 womb healing session here.
- Let go of a way of life that is no longer serving you and shed your skins by setting new SMART goals and trying new things
- Celebrate the Chinese new year with the wood snake
- Don’t forget some cultures consider them lucky so use them as symbols in magic for good luck, fortune, and abundance spells
- Add the snake as a symbol to your altar. Need to learn how to make an altar check out my FREE class with DiviNation here
- Use them with your healing spells
- Create a dream journal and take note of when they slither into your dreams
- Mimic snake movements in rituals to enhance stealth or invisibility in magical practices
- Gather snakeskins and create snake dust. In some forms of Hoodoo and folk magic, snakeskin is dried and then ground into a fine powder, sometimes referred to as “snake dust.” it is believed that rubbing a bit of snake dust on your hands can keep you from dropping things
- In ancient Greece it was believed that contact with a snake would provide the gifts of prophecy. So, use the snake symbol to enhance divination skills.
- Wear snake jewelry to charge yourself with the energy of the snake
- Practice Opiomancy which is divination by the movement of snake(s). It involves watching the snake’s movement, or lack thereof, when asked a question.
- *Only if you safely know how. utilize their venom for potent protection magic and in hexes and curse magic
- Renewal and Rebirth spells and rituals Collect shed snake skin and use it in spells or rituals focused on personal transformation, letting go of old patterns, and embracing new beginnings.
- Plant herbs that attract snakes around your home and property like clover , mint, juniper, lemongrass, etc.
- Create healing , rejuvenation, or glamor potions by infusing them with snake shed skin
- Utilize a coiled snake symbol in binding or containment spells
- Use a snake skin as a scrying surface to access deeper insights
- open up you hips and work with the divine feminine by doing some sensual dancing with movements like the snakes
Shed your skin with the snake ritual
This ritual I have created to help you start your work with the snake doesn’t require much just you, the image of the snake in your minds eye, and a bath scrub. This ritual is meant to help you literally shed dead and old skin from your body. To allow your new fresh glowing skin to grow. But, this can be an uncomfortable and painful process. So this ritual also is dripping with self love to help ease the transition.
To prepare for this ritual you will need to decide if you want to take a ritual bath or a ritual shower. I prefer to do ritual showers with this ritual because, it is easier to scrub and remove skin from your body and you are left with more room for movement. If you are going to do a ritual bath then you need to draw it and add any herbs you would like to it that promote self love. Like lavender, rose petals, rosemary, or any others you like to use. Maybe even add some pink salt. If you need ideas I do have a spell for a self love ritual bath on my Pinterest here.
Once you have your bath drawn or your shower going it is time to get into sacred container. Do this while you are holding on to your bath scrub you picked out to infuse it with the energy you are calling into your sacred container of self love, renewal, and letting go. However you do this is up to you but, I want you to focus on an image of a snake in your minds eye. Focus on what it looks like, the color of each scale, how it moves, and the energy it gives to you about renewal. What does it hiss to you that you need to let go? What parts of you need to be shed with your old and dead skin? What parts of you are ready to be removed so you can awaken the next stage of your enlightenment?
When you feel that the snake is there in the bathroom with you. When you feel you have listened to their hisses whispering to you what needs to be shed and let go for your next transformation. It is time to get into either your shower or bath when you step in make sure you do so on an inhale of breath while envisioning the energy of the snake and water entering your energetic system. On your next big exhale you will release any tension, resistance or stress in your body still. As you feel the water start to hit your skin and wash over your body imagine and picture the snake right there with you. Slithering up and down your body showing you the areas of your body that need extra attention. Showing you the places you have energetic wounds sitting waiting for you to scrub clean and allow them to heal. As you watch the snake show you those place on your body take your bath scrub in your hands. While holding on to it focus on adding all your energy of self love and healing into your scrub. Once you feel it has been infused into your scrub. Take it and begin to scrub your body from head to toe. Making sure to pay special attention to the areas the snake showed you. As you are scrubbing make sure to focus on the old energy, the old you, the old skin being removed. Focus on the new skin coming in to transform you into the next highest version of yourself, shedding your skin and old self just as the snake has guided you to do.
This ritual can sometimes leave you feeling pretty raw, vulnerable, and sensitive. So, if there wasn’t enough self love infused in your scrub make sure to do some more self love rituals and self care. Make sure you allow yourself the space to feel what you need to after shedding the old you.
Final thoughts on how to use the energy of the snake this year
Snakes or Serpents are associated with both darkness and illumination across many cultures throughout history and time. Snakes offer a profound lens through which to explore the realms of spirituality, transformation, and protection. Remember, snakes are known for their ability to shed their skin, symbolizing the process of letting go of the old and embracing the new which is going to be the central theme to this entire year. Snakes really are everything you aspire to be: smooth, sneaky, and completely unbothered by the opinions of others. They’re the passive-aggressive MVPs of the animal kingdom. They slither through life with the grace and determination to get to their next goal. Never being afraid to strike out with a venomous bites to protect yourself and your way of life. So, use this guide to help you tap into this energy and become all you truly want to be in life regenerating from the inside out like the snake
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About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!
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