Spirit Animal – Snake

 

Picture from http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/managing/snakes.html

 

 

 

In April, snakes come out of hibernation.  As they leave the dens, they mate and then part ways.  Generally, one associates Snake with transformation – shedding the skin is representative of shedding “things” that no longer are useful.  It is also a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy symbolizing the death and rebirth process. Often, the shedding is associated with astral travel and out of body experiences. People the world over are fascinated with snakes. This is because there are so many stories and legends about Snake. 

For example, the Hopi revered snakes as a fertility symbol. The Hopi people of North America performed an annual snake dance to celebrate the union of Snake Youth (a Sky spirit) and Snake Girl (an Underworld spirit) and to renew fertility of Nature. During the dance, live snakes were handled and at the end of the dance the snakes were released into the fields to guarantee good crops. – Wikipedia

Garter Snake picture from Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

Indigenous peoples in Africa and Australia had myths about a Rainbow Snake, which was either Mother Earth herself giving birth to all animals or a water-god whose writhing created rivers, creeks and oceans.  The Zulu Shaman of South Africa believe that to cross a snake’s path will cause a shift in one’s energy, and allow the person to become more spiritual. Or, the energy of the serpent’s path may be so strong that the person becomes ill, and remains stuck until the Ancestors clear the blockages.

Snakes are about life, and if Snake appears to you in some way, pay attention to the messages. In addition to some of the items mentioned above, Snake is about regulating temperature.  The cold rocks cool down Snake, and darkness and cold puts it into near dormancy.  In the Winter, this happens to many who sufferer from SAD.  To combat the cold and the dark, Snake lies in the Sun and basks to fully warm up its body and to be in the light.  The message may be to come out of the darkness that you have held yourself in, and move into the light and the warmth.  Light and warm represents “Love”.  Snake is also linked to Love in many belief systems as Snake represents fertitlity, part of the reason the Hopi freed them into the fields.

Snake may eat minimally and go for weeks without eating.  The message is about your eating habits.  Are you eating what is right for you?  Are you eating too much?  Snake does not over eat.  Are you doing the right things for your life force?  Do you need to live in a warmer climate?

Perhaps Snake is bringing you a message about swift change coming into your life.  Are you ready to move out into the world?

Judy@angelsandancestors.com  See also http://angelsandancestors.blogspot.com/2008/09/spirit-animal-python.html    Sign up for our free first of the month newsletter at  http://www.angelsandancestors.com/signup.html