As long as I can remember, I have been intrigued by snakes. Their smooth, scaly skin beckons me to touch. Watching their tongue flicker in and out as they take in scents and sense information captivates my attention. There’s a sense of danger associated with a dreaded snake bite, even the possibility of death depending on the type.
As a child, I have memories of snakes gathering on the front doorstep of our house when the creek across the street flooded. I believe they were just harmless garter snakes, but my dad chopped their heads off with a shovel to my horror. Then there was the association with snakes and the Devil.
Even with these negative connotations I grew up with, I still was eager to hold snakes anytime I could. Once on a vacation with my parents to Europe, we took a day trip to Morocco from Spain. There was a snake charmer with a Cobra and I immediately was drawn to it. Without hesitation, I went up to the man and took the Cobra from him and kissed it! It must have been de-fanged or drugged to make it docile, but without knowing this before hand, I admit it was a foolish move.
As an adult, I’ve honed in on to what attracts me to Snake and the lessons she offers. The way she is forced to crawl with her belly on the ground demonstrates humility. She patiently waits coiled up, silent and still, hidden from prey, until her victim appears. She is ambitious in eating animals seemingly too large for her, by unhinging her jaws to accommodate its size.
The deepest lesson of all is how she lets go of what is no longer needed and serving her with the shedding of her skin. Snake finds a tight place to squeeze through to assist in this beautiful releasing process. Once the tight, dull skin is removed, she has dazzling fresh skin that is revealed.
What a metaphor for us humans! Often it takes a challenge or uncomfortable event to inspire us to release what’s holding us back. When we do, it creates the space for growth and let’s our inner beauty that’s been hiding within all along come to the surface. So, next time you see a snake cross your path, reflect on what you might be ready to let go of. Or when feeling inspired to make some shifts, call on the energy of Snake for assistance and guidance. Shedding old skin is a beautiful thing.
Earth Star Healing Arts 