Key Word: Reincarnation, Immortality, Wisdom, Intuition, Cunning, Mysteries
Cycles of Power: Autumn and Winter
Element: Water, Fire, Fire from Earth, Air (Flying Snake)
Ruling Plantet: Moon
There are about 2,500 species of known snakes around the world found in all regions excepts the coldest areas. Roughly 250 species of which are poisonous. Vipers, I've been told can be identified by a "V-shaped" head. With Coral snakes, there are two varieties, one poisonous and the other not. A rhyme I've heard with coral snakes when telling the difference between the poisonous and non-poisonous types is "Red against Yellow will kill a Fellow. Red against Black is a Friend of Jacks." Members of the reptile kingdom, they are easily recognized, having flexible backbones, loosely connected jaws, no legs, no movable eyelids and covered in scales.
Serpents have long been one of many well known symbols of the Mother Goddess. They are a totem that represents fire from within the earth. They also possess dual spiritual meanings: life and death, solar and lunar, good and evil, healing and poison. As with all snakes, the shedding of their skins has made them a symbol of reincarnation and immortality. The snake is considered the embodiment of all potentials of physical, material and spiritual natures. When shown with the Goddess, the snake is a mediator between the physical and spiritual worlds, representing spiritual secrets, deep wisdom, cunning and intuition.
Although the snake has connections to the death aspect of the Goddess, it was never considered evil in Mediterranean , Europe , Near Eastern and Indo-European stories. In Israel the snake was regarded as the earth mother and played a beneficial role in fertility. In Egypt the cobra was known for its ability to expand the upper neck into a disc shape by spreading its ribs which symbolized immortality. In Christian lore the snake is seen rising from the chalice of St. John wound around a cross sometimes portrayed with a woman's head to symbolize lust and temptation. In Eastern cultures a snake rising up through the spine represents the kundalini, or life force being awakened. Christianity seems to be the only religion that gives snakes a negative connotation. Most notably the story of the Fall of Adam and Eve when Eve is considered "tricked" into eating the apple from the Tree of Knowledge. In the Moslem tradition, Archangel Michael chops off the satanic serpent's legs with the sword of God. In Native American legends, such cultural heroes as Manabozho battle not one, but many serpent people, who seek to hold humans in bondage.
Many Goddess and Gods were depicted with snakes. The Egyptian Goddess Isis was seen as carrying or shown with snakes. Thoth, the God of Wisdom was said to be able to change into a serpent; whereas a serpent or snake was said to guard the Book of Thoth. Snakes were also animals associated with Set. Apep was shown as a huge snake that inhabits the Nile river. He was called the Great Serpent of Tuat (the Underworld). Considered a demon who would periodically try to swallow or eat the Sun, causing eclipses. To the Egyptians, they believed or said that the Underworld was the interior of Apep's body. Statues of the Phrygian god Sabazius was shown holding a serpent. His priests carried a gold symbol of snakes to represent their god. The snake is also considered a form of Canaanite god Bel.
Ra was said to be protected by a serpent called Kheti, also known as the Spitting Serpent. It was believed that Kheti had seven undulations on his body and could breath fire at Ra's enemies. Egypt is also home to a variety of snake called Cerastes by the Greeks which lives in the deserts and has a small horn-like knob above it's eyes that were believed to be able to ward off the evil eye.
The Persian Zoroastrians believed the snake an evil animal belonging to Ahriman. At the same time, the followers of Mithras saw the snake as a beneficial animal. It was often depicted with Mithra's horse as a sign of protection. Babylonian goddess Kadi of Der, possiblly similiar to the Hindu Goddess Kadru was shown as a serpent with a woman's head and breasts. The Akkadian Ninhursag was known as the Mistress of Serpents; she was the dark twin to Lamia or Lamashtu from Babylon . Atargatis, known as Dea Syria in Rome was also a Snake Goddess. Her images were shown as being surrounded by a serpent with seven eggs in it's coils.
In Hindu mythology, the Nagas were shown as being human-headed snakes or as cobras. They lived in Underworld palaces filled with flowers and gems. They were believed to have semi-divine powers and controlled the rain clouds. The Nagas represented cosmic power and the Shakti, the kundalini serpent power that rests at teh base of the spine. Guardians of treasures, both material and spiritual and mystical knowledge. Hindu Goddess Kadru was believed to be the mother of Nagas. In their roles as rain gods, the Nagas were associated with the rainbow whom tribes called Buddhi Nagin, meaning "old female snake."
Krishna was often shown as dancing on the head of Kaliya, the serpent king. Kaliya is believed to be a form of Kali who wore a crown and garland of snakes. The god Indra is known for killing the dragon-snake Ahi meaning "the throttler." Ahi was a three-headed monster who dammed up the waters and rivers. Vishnu slept cradled in the folds of the great serpent Sesha. In the Hindu tradition, evil spirits are directed in their misdeeds by
their leader, a great serpent.
Among the Cretans, Greeks and Romans, snakes were kept as sacred household pets. In these cultures, snakes were connected to many "Savior" type deities of Mystery Cults and Healing. Snakes were kept in the temples of Apollo in his role as a God of Healing. In his vengeful aspect, the snake represented darkness. His daughter Hygeia is shown as holding boa constrictors. Before Apollo took over the Oracle of Delphi, it was held by Gaea, called Gaea Pelope meaning "the female serpent." The priestesses who tended the Oracle were called Pythonesses, meaning "Serpent-Priestesse s." Boa Constrictors who are a member of the Python family are known for wrapping around their prey and crushing it to death. Sacred to Ningizzida, Python and Pythian Priestess of Apollo at the Delphi Oracle. Hermes' staff, the caduceus was shown as having two intertwining snakes around it. Representing the duel nature of snakes for healing and poison, binding and loosening, sleep and wakefulness, good and evil, peace and anger.
In association to Greek Underworld deities, serpents represented the spirits of the dead. Snakes were depicted with Persephone on her chariot. Hera had the serpent Ladon guard the sacred life-giving apple tree in the Garden of Hesperides . As a symbol of wisdom, the snake was shown with Athena. Medusa, the Graiae and Erinyes, all often depicted with snakes for hair represented the powers of enchantment, guile and magick in connection to wisdom. The Spartans had an ivory plaque that showed the goddess Hecate with serpents wrapped around her arms. In the ruins of Knossos on the island of Crete , there are several statues showing women holding serpents. Most of these statues have been found in buildings other then temples where they were symbols of protection.
The Romans used the snake as a symbol with the penates to guard and protect their food storage rooms. Among the Russians and Slavs, the god Domovoj was said to live under the threshold or behind the oven of Houses. His other names were Ded or Dedushka meaning "grandfather ancestor". They believed that Domovoj shed his skin every year like a snake. Among other Siberian cultures, the Vila were shape-shifting spirits that could take the forms of serpents or swans.
The Japanese trickster God Susanoo was sometimes protrayed as a snake. The Chinese considered serpents to be destructive, decietful and cunning. Fu Xi and Nu Kua were shown as half snake and half human. Many Native American tribes believed all snakes to possess great power or medicine. The ones that were the most powerful were those such as rattlesnakes that were poisonous.
Among the Aztecs there was a lesser known snake god, Uga-Jin who resembled Quetzalcoatl. There were several snake deities among the South American Gods from the Aztecs, Toltecs and Mayans who had snakes that acted as messagers between gods and humans. They were often the companion of rain and wind deities. There are reported sightings and rumors of the South American Anaconda reaching lengths of 15-20 feet or more.
Snakes were also sacred to the Celtic Deity Brigit. The Picts of ancient Scotland had a Snake Goddess shown with snake legs and snake hair. The snake was regarded as a sexual emblem among the Celts. The Druids were known in Wales as Nadredd; in the Fold of the Bards, Taliesin says "I am a wiseman, I am a serpent". The Druids carried an amulet called gloine nathair (serpent glass); although they said that this was formed by snakes, it was probably really an adder stone or blown glass. In the Scottish Highlands, the adder symbolized the Cailleach's power. When you see a snake while on a shamanic journey, prepare to shed something in favor of something greater and better.
The snakes that Saint Patrick is said to have driven out of Ireland were really the old Pagan religions who worshipped the Mother Goddess who’s symbol was that of a snake or serpent. The snake is the animal emblem for St. Patrick, whose victory over the serpents of Ireland is celebrated. every March seventeenth. In Australia , the Koori had a deity called Julunggul, the Rainbow Snake. She is said to have come from the sea. Julunggul was a hermaphrodite in that it would be shown as either male or female.
In Norse mythology, there is the Midgard Serpent, said to surround the world and held it's tail in its mouth. The Greeks called their version of this serpent Oceanos, the Russian called it Koshchei, the Deathless. It's thought the Japanese Koshi, a dragon may be a version of this midgard serpent.
To the ancient people of Asia Minor , Ophion was the father of all humankind, the divine, serpent who lived in the Tree of Life in the primal garden. The brazen serpent that Moses raised in the wilderness was named Nehustan. The statue was destroyed by David's. son Hezekiah when he ascended to the throne of JJudah Nehustan was quite likely descended from the Vedic serpent king Nahusha, ruler of all gods until Indra cast him down to the underworld.
Until the eighteenth century, Basilisk, a mythical snake so poisonous that it could kill its victims with a glance, was thought by Europeans to be a real serpent. The idea of Basilisk was probably inspired by the old Greek legend of the Gorgon, a female monster whose hair composed of writhing serpents was so frightening that to gaze upon her was to risk being turned into stone. The Japanese have their version of the Gorgon in Yama-uba, a terrifying demon who appears as a long-haired woman. Once Yama-uba sights her prey, her long tresses transform themselves into ravenous snakes which draw the victim into a mouth on the top of her head.
In ancient Mexico , Ciuacoatl, the Great Mother of men and gods, is represented as a serpent woman. Quetza-coatl, the great culture bearer, is depicted as a winged serpent. Among many African tribes, it is Aido Hwendo, the Rainbow Serpent, that supports the earth.
Father Charlevoit, an early French missionary to the eastern tribes of North America , remarked in his journals that there was no image that the Native American tribes marked upon their faces and other parts of their bodies more than that of the snake. Furthermore, according to the priest's observations, the Shamans had the secret of charming snakes, of benumbing them, "so that they take them alive, handle them, and put them in their bosom without receiving any hurt."
Shamans revered the snake for its great wisdom, and many believed that the serpent spoke a secret language of its own that no other animal was permitted to comprehend. According to many tribal legends, in the beginning time, humans and snakes could converse freely Therefore, if one were powerfully attuned on the spirit level, he or she could still communicate with a snake on the telepathic level. If one could achieve this mind linkup, the serpent would reveal secrets of the future and other aspects of arcane knowledge.
Those born in the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac are characterized as wise and intense, with a tendency to be vain about their physical beauty. The sign of the Snake in the Native American zodiac (October 23 to November 21) identifies a person who is charismatic, but difficult to comprehend.
The serpent, snake or adder and all variety of snakes are considered a phallic symbol. Water snakes correspond to the element of water. Land dwelling snakes correspond to the element of earth. In general, all snakes correspond to the element of fire. As a totem, snakes can help with developing psychic talents and creative power, as well as transmuting your life to a level of higher goals. As a familiar will help you prepare for something new coming into your life, usually something better than what exists now. Snakes are common symbols for jewelry. Shape shifting quality - The snake can hide in the grass when danger is near and strike quickly. A snake's tooth, plucked from a living snake is believed to be a charm against malaria.
One of snakes most noticeable characteristics is the regular shedding of its outer skin as it grows. Once the skin is shed, the old inner layer becomes the new outer layer and a new inner layer of skin begins to develop. Crawling out of its old skin is very significant for those with this medicine. It is a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy symbolizing the death and rebirth process. It is also associated with astral travel and out of body experiences.
The eyes of a snake are always open protected by immobile transparent scales. Prior to shedding its skin the snakes markings become obscure and the eyes appear opaque or blue. This gives it a trance like appearance as if it is looking right through you. Learning how to see into the hearts of others is part of what it teaches us.
Snake has been a symbol of life and sexuality for thousands of years in many cultures. It is a totem of power, renewal and transmutation. Soundless in motion and invisible at rest snakes are unable to produce their own body heat. They are often seen lying in the hot mid day sun. The suns warmth coupled with the snakes behavior regulates their body temperature. Not relying on the energy of food to generate body heat, they can survive on meager diets for extended periods of time. Those with this totem need very little food to energize themselves. They are usually cold and prefer warmer climates. Their body temperatures are often lower than normal.
Snakes lack eardrums and external ear openings but have small bones in the head that conduct sound. They are able to hear low frequency sounds and sense vibrations that travel through the earth. This links them to the underworld where secrets are stored.
The snake symbolizes healing on a cellular level. Because their bodies are lightweight and flexible they have speed and agility. When they enter into your world expect swift changes to sweep through your life. These changes signify a death of the old and a birth into untapped power, creativity and wisdom. Snake is a powerful totem to have. Only those with a high degree of spiritual training, be it past or present, will be awarded this totem. It is the guardian of sacred places and the keeper of hidden knowledge.
Those who are said to posses Snake like qualities have control over their emotions, excellent intuition and the ability to heal quickly. They are slow to anger but have enormous coiled power within them and will strike with control and precision when they must. Some snake type people, like their reptile counterparts, will give their opponent fair warning before striking, others will attack powerfully and without any warning. Snakes rarely, if ever, attack unless provoked, which is an excellent lesson for all of us to learn. Others should be on their guard when in snake territory and should respect the snake’s province.
Snakes awaken spiritual and magical intuition in the person who chooses this totem or is chosen by it. Snakes are associated with unseen creative forces at work. With the snake totem the powers of intuition and observation becomes keener and more precise. As snakes represent change and intuition the combination of these characteristics will allow for great new developments in life and the proper instinct for deciding which changes will be effective and which should not be made. They represent openness to new experiences, and thus, opened horizons.
The Snake in the wild is generally clam and peaceful. They hunt for food when hungry and can go long periods of time without eating again. They bask on warm rocks and will usually not attack unless prompted. To annoy or provoke a snake is a very unwise mistake, which many people make. Because of their calm and somewhat shy nature, many believe that they are too still or quiet to be much harm, however, as many have discovered, while a snake may seem as though it is still and unaware, if pressed they can and will deliver a dangerous blow or bite, sometimes without warning, that can leave permanent damage or even cause death to its victim.
Snakes are very sensitive to their environment, they are silent, calm creatures and seem to be very serene on the outside, but within this animal is coiled power that can deliver lethal blows, with well timed and startling accuracy. The snake is a powerful totem, symbolizing eternity, wisdom, transformation and intuition. Their wisdom is expressed as healer and the snake has been used as a symbol of this for centuries.
Some species of snakes are Anacondas, Boa Constrictors, Jararaca, Bushmaster of Central and South America, Cottonmouth, Copperhead, Garter Snake, Blue Racer, Coral Snake, Rattlesnake, Sidewinder of North America, Death Adder, Tiger Snake, Taipan of Australia, Moccasin found in America and Asia, Asp, Puff Adder, Saw-Scaled Viper, Coral Snake, Ringhal, Spitting Cobra, Black Mambas, Horned Viper, Rock Python, Gaboon Viper, Cobra, Rhinoceros Viper, Python from Africa, Adders found in Europe and Asia, Banana Snake, Flying Snake, Daboia, Habu of Asia, Fer-de-Lance from West Indies, Krait, Carpet Viper from India, Banded Sea Snake, Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake found in Pacific Oceans
Anaconda
The anaconda is the largest group of snakes in the world. Most times, there is only one species being referred to and that’s the Green Anaconda. The name comes from the Tamil word Anaikolra, meaning “elephant killer.” The anaconda lives throughout tropical South America , east of the Andes , mainly in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, and in the Guianas. It also extends to Trinidad . The species is variable in color and size giving rise to sub-specific names. Black patches on the anaconda's back combine with dull background color to blend in with the thick, wet vegetation of its habitat.
Water boa is an alternative name for the anaconda, the most aquatic of the boas. It is never found far from water. Swamps are a favorite place. Like the crocodile, the anaconda's nostrils are on top of its snout so it can breathe easily while it is swimming.
Nocturnal in habit, the anaconda lie up during the day in shallow waters or sunbathe on a low branch, usually over water. Anacondas usually lie in wait by the waters edge waiting for its prey to come down to the waters edge to drink. Striking quickly with the head grabbing the unlucky prey and dragging it underwater so that it drowns. Sometimes the anaconda will hunt on land. The usual prey caught by the snake are birds, small mammals-deer, piccaries, and large rodents such as agoutis. Fish are a large part of the diet. Turtles and caimans are sometimes attacked. There is on record a 25 foot anaconda killed and ate a 6 foot caiman.
Adder
Nadredd in gaelic. A member of the viper family, it is the only poisonous variety of snakes in Europe and Northern Asia . The Adder is known in Britain , Scotland , and Wales , growing to about a length of two feet with a light zig zag pattern. It's venom is comparitively weak and known to make people very ill. It provides knowledge about reincarnation, and how to shed one phase of life for another. Getting rid of or leaving behind a person, situation, or attitude that's holding you back. If you see a snake while Vision Questing, be prepared for the power of transformation to enter your life. As a charm, binding an adder skin to a woman's ankle was believed to induce labor.
Cobra
The deadly Cobra is native to Africa , India , Asia , and the Near East . They are characteristized by their ability to flatten their necks, forming a "hood." There are 11 different known species of cobras. Cobras are known for hissing loudly. Some species can spit their venom, that causes blindness when it hits the eyes. The most aggressive is the King Cobra that can reach a length of up to 18 feet. The cobra was often used to show the Egyptian Pharoh's royalty, divinity, and connection to the Great Goddess such as Isis and Neith. It is useful in seeking spiritual Goddess wisdom. Protecting yourself from religious persecution.
Flying Snake
An unusual member of the snake family, Chrysopelea as it is also known, is able to glide from the tops of trees down to the ground or to another tree. It has been reported seen gliding 55 yards horizontally from a branch 40 feet up in a tree. Averaging about 4 to 6 feet in length, the Flying Snake has a specialized rib cage that can extend out, allowing it to glide through the air, feeding on insects and small mammals. It is a non poisonous snake found in Southeast Asia . Because of its unique abilities, the Flying Snake is connected to the element of Air.
Rattlesnakes
Known by the rattle on their end of their tails that they shake as a warning of danger before they strike. Among Native Americans, the Rattlesnake was considered the Cheif of all Snakes and a person finding one in their path would offer it any gifts to the snake they had on themself. They are sacred to Coyolxuahqui, the Aztec Star Goddess. It's qualities are: Healing, Transformation, Eternity. The skin of the rattlesnake was used by nearly all Medicine Priests in some aspect of their rituals, and their rattles were often carried in the priests' sacred pouches.
The rattlesnake was considered the chief of all serpents; and some tribes believed that in addition to delivering death via the strike of its deadly fangs, the "chief" could transmit diseases with but a glance of its beady eyes. If a coiled rattlesnake should appear in the path of a warrior, he would freeze in his tracks, speak beseechingly to it, and offer it whatever gifts he had on his person that he hoped might propitiate the angry chief of snakes. The Medicine Priests who walked unharmed among the rattlesnakes knew that the powerful essence of the Great Mystery moved through them. Those who had received the snake as a totem animal during the vision quest felt especially blessed. The Pueblo , Hopi, and Zuni tribes revered Horned Serpent and Horned Water Serpent as largely benevolent guardian spirits and prized snakes as totem animals and spirit helpers.
Attributes: Lunar Mystery and Lunar Cycles, Femininity, Great Mother, Divination, Psychic Energy, Creative Power, Power, Reincarnation, Immortality, Shedding the old for the new. Wisdom, Intuition, Understanding, Connection with Spirit, Moving to a Higher Level. Facing your fears of spiritual initiations and life problems, Cunning, Mysteries, life-death-birth cycle, transformation, renewal, change, fertility, sexuality, androgyny, shape-shifting, resurrection. With dual aspects: healing and poisoning, binding and loosening, sleep and wakefulness, good and evil, shrewdness, rebirth, peace and anger. (Negative) destructive, deceitful, liar, impulsive, death, poison, venom, temptation
Adder - represents wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning.
Cobra - Swiftness, decisive action, Soul guide, Memory of the soul world, Transmutation of the soul, Past Life memories, Wisdom of the Goddess, Freedom from religious persecution.
Copperhead – Aggressive healing, psychism.
Garter Snake - Activity, opportunity.
Python - Darkness, feminine, power of Earth, wisdom.
Rattlesnake - Healing, Transformation, cycle of life and death, Eternity.
Sayahda; Animal Totems; http://www.sayahda. com/cycle. htm
Farmer Ph.D, Steven D.; Animal Spirit Guides
Andrews, Ted; Animal-Speak
Reeve, Nigel; Hedgehogs, T & AD Poyser Ltd, 1994
Steiger, Brad; Totems: The Transformative Power of Your Personal Animal Totem
Stocker, Les; The Complete Hedgehog, Chatto & Windus Ltd, 1987
Kaldera & Schwartzstein; The Urban Primative
Pagan Living; http://www.paganliv ing.org/index. php
Raven Quest; http://www.welcome. to/Ravenquest
Cycles of Power: Autumn and Winter
Element: Water, Fire, Fire from Earth, Air (Flying Snake)
Ruling Plantet: Moon
There are about 2,500 species of known snakes around the world found in all regions excepts the coldest areas. Roughly 250 species of which are poisonous. Vipers, I've been told can be identified by a "V-shaped" head. With Coral snakes, there are two varieties, one poisonous and the other not. A rhyme I've heard with coral snakes when telling the difference between the poisonous and non-poisonous types is "Red against Yellow will kill a Fellow. Red against Black is a Friend of Jacks." Members of the reptile kingdom, they are easily recognized, having flexible backbones, loosely connected jaws, no legs, no movable eyelids and covered in scales.
Serpents have long been one of many well known symbols of the Mother Goddess. They are a totem that represents fire from within the earth. They also possess dual spiritual meanings: life and death, solar and lunar, good and evil, healing and poison. As with all snakes, the shedding of their skins has made them a symbol of reincarnation and immortality. The snake is considered the embodiment of all potentials of physical, material and spiritual natures. When shown with the Goddess, the snake is a mediator between the physical and spiritual worlds, representing spiritual secrets, deep wisdom, cunning and intuition.
Although the snake has connections to the death aspect of the Goddess, it was never considered evil in Mediterranean , Europe , Near Eastern and Indo-European stories. In Israel the snake was regarded as the earth mother and played a beneficial role in fertility. In Egypt the cobra was known for its ability to expand the upper neck into a disc shape by spreading its ribs which symbolized immortality. In Christian lore the snake is seen rising from the chalice of St. John wound around a cross sometimes portrayed with a woman's head to symbolize lust and temptation. In Eastern cultures a snake rising up through the spine represents the kundalini, or life force being awakened. Christianity seems to be the only religion that gives snakes a negative connotation. Most notably the story of the Fall of Adam and Eve when Eve is considered "tricked" into eating the apple from the Tree of Knowledge. In the Moslem tradition, Archangel Michael chops off the satanic serpent's legs with the sword of God. In Native American legends, such cultural heroes as Manabozho battle not one, but many serpent people, who seek to hold humans in bondage.
Many Goddess and Gods were depicted with snakes. The Egyptian Goddess Isis was seen as carrying or shown with snakes. Thoth, the God of Wisdom was said to be able to change into a serpent; whereas a serpent or snake was said to guard the Book of Thoth. Snakes were also animals associated with Set. Apep was shown as a huge snake that inhabits the Nile river. He was called the Great Serpent of Tuat (the Underworld). Considered a demon who would periodically try to swallow or eat the Sun, causing eclipses. To the Egyptians, they believed or said that the Underworld was the interior of Apep's body. Statues of the Phrygian god Sabazius was shown holding a serpent. His priests carried a gold symbol of snakes to represent their god. The snake is also considered a form of Canaanite god Bel.
Ra was said to be protected by a serpent called Kheti, also known as the Spitting Serpent. It was believed that Kheti had seven undulations on his body and could breath fire at Ra's enemies. Egypt is also home to a variety of snake called Cerastes by the Greeks which lives in the deserts and has a small horn-like knob above it's eyes that were believed to be able to ward off the evil eye.
The Persian Zoroastrians believed the snake an evil animal belonging to Ahriman. At the same time, the followers of Mithras saw the snake as a beneficial animal. It was often depicted with Mithra's horse as a sign of protection. Babylonian goddess Kadi of Der, possiblly similiar to the Hindu Goddess Kadru was shown as a serpent with a woman's head and breasts. The Akkadian Ninhursag was known as the Mistress of Serpents; she was the dark twin to Lamia or Lamashtu from Babylon . Atargatis, known as Dea Syria in Rome was also a Snake Goddess. Her images were shown as being surrounded by a serpent with seven eggs in it's coils.
In Hindu mythology, the Nagas were shown as being human-headed snakes or as cobras. They lived in Underworld palaces filled with flowers and gems. They were believed to have semi-divine powers and controlled the rain clouds. The Nagas represented cosmic power and the Shakti, the kundalini serpent power that rests at teh base of the spine. Guardians of treasures, both material and spiritual and mystical knowledge. Hindu Goddess Kadru was believed to be the mother of Nagas. In their roles as rain gods, the Nagas were associated with the rainbow whom tribes called Buddhi Nagin, meaning "old female snake."
Krishna was often shown as dancing on the head of Kaliya, the serpent king. Kaliya is believed to be a form of Kali who wore a crown and garland of snakes. The god Indra is known for killing the dragon-snake Ahi meaning "the throttler." Ahi was a three-headed monster who dammed up the waters and rivers. Vishnu slept cradled in the folds of the great serpent Sesha. In the Hindu tradition, evil spirits are directed in their misdeeds by
their leader, a great serpent.
Among the Cretans, Greeks and Romans, snakes were kept as sacred household pets. In these cultures, snakes were connected to many "Savior" type deities of Mystery Cults and Healing. Snakes were kept in the temples of Apollo in his role as a God of Healing. In his vengeful aspect, the snake represented darkness. His daughter Hygeia is shown as holding boa constrictors. Before Apollo took over the Oracle of Delphi, it was held by Gaea, called Gaea Pelope meaning "the female serpent." The priestesses who tended the Oracle were called Pythonesses, meaning "Serpent-Priestesse s." Boa Constrictors who are a member of the Python family are known for wrapping around their prey and crushing it to death. Sacred to Ningizzida, Python and Pythian Priestess of Apollo at the Delphi Oracle. Hermes' staff, the caduceus was shown as having two intertwining snakes around it. Representing the duel nature of snakes for healing and poison, binding and loosening, sleep and wakefulness, good and evil, peace and anger.
In association to Greek Underworld deities, serpents represented the spirits of the dead. Snakes were depicted with Persephone on her chariot. Hera had the serpent Ladon guard the sacred life-giving apple tree in the Garden of Hesperides . As a symbol of wisdom, the snake was shown with Athena. Medusa, the Graiae and Erinyes, all often depicted with snakes for hair represented the powers of enchantment, guile and magick in connection to wisdom. The Spartans had an ivory plaque that showed the goddess Hecate with serpents wrapped around her arms. In the ruins of Knossos on the island of Crete , there are several statues showing women holding serpents. Most of these statues have been found in buildings other then temples where they were symbols of protection.
The Romans used the snake as a symbol with the penates to guard and protect their food storage rooms. Among the Russians and Slavs, the god Domovoj was said to live under the threshold or behind the oven of Houses. His other names were Ded or Dedushka meaning "grandfather ancestor". They believed that Domovoj shed his skin every year like a snake. Among other Siberian cultures, the Vila were shape-shifting spirits that could take the forms of serpents or swans.
The Japanese trickster God Susanoo was sometimes protrayed as a snake. The Chinese considered serpents to be destructive, decietful and cunning. Fu Xi and Nu Kua were shown as half snake and half human. Many Native American tribes believed all snakes to possess great power or medicine. The ones that were the most powerful were those such as rattlesnakes that were poisonous.
Among the Aztecs there was a lesser known snake god, Uga-Jin who resembled Quetzalcoatl. There were several snake deities among the South American Gods from the Aztecs, Toltecs and Mayans who had snakes that acted as messagers between gods and humans. They were often the companion of rain and wind deities. There are reported sightings and rumors of the South American Anaconda reaching lengths of 15-20 feet or more.
Snakes were also sacred to the Celtic Deity Brigit. The Picts of ancient Scotland had a Snake Goddess shown with snake legs and snake hair. The snake was regarded as a sexual emblem among the Celts. The Druids were known in Wales as Nadredd; in the Fold of the Bards, Taliesin says "I am a wiseman, I am a serpent". The Druids carried an amulet called gloine nathair (serpent glass); although they said that this was formed by snakes, it was probably really an adder stone or blown glass. In the Scottish Highlands, the adder symbolized the Cailleach's power. When you see a snake while on a shamanic journey, prepare to shed something in favor of something greater and better.
The snakes that Saint Patrick is said to have driven out of Ireland were really the old Pagan religions who worshipped the Mother Goddess who’s symbol was that of a snake or serpent. The snake is the animal emblem for St. Patrick, whose victory over the serpents of Ireland is celebrated. every March seventeenth. In Australia , the Koori had a deity called Julunggul, the Rainbow Snake. She is said to have come from the sea. Julunggul was a hermaphrodite in that it would be shown as either male or female.
In Norse mythology, there is the Midgard Serpent, said to surround the world and held it's tail in its mouth. The Greeks called their version of this serpent Oceanos, the Russian called it Koshchei, the Deathless. It's thought the Japanese Koshi, a dragon may be a version of this midgard serpent.
To the ancient people of Asia Minor , Ophion was the father of all humankind, the divine, serpent who lived in the Tree of Life in the primal garden. The brazen serpent that Moses raised in the wilderness was named Nehustan. The statue was destroyed by David's. son Hezekiah when he ascended to the throne of JJudah Nehustan was quite likely descended from the Vedic serpent king Nahusha, ruler of all gods until Indra cast him down to the underworld.
Until the eighteenth century, Basilisk, a mythical snake so poisonous that it could kill its victims with a glance, was thought by Europeans to be a real serpent. The idea of Basilisk was probably inspired by the old Greek legend of the Gorgon, a female monster whose hair composed of writhing serpents was so frightening that to gaze upon her was to risk being turned into stone. The Japanese have their version of the Gorgon in Yama-uba, a terrifying demon who appears as a long-haired woman. Once Yama-uba sights her prey, her long tresses transform themselves into ravenous snakes which draw the victim into a mouth on the top of her head.
In ancient Mexico , Ciuacoatl, the Great Mother of men and gods, is represented as a serpent woman. Quetza-coatl, the great culture bearer, is depicted as a winged serpent. Among many African tribes, it is Aido Hwendo, the Rainbow Serpent, that supports the earth.
Father Charlevoit, an early French missionary to the eastern tribes of North America , remarked in his journals that there was no image that the Native American tribes marked upon their faces and other parts of their bodies more than that of the snake. Furthermore, according to the priest's observations, the Shamans had the secret of charming snakes, of benumbing them, "so that they take them alive, handle them, and put them in their bosom without receiving any hurt."
Shamans revered the snake for its great wisdom, and many believed that the serpent spoke a secret language of its own that no other animal was permitted to comprehend. According to many tribal legends, in the beginning time, humans and snakes could converse freely Therefore, if one were powerfully attuned on the spirit level, he or she could still communicate with a snake on the telepathic level. If one could achieve this mind linkup, the serpent would reveal secrets of the future and other aspects of arcane knowledge.
Those born in the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac are characterized as wise and intense, with a tendency to be vain about their physical beauty. The sign of the Snake in the Native American zodiac (October 23 to November 21) identifies a person who is charismatic, but difficult to comprehend.
The serpent, snake or adder and all variety of snakes are considered a phallic symbol. Water snakes correspond to the element of water. Land dwelling snakes correspond to the element of earth. In general, all snakes correspond to the element of fire. As a totem, snakes can help with developing psychic talents and creative power, as well as transmuting your life to a level of higher goals. As a familiar will help you prepare for something new coming into your life, usually something better than what exists now. Snakes are common symbols for jewelry. Shape shifting quality - The snake can hide in the grass when danger is near and strike quickly. A snake's tooth, plucked from a living snake is believed to be a charm against malaria.
One of snakes most noticeable characteristics is the regular shedding of its outer skin as it grows. Once the skin is shed, the old inner layer becomes the new outer layer and a new inner layer of skin begins to develop. Crawling out of its old skin is very significant for those with this medicine. It is a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy symbolizing the death and rebirth process. It is also associated with astral travel and out of body experiences.
The eyes of a snake are always open protected by immobile transparent scales. Prior to shedding its skin the snakes markings become obscure and the eyes appear opaque or blue. This gives it a trance like appearance as if it is looking right through you. Learning how to see into the hearts of others is part of what it teaches us.
Snake has been a symbol of life and sexuality for thousands of years in many cultures. It is a totem of power, renewal and transmutation. Soundless in motion and invisible at rest snakes are unable to produce their own body heat. They are often seen lying in the hot mid day sun. The suns warmth coupled with the snakes behavior regulates their body temperature. Not relying on the energy of food to generate body heat, they can survive on meager diets for extended periods of time. Those with this totem need very little food to energize themselves. They are usually cold and prefer warmer climates. Their body temperatures are often lower than normal.
Snakes lack eardrums and external ear openings but have small bones in the head that conduct sound. They are able to hear low frequency sounds and sense vibrations that travel through the earth. This links them to the underworld where secrets are stored.
The snake symbolizes healing on a cellular level. Because their bodies are lightweight and flexible they have speed and agility. When they enter into your world expect swift changes to sweep through your life. These changes signify a death of the old and a birth into untapped power, creativity and wisdom. Snake is a powerful totem to have. Only those with a high degree of spiritual training, be it past or present, will be awarded this totem. It is the guardian of sacred places and the keeper of hidden knowledge.
Those who are said to posses Snake like qualities have control over their emotions, excellent intuition and the ability to heal quickly. They are slow to anger but have enormous coiled power within them and will strike with control and precision when they must. Some snake type people, like their reptile counterparts, will give their opponent fair warning before striking, others will attack powerfully and without any warning. Snakes rarely, if ever, attack unless provoked, which is an excellent lesson for all of us to learn. Others should be on their guard when in snake territory and should respect the snake’s province.
Snakes awaken spiritual and magical intuition in the person who chooses this totem or is chosen by it. Snakes are associated with unseen creative forces at work. With the snake totem the powers of intuition and observation becomes keener and more precise. As snakes represent change and intuition the combination of these characteristics will allow for great new developments in life and the proper instinct for deciding which changes will be effective and which should not be made. They represent openness to new experiences, and thus, opened horizons.
The Snake in the wild is generally clam and peaceful. They hunt for food when hungry and can go long periods of time without eating again. They bask on warm rocks and will usually not attack unless prompted. To annoy or provoke a snake is a very unwise mistake, which many people make. Because of their calm and somewhat shy nature, many believe that they are too still or quiet to be much harm, however, as many have discovered, while a snake may seem as though it is still and unaware, if pressed they can and will deliver a dangerous blow or bite, sometimes without warning, that can leave permanent damage or even cause death to its victim.
Snakes are very sensitive to their environment, they are silent, calm creatures and seem to be very serene on the outside, but within this animal is coiled power that can deliver lethal blows, with well timed and startling accuracy. The snake is a powerful totem, symbolizing eternity, wisdom, transformation and intuition. Their wisdom is expressed as healer and the snake has been used as a symbol of this for centuries.
Some species of snakes are Anacondas, Boa Constrictors, Jararaca, Bushmaster of Central and South America, Cottonmouth, Copperhead, Garter Snake, Blue Racer, Coral Snake, Rattlesnake, Sidewinder of North America, Death Adder, Tiger Snake, Taipan of Australia, Moccasin found in America and Asia, Asp, Puff Adder, Saw-Scaled Viper, Coral Snake, Ringhal, Spitting Cobra, Black Mambas, Horned Viper, Rock Python, Gaboon Viper, Cobra, Rhinoceros Viper, Python from Africa, Adders found in Europe and Asia, Banana Snake, Flying Snake, Daboia, Habu of Asia, Fer-de-Lance from West Indies, Krait, Carpet Viper from India, Banded Sea Snake, Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake found in Pacific Oceans
Anaconda
The anaconda is the largest group of snakes in the world. Most times, there is only one species being referred to and that’s the Green Anaconda. The name comes from the Tamil word Anaikolra, meaning “elephant killer.” The anaconda lives throughout tropical South America , east of the Andes , mainly in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, and in the Guianas. It also extends to Trinidad . The species is variable in color and size giving rise to sub-specific names. Black patches on the anaconda's back combine with dull background color to blend in with the thick, wet vegetation of its habitat.
Water boa is an alternative name for the anaconda, the most aquatic of the boas. It is never found far from water. Swamps are a favorite place. Like the crocodile, the anaconda's nostrils are on top of its snout so it can breathe easily while it is swimming.
Nocturnal in habit, the anaconda lie up during the day in shallow waters or sunbathe on a low branch, usually over water. Anacondas usually lie in wait by the waters edge waiting for its prey to come down to the waters edge to drink. Striking quickly with the head grabbing the unlucky prey and dragging it underwater so that it drowns. Sometimes the anaconda will hunt on land. The usual prey caught by the snake are birds, small mammals-deer, piccaries, and large rodents such as agoutis. Fish are a large part of the diet. Turtles and caimans are sometimes attacked. There is on record a 25 foot anaconda killed and ate a 6 foot caiman.
Adder
Nadredd in gaelic. A member of the viper family, it is the only poisonous variety of snakes in Europe and Northern Asia . The Adder is known in Britain , Scotland , and Wales , growing to about a length of two feet with a light zig zag pattern. It's venom is comparitively weak and known to make people very ill. It provides knowledge about reincarnation, and how to shed one phase of life for another. Getting rid of or leaving behind a person, situation, or attitude that's holding you back. If you see a snake while Vision Questing, be prepared for the power of transformation to enter your life. As a charm, binding an adder skin to a woman's ankle was believed to induce labor.
Cobra
The deadly Cobra is native to Africa , India , Asia , and the Near East . They are characteristized by their ability to flatten their necks, forming a "hood." There are 11 different known species of cobras. Cobras are known for hissing loudly. Some species can spit their venom, that causes blindness when it hits the eyes. The most aggressive is the King Cobra that can reach a length of up to 18 feet. The cobra was often used to show the Egyptian Pharoh's royalty, divinity, and connection to the Great Goddess such as Isis and Neith. It is useful in seeking spiritual Goddess wisdom. Protecting yourself from religious persecution.
Flying Snake
An unusual member of the snake family, Chrysopelea as it is also known, is able to glide from the tops of trees down to the ground or to another tree. It has been reported seen gliding 55 yards horizontally from a branch 40 feet up in a tree. Averaging about 4 to 6 feet in length, the Flying Snake has a specialized rib cage that can extend out, allowing it to glide through the air, feeding on insects and small mammals. It is a non poisonous snake found in Southeast Asia . Because of its unique abilities, the Flying Snake is connected to the element of Air.
Rattlesnakes
Known by the rattle on their end of their tails that they shake as a warning of danger before they strike. Among Native Americans, the Rattlesnake was considered the Cheif of all Snakes and a person finding one in their path would offer it any gifts to the snake they had on themself. They are sacred to Coyolxuahqui, the Aztec Star Goddess. It's qualities are: Healing, Transformation, Eternity. The skin of the rattlesnake was used by nearly all Medicine Priests in some aspect of their rituals, and their rattles were often carried in the priests' sacred pouches.
The rattlesnake was considered the chief of all serpents; and some tribes believed that in addition to delivering death via the strike of its deadly fangs, the "chief" could transmit diseases with but a glance of its beady eyes. If a coiled rattlesnake should appear in the path of a warrior, he would freeze in his tracks, speak beseechingly to it, and offer it whatever gifts he had on his person that he hoped might propitiate the angry chief of snakes. The Medicine Priests who walked unharmed among the rattlesnakes knew that the powerful essence of the Great Mystery moved through them. Those who had received the snake as a totem animal during the vision quest felt especially blessed. The Pueblo , Hopi, and Zuni tribes revered Horned Serpent and Horned Water Serpent as largely benevolent guardian spirits and prized snakes as totem animals and spirit helpers.
Attributes: Lunar Mystery and Lunar Cycles, Femininity, Great Mother, Divination, Psychic Energy, Creative Power, Power, Reincarnation, Immortality, Shedding the old for the new. Wisdom, Intuition, Understanding, Connection with Spirit, Moving to a Higher Level. Facing your fears of spiritual initiations and life problems, Cunning, Mysteries, life-death-birth cycle, transformation, renewal, change, fertility, sexuality, androgyny, shape-shifting, resurrection. With dual aspects: healing and poisoning, binding and loosening, sleep and wakefulness, good and evil, shrewdness, rebirth, peace and anger. (Negative) destructive, deceitful, liar, impulsive, death, poison, venom, temptation
Adder - represents wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning.
Cobra - Swiftness, decisive action, Soul guide, Memory of the soul world, Transmutation of the soul, Past Life memories, Wisdom of the Goddess, Freedom from religious persecution.
Copperhead – Aggressive healing, psychism.
Garter Snake - Activity, opportunity.
Python - Darkness, feminine, power of Earth, wisdom.
Rattlesnake - Healing, Transformation, cycle of life and death, Eternity.
Sayahda; Animal Totems; http://www.sayahda. com/cycle. htm
Farmer Ph.D, Steven D.; Animal Spirit Guides
Andrews, Ted; Animal-Speak
Reeve, Nigel; Hedgehogs, T & AD Poyser Ltd, 1994
Steiger, Brad; Totems: The Transformative Power of Your Personal Animal Totem
Stocker, Les; The Complete Hedgehog, Chatto & Windus Ltd, 1987
Kaldera & Schwartzstein; The Urban Primative
Pagan Living; http://www.paganliv ing.org/index. php
Raven Quest; http://www.welcome. to/Ravenquest
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.