The Serpent

When Indiana Jones opens the Well of Souls and sees the floor covered with slithering serpents, he rolls back and says, “Why did it have to be snakes?” It’s a moment many can relate to, as a dislike or fear of snakes is as common as the dislike and fear of spiders. They are seen as evil, dangerous, creepy, which is unfortunate. The serpent is a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and should be celebrated, especially in spring. If you are someone who has shied away from snakes in your practice in the past, hopefully, we can change your mind.

Snakes in Myth and Lore

There are many famous snakes and snake deities throughout history and across cultures. Though this isn’t an exhaustive list, it covers some of the more famous snakes and serpents.

Biblical Snake

Perhaps the most famous snake in the West is the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Whether the snake was a demon sent by Satan, Satan himself in disguise, or just a reptile who liked to shake things up isn’t really made clear. Cunning and clever, the snake convinces Eve to eat an apple from the forbidden tree of knowledge and have Adam take a bite as well. They are banished from Eden for their betrayal.

This depiction of evil in Genesis is likely where the thought of snakes as evil originated from in the West. It is believed that the story of St. Patrick in Ireland isn’t about snakes at all, that the snakes represent the “evil” pagans that Patrick drove out of Ireland so Catholicism would reign. (The snakes likely being an allegory for pagans is why many modern pagans and Wiccans don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.)

Jörmungandr

One of three children of Loki and Angrboða, Jörmungandr is known as the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent. It is said Odin, Allfather, tossed the serpent into the ocean that surrounds Midgard (Earth). Jörmungandr grew so large he could encircle the entirety of Midgard and bit his own tail, forming an ouroboros around the world. It is said he will release his tail at the start of Ragnarok and bring destruction as he rolls across the land before his nemesis, Thor, slays him.

Medusa and the Gorgons

Depictions of Medusa and her sister gorgons vary, some making them snake women and some portraying them as entirely women. What all depictions have in common are the serpents that adorn their heads in place of hair. The gorgons can turn anyone who matches their gaze into stone. When depicted as snake women, they have claws, sharp teeth and are covered in scales.

In the most famous version of the gorgon tale, Medusa was originally a beautiful woman who was turned into a gorgon as punishment by Athena. She was slain by Perseus when he used a shield to avoid her gaze. He later used her head to paralyze his enemies on the battlefield.

Quetzalcoatl

When we move away from European myths of serpents, we find versions that show reverence. Not all cultures view snakes as evil. For example, in some Mesoamerican cultures, including the Nahuatl and Aztecs, the “Feather Serpent,” a mix of rattlesnake and bird, was a key figure in the creation of the world. Named Quetzalcoatl, he was not only a god of creation but also of wind, rain, learning, science, and agriculture.

The Naga

Sanskrit for serpent, the Naga were mostly found in half-cobra, half-human form, though they could shapeshift to be fully human or fully serpent in form. They are found in the religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

In Hindi traditions, the Naga were banished to an underground realm by the god Brahma. In Buddhism, they are protectors, guarding Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha, and the dharma. Seen as powerful and dangerous if angered, the Naga are greatly respected. The Naga king Mucalinda used his cobra hood to provide shelter to the Buddha when a storm appeared while he meditated.

Symbolism, Traditions, Magick, and Energies

Snakes are tied to many deities and myths, so their symbolism and magick is not one single type (as with most things in our universe).

Primarily, snakes are seen as a symbol of the cycle of life and death. This is taken from two things. First, the shedding of their outer skin to reveal a fresh skin is seen as one cycle ending and another beginning, a symbol of eternal life. Second, the ouroboros, the snake eating its own tail, is seen as a representation of the cycle of life.

The snake is also associated with healing, as seen in the Rod of Asclepius. This symbol has a snake wrapped around a staff and is used as a symbol of medicine in hospitals around the world. This symbol should not be confused with the Caduceus, which has two snakes wrapped around a winged staff and is a symbol of commerce and logistics. Because of the snake’s association with both healing and trade, you can use the power of serpents when doing rituals of healing or business. If you are starting a new company, hoping for a new job, trying to close a big deal, or anything else dealing with trade and logistics, a dual serpent can help you.

If a snake visits you in a dream, it means transformation. You’ll be shedding the skin of the present and emerging anew. Focus on spell work that helps you accept and promote change if you are visited by a snake. Use the snake when you are seeking transformation.

Snakes are seen as wise, though sometimes that cunning is portrayed negatively. They are stealthy, moving silently across the earth towards their prey. Draw on the serpent’s power when doing rituals focused on stealth and cunning.

Like many things, the snake is a duality. Seen as evil, deceitful, and a trickster to some, seen as the creator and a representation of rebirth to others. It is all of those at once. Though there are venomous species, there are also harmless species. Hopefully, if you once looked at snakes in fear, you’ve come to see their power and beauty.