The snake symbology is one of the most powerful of humanity. This animal reflects many fears and longings that unite us.
Powerful Snake Symbology
The snake symbology is one of the most powerful of humanity, it reflects many fears and longings that unite us.
This colorful animal seduces us by its movements, appearance, shape and ability to shed its skin, all contribute equally to its complex symbolism. From the earliest times of civilization, these enigmatic creatures were associated with the creation and birth of life, the honoring of ancestors, wisdom and were considered a universal symbol of mother nature and eternity.
As we have seen, different cultures had different interpretations of this mysterious animal. Below, we will look at some of the most well-known meanings and symbolisms about snakes.
1- Medicinal
The symbolism of the snake has reached our days in everything related to medicine and healing. Since ancient times, many civilizations considered snake venom as a remedy, and its ability to shed skin as a symbol of health, renewal, longevity and immortality.
As we can still see, the snake is used all over the world as a symbol of health and medicine. This interpretation has its origin in the ancient Greeks and their god of healing, Asclepius.
- Cup of Hygieia: associated with medicines.
- Rod of Asclepius: associated with medical organizations.
- Caduceus of Hermes: associated with medical establishments such as pharmacies.
2- Rebirth and immortality
One of the most powerful symbolisms of the snake is when it sheds its skin, the animal frees itself from the old and emerges renewed and reborn. This symbolism also comes from the representation of a snake eating its own tail. This form represents the eternal cycle of birth, death and rebirth, and is a symbol of immortality and continuous renewal of life.
3- Wisdom and the snake symbology
When the snake sheds a layer of its skin, it leaves behind its old self, shedding the old, and metamorphoses into a fresh, new being. Symbolically, this process could be interpreted on a more spiritual level. It may represent our ability to discard all that we have outgrown, all bad habits and old beliefs, lifting us into consciousness and a higher spiritual energy.
The snake symbolism in this aspect refers to how they hide in trees and underground and effectively camouflage themselves before attacking their prey. This is a great example of the intelligence and cunning of these great hunters.
4- Protection
Both the ancient Egyptians and the Greeks saw in this powerful animal a symbol of protection and guardianship. Throughout the world, snakes are considered guardians of sacred places and temples. This could be related to the observation of how rattlesnakes and cobras act when in danger or threatened. They stand their ground and, instead of retreating, strike an intimidating pose and attack.
The famous meditating Buddha statue depicts the seated Buddha protected by the Naga snake. The Naga is usually a large cobra with one or several heads. The snake is believed to protect the meditating Buddha from inclement weather, such as storms and heavy rains.
5- Fertility and creation
Many cultures around the world were fascinated by the transformative powers of the snake, interpreting them as symbols of creation and fertility. This is due in part to their phallic shape, symbolizing the male sexual organ, and in part to their process of shedding their skin.
Snakes are sluggish and inactive during winters and summers, when the Earth is red and dry, symbolizing an immature female. Instead, they come out in the rainy season, when the Earth is lush and green, representing regeneration and new life.
In addition, snakes are often associated with water and the Earth. They live near the ground or in rivers, lakes and seas. Since water is the source of all life on Earth, snakes are considered symbols of creation. And thanks to their natural habitat, underground and close to the life-giving Earth, they also symbolize the creative life force, fertility and fecundity.
6- Balance and duality in the snake symbology
The symbolism of the snake also refers to two opposite poles. It is associated with both water and the desert, death and birth, masculine and feminine. Often seen as the symbol of assertive power due to its phallic form, the snake represents masculinity.
On the other hand, it is also associated with the chakras and their colors, representing an umbilical cord or the creative life force. Therefore, it also symbolizes femininity and fertility. It is also related to Kundalini, the divine feminine creative energy that lies as a coiled serpent in the pelvis. When awakened, this latent energy unites the feminine and masculine entities, symbolizing balance, harmony and homeostasis.
7- Sin and deception
Undoubtedly, the best known snake in the Christian religion is the serpent of the Garden of Eden, also known as Ningizzida and also associated with the goddess Tiamat. This guarded the tree of life and gave Eve the forbidden fruit of the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” tempting her.
With this reputation, the symbolism of the serpent is also associated with evil and betrayal, a concept that we will only find in Christian societies with knowledge of the sacred scriptures. On the other hand, also the aggressive character in the defense and quick attack of the snakes we relate it with a treacherous aggression.