When it comes to studying animals a- z in this podcast series, a very important addition is the strong symbolism of the snake that dates back millions of years over many different cultures. Some common symbolic meanings are rebirth and regeneration, because the snake can shed its skin… wisdom due to their cunning and intelligence. Snakes are associated with healing practices, and medical symbols. Because snakes can change their appearance and behavior, they symbolize transformation. With the ability to kill with the venom and instill fear, they represent destruction. The power of a snake is in its strength and resilience. They also symbolize eternity, when they form a circle with their tail in their mouth. In mythology, snakes are often connected to healers, seers, and oracles. In some Native American cultures, snakes are associated with the Earth, the water and fertility. The Hopi tribe, honors the snake as a symbol of life and transformation, performing snake dances to bring in rain and fertility. Perhaps one of the most well-known examples of snake symbolism is the religious sign of the snake or the serpent in the Garden of Eden, symbolizing the devil and temptation. Snakes are found all over the world, and scientists estimate that they've been around for around 100 million years. In Greek mythology, snakes take on two main meanings, good luck, and evil. If a Greek encountered a snake in the wild, it was thought to bring them good luck. On the other hand, one of the main symbols of evil in Greek mythology was Medulla, an evil creature with multiple snakes sticking out of her head. Many Native American tribes perform rituals of snakes to protect their land, kills and themselves on a journey. Some tribes have snakes as their emblem, symbolizing life and rebirth with the shedding of its skin. In India, snakes are worshiped and during the month of Shavan, they feed snakes milk and worship them. In Japan they connect next to the fertility of the rice field and their life-giving ability. Chinese believe that snakes are evil, and they do not allow them near their homes. In Celtic tribes, snakes have two different meanings, paths and treasures. Although Ireland is one of the few places without snakes, they are still present in their literature, representing both good and evil. The snake is a symbol of health and medicine in today's world. The caduceus for medicine is a snake wrapped around a pole with wings on the top of the pole. I'm sure you've seen it. The venom of some snakes is even being used in cancer research. There are over 3700 species of snakes worldwide. They swallow their prey whole and don't use their teeth to chew. They cannot be poisoned by their own venom and actually smell with their tongue. A severed snake head can still bite and release venom…. So watch out. Snakes typically live alone and have terrible eyesight. There are some species of snake that weigh up to 500 pounds. Overall the snake symbolizes both good and evil, healing, wisdom, cunning, transformation, power, fertility, life, death and eternity. So call in snake medicine into your life. Call on the snake spirit. “Call IT in With Dar!”
Transcribed by https://otter.ai