Snake Symbolism
The symbolic meaning of snakes
The symbolic meaning of snakes. Snakes are complex animals. When most of us think of snakes, they will think of their viciousness and will have an inexplicable sense of fear. So do you know what the symbolic meaning of snakes is? Follow me and take a look. Snake Symbolism 1
Snake symbolism, across most and diverse cultures, relates to the primal life force, usually turning our attention to gender (male and female). The snake thus spans the symbolic bridge between the connection between the moon and the sun and between water and fire. Snakes support bold meanings. But they also have two soft, subtle, secret meanings. This makes it a powerful symbol of duality.
As an American Indian symbol (depending on the country/tribe), the snake can be a masculine symbol, associated with lightning, and considered a medical practitioner with great self-confidence abilities. Other tribes lean in the direction of the female attribution of the snake and pair it with mother (earth) and lunar (moon) symbolism. Whether to enhance one's own masculine authority, or in the fashion of circling the mother love of the earth, the Native American snake symbol is highly revered; used in rituals to invoke elements of sharp focus and significant impact.
Among the ancient Celts the snake was a symbol of extreme natural wisdom and the behavior and life cycle of this magnificent creature was close to that of the snake. From a Celtic perspective, the snake was a symbol of secret knowledge, cunning and transformation. Additionally, snake Celtic symbolism comes from the observation that the European venomous snake (also known as the adder) was the only species able to tolerate the colder climate of the ancient Celts (along with the common grass snake). In the astute Celtic mind, the snake's symbolic transformational significance came from the shedding of its skin. Leaving behind the physical evidence of its form (getting rid of its old self) and emerging into a sleeker, newer version makes the snake a powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal.
In terms of mystical (hidden) symbolism in Celtic and other cultures, this can be linked to the detective-like manner of the snake. The statement "slippery as a snake" is a small nod to the secretive nature of its symbolism. It's not about slitheryness, but how quickly snakes move to high and low places to hide. Their effective camouflage also symbolizes hiding, the shadow realm, secrets. From this perspective, the snake as totem offers the gift of maneuvering under the radar. The Snake is a friend to those who are adept at waiting and then striking when the opportunity arises.
Disappearing during the cold months and being summoned by the sun signifies the snake's connection with the shadow world, a realm of darkness in which it manages to live for a long time. Alternatively, the snake moves gently into the embrace of the sun, so that it encapsulates the ancient magician's creed, moving in the perfect rhythm of natural forces. Tarot cards reinforce this concept. Tarot is a great symbol-based tool. The snake is the symbol on the magician's card. It is a reference to having power over power. The serpent and magician in the tarot cards pay homage to the energy generated behind the veil. In short, recognize the unseen power and harness that power.
In East Indian mythology, the Sanskrit word for snake is naga, and these are associated with the element of water. Drawing on water's symbolism of emotion, love and movement, the Naga in this light is considered the feminine side, embodying the qualities of nurturing, benevolence, and wisdom. To this day, it is generally believed in Hinduism that all Nagas protect all water sources. Nagas are also believed to be guardians of great treasures and wealth...if it is (and often is) a scarce resource, it's probably water. This all reinforces the snake's symbolism of fertility, renewal and cleanliness. Additionally, in Hindu tradition, snakes (Naga) are considered benevolent to humans. In fact, alchemical literature is replete with the image of the biting snake, which symbolizes the conceptual whole, embracing the entire consciousness and devouring it with unquenchable passion.
As an animal totem, the snake manifests our awareness in all the functions of the symbolic properties listed on this page (and more). Those who are attracted to snakes (and vice versa) perceive life through an uncommon lens. Additionally, it should be understood that this article is only a tiny sampling of the various snake symbolisms available to us. Therefore, I encourage you to slide into your own personal reflection, study and meditate on the snake. You'll find unlimited returns on your investment.
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The first symbolic meaning of snake is viciousness
Many people have an inexplicable feeling of fear when they think of snakes. There was once a young lady who was fishing in a pond and suddenly caught a small water snake. The young lady was so frightened that she screamed, dropped her fishing rod as if she was electrocuted, and ran away. In fact, this is just an ordinary water snake, not a venomous snake. So, why are people so afraid of snakes? In addition to the weird appearance of snakes, the main reason is the influence of myths, legends and fables about poisonous snakes on people. Venomous snakes only account for a very small number in the entire snake family, and very few people have ever been bitten by a venomous snake. However, the story of the Guantian venomous snake has given people a deep preconceived impression of snakes, and most people have never seen it. Snakes, even before you know what a snake is, you already have a fear of snakes.
The second symbolic meaning of snakes is insidiousness and indifference
This is probably related to the fact that snakes are so-called "cold-blooded animals", so coldness is also considered to be a characteristic of snakes. In addition, snakes have no vocal cords and cannot make sounds, which further deepens its cold impression. Those women who are beautiful in appearance but sinister and vicious in heart are called "beautiful snakes". The image of beautiful snakes is often found in some literary works about detection and espionage.
The third symbolic meaning of snakes is unpredictability
Snakes have no legs but can crawl, and they often come and go without leaving a trace, making them very mysterious. Mystery led to the worship of snakes. In ancient times, people were powerless against the dangers and threats caused by snakes. In order to win over snakes and benevolent to others, people respected and worshiped them as gods. Mystery brings with it all kinds of taboos. All ethnic groups in various parts of our country have taboos about various snakes. For example, avoid saying "snake has no legs" because you are afraid that the snake will really grow legs and chase people; avoid seeing snakes intercourse, avoid using your fingers to snakes, and avoid seeing snakes shed their skin. Folk proverbs in some places in Guizhou say "If you see a snake shed its skin, you will not die." "Shedding skin"; in some places of the Miao people, it is forbidden to see snakes passing in front of the bride on the way to pick up the bride; in some places in Anhui, people dream of snakes and think it is a sign of conspiracy; many people avoid seeing the "feet" of snakes, let alone seeing them. The "two-headed snake" thinks that these are bad omens. It is said that Sun Shuao of Chu State during the Warring States Period once saw a two-headed snake when he was a child. This was not a good sign, but in order to prevent other people from seeing the two-headed snake again and suffer disaster, Sun Shuao killed the snake and buried it. Unexpectedly, Sun Shuao turned danger into good fortune and later became a famous prime minister of Chu State. In short, there are many snake taboos accompanying the mystery of snakes, and some taboos are still popular today.
The fourth symbolic meaning of the snake is cunning
This symbolic meaning is "imported" and comes from the Bible. The Bible says, The snake is the most cunning one among all things created by God Jehovah. Because of its temptation, Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden stole the fruit of wisdom. Yahesha was driven out of the Garden of Eden. From then on, human beings have "original sin". In order to atone for their sins, humans must worship God and endure various sufferings. The snake was also punished and could only walk on its belly, eat dirt for the rest of its life, and became an enemy of humans.
The positive symbolic meaning of the snake
The first positive symbolic meaning of the snake is luck, good luck and sacredness.
People divide snakes into domestic snakes and wild snakes. In some places, it is considered a good sign to have a domestic snake in the home. Abroad, ancient Egyptians believed that snakes were the protector of the monarch. The Pharaoh used gold and precious stones to shape the image of the cobra and decorated it into the crown as a symbol of imperial power. Envoys from European countries in BC carved the image of two snakes on their crutches, which represented the power of envoys. It was the special staff for envoys in international exchanges. The snake has become a symbol of the country and authority.
The second positive symbolic meaning of the snake is the pursuit of love and happiness. This significance is mainly reflected in the traditional folk story "The Legend of White Snake".
The third positive symbolism of the snake is longevity, fertility and wealth. In Chinese culture, snakes and turtles are symbols of longevity. People who practice yoga believe that snakes can live for 500 years. There is a force coiled like a snake in the human body, called "snake force." As long as you practice well, you can release this force. Snakes are also a symbol of wealth. Snakes have their own underground kingdom, which contains countless treasures, so people who want to get rich must go to the snake temple to pray devoutly.
The fourth positive symbolism of the snake is medicine and healing. Chinese folk have the ability of snakes to identify medicinal herbs.
The symbolic meaning of snakes 3
What is the symbolic meaning of snakes in the Book of Changes
Tan snakes can lead to false alarms and strange things, but also to prison disasters. The five elements of the snake belong to the earth, and the direction is the center. Snake represents things such as snakes, pythons, gods, ghosts, immortals, babies, strange things, and wonders (things that are difficult to understand). It represents thin and long things, and curled things, such as ropes, lines, hoses, Things that can be entangled also represent light rain and small rivers. In Feng Shui, it represents the road (a small road, a winding and winding path). The snake is bound, entangled, entangled, and handcuffed. The owner of the Snake and Exuberance element of the character is a well-rounded and clever person, while the owner of the Hugh prisoner has a weird temper, is hypocritical, false, scheming, and boasts untruthfully.
The meaning of snakes in legends
In ancient records, snakes mostly appeared as ghosts. The Ba Snake in "The Classic of Mountains and Seas" "eats elephants, and its bones are born at the age of three", and the firewood and mulberry flying snakes. The hooked snake in "Xu Natural History" "will break the wood and harm people"; the human snake in "Ge Zhi Jing Yuan" "walks when people stand upright, and laughs when meeting people, and the smile will turn to bite"; "Youyang Miscellaneous" "Zu" records that Sun Shuao beheaded a two-headed snake; Chen Ding of the Qing Dynasty recorded in "Snake Book" that when someone calls a snake, the person who responds "will come even if they are dozens of miles away"; Liang Shaoren's measuring a human snake; "Shen Yi Jing" has a sudden snake.
But even so, snakes play a very important role in the history of Chinese mythology. Nuwa and Fuxi in ancient Chinese mythology both have human heads and snake bodies. "Lu Lingguang Palace Fu" describes "Fu Xian's scaly body, Nuwa's snake body", which is also recorded in "Emperor's Century", "Road History", "Records of Supplements" and "Historical Records. Supplement to Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors". There are also legends about the ancestors of the shaman tribe in history who have snake bodies, snake heads, or snake tails. There are also legends that snakes can evolve into dragons by shedding their skins again and again, so there are also places where snakes are worshiped as gods.