The Snake’s Wisdom: Shedding, Transforming, and Rebirth

During the month of October, I am exploring the themes around the Snake: shedding, transformation, and rebirth. All these themes have a common thread: change.

Shedding: Discarding the old self to come into the new self.  It is the pivot point, the moment in the crossroads where you make the decision. You are about to step into uncharted waters. The shadow side of this can usher in self doubt and bring up the question “what if this doesn’t work out?”.

Transformation and Rebirth: this is about metamorphosis. Transformation occurs when we hit a growth edge. As much as we try, we can’t stay the same forever. When you are ready to trust and take the leap, the Rebirth occurs and it is time to step into that new period of growth.

A Snake sheds its old skin to make way and transform, to essentially be rebirthed into a new being. It has outgrown its old skin and made way for the new.

From the Book of Symbols by Taschen: “When the snake withdraws to shed its skin, signifying renewal, rebirth, and immortality… the serpent is entering a meditative state and has access to wisdom beyond our ken.” (Taschen, page 194)

In Hindu mythology, snakes show up as primordial beings called The Naga. They are associated with bodies of water (rivers, lakes, and seas). In one creation myth, Vishnu, the god of creation, sleeps on Adishesha, a 1,000 headed cobra, to create the world through Yoga Nidra or yogic sleep, while Vishnu’s consort, Lakshmi messages his feet.

Vishnu asleep on the Cosmic Ocean

In Kundalini Yoga, the yogis believe that Kundalini, the great serpent, is at the base of the spine coiled up dormant. Kundalini Yoga is a way of liberating the snake to ascend up the spine, the yogis achieve this through chanting, meditation, and pranayama (breathwork).

In Tarot: The Wheel of Fortune tarot card is all about change and cycles. We can think of this card as representing the cycles of life both good and bad. The wheel is ever turning, ever changing, this teaches us non - attachment. Nothing lasts forever.

Raider Write Smith Tarot Deck

When we come to the mat to practice yoga, we are able to tune into the subtle body. We get a sense of transformation, renewal and wisdom. Just like the snake we shed an old self to come into a new self. I look forward to exploring these themes in the coming weeks.