Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience. – Emerson
Snakes can remind us of shedding our past like they shed their skin.
The snake meaning of transformation came from the shedding of its skin and made the snake a powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal. The snake can represent many aspects of ourself and our life as it grows and changes. The snake can be a symbol of wisdom, healing and initiation.
As a snake grows, its skin becomes stretched and worn. A point is reached when it cannot accommodate further growth, so a new skin grows underneath. When this is complete, the old skin will be discarded and the new skin retains the same patterns and colors as the old.
Along our journey, there are times when we realise we need to grow and can longer keep doing what we have always done. The shedding can be of old emotions and beliefs and there are many layers of change that can happen overtime, transforming us into a deeper understanding of life and of who we are.
In ancient and christian traditions as well as modern times, snakes are symbols of healing powers and opportunities. In the Greek mythology, Asclepius, the god of medicine, is featured with two snakes climbing up a rod, the symbol of what is known today as the Caduceus, which symbolizes balance, equanimity, union and regeneration.
Interestingly, snakes will not normally eat in the days leading up to shedding and will tend to hide, as they are vulnerable at this time. This is also true during change and healing for us, as we can feel vulnerable and need time alone when we are letting go and moving forward out of our pain.
Change can feel uncomfortable during these stages and yet, it is necessary if we want renewal and expansion in the way we see and understand our journey. Sometimes old patterns and the way we react in life no longer serve us and this gives us an opportunity to allow change, and allow transformation and healing.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
I notice that snakes leave their old skins behind, too.
Vincent
Thanks Vincent, you are so right, they don’t keep the old skin as a reminder or Souvenir, they leave it behind and move forward! 🙂
Love this metaphor Karen. Thank you!
It is Val, it always reminds me to keep shedding that old skin. Thankyou
Out with the old, in with the fresh shiny new you. Nice thought and a fair bit of hard work to get there. But worth it I am sure of it Karen.
Oh yes, always worth it Kath. Just don’t ask me as I am shedding ha 🙂 xx
Very wise Karen. I’ve always liked snakes and the one in the photo you shared is especially beautiful – look at those colours! What kind of snake is it?
Diana xo
Maybe the Snake is your totem Diana? If the information belows suits your personality it might be. The beautiful colorful snake is a “California Red Sided Garter Snake”, apparently their saliva is poisonous but not to humans.
If Snake is your Animal Spirit Totem…
People with snake as their totem are often finding that they are going through constant changes in their lives that they usually move through smoothly. They have a natural ability to balance energy and often Snake totem people are gifted healers.
You are very charming in social situations, and very good at holding people’s attention, there is something mysterious about about your gaze, your intensity, and your ability to sense what other’s are thinking or feeling. Tied in with this charm is a confidence and self assurance that many people find alluring. Snake people can slither in and out of conversation with ease and grace, and are often flexible and open minded.
I can see your personality in some of this!! 🙂 🙂
hmm I don’t know what my totem is. I’ve thought it was wolf in the past, can’t remember why… Although I do see some of the above qualities in me too…
A Garter snake? The colours are sure different from the Quebec Garter snakes I grew up with and scared my mom with. 😉
Ha your poor Mum! Thats what the image description said, but Im certainly no expert when it comes to identifying snakes!! 🙂 I usually avoid them.
Wow.
🙂
Feel like your posts are really talking to me at the moment, Karen…. thank you.
I am so glad. We all shed our skin at different times, remember to nurture yourself.
The analogy hits right home to me.
Thanks Elizabeth, it does with me too!
Karen, great post.
The symbol of the snake is so appropriate for the topic.
The things of our past are two-fold; one being things that need to be evaluated, then discarded; the other to be secured as we move forward toward perfection.
We are all a work in progress. Yet while on the road of progress, sadly, we too often leave the best of who we are behind.
-Alan
Thankyou Alan I enjoy your comments and I’m interested in why you say, you feel that we often leave the best of us behind on the road to progress?
The best is left behind, because in modern philosophy traditional practices, that still fall under the umbrella of common sense, get in the way of the modern narrative. (i.e. the road of progress)
The stability of society rests largely upon the stability of the family. However, big business and big government is willing to sacrifice that stability, for their own self interests and preservation of power. For a stable family is in need of neither.
All one simply needs to do is follow the money for proof.
-Alan
Ah yes, I understand what you are sayng. Well said. Thankyou. 😉
I wish I had literal skins that I could save, and pin on a bulletin board, and point to as proof of all I’ve been through. Maybe we’d treat each other with more kindness if we could see those skins hanging in each other’s homes.
I love your comment Jay. It would indeed help us to be more compassionate towards those others who have led a very tough life. Everyone has a story about shedding their skins and we need to remember that. Thankyou.
Love this. ♡
Thanks Laurie. I appreciate your comment 🙂
I appreciate your visits. ❤
I love this post, Karen. I especially respond to that period of withdrawal just before the shedding of the outgrown.
Yes I can relate to that too MK, during change it is very important to do this. Thankyou 🙂
What an outstanding analogy esp. the snakes hides during shedding and how it’s the same with us. I used to be a person who is so not receptive to change because I’m a type of a person who clings. I think I’ve learnt to embrace change when a long-time girlfriend broke up with me. Plus, I also got used to change being that I always move around so much because of work. I also think that it’s human nature that we always think we don’t change but deep within we know we do.
I like the way you understand yourself Rommel, you are honest and open. Change always has it’s challenges but in moving forward, I am happy to leave that skin behind!
“Interestingly, snakes will not normally eat in the days leading up to shedding and will tend to hide, as they are vulnerable at this time. This is also true during change and healing for us, as we can feel vulnerable and need time alone when we are letting go and moving forward out of our pain.”
So true, indeed. Excellent piece. Snakes are a beautiful analogy for this change, indeed. They truly are exquisitely beautiful, mysterious and elusive creatures. I am always so honoured to meet one in the wild, clambering up a tree, sniveling down a limb, watching me quietly through the greenery. The sense of stillness and peace they exude is so attractive in the snake.
Wonderful write. Really enjoy your blog and am so grateful to have found it. Best wishes,
smiling toad
I love the way you describe your encounters with nature! It is a gift to have this connection in your life and I appreciate your kind comment.
Many thanks 🙂
Yes, like the snake we should shed our skin.. There is a wonderful parable about a snake: The parable is called: “the snake that lost his hiss”.. I should re-write the story on my blog.. Thanks. eve
p.s. the parable? we might lose our bite, but not our hiss. very important to keep naughty people away.. lol