Snakes are central to many mythologies because of their ability to slough off their skin and regenerate. Some also have the power of life and death. In addition, the lidless eyes and unpredictable movements give them a sense of mystery. In contrast to Christianity, which deliberately demonised the pagan symbol, the snake was seen positively in ancient times as a creature of earth wisdom.
In some cultures snakes were fertility symbols, in others they symbolised the umbilical cord, joining humans to Mother Earth. But the most potent association was with immortality, because of the shedding of their skins. They were also seen to make a circle by biting their tails and to coil in spirals, both forms being highly significant in spiritual terms as symbols of eternity.
The caduceus motif of two snakes wrapped around a staff is thought to represent the dynamic energies of the life-force, as exemplified through the snake’s regenerative power. As such it also became associated with sexual energy, with a male and female snake wrapped around a shamanistic Tree of Life. In their union comes harmony and health, which may explain why the caduceus morphed into the present-day medical symbol.
The Japanese take their symbolism from the Chinese zodiac, in which the snake denotes intelligence, happiness and good fortune. It is associated with the life-affirming dragon; indeed, many experts suppose that it is the prototype for the mythical creation. In some places the snake also symbolizes wealth, and people carry snake skin in their wallet in the belief that it brings luck.
White snakes are particularly auspicious, presumably because of the rarity and association with purity. They are the familiar of Benten aka Benzaiten, so perhaps this is a year to patronise the muse of the arts. Or perhaps it’s a suitable year to make a pilgrimage to Omiwa Jinja, where the deity manifested in snake form and eggs are left out as offerings.
Wherever the year may take you, Green Shinto would like to wish you all a very happy – and prosperous – year of the snake!!
Paired white snakes on a container at Jisshu Shrine, Kyoto
Snake water basin at Omiwa Jinja
Worship at Omiwa, with eggs put out for the snake deity
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