Dreaming of a snake is an intriguing experience. What does it mean to dream of snake? With a long slender body, flickering tongue and observant eyes – the snake is a mysterious creature. The dream symbol of a snake may carry a message unique to you. To begin the dream interpretation , let’s explore the details. The history, characteristics, and cultural significance may help give more clues about what the snake means to you.
Key Points:
- A dream dictionary gives a general idea of what a snake means. It seems there are both negative and positive associations depending on what aligns with you.
- On the positive, the snake may represent knowledge, strength, healing, creation and renewal.
- On the negative, the snake may relate to trickery, warnings, and secrets.
- Different cultures view snakes in so many different ways. It is important to find what speaks to you.
- Explore the history, species, color and unique charcateristics of the snake from your dream. This may help trigger personal significance in your life.
- Investigate personal associations with snakes in general. This will may help gather more information about its underlying meaning.
The History of Snake Symbols:
Many cultures viewed snakes as sacred carriers of powerful wisdom from beyond.
In Greek and Roman mythology, the symbol of the snake was often inscribed on alters as if to represent a guardian spirit or messenger between upper and lower worlds.
The Mayans viewed the snake as a symbol of transformation.
Yet, in some parts of Africa, snakes are believed to represent the incarnations of deceased relatives.
FUN FACT: According to ScienceDaily , the oldest discovered fossil of the snake trace back to 140-167 million years ago. Yet, theoretically, the human race is only about 2 million years old. Therefore, these ancient snake fossils have fascinated many people to wonder more about the origins of snakes.
If snakes have existed on earth for way longer than humans, it’s no wonder the symbol of the snake is often seen as one of ancient wisdom, knowledge and power.
The Unique Characteristics of Snakes:
Transformation:
The snake sheds its skin regularly throughout the year. Therefore, this natural process may relate to the snake symbol of rebirth, renewal and life changes. In some cultures, the snake symbol of transformation may also allude to immortality.
As a dream symbol, the snake may relate to an important life change that requires serious commitment.
Adaptability and Strength:
Snakes are quick attackers and are carry incredible strength. A snake has between 10,000-15,000 muscles. In comparison, the human body only has 600 muscles.
A snake also has between 200-400 vertebrae. In comparison, humans only have 33 vertebrae. With this advantage, the snake is able to slither with graceful flexibility.
Therefore, given these astounding abilities, snakes are often seen as symbols of power and adaptability.
As a dream symbol, the snake may relate to an inspiration to develop strength and adaptability to life challenges.
Grounding:
Snakes have no external ear or visible ear lobes. However, they do have a middle ear bone that joins the inner ear to the jaw. This allows a snake to pick up vibrations, such as a prey walking across the ground. With this unique ear structure, snakes hear low frequencies better than high frequencies. Snakes are not proficient at picking up sounds transmitted through the air. This makes sense as snakes spend most of their time exploring the ground floor.
This characteristic may relate to the snake symbol for grounding.
As a dream symbol, the snake may relate to a meaning associated with practical action, setting realistic goals or pacing your steps to success.
The Snake: A Symbol of Healing and Evolution:
The symbol of the snake is used as a badge of medicine in the U.S. This symbol is called the Caduceus that features two snakes wrapping around a winged pole. In Greek mythology, the Caduceus is actually the staff of Hermes – the messenger of gods. In Ancient Rome, he is known as Mercury – depicted with winged sandals and a helmet. Furthermore, he was believed to rule over wealth, travel, commerce and good fortune.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also use the symbol of the snake as their logo. It features a snake wrapped around a pole. This pole is actually believed to be the staff of Asclepius. In Greek mythology, Asclepius was the son of Apollo, and the god of healing and medicine.
According to Jeremy Narby, a Canadian anthropologist and author of the book entitled “The Cosmic Serpent”, his research revealed that the snake appears to be a major symbol across many traditions and religions across the world. Furthermore, he hypothesizes that the symbol of the snake is related to the double helix structure of DNA.
FUN FACT: Snakes are theorized to have evolved from lizards from the Jurassic period – long before humans appeared. Therefore, given the findings of fossils that support this theory, this potentially reveals the incredible survival ability for this creature to evolve over millions of years.
From this, the snake as a dream symbol, may relate to connections with inner healing, growth and self-development.
The Details of the Snake from your Dream:
The snake from my dream will be different from yours. Therefore, it helps to recall the details of the unique snake from your dream. For example, a snake from one of my dreams was white with red patterns. It was the size of a boa constrictor and it peered at me through an open window of an abandoned house.
GREAT TIP: Keep a dream journal of these details. Some people even type it out as a note on their phone. It helps with recalling fine detail not previously aware of. Often dreams appear as jumbled puzzle pieces, and by documenting details, you can slowly put the pieces together in a meaningful way.
Explore the Species of the Snake from your Dream:
PYTHON:
The python is a large constricting snake native to Asia, Africa and Australia. Ball pythons , in particular, are docile and often kept as family pets. In a dream, the size and crushing strength of the snake may relate to an important life changing theme in your life. Therefore, the snake as a symbol of renewal, transformation, or strength may relate to an emotional weight you may be carrying. This emotional weight may relate to family or a close relationship with someone. Also, consider the places the Python is native to. These places may hold special significance to you about someone or something.
RATTLE SNAKE:
This is a venomous snake native to North and South America. Its venom paralyzes prey. In addition, they have a distinct rattle tail end to warn off threats. In a dream, the symbol of a rattle snake may serve as a warning to avoid a decision that may emotionally paralyze you from growth and progress. Consider the rattle of the snake – this is a distinct sound. Therefore, this may serve as a message of caution towards news you may have heard in real life. The snake symbol of renewal, strength or grounding may mean an issue in your life needs to be assessed in a very careful way.
KING COBRA:
The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world. They are known for their signature hooded flares around the neck. Furthermore, this snake carries a toxic bite strong enough to kill an elephant. This powerful snake is also immune to the venom of other snakes. As a dream symbol, the King Cobra may carry a profound message related to your highest potential in life. Its general symbol of strength, power and wisdom may allude to serious life goals you may need to focus on.
BLACK MAMBA:
The Black Mamba is the second fastest snake in the world – native to Southern and Eastern parts of Africa. Though, it appears they use their speed to mostly escape threats. Just two drops of its venom is enough to kill a human. The inside of its mouth is distinctly black. As a dream symbol, this deadly snake may represent an issue an your life that requires immediate attention. Furthermore, it may bring a message of caution to something happening too fast.
Consider the Color of the Snake from your Dream:
A BLACK SNAKE:
In the wild, a black snake is usually well camouflaged. An example of a black snake is black rat snake. These snakes usually remain motionless when approached. They blend so well into their surroundings and help keep pests like rodents under control. As a dream symbol, a black snake may represent an underappreciated strength and power within you. It may also serve as a message to recognize your hidden talents in a powerful way.
A GREEN SNAKE:
A green snake is often a grass snake that mostly feeds on insects. They live in meadows and abandoned farmlands. Furthermore, they are mostly harmless and docile. Therefore, a green snake may symbolize finding strength, healing and power out in nature. As the green color of the snake matches its green surroundings, it may also serve as a message to discover a surrounding or purpose that gives you peace and simplicity.
A WHITE SNAKE:
A white snake is usually an albino snake with a genetic mutation. Often, they rarely survive out in the wild. Their distinct white make them easy targets for predators. Therefore, most albino snakes thrive better in captivity. In fact, some breeders selectively breed albinos for this distinct color. As a dream symbol, a white snake may represent an extraordinary calling in life that requires strength, grounding and adaptability to attain it. It may also represent a calling to temporarily withdraw from the world in order to rediscover a hidden skill or passion.
A COLORFUL SNAKE :
Think about the colors of the snake from your dream. Research and try and identify the snake from your dream. For example, the San Francisco Garter Snake is a multi-colored snake that features colors of orange, black, turquoise and green. It even has a red tongue with black tip. These snakes are not poisonous and are often kept as pets. As a dream symbol, a colorful snake may represent strength and transformation through a spontaneous adventure or creative energy.
After identifying the details of the snake from your dream – such as species, color, activity – you can then explore your emotional response. This will help build a clearer picture of what the snake from your dream means to you:
- PERSONAL MEMORY OF SNAKES:Think of past memories or interactions with snakes. Were they fascinating, scary or boring interactions? Think of why you felt this way to help better understand the presence of the snake in your dream.
- PERSONAL ASSOCIATION WITH SNAKES:Explore your general association with snakes. When you think of a snake, what comes to mind? Is the word “snake” used in a more negative way or in a positive way? This will give you more clues about the negative or positive theme of the dream.
- OVERALL EMOTIONAL RESPONSE: Finally, once you have brain stormed how you generally feel about snakes. Compare this with how you felt in the dream? Were you curious, intrigued, or disgusted with this snake from your dream? This will help discover the emotional blueprint of the dream. Try and think of something in your life that made you feel this exact same way. This will help draw more personal connections to the snake.
Final Thoughts:
Everyone will dream of a different snake. Therefore, after deep contemplation and external research, you may begin to recognize when something about this snake is personally meaningful to you. The key is to gather as much information as possible to narrow down what is meaningful to you. Pay attention, delve deeper and explore what makes the snake in your dream so unique.
-By Nikita King