Disclaimer: dreams are deeply personal and uniquely meaningful to the dreamer. This blog offers insights and interpretations as possibilities for exploration, leaving the ultimate understanding to you, the dreamer.
This blog is part of a series about animals in dreams, also read:
Elephant in dreams: 3 archetypical implications
Dog in dreams: 3 archetypical implications
#1: Snake as Guardian of the Tree of Life
During the 2011 International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD) conference at Rolduc Abbey, I joined a guided tour that left a lasting impression. Robert Bosnak, who also participated, drew our attention to a powerful image in the church: Mother Mary standing triumphantly on a snake. “Look closely,” he urged, “this depicts Mary reclaiming the power of the snake that once tempted Eve.” This perspective resonated deeply with me, offering a fresh interpretation of an ancient symbol.
In their book The Myth of the Goddess: Evolution of an Image, Anne Baring and Jules Cashford explore this enduring connection between the serpent and the feminine archetype. They observe that across cultures, the serpent often appears alongside the goddess—entwined with her tree, feeding from her hand, or even embodying her form, as with Tiamat. Genesis, they argue, departs from this tradition by recasting the serpent, once a symbol of rebirth, as an agent of death allied with Eve.
In this duality, the snake is both feared and revered, symbolizing destruction yet guarding the mysteries of life—a complex, paradoxical role that speaks to its ancient association with the Tree of Life and the feminine divine.
#2: Snake as healer
The snake renews itself: like magic it sheds its skin and leaves the old mess behind. No wonder Greek god Hermes has magic wand with intertwining snakes. Besides being a gifted speaker, messenger, and thief, Hermes is more, much more. Did you know that he is the one who puts you to sleep when he waves his wand? Hermes has a short staff with two intertwined snakes on top. When he waves that above your head, you become sleepy.
He is also the one that collects dreams and brings them to sleeping people. Homer tells us: “There are two gates that give passage to the fleeting Oneiroi (dreams): one is made of horn, one of ivory. The Oneiroi that pass through sawn ivory are deceitful, bearing a message that will not be fulfilled; those that come out through polished horn have truth behind them, to be accomplished for men who see them.” (Homer Odyssey Book 19, Line 562 ).
Hermes is the bridge between rational and intuitive knowledge. He is able to tap into the unconscious stream of images and translate it into the symbolic language that your intuition understands. Carl Jung called this process “synchronicity”. “When an unconscious image comes into consciousness directly as a thought, dream or premonition, an objective situation coincides with this content to create a meaning for both” (Adam Malone, Hermes, Jung and the Educational Potential of Tarot).
#3 Snake as compagnon of the earth
The snake’s intimate connection with the earth is central to its symbolic power. Slithering close to the ground, it embodies a profound groundedness while retaining the ability to act decisively and defend itself when needed. In dreams, the snake often signifies a deep, primal energy that bridges the physical and spiritual realms, linking us to the earth’s wisdom and resilience. Here is a dream that illustrates this in a beautiful way:
Tribal CeremonyI’m outside with a fairly large group of people. We are somewhere lush and green with tall trees not far in the distance, so it must have been a field or clearing. I can see the blue sky and sun shining down on us. We are standing in a circle doing a ceremony with drums, dancing and singing. As we dance, sing and drum, I become aware of a snake moving in the earth beneath us and around us. I also know there is nothing to fear from this snake. It is there because of our ceremony and is there to support us. The word Africa comes to mind.
In the dream, the imagery of the lush, green setting, the circle of people, and the drumming suggests a communal ritual of harmony with nature. The snake’s presence beneath and around the group underscores its role as a divine connector between the earth and the participants. It moves unseen but felt, a guardian and witness to the ceremony, amplifying its sacredness.
The dream’s setting evokes the feeling of unity—among the people, with the earth, and with the unseen forces represented by the snake. The absence of fear in the dreamer’s perception of the snake highlights a sense of trust and reciprocity. This serpent is not a threat but a powerful ally, drawn by the collective energy and offering support to the group. The association with Africa suggests ancestral and cultural roots, as well as the primal, ancient wisdom that the snake carries across time and traditions.
#4 Snake as Kundalini Energy
The snake, with its coiled form and rising motion, is often associated with Kundalini energy—a powerful force in spiritual traditions, particularly in Hinduism and Tantra. Kundalini is described as a latent energy coiled at the base of the spine, often visualized as a serpent waiting to ascend through the chakras, or energy centers, of the body. When awakened, this energy rises like a snake, igniting profound spiritual transformation and heightened awareness.
In dreams, encountering a snake may symbolize this awakening process or reflect the dreamer’s engagement with deep, transformative energy. Whether slithering, coiled, or striking, the snake serves as a potent metaphor for the flow of Kundalini energy. Its movement through the body, like the serpent’s path, represents the unblocking of energetic pathways and the harmonization of mind, body, and spirit. Dreaming of such an energy often invites introspection about your inner growth and connection to the divine.
When the snake appears in this context, its presence might signal a call to embrace change, shed limiting beliefs, or embark on a spiritual journey. The imagery ties closely to the sacred potential within us all—a reminder of the boundless energy waiting to be unlocked and directed toward higher consciousness.
*This is how I remember it, but Robert Bosnak might have said something much more eloquent.
Literature
Baring, A, Cashford, J. (1993) The Myth of the Goddess Evolution of an image.(aff).
Homer. (n.d.). The Odyssey (Book 19). Retrieved Januari 16 2025
Malone, A. (2016) Hermes, Jung and the Educational Potential of Tarot. Retrieved Januari 16, 2025
Wikipedia 31 December 2024: Tiamat. Retrieved January 16 2025
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