SNAKE FAMILY: Transformation

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Snakes are highly specialized predators. Although they are simple in form, snakes are equipped for tracking, subduing, and devouring their prey. They are a recent development in the evolution of Reptiles. In addition to losing their legs, snakes have modified their jaws to swallow large meals. Moreover, they have developed some of the most virulent poisons known among animals.

 

Snakes demonstrate the principle of transformation. Evolving from primitive burrowing Lizards, they have diversified into nearly three thousand species. Snakes have reduced their skeleton to a skull, jaws, and a long backbone. Furthermore, they rearranged their internal anatomy to fit their thinner, rounder, longer shape. Their skin is a mosaic of glossy, dry scales set in an elastic skin which They shed about four times a year to enable growth.

 

Scientists divide the Snake Family into two groups – Blind Snakes (Scolecophidia) and Modern Snakes (Alethinophidia). The Modern Snake Family is further divided into fifteen families. Of this, only three groups are venomous, with the remainder being constrictors.

 

Venomous snakes use venom to paralyze their prey, so they can eat it. Since these Snakes inject venom into their victim, they are properly referred to as “venomous”. (“Poisonous” means harmful by ingesting.) Venomous snakes are the Rear-fanged Snakes (such as Boomslang) of the Colubrid Family, and the families that consist only of venomous snakes – the Elapids (Cobras) and Vipers (Rattlesnakes).

 

The non-venomous snakes either kill their prey by swallowing or by constriction. Snakes such as Boas still have rudimentary hind limbs on their bodies. Some of the largest snakes in the world are the constrictors. In fact, Anacondas who live in the waters of the Amazon are usually considered the source for many monster Snake stories.

 

Modern people often think of snakes as animals to kill on sight. However, the ancient Greeks and Romans thought of snakes as being beneficent. They valued snakes for their healing powers, and for protecting their families from harm. In Greece, Asclepius, the Healer wields the Rod of Asclepius – a snake intertwined with a rod. Meanwhile, Hermes has his Caduceus – a staff with a set of wings and two intertwined snakes. Snakes were also divine messengers of prophecy.

 

In response to a plague, Asclepius went to Rome in snake form. As a Snake, He set up a healing temple on an island in the Tiber River. Meanwhile, the Roman Goddess, Bona Dea directed her snakes to indicate herbs for healing.

 

For the Celts, the Adder is connected to healing pools and springs. This Snake is associated with the Mother Goddess Danu of Rivers and Lakes. In Australia, the Rainbow Serpent is the creator of life. The Serpent provides water for a dry continent.

 

The Celtic Snake Goddess, Corra is associated with rebirth, healing and wisdom. She calls forth Her Serpents of Life, Death, and Rebirth to intertwine her magic with the Earth. She is most noted for her final battle with St. Patrick, who driving snakes out of Ireland. Although he was victorious, Corra can still be found at Lough Derg.

 

Snakes are transformative from life to death to rebirth. The Cosmos and the Earth were made with the body of Tiamat of Mesopotamia. The Caduceus and Rod of Asclepius hold the power of the elements to heal and restore. Lord Shiva transforms into the King Cobra to destroy what exists to have the next transformation occur.

 

Further Reading:

Dawn Baumann Brunke, “Awakening the Ancient Powers of the Snake”

Scott Irvine, “The Magic Of Serpents”