Snakes are close to the ground and shed their skin, making them symbols of life and death. Source: Mike_68/Pixabay In myth, snakes, or serpents, are often connected to seers and oracles.

The medical symbol of serpents wrapped around a staff is a familiar one in the field, decorating pharmaceutical packaging and hospitals alike. Snake bites are generally bad news so the animal ...

In Indian folklore, snakes are both feared and respected, serving as protectors of treasures, nature’s guardians, and symbols of renewal and immortality, as they shed their skin, signifying rebirth.

If the snake association feels uncomfortable, maybe it’s because we’ve become a little too comfortable with looking at the crucifix. Second, the snake recalls the story of how sin and death ...