The information about snakes that we see on television, read in literature, or from urban legends is usually far less than flattering to the creatures. We see shows devoted to 'The World's Most Deadliest' or films such as 'Snakes on a Plane'. We read about the snake tempting Eve in the Garden. We hear the myth about the snake that strikes a woman carrying snake-laden produce under her arm. Even in the Harry Potter series speaking 'parcel tongue'--the snake language--is something that is initially, at least, considered a bad sign.

But if a snake slithers into your dream does it really point to something bad?

Below are some classic interpretations of snakes in dreams. Look at them and compare them to your own personal association with snakes.

Snakes as Fear Symbols

Given that most people do not have firsthand snake experience snakes appearing in dreams can often symbolize a fear of the unknown. They can point to a deep seated anxiety that something isn't right or a nagging feeling that something is waiting for them, something bad, like a snake in the grass. Is there something going on in your life that you are afraid of doing simply because you've never done it before?

Snakes as Symbols of Wisdom

While the unknown factor of snakes can engender fear, it may also give rise to feelings of intrigue. Some people and cultures see snakes as exotic and possessing hidden wisdom. This is partly due to their mysterious nature and partly due to one of a snake's more prominent features: it's tongue. In Chinese astrology people born under the sign of the snake are considered extremely wise, sensual, and diplomatic--they have an ease of tongue which makes them able to navigate sticky situations. If a snake appears in your dream it may actually be there using its tongue to impart wisdom that may be life altering--which brings us to...

Snakes as Symbols of Transformation

The ouroboros is one of the more famous snake-transformation symbols. In it, a snake can be seen biting it's own tail, revealing to us the cyclical nature of life. See the link below for more information on this fascinating symbol.

Snakes shed their skin which is a classic symbol for ridding oneself of what one no longer needs in favor of accepting that which is new. The process of shedding its skin is not simple for a snake, nor is it so in our waking lives. In nature, snakes become cranky, irritable, and are more likely to bite while shedding their skins. We often react in the same manner when releasing old, worn out lives and situations. We have grown comfortable with our 'skin' even if that skin has become a source of irritation. A snake appearing in your dream may very well be telling you that despite the temporary discomfort you must go through, it may be time to release old relationships, careers, or habits in order to renew and reclaim your life.

Snake Bites

When one is bitten by a snake in a dream, this often actually points to overcoming a situation that appeared dire. The a snake bit dream may point to learning to overcome a situation and regain your power in life. Snake bites can be viewed as in injection of wisdom, rather than life threatening venom.

Snakes as Sexual Symbols

So when is a snake no longer just a snake? Usually when a snake is behaving in a manner inconsistent with snakes! Snakes don't typically snuggle up to us in bed, nor do we find snakes trying to enter our bodies or other such activities. If your dream snake is engaging in these sort of behaviours, more than likely the snake is actually representative of the opposite sex. In this case your feelings about snakes is of tantamount importance. If you are repulsed by them, this could point to sexual dissatisfaction. If you find snakes tantalizing, these dreams could actually be taking on a 'wish fulfillment' role.

Few creatures evoke such strong reactions from people as snakes. People love them, hate them, or are downright phobic of them. Given the intense response snakes provoke, when one finds its way into your dream it is a good sign that the snake has something important to say about your life.

Until next time, sleep well and dream out loud!

*~Aisling Ireland~* is an ordained Spiritual Counselor providing dream interpretation and Tarot readings. To make an appointment check out her website at: web.mac.com/aisling.ireland

Two of my favorite reference books are the two below by Barbara Walker. Both have interesting information about god/desses, mythology, and symbols. I use both frequently to help interpret symbols in my own dreams!