Snake, Snake, Queen of Snake

Nicolas Cage as Sailor rockin' the snake-skin in Wild at Heart

QUOTE: Idiot Punk : You look like a clown in that stupid jacket. Sailor (Nicolas Cage): This is a snakeskin jacket! And for me it's a symbol of my individuality, and my belief... in personal freedom. 

Snakes have slithered in and out of my life constantly over the years, rising up and nudging me, reminding me of their slinky presence.  Whether I'm talking about stumbling upon real, actual, cold blooded wriggly things, wearing funky 'snake-print' clothing or of sliding around in snake print boots (only fake snake though), acquiring sparkly snaky jewellery, singing along to songs about snakes or just playing a good old fashioned game of 'Snakes and Ladders'. The snake is my goddess. I've been captured in the cult of the snake in a similar way to how the Minoan snake goddesses must have been in ancient Cretan civilisation.

I've chanted the rhyme, 'ten foot two, eyes of blue, hissing sid loves toady stew' (although I have no idea why or where I got that from) and even thought I was cool getting trashed drinking 1970s 'Snakebite' in Romford as a teenager........Oh and who hasn't impressed someone with the Nipper Jenkins legendary limerick about 'my friend Billy with the ten foot you know what, who showed it to the lady next door, who thought it was a snake and cut it with a rake blah blah'.....you know the one. Poor Billy. Must have been very traumatic for him at the time. I've whiled away hours, buried in books, devouring myths and legends about snakes and serpents......hmmm, come to think of it, not enough hours as I sssssstill don't know what the difference is between a snake and a serpent?  Bear with me.

I've meditated by balancing crystals shaped like snakes on my forehead, I've had real live snakes wrapped around me on stage at a hotel in Tenerife (any excuse to show-off to an audience).  I even own a book called Snake Charm. Guess what its about?  There's no sliding away from it, these mystical creatures have glided in and out leaving a trail of awe and wonder in my world.  I have worshipped at the altar of the snake. I've bought cobra brass candlesticks from India, acquired a cobra brass cake stand, brought a Minoan snake goddess statue back from Crete and have done paintings of snakes, I've got a 'caduceus' with intwined snakes tattooed on my arm and a snake tattoo on my lower back. In the words of Bow Wow Wow, I've gone wild, gone wild, gone wild in the forest, where snakes in the grass are absolutely free. (I know, she sings 'country' but my story involves a forest.....
stay with me).

My 'caduceus' tattoo with intertwined snakes

While staying at Sadhana Forest in South India with my husband, we were walking one day when a snake around 8 feet long slithered past my leg. Instead of being terrified, I remember just going 'oh wow, that was amaaaaazzzzing'. I had absolutely no fear. This was after I'd spent the first two nights since we arrived, crying my eyes out and wanting to go home as our bedroom was a wooden hut on stilts, with no front or no back walls, no door, just a roof, side walls and floor made from local, natural materials. We were sleeping on a mat on the rickety floor and all night I could hear and feel a forest full of exotic insects and creatures scratching around and crawling on us, including rats and squirrels that came in to visit. I got rashes, bites and upset stomach but I absolutely loved the snakes - being drawn towards them rather than trying to avoid them. There is snake symbolism all over India, including temples that are totally devoted to snake (Naga) worship.  It is quite entrancing when you see a snake charmer (Fakir) in the market place working his magic. Although apparently snakes can't hear but they are stimulated by the movements of the Fakir rather than his music....and so they dance.

'Fakir' Indian Snake Charmer. Photo: Mandie Stone

Photo: Mandie Stone

Snake Temple altars in 
Karnataka, India

Photo: Mandie Stone

Lord Shiva is often depicted with a snake wrapped around him as ornament.There are various reasons in mythology why this might be and as well as snake representing the cycle of life, death and re-birth it is also said to symbolise past, present and future, when it is wrapped around Shiva's neck three times. This is to show that he is the one who is known as Mahakaal, the one who is above and beyond time and controls it. In the photo of me further down this blog, with 3 snakes wrapped around me, I hope I got my past, present and future covered by snake empowerment and that Lord Shiva would be impressed!

In Native American Shamanic beliefs, snake also symbolises transformation, re-birth and renewal. The snake is able to live through a traumatic life and death experience as it regularly sheds old skin for beautiful new skin to appear underneath. This could be a metaphor for life. As we go through life we are constantly going through processes of transformation, shedding anything that no longer has a use. We are reminded of this in the writings of Kenneth Meadows, who in his book The Shamanic Experience indicates that when the snake comes into our life it is encouraging us to let go of what has served its purpose in favour of something of greater value to what we want to achieve.

When I worked in Fashion PR, on behalf of the band Underworld, in 1998 my mum and I used gummy sweet snakes to customise a pair of Dr Marten's boots for the World Aids Day project. At the kitchen table, we played around with glue and an action man, long gummy snakes from Woolworths pick and mix, train tickets, photos and other bits and bobs, and wrote little messages about standing firm against HIV/Aids.  We stuck all these things on the 'Docs' and presented them to  Noreen Powell and the team at Dr Marten's HQ in Covent Garden.  We must have done an alright job because the boots ended up in the Conran Design Museum on the Thames, displayed in the same cabinet as Elton John's customised DMs! How mad is that! I took my son to see the exhibition and even bought him a souvenir pencil and rubber in the gift shop. I wouldn't mind but Underworld hadn't released their epic song King of Snake at the time. What were we thinking?
The power of gummy snakes, eh?

Anyway, the earth is connected by invisible Ley-Lines: underground, electrical currents, coiling snake-like through Mother Earths chakras, intersecting at certain points, and radiating through sacred sites including Glastonbury, Egypt, Macchu Picchu in Peru, Ayres Rock in Australia, Mount Shasta in California and Mount Kailash in Tibet.  These forces of energy are sometimes referred to as Serpents of Light or the Rainbow Serpent. Just like the chakras of the body those whirling vortexes of energy are visible only to the Third Eye and relate to the seven main chakra points on the body from the root (base) chakra through to the crown and beyond. They create harmony and unity - a reminder of our need to keep everything in balance and unity. Pilgrims visit these sacred locations, including the sites where the Ley Lines intersect. They offer up gifts to the land, chant, pray and feel whatever spiritual experience is there waiting for them on their path to enlightenment. 

Tor Webster, a friend of ours who lives in Glastonbury has taken the earth chakra pilgrimage across the world and made a fascinating DVD documentary of his five year journey of discovery called 'The Rainbow Serpent Project'. The rainbow serpent is sacred to the Aborigines in Australia.  In the film, Tor creates ceremonies and talks with elders about the energies found at the various locations.  Travelling through the earth chakra locations as a spiritual experience can possibly be compared to Kundalini serpent energy rising through the body. Starting from where it sleeps coiled in the base chakra, where we are grounded, the circular power is aroused, slowly uncoiling, balancing, harmonising and healing until the thousand petal lotus opens with a rush at the crown chakra and we see the light!  Being transformed along the way. This works! It must do. It just needs focus, commitment and some cool meditation. Hippie's and yogi's are always talking about Kundalini magic. In the words of Mr Fingers. "Can You Feel It"?

When I had my 'caduceus' tattoo done with the 2 snakes rising through the seven main chakras, with their Sanskrit symbols along the winged staff (the staff, for me represents the spine and the wings, for me, are the protection of angels); it was as a reminder that whatever happens in life, we always have the ability to go through transformative processes in the hope that eventually, if we are disciplined enough through meditation, yoga and other spiritual practices, our Kundalini (Shakti) energy will rise from the base of our body through to the crown and we will receive enlightenment and be more awakened. This is my hope for all of humanity, that we can eventually be more equal, balanced and harmonious.

My tattoo (pictured further up this blog, on the right) assists me to take control of my own health and well-being, harmonising polar opposites, the male and female energy (the black/white, yin/yang), symbolising the need to meditate on and keep the chakras in equilibrium.  I heal myself by meditating on the body chakras while visualising the corresponding colours in my Third Eye - these energy points need constant nurturing to work well together and keep everything hunky dory .

Snake Charmer Josie Russell.
Photo: Daily Express

Power of 3. Past, Present & Future

One of my other favourite woo woo things to do is to use crystals representing the chakra colours of the body eg. Red Jasper for grounding relates to the root (base) chakra (Muladhara) symbolised as red. I wear a turquoise piece of Larimar at my Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) to connect me to the goddess in all her forms, to purify my words and to help me to speak my truth by saying what I think I should say rather than what I think people would like to hear. I would hate to be accused of being 'she who speaks with forked tongue' (poisoned tongue?). Snake encourages me to be the highest possible version of myself that I can be, by speaking truthfully, with integrity and authenticity. Although I don't always get it right. It's a work in progress.

As snakes in mythology have been known to transform and empower women, it is incredible to see the power of snake being used with positive results as part of a healing process.  One of my heroine's is Josie Russell, pictured above right at the age of 13, handling a snake when she went on a trip to South Africa with her dad Dr Shaun Russell, to visit her birth place.  The vacation was part of animal lover Josie's healing journey.  The smile on her face in the photo tells us that she has no fear of the fascinating creature in her arms.  She was experiencing snake magic!  Josie has gone from strength to strength, is creative and has built a successful career as a textile artist and entrepreneur.  I really admire her strength of character and resilience, since she was only 9 years old when she witnessed her mother and sister being murdered in an attack which also left Josie herself with life threatening injuries.  Now in her 30s, she is an incredible role-model for young women everywhere.

Victorian Circus Snake Lady

Throughout history, snakes have been associated with the feminine and female power, fertility and sexuality. In the beginning was Eve, or was she the first woman? After being shaped from one of Adam's ribs she was tempted by the serpent in the Garden of Eden, to eat the forbidden apple. The bible story leads us to believe that Eve and the serpent were then responsible for all the evils of the world. In art, the serpent is sometimes represented with the head of a woman, as in the painting below right by Masolino. This has led some to believe that the serpent in Eden might actually have been Lilith, the first wife of Adam who according to some mythology was created from the same earth, by God at the same time as Adam, and was therefore considered as Adam's equal. Maybe the story of Lilith as the serpent who tempts Eve is an example of how women sabotage each other. 

Adam & Eve. The Fall. c1425. Masolino

This is another lesson I have learned from snake medicine. There can sometimes be found metaphorical snakes with women's heads in the workplace who seem hell-bent on sabotaging each other in their careers.  I found an interesting Seattle Times feature (link below) about this tendency for women in the workplace to try to trip each other up or put each other down rather than encouraging and supporting each other to succeed.  The article says that workplaces today create a culture where there’s only room for one or two women at the top. This often means that women, to get higher, stoop lower by elbowing other women out of the way to secure those coveted spots. Within the majority of corporations, women are represented in leadership positions in very small numbers. It suggests the idea that to advance in their career, women are better off being ruthless and trying to undermine each other, as more than a few women can’t be leaders. In my opinion this doesn't need to be the case.

Trust me when I say, I have witnessed this several times in different work environments over the years - and this is not the kind of snake lady I would ever like to appear as. In a kinder working world, women would, I hope support other women and pull them up to the top with them - just like the 2 snakes on my tattoo - intertwined and heading upwards in the same direction to achieve great things together and in harmony. Yinning it and Yanging it!

Oh, by the way, having just read a bit more of The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry, I think I've realised the difference between a snake and a serpent. A snake is a snake. A serpent is also a snake.  Sometimes a serpent might have wings, or be portrayed as some kind of mythological monster.  A snake isn't always venomous but a serpent is most likely to be the one with the poison tongue. I think that just about clears that up then.........?

Snakeskin Agate, Red Jasper, Obsidian,
Malachite, Rainforest Jasper and Aventurine

On the left is part of my collection of snake objects. Not just dust collectors but powerful meditation tools.  For example, Snakeskin Agate according to crystal expert Judy Hall, roots the soul into the body and the earth and when placed on the lower chakras can activate the rise of Kundalini energy and therefore facilitate healing and regeneration. It can help make you feel invisible, lending you the cunning of a serpent when handing devious people or difficult situations. It is a cheerful stone which can help to lift you from worry and depression connecting you to the joys of living.


Hindu god Vishnu is often depicted being protected by seven cobra and the Buddha is seen in a meditation pose sheltered by a hood of seven snakes.  Jesus at the crucifixion is featured in paintings with a snake coiled at the bottom of the cross, perhaps as an allegory to represent salvation for anyone who has been bitten by the deadly venom of sin in this wild wild world.

So we realise that snakes are revered, but they are also feared, almost universally.  They are creators and destroyers. Bringers of good but also destroyers and evil.  They are admired for their beauty and we are in awe of their mystery.  Perhaps we should all familiarise ourselves with the most dangerous snakes in the world and what their antidotes are. Just in case!

It isn't surprising that there is so much to be afraid of with snakes, after all, they lay low, then they pounce and strangle, poison or swallow people whole, when they are least expecting it!  Wow!

To call somebody a 'snake' is slang for somebody who can't necessarily be trusted.  When it comes to friendships and working relationships, sadly there are some slippery snakes to circumnavigate.  The ones that are all nice to your face, who you think have your back, then they suddenly rise up and bite you on the bum.  Probably best not to tell them all your sssssecrets.........and always have your forked ssssssstick handy, just in case! All is not lost though. As snake reminds us of re-birth, rejuvenation and transformation, even this kind of friendship/working relationship can be healed once you are ready to forgive and allow that person back into your life with their fresh new outlook. Like the snake shedding it's skin and growing beautiful new skin underneath, your friend too can change.  There's a link at the end of this blog to www.womenworking.com with an article offering sound advice for you if you find yourself with such an unfriendly friend of a snake. 

  His life is a well known trademark

And it brands itself in your skull

Smooth as silk is the shake of his hand

As he spits another deal of poison

Turn around and you know it’s too late

When you hear the sound of hissing

The grass is too high, watch him slide home

An expert in striking and slither

(Lyrics: King Snake Roost)

Our cousin  in Oz, drummer Bill Bostle with cat in lap.

Queen Alexandra. c1901. Isaac Snowman.

It's worth remembering that not all of those sly, slinky, snaky reptiles are full of venom though - they have left their stunning patterns, sinuous lines and fabulous marks on items of beauty in the fashion and jewellery industries.  

I can't help but fall all over myself every time I watch Wild at Heart and see Nicolas Cage rocking a seriously stylish look in his snake-skin jacket. There's something so edgy, smooth and musty old vintage clothes shop about a man cutting it in snakeskin.....Only fake snake of course....wearing real python has been banned in California since the 1970s and rightly so.

Top jewellers including Cartier and Lalique have always featured stunning snakes in their collections. Snakes have been the favourite bling of royalty for ever and have adorned queens including Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. Queen Alexandra (pictured above) was very rarely seen in public without her favourite snake bangle slithering down her arm. 

In Ancient Egypt, Queen Cleopatra supposedly committed suicide by encouraging an asp (Egyptian cobra) to bite her but Egyptologists believe the more likely story is that Cleopatra loved snakes so much that she chose to sleep with them in her bed. There are some that believe she was more likely murdered by Octavian. Queen Cleopatra's obsession with snakes could have come about because she worshipped the goddess Isis and Isis often takes the form of a cobra and has been known as Lady of the Holy Cobra.

       Ancient Egyption Goddess Isis

Patsy Stone & Eddie Monsoon shopping in New York

      Image from the 2nd Century AD

Idolised by Queen Cleopatra

If proof was ever needed that wild snakeskin fashion isn't for the faint hearted but to be embraced by the wild at heart, here Patsy Stone from Absolutely Fabulous wears PVC python with attitude.  It's perfectly appropriate for sloping on Concorde for a quick, slick shopping trip to Manhattan- not for hiding in the grass or slithering around in a water-butt that's for sure! Patsy Stone slips in everywhere, she's got a biting tongue and there's definitely venom in her outspoken words (remember how she talks to poor Saffy!). 

Wild, wonderful and outrageous, like lightening with her put-downs and with her devouring nature, Pats undeniably deserves to be crowned the real 

Snake, Snake, Queen of Snake...............xx

ps. No snakes were harmed in the writing of this blog. When I refer to snakeskin, I am talking 'FAKE SNAKE' always.

Links

The Rainbow Serpent. Tor Webster.
Do Women Try to Sabotage Each Other In The Workplace?
Underworld performing King of Snake. Karl Hyde, Rick Smith & Darren Emerson.
King Snake Roost performing King Snake Roost
5 Ways to Sort Out the Snakes.
Can You Feel It. Mr Fingers. 1986. Original Version.
Can You Feel It. Mr Fingers. Vocal. 1988.
Trust in Me. Jungle Book.
Bow Wow Wow. Wild In The Country.
Pushing Python Products? Beware of UK Import Rules for Animal Furs and Skins.

References/Bibliography:

https://foreverconscious.com/chakras-earth-ley-lines
Photo: Josie Russell handling a snake - from the Daily Express 23.10.2000.
The Crystal Bible 2. Judy Hall. 
Snake Charm. Marilyn Nissenson & Susan Jonas.