SEA SNAKE FAMILES: Death

The two families of Sea Snakes live in the warm seas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  Built for marine life, Sea Snakes have rounded bodies and flat tails.  Furthermore as They swim, small flaps cover their noses to keep the sea water out.

            The two families of Sea Snakes differ in their need for land.  The Hydrophiinae like the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake spend their entire lives at sea.  They have glands under their tongues to discharge salt.  Also, the powerful lung of these Snakes allows Them to dive deeply, and stay underwater for a long time.  Great numbers of these Sea Snakes can be found floating out in the open ocean in a giant raft (“slick”).

            Meanwhile, the Laticaudinae such as Sea Kraits lay their eggs in tidal caves near the shore.  Also, They prefer basking on rocks and drinking fresh water.  Living in the shallow waters of coral reefs, Sea Kraits have fringes on their flat tails to attract Fish.  In addition, They have scales on their bodies for crawling on land.

            What Sea Snakes are notorious for is their venom.  Hunting in the crevices of coral reefs, Sea Kraits strike at a tasty Eel.  The Snake’s venom kills instantly, thus preventing the victim from escaping.  However, the venom of Sea Snakes is so lethal that one drop can kill up to ten people.  For that reason, Scuba divers are usually cautious around these Snakes.  Meanwhile, local coastal people are wary of stepping on Sea Kraits resting in the shallows.

            Understanding death is what Sea Snakes teach.  Curious or shy or aggressive, these Snakes are deliverers of death.  (Death from Them is sudden and quick.)  Sea Snakes guide us to respect, acknowledge, and accept death.  Through Sea Snakes, we begin to know death.  We may feel terror, awe, or respect, but we do not turn away.  Using caution, we do not tempt fate but remain prudent.  Sea Snakes help us with acknowledging death.

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SHIELD-TAILED SNAKES: Determination

Copyright: Saleem Hameed

Found only in Southern India and Sri Lanka, Shield-tailed Snakes (Uropeltidae) are proof to some that these two regions were once joined together.  Relatively primitive, these Snakes are built for life underground.  Possessing pointed heads and heavy skulls, They ram their heads through the earth.  Their bodies bounce off the walls of their burrow, thereby enlarging their homes.  Adding to their ability to dig are their special muscles. Unlike other Snakes, the muscles of Shield-tailed Snakes can sustain the long term stress of digging.

            Their distinctive tails give the Shield-tailed Snakes their name.  A large scale at the end of their tail resembles a shield.  When a Shield-tailed Snake is threatened, She buries her head into the coils of her body.  Then She raises her tail to deflect an attack.

            By ramming their heavy skulls through the earth, Shield-tailed Snakes build their homes.  In conducting their lives, determination is what They best exemplify.  To make their homes wider, Shield-tail Snakes jerk their bodies about, bashing against the walls.  Harness the energy of these Snakes to finish what you started.  Learn determination from Shield-tail Snakes.

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AESCULAPIAN SNAKE: Healing

Found throughout Europe, Aesculapian Snake (Zamenis longissimus) was believed to be introduced in various areas by the Romans.  After transporting this Snake in earthenware containers, the Romans released Him around their baths and temples.  For them, Aesculapian Snake was a representative of their God of Healing – Aesculapius.

            As a Rat Snake, Aesculapian Snake hunts these Rodents in old walls.  This handsome elegant Snake is also a tree climber, moving straight up heavily barked trees.  When confronted, this constrictor makes chewing movements with his jaws.  Later Aesculapian Snake will issue a foul smell to drive the intruder away.

            How the Romans associated this Snake with Aesculapius is explained one of their myths.  During a plague, they went to Greece to ask for his aid.  Then the God came aboard their boat as a Snake.  When the Romans entered the Tiber River, the Snake left the boat and stayed on an island.  There, the Romans built a temple to Aesculapius to thank Him for His help.  Afterward for the Romans, Aesculapian Snake became synonymous with healing.

            A Snake entwined around a rod has become the symbol for Aesculapius.  Called by various names – Staff of Aesculapius, Rod of Aesculapius, Asklepian – this symbol now represents the medical profession.  Many medical personnel such as first responders have it as part of their insignia.

            Aesculapian Snake represents healing. Romans regarded this Snake favorably since He pointed out various herbs for cures.  He also carried their messages to their Gods as well.  Overcome your fear of Snakes and see Aesculapian Snake as a force for good.  Let Him guide you to healing.