As we step into the Year of the Snake, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year on January 29, 2025, we are presented with an opportunity to harness the ancient wisdom and transformative power of this revered symbol. In both shamanic traditions and Chinese culture, the snake represents profound themes of renewal, healing, and spiritual awakening. Just as the snake sheds its skin, we too can embrace the energy of this New Year to shed old habits and invite transformation into our lives. This is a time to connect deeply with the earth, activate our inner wisdom, and allow the flow of energy to guide us towards greater personal and spiritual growth.
The snake teaches us to welcome change, embrace the cycles of life, and open ourselves to healing and rebirth.
How can we tap into this powerful energy to nourish ourselves this year?
By aligning with the snake’s teachings, we can cultivate deeper self-awareness, restore balance, and create space for new possibilities to unfold.
Embrace Transformation and Healing in the Year of the Snake
Let’s explore how this ancient energy can guide us toward personal growth, healing, and renewal in 2025:
1- Transformation and Rebirth
The snake’s ability to shed its skin is a powerful symbol of renewal and transformation. In shamanic practices, the snake represents the shedding of old habits, beliefs, and energies to allow for new growth. It is often seen as a symbol of spiritual rebirth, helping individuals move through personal cycles of change and emerge renewed.
2- Healing Energy
In many indigenous and shamanic traditions, the snake is viewed as a healer, associated with the energy of the earth and the power of the life force (often referred to as kundalini energy in certain spiritual practices). The snake is believed to possess the wisdom and knowledge to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit.
3- Connection to the Earth and the Underworld
The snake is often seen as a creature that moves between the physical and spiritual realms, symbolizing a connection to the earth and the underworld. It is said to be a guide for those who are on a spiritual journey, helping to navigate both the light and dark aspects of existence.
4- Wisdom and Knowledge
In shamanic symbolism, the snake is also linked to deep knowledge and wisdom. It represents the ability to perceive hidden truths, unravel mysteries, and access ancient spiritual teachings. Snakes are often depicted as guardians of sacred knowledge, holding the keys to secrets of life and death.
5- Shamanic Journey and Protection
Shamans may use the image of a snake to protect them on their journeys into other realms. The snake’s powerful and protective energy can guide them through altered states of consciousness and shield them from negative influences during their spiritual work.
6- Energy Flow and Kundalini Awakening
The snake is often associated with the awakening of kundalini energy, which is thought to reside at the base of the spine in many spiritual traditions. This energy, when awakened, rises up through the chakras, leading to spiritual enlightenment. In this sense, the snake embodies the power of life force energy that flows within all beings..
New Moon Ritual for Transformation and Healing
As we align ourselves with the transformative energy of the snake and the New Moon in Aquarius, this is the perfect time to set intentions for deep healing, personal growth, and spiritual renewal. The New Moon offers a powerful opportunity to start fresh, plant seeds for the future, and shed old energies that no longer serve us.
Here’s a simple ritual to connect with the snake’s energy and embrace the power of the New Moon:
1- Create Sacred Space: Find a quiet space where you can feel comfortable and undisturbed. Light a candle to symbolize the illumination of your inner wisdom, and perhaps some incense to purify the area.
2- Set Your Intentions: Reflect on what you wish to release and what new energies you want to invite into your life. Write down any old habits, thoughts, or fears you are ready to shed. The snake’s symbolism reminds us to let go and make room for growth.
2- Connect with the Snake’s Energy: Sit in a comfortable position and visualize a snake, gracefully shedding its skin, moving through the earth, and embodying transformation. Imagine yourself shedding any limiting beliefs, fears, or past traumas, allowing space for a more empowered version of yourself.
4- Ground Yourself: Place your hands on the earth or a grounding object and take several deep breaths. As you inhale, imagine drawing in energy from the earth, and as you exhale, release any stagnation or negativity. Feel your energy aligned with the Earth’s cycles.
5- Affirmations for Growth: Repeat a few affirmations that resonate with the energy of the snake and New Moon, such as:
- “I am open to transformation and healing.”
- “I release what no longer serves me to make space for new growth.”
- “I embrace the wisdom and energy of change.”
6- Finish with Gratitude: As you close the ritual, take a moment to thank yourself for the commitment to transformation. Express gratitude for the guidance of the snake and the nurturing energy of the New Moon.
“The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die.
As well the minds which are prevented from changing their opinions;
they cease to be mind.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
if the snake could whisper
“Let go of what holds you back, shed the old layers, and trust in your inner wisdom. Embrace the power of change, for in transformation lies your true strength. Quiet your mind, listen to the rhythms of your body, and allow your spirit to flow freely. The path ahead may seem uncertain, but remember—growth always follows change.”
*The neckla
A Personal Creation: The Snake Necklace
Inspired by the ouroboros, I began designing this diamond necklace on a blank piece of paper during my GIA studies. As I played with the design, it wasn’t until much later—by turning the necklace in my hands—that I saw the Pi and the Yin and Yang symbols emerge in its shape. This unexpected discovery deepened the meaning of the piece, making it even more special.
The necklace, representing transformation, unity, and balance, was crafted with the elegance of diamonds, encapsulating timeless wisdom in its design. Special thanks to Dimitri Tolstoi for capturing its beauty through his photography.
If you’re interested in having your own, I have the mold, and you can choose your own stones to make it truly unique to you.
