Serpent Lore and Symbols of Deity

No creature has ever experienced such extreme changes in fortune as the serpent. Though the ancient world regarded it with reverence and affection, it later became an object of loathing and hatred. This disdain reached its peak in the biblical curse: "Cursed are you above all livestock and every beast of the field."

Hurled from the highest peak of honor and worship into the lowest depths of disgrace, the serpent’s current lowly state stands in stark contrast to its days of glory. In those times, it was seen as a symbol of victory, power, and the spirit of happiness. It represented safety, defense, greatness, loyalty, philanthropy, harmony, vigilance, and purity.

The intense feelings the serpent inspires are undoubtedly due to qualities that seem to set it apart from the rest of creation. Its ability to move rapidly without limbs, its amazing vitality, its habit of shedding its skin (which appeared to be a way of renewing its youth), and above all, its power to cause death with a single touch, made the world wonder if it was a supernatural being.

While these attributes naturally inspired awe, the ancients felt more affection and admiration for the snake than fear. Among the Greeks, snakes were domesticated and kept as household pets, much like dogs. Roman ladies wore serpents around their necks or held them in their bosoms. In Poland, they were playmates for children and even shared their bowls of milk. If a child fell ill in the nursery, people often suspected the household serpents had been neglected.

Many strange stories are told about how snakes behaved when they were familiar with humans. It was believed they were especially attracted to virgins. The priestess at Delphi, known as the Pythoness The Pythia was the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, was chosen from those who shared this connection. Plutarch A Greek-Roman historian and philosopher tells a story about an Aetolian girl who was loved by a serpent; it would come to her at night to gently embrace and fondle her. When the girl's relatives discovered this relationship, they moved her far away. After wandering sadly for several days, the serpent-lover found her hiding place. He showed his resentment by pinning her arms to her sides with his coils and striking her with his tail.