One of the initial obstacles some eager adherents to Sex Magick encounter is the foreboding affective and cognitive response to the Kundalini fire serpent as a result of negatively embedded psychological imagery of the snake.  As previously mentioned in a past lesson, snake imagery and its intrinsic characteristics have been historically both positive and negative.  It is important to understand that throughout history sociocultural, mythological and religious contexts have often informed the symbolic meanings attached to the snake.  These symbolic representations become psychologically embedded imagery that correlates with a negative or positive emotional response.  Generally speaking, very few people have an indifferent attitude towards snakes!

Probably one the most influential of all source materials to negatively stereotype the image of the snake is the Bible.  The negative correlation of the snake in the Garden of Eden who tempted Eve has influenced countless millions throughout the ages to perceive snakes as evil.  But wait a minute!  The Bible does have a very positive outlook on snake imagery that is even emphasized by Jesus Christ himself.   God told Moses to erect a fiery serpent on a pole and everyone who looked upon it that needed healing was healed (Numbers 21:9).  In essence, looking upon the fiery serpent with faith activated healing energy that coursed through the bodies of the afflicted and removed their disease.  As one who taught and demonstrated the principles and impartation of healing energy, Jesus Christ later applied the imagery of the snake to himself (John 3:14).  Jesus essentially reestablished the symbolic representation of the snake as a positive healing image.

Not only does the Bible affirm the positive healing imagery of the snake, but “fiery serpents” are depicted in a transcendental vision as having wings and acting as instruments of cleansing and inner healing (Isaiah 6:2-6).

Snake imagery has not only been a prominent and positive symbol in ancient Near Eastern cultures but in many cultures throughout history.  The snake has often been depicted along with its relatives, the serpent and the dragon as a guardian. It is found in myth and lore guarding treasures, the springs of life or sacred places.

Native American Indians viewed the snake as a fertility symbol.  They would perform an annual snake dance to celebrate the union of Snake Youth (a Sky spirit) and Snake Girl (an Underworld spirit) and to impart the fertility of nature.

In the Meso-American societies, the serpent or snake was depicted as feathered and flying, a symbol of intelligence and the wind.  Quetzalcoatl, the embodiment of the dying god who would someday return. In many ways he was the patron of the Toltecs, and it was said that the heavens and stars and all the motions of the universe were under his dominion.

In Greece the snake was also a symbol of alchemy and healing. The god Hermes carried a staff upon which were entwined two snakes. This caduceus symbol is the primary symbol of western medicine and doctors. It is the symbol of wisdom expressed through healing.  The symbol of the Ouroboros which the ancient Greek symbol of a serpent swallowing its own tail represents the cycles of life and death in nature in an eternal circle.

In India the Goddess Vinita was the mother of snakes and a symbol of water and the underworld. Also in India were the demigods, Naga and their beautiful wives Naginis, who were usually depicted as half cobra and half deity. The god Vishnu is often depicted sleeping on the serpent of eternity call Ananta. Shiva wears snakes for bracelets and necklaces, representing sexuality.

In Chinese astrology, one of the twelve years is named for the snake. Those born within that year are believed to have the qualities of compassion, clairvoyance and charm.  A woman headed snake Nüwa is believed to have created the first human being from clay (sound familiar?).

In Egypt the snake has also has mystical significance. The Uraeus is a head band in the shape of the snake. The head of the snake rests and sticks out at the brow area. It was believed to represent a state of inner sight and control of the universe. It was a symbol worn by those who were initiated. Some believe it to be variations of the eye of Horus, while others see it as the sacred eye of Ra. It represents a certain degree of wisdom and understanding.  Jesus Christ may have used this symbolic meaning when he told his followers to be wise as snakes (Matthew 10:16).

Because it sheds its skin, the snake has long been a symbol of death and rebirth. Before the snake begins to shed its skin, its eyes will begin to cloud over. It gives the snake a trancelike appearance. To many mystics and shamans this indicated the ability of the snake to move between the realms of the living and the dead, of crossing over from life to death and then back to life again.

The serpent has long been a symbol of sexual/creative life force within humans as is taught in Sex Magick. As we have mentioned previously, the kundalini or serpent fire lies coiled at the base of the spine.  As we learn to release the serpent’s fire energy, new dimensions of spiritual consciousness, psychological and sexual health and creativity are experienced.

Stay tuned for more as we progress on our journey…