TL;DR
Snakes play a vital role in Taoist mythology, philosophy, sorcery, and rituals, embodying transformation, wisdom, and harmony with the natural order. Through myths like Fuxi and Nuwa, the Snake at the Dragon Gate, and the teachings of snake spirits, Taoism uses snakes as symbols of renewal and perseverance. In Taoist sorcery, snakes represent primal energy, protection, and adaptability, appearing in talismans, rituals, and healing practices. Taoist reverence for snakes emphasizes coexistence and respect, viewing them as sacred guides to the flow of the Tao.
Introduction: The Enigmatic Role of Snakes in Taoism
In Taoism, snakes are far more than mere creatures; they are profound symbols of wisdom, transformation, and the mysterious forces that shape existence. Representing the dualities of life—stillness and motion, danger and beauty—they offer lessons on the balance of yin and yang and the flow of the Tao. Whether in ancient myths of divine creation, parables of resilience, or the practices of Taoist sorcery, snakes inspire contemplation and embody the principles of adaptability, patience, and renewal.
Their serpent forms, coiling between the earth and water, suggest a connection to the hidden energies of nature and the cycles of life. In Taoist philosophy, their presence serves as a guide to understanding the world’s natural rhythms, while in sorcery and rituals, they act as symbols of protection, transformation, and spiritual power. Across history, Taoists have treated snakes with a blend of reverence, curiosity, and caution, seeing in them a reflection of the Tao itself—mysterious, fluid, and ever-present.
Snakes in Taoist Mythology and Legend
Fuxi and Nuwa: Serpent-Bodied Creators of the World
In the mists of time, chaos dominated the cosmos. From this void emerged Fuxi and Nuwa, divine beings with human upper bodies and serpent-like tails. These celestial figures embodied yin and yang, the primal forces of balance, and together they crafted the world.
Nuwa, moved by the emptiness of the land, sculpted humanity from clay. Each figure she created by hand was imbued with her breath, bringing them to life. Tiring from her efforts, she dipped a rope into the mud and flung droplets across the earth. The hand-sculpted figures became nobles and sages, while the droplets became ordinary folk. Her actions symbolized the balance between effort and spontaneity.
Fuxi, her counterpart, gave humanity the tools to thrive. He introduced fishing nets, taught fire-making, and domesticated animals. To help people understand the universe’s patterns, he devised the Eight Trigrams (Bagua), a system rooted in the dynamic interplay of forces. Their serpent forms symbolized renewal, fluidity, and the interconnectedness of all things, leaving a lasting legacy of harmony and transformation.
The Snake and the Dragon Gate
Deep in a remote valley, a mighty waterfall known as the Dragon Gate challenged all who approached. It was said that any carp able to swim against its powerful currents and leap over the falls would transform into a celestial dragon.
One year, a small snake watched the carp struggle and thought, “Why not me?” Though lacking fins and scales, the snake was agile and determined. Ignoring the taunts of the fish, she began her climb, inching along the rocky ledges and enduring the pounding spray of the falls.
Her perseverance caught the attention of the Jade Emperor, who, impressed by her tenacity, blessed her with transformation. In a burst of light, the snake became a radiant dragon, soaring into the heavens. This tale, cherished in Taoist philosophy, illustrates the power of adaptability and persistence, showing that even the unlikely can achieve greatness through harmony with the Tao.
The Snake Spirit of the Sacred Grove
In a mountain village, an ancient grove was said to be guarded by a snake spirit, whose emerald scales shimmered like moonlight. The villagers feared the spirit, but a Taoist sage, drawn to nature’s wisdom, ventured into the grove with offerings of incense and fruit.
The snake spirit appeared, coiling around a cedar tree. “Why have you come, mortal?” it asked. The sage replied, “I seek wisdom from all beings, for each holds a part of the Tao.”
The spirit slithered to a tranquil pool and said, “Observe. Power lies not in chasing but in reflecting. The Tao flows like this water—those who rest and align with it will find clarity.” The sage meditated by the pool for three days, absorbing the lesson of stillness. Transformed by the experience, he inspired the villagers to honor the snake spirit, teaching them that true power comes from harmony and reflection.
The Serpent and the Elixir of Immortality
A Taoist alchemist, frustrated by his failed search for the elixir of immortality, retreated to a cave to meditate. One night, a strange light drew him to a clearing where a great white serpent coiled around an ancient tree. Its eyes gleamed with wisdom, and its movements mirrored the flow of qi.
The alchemist bowed deeply. “Great one, I seek the secret of eternal life. Will you teach me?” The serpent replied, “Immortality lies not in potions but in aligning with the Tao. Watch me, and you will learn.”
For seven days, the alchemist observed. He saw the serpent shed its skin, embodying renewal, and marvelled at its stillness, waiting patiently before striking with precision. By the eighth day, the serpent disappeared, but the alchemist was transformed. Abandoning his search for external solutions, he devoted himself to cultivating inner harmony and balance, understanding that true immortality comes from living in accordance with the Tao.
Snakes in the Taoist Daily Life
Outside of myth, and the contemplation and entertainment provided by myth, Taoists have 6 major touchstones in their interaction with snakes, both as creatures of the natural world, and symbols embodying spiritual values.
1. Reverence for Snakes as Symbols of Wisdom
- Sacred Creatures in Nature: Taoists view snakes as sacred creatures that embody key Taoist principles, such as adaptability, stillness, and transformation. Their ability to shed their skin symbolizes renewal, making them a living representation of the cyclical nature of life and the Tao.
- Spiritual Guides: In some Taoist traditions, snakes are seen as intermediaries between the earthly and spiritual realms. Observing their behavior can offer insights into the rhythms of nature and one’s own life.
2. Avoidance of Harm
- Respect for All Life: Taoist teachings emphasize harmony with nature and the interconnectedness of all beings. Snakes, like all creatures, are seen as part of the Tao’s flow and are not to be killed or harmed unnecessarily.
- Peaceful Coexistence: In Taoist-influenced villages, snakes found in or near homes are often relocated rather than killed. This reflects the Taoist belief in resolving conflicts with minimal disruption to the natural order.
3. Practical and Ritual Use
- Snakes in Healing Practices: Taoist healing traditions sometimes incorporate snake imagery or even snake-derived materials. Snake venom and other parts of the snake are historically used in Chinese medicine for their purported healing properties, such as improving circulation or alleviating joint pain. However, these practices are guided by respect and strict ethical considerations.
- Symbolism in Talismans and Art: Snake motifs are common in Taoist amulets and temple carvings, symbolizing protection, wisdom, and the power of transformation. Ritual tools may feature snake imagery to invoke these qualities.
4. Spiritual Lessons from Snakes
- Stillness and Precision: Taoists often meditate on the snake’s ability to remain still for long periods before striking with precision. This mirrors Taoist ideals of patience, focus, and aligning one’s actions with the opportune moment.
- Adaptability: Snakes move fluidly through different terrains, symbolizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability in life. This is a key Taoist teaching in navigating challenges and changes.
5. Snakes in Taoist Rituals
- Offerings to Snake Spirits: In some Taoist temples, snakes are considered sacred protectors or manifestations of local deities. Offerings of incense, fruit, or other items may be made to honor snake spirits and seek their blessings.
- Guardians of Sacred Spaces: Snakes are sometimes seen as protectors of Taoist holy sites, guarding sacred groves, caves, or temples. Their presence is interpreted as a sign of the site’s spiritual power.
6. Taoist Parables Involving Snakes
Taoist texts occasionally include stories or parables involving snakes to illustrate teachings about humility, perseverance, or the balance of yin and yang. For example:
- A snake’s ability to find the path of least resistance serves as a metaphor for the Taoist principle of “wu wei” (effortless action).
- Its duality as a creature that is both beautiful and potentially dangerous reflects the interplay of opposites in the Taoist worldview.
Conclusion
In Taoism, snakes are treated as powerful symbols and natural allies in understanding the Tao. They inspire reflection on transformation, balance, and harmony while also being treated with the respect and care inherent in Taoist ethics toward all living beings.
