Snakes hold a significant place in folklore and mythology across various cultures, often representing complex and multifaceted concepts. In Jungian psychology, the snake emerges as a potent symbol loaded with meaning, frequently linked to the unconscious, instinctual drives, transformation, and even healing. This encyclopedia entry will delve into the symbolic significance of snakes as understood through the lens of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, exploring its connections to the soul, libido, transformation, and its archetypal presence in dreams and myths.
Snakes as Souls and Spirits
Jung observed that snakes are frequently associated with the souls of the dead, particularly in folklore. “That life which comes out of them needs some consideration. Snakes figure largely in folklore in all countries, and they usually represent the souls of the dead, they are spirit snakes.” This association links the snake to the realm of the deceased, imbuing it with an aura of mystery and connection to the ancestral world. In some cultures, snakes are perceived as guardians of the dead or as embodiments of ancestral spirits, capable of influencing the living world.
Furthermore, Jung notes the presence of “demon snakes” in African traditions, where medicine men are believed to possess snakes that provide them with secret knowledge and protection (Vision Sem.). “In Africa it is understood that the medicine man has demon snakes that know everything and tell him secrets, and they also defend his life, he is always followed by them; they live round his hut and everybody is afraid of them” (Vision Sem.). This concept aligns with the symbolism of the serpent as a source of wisdom and power, albeit one that can be both beneficial and dangerous. This also mirrors the role of the “soul serpent of Aesculapius, the great doctor,” highlighting the snake’s connection to healing and medicine (Vision Sem.).
Snakes and the Primitive Libido
Jungian psychology often connects the snake to the primitive aspects of the libido, the psychic energy or life force. When confronted with the image of a snake, a patient’s fear was acknowledged, with Dr. Barker suggesting that “Snakes signify very primitive libido” (Vision Sem.). Jung elaborates on this connection, emphasizing the snake’s cold-blooded nature and lack of a developed brain, contrasting it sharply with human warmth and rationality. “Yes, and they have no brain, they have only a tremendous spinal cord. They are utterly strange to man and therefore they always represent that part of life which is inhumanly cold, where there is no warm blood” (Vision Sem.). The snake, in this context, represents the instinctual, unthinking aspects of the psyche, those drives and impulses that operate outside of conscious control.
The “inhumanly cold” nature of the snake also suggests a detachment from emotional warmth and empathy (Vision Sem.). It embodies the raw, unfiltered energy of the unconscious, a realm where instinct and impulse reign supreme. This is further accentuated by the assertion that “There is something of the snake in everybody” (Vision Sem.). This implies that everyone carries within them a connection to this primal, instinctual realm, regardless of their conscious personality or values.
Snakes and Transformation
A core aspect of the snake’s symbolism lies in its capacity for transformation and renewal, rooted in its ability to shed its skin. “Snakes were then thought to be of indefinite age because they could always renew themselves by casting off their old skins and taking on new ones, new life forever. Therefore the serpent was also the symbol for resurrection, death, and renewal.” This shedding of skin is interpreted as a metaphor for psychological transformation, the process of letting go of old patterns, beliefs, and identities to embrace new ones.
The snake’s association with resurrection and renewal extends to its presence in religious and mythological contexts. Jung noted, “This idea of Christ as the serpent is additional evidence of the many Gnostic and pagan influences in the early church” (Vision Sem.). This suggests that the serpent’s symbolic power transcended specific religious doctrines, permeating various spiritual traditions as a representation of rebirth and spiritual evolution.
Snakes as Guardians and Adversaries
Snakes often appear as guardians of treasures or sacred sites, both in mythology and in dreams. “Snakes and dragons are especially significant as guardians or defenders of the treasure” (CW5 ¶394-395). This guardian role highlights the snake’s connection to the unconscious and its role in protecting valuable psychological content. The treasure being guarded can represent untapped potential, hidden wisdom, or even repressed emotions.
However, the snake is not always a benevolent guardian. It can also embody the negative aspects of the unconscious, representing resistance to change, fear of the unknown, or the dangers of succumbing to instinctual impulses. The “dragon represents the negative mother-imago and thus expresses resistance to incest, or the fear of it,” suggesting that snake-like figures can symbolize the fear of regressing to earlier, less differentiated states of being (CW5 ¶394-395).
Snakes in Dreams
In dream analysis, the appearance of a snake can hold a variety of meanings, depending on the dreamer’s personal experiences and associations. The context of the dream, the snake’s behavior, and the dreamer’s emotional response are all important factors in interpreting its significance. Snakes can symbolize repressed emotions, hidden desires, or impending transformations. They can also represent challenges, obstacles, or even potential dangers in the dreamer’s life.
In a dream, “I passed the wheel and came to a great egg. Snakes guarded the base of it. I approached the egg and stood before it.” The egg guarded by snakes, represents something stable and heavy. Dreams of this nature often come “by the law of enantiodromia,” or when things change into their opposite, which is important to note when studying dream symbology (Vision Sem.).
Snakes and the Shadow
The shadow, a concept central to Jungian psychology, represents the unconscious aspects of the personality that are often repressed or denied. Snakes, with their association with the primal and instinctual, can be closely linked to the shadow. They can embody the darker, less acceptable aspects of the self, those impulses and desires that are deemed unacceptable by the conscious mind.
Stories like “The Student of Prague” exemplify the shadow (Dream Sem.). When the “shadow moves by itself,” it disregards the intentions of the conscious mind, and “had killed his adversary,” even when the protagonist pledged “himself on his honour not to kill his adversary in a duel” (Dream Sem.). Likewise, Jung acknowledges “There was also the motif of the moving of furniture there,” when discussing the shadow, suggesting that the snake is related to the moving shadow (Dream Sem.).
Conclusion
The snake, as a symbol in Jungian psychology, is a complex and multifaceted image, representing a wide range of psychological concepts. From its connection to the souls of the dead and the primitive libido to its role as a symbol of transformation and a guardian of hidden treasures, the snake embodies the power and mystery of the unconscious. Its appearance in dreams and myths offers valuable insights into the individual and collective psyche, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging and integrating the shadow, embracing transformation, and recognizing the power of the instinctual drives that shape our human experience.