I have a confession to make, I’m scared of snakes! Scared and yet intensely curious. Snakes are freaking cool, badass and so adaptable. Did you know the reason snakes can move and slither quickly is due to their dry skin as opposed to human skin which is much slimier than a snake.

Last month I was on a daily walk and I just happened to look down, well honestly I always look around when I walk as I love stumbling upon a cute critter or dead one. I look down and see a dried up garden snake. They’re quite cute and small, small enough to create jewelry with it. So I carried that lil snake on my walk and came home to create a mold of him.

Now for me, when a new animal comes into my life especially one that can be created into jewelry I like to meditate on this chance occurrence which isn’t always chance. Messages come to us daily from the spirit world, many times we ignore them, but if we pay attention to the signs and messages they can have a lasting impact on our life. Snakes are associated with rebirth, resurrection, initiation and wisdom. With what is happening globally we are collectively going through a major rebirth. We are realizing that the old system, the patriarchy isn’t serving our world. And right now we are moving through the transformation phase which can take time and much pain. Snake is here to teach us how to shed our old skin, how to go deep in our subconscious.

“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 again. As the skin begins to shed, the eyes begin to clear as if they will see the world anew.” - Ted Andrews, Animal Speak.

Okay so now that you know some of the benefits of snake magic and snake totem knowledge how can we use that to benefit ourselves? How can we work with snake mythology? First of all let’s recognize that despite snakes being kind of scary they’re so essential to our animal kingdom. Snakes offer pest control, they are part of our larger ecosystem so if you do spot a scary snake (especially a copperhead) try to find it a new home or call a professional to move the snake, as for garden snakes they’re harmless and as it goes they’re good for your garden. Secondly, study snakes and channel they’re ability to shed what isn’t working or isn’t necessary. Personally I’m trying to shed my previous mindset (unable to control situations etc) and work with what I can control. Summer is especially a good time to shed the winter coat of our lives, create new rituals, start a new program (diet & exercise or creatively), sunbathe (with sunscreen) like some snakes do.

As you can imagine I’m very thrilled about creating a new collection with my garden snake. I had always wanted to and low and behold the snake presented itself to me so I’m planning a very intentional snake collection for which I’m naming the Medea Collection. Medea was the niece of Circe and learned much of her magical knowledge, herb lore and much more. Medea was the Greek Goddess for which she stole the golden fleece for Jason and the Argonauts. I felt Medea was apt as she is a witch goddess and she has transformed and shed her skin multiple times.

The Medea Collection will release in early to mid August, I’d love to create a large quantity of pieces for this collection so prepare yourselves! I’m also planning a very sexy and seductive photoshoot with some of my favorite bossbabes (Meagan Wilson for makeup and Ashley Bowden for photography). And I may also do a giveaway sooooooo come along with me and sign up for my email list below and I’ll keep you posted.