Fuente: https://en.wikipedia.org/
More than surprising me, it confused me.
It was there at my front door. At first, I thought it was a branch. But no, it was a snake, and it was enormous.
I was stunned, but I took out my cell phone to take pictures.
I disturbed it. It coiled up and tried to bite me.
The snakes here aren’t venomous, and I’ve seen them near the river, but never one as big as this.
I eventually learned it was a Garter Snake, common in North America, and it comforted me to know they’re valued because they protect homes from rodents and other pests.
Anyway, it was just a scare, but it got me thinking about the snake’s spiritual meaning and what message it brought to my doorstep.
The first thing that came to mind was Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing. The snake is used as a medical symbol, mentioned in the Hippocratic Oath. The “Rod of Asclepius” is a staff entwined with a snake, representing rejuvenation and renewal.
Telegram received: healing, renewed youth, and guardian of vermin.
I took this visit as a good omen.
I returned home after my daily walk, still a little shaken by the experience. I took a bath and got ready for an appointment.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I remembered an anecdote about how my very British husband learned the meaning of the word “cuaima” (a type of viper).
We were leaving the Serpentarium in Parque del Este in Caracas, after seeing the anacondas, coral snakes, and mapanares (a type of snake). At the end of the hall, there was a mirror, and of course, no woman from Caracas can resist a touch-up.
That’s what I did when I noticed the inscription under the mirror:
“Cuaima”
Domestic Snake
I burst out laughing and explained this Venezuelan slang to my husband. A cuaima is a type of viper, and the term is used pejoratively to describe controlling and jealous women.
Coming to think of it, my visitor today came to remind me of my own cuaima tendencies, but I’d rather stick with the theory of healing and rejuvenation.
