All Snakes Day & Goddesses Associated With Snakes

Ah, the mysteries of All Snakes Day, a lesser-known but intriguing alternative to Saint Patrick’s Day in the mainstream world—but very much a popular topic each year amongst pagan peoples.

What is All Snakes Day?

Celebrating “All Snakes Day” each year on March 17th as a protest against St. Patrick’s Day has become common amongst modern pagan peoples in response to the myth of St. Patrick driving out the “snakes” in Ireland. This has long been regurgitated as a metaphor for suppressing or driving out Druid Priests and Pagan Peoples during the rise of Irish Catholicism.

Though there are many opinions floating around and little historical evidence to back these claims, here is my personal take on it. Despite St. Patrick not being personally responsible for every action that took place relating to the rise of monotheism, and specifically Christianity, in Ireland at the time, he very much has become a symbol for that era and movement.

If anything, the fact of Patrick’s much smaller role in Christianizing Ireland should be a reason to do away with St. Patrick’s Day, not All Snakes Day. Yet, Irish and Irish-descended people, along with plenty of non-Irish people, continue to celebrate his myth every March. Why? Because myths have power; when they are amplified through many voices and many years, they gain even more power.

All the while, the sacred symbol of snakes as a representation of esoteric wisdom and the Great Goddess, has been continuously trampled over the centuries. When I think of All Snakes Day, regardless of the significance (or lack thereof) of St. Patrick’s role in Christianizing the “heathen” lands, I love the idea of honoring and celebrating the serpent, a symbol of transformation, rebirth, and healing not just in Celtic culture, but throughout ancient traditions worldwide.

Sure, there may not be historical evidence of an Irish pagan genocide or a great violent Druid Priest purge—but the rise of monotheism has no doubt altered the world as we know it today from it once was. Many of us who choose to continue celebrating All Snakes Day are simply fighting myth with myth, and recognizing a symbol that is representative of who we are and what we believe rather than celebrating an individual who does not hold significance to us in our nature worship and pagan practices.

Now when we dive into fighting myth with myth, I love this quote from D.R. Bartlett,

This is where it gets slippery; we’re treading into the realm of myth and symbol, which is notoriously “faulty” and not at all “logical.” That those who created the myth of Patrick – probably Medieval monks, aided and abetted by story-telling commoners – assigned the man who supposedly Christianized Ireland with also cleansing it of serpents isn’t a random coincidence. Neither was it thrown in as some secondary superpower, like making roses bloom in the desert; the snake is a very powerful, significant symbol in Christianity. Of course there isn’t an explicit connection between snakes and Druids in the literature. That’s precisely because snakes were already understood symbols that listeners could infer what they stood for: Druids, soothsayers, or whatever other un-Christian group is currently in the Church’s crosshairs.

So, in summation, the whole St. Patrick myth is just that – mythology. He didn’t convert the whole island to Christianity all by himself and Ireland never had any snakes to begin with. Again quoting Daimler, “Bad history does Paganism no favors.” I agree. So what does all this have to do with modern-day Pagans and All Snakes’ Day? It has to do with power: specifically, the power of myths and symbols. As commenter Crossing the Abyss states on Daimler’s blog, “mythological histories are far more significant psychologically than actual historical events.”

D.R. Bartlett

St. Patrick, “driving out the snakes” represents, factually or not, Catholicism’s conquest over Paganism in Ireland. So for me, choosing to celebrate All Snakes Day, is about continuing to follow the old ways. Embracing that which has been believed to be lost, forgotten, or done away with. And honoring the Great Goddess, and all of the goddesses associated with snakes, serpents, and sacred wisdom.

For those on a Celtic Pagan path, the goddess Brigid is one of the primary divine beings associated with snakes. Brigid’s connection with snakes deepens her role as a guardian of esoteric knowledge, guiding seekers through their own personal transformations and illuminating the hidden mysteries of the universe. Just as the snake spirals around itself in a dance of constant renewal, so too does Brigid inspire us to explore the deeper mysteries of our existence and emerge wiser.

Goddesses Associated With Snakes

Hekate, the triple-formed goddess of the crossroads, magic, and the underworld, is often depicted accompanied by snakes as symbols of transformation and renewal. Her wisdom transcends boundaries and guides those who seek her counsel through the depths of their soul.

Lilith, a figure of feminine power and independence, is often associated with serpents as symbols of wisdom and temptation. Lilith embodies the untamed aspects of femininity and challenges societal norms with her fierce spirit.

Medusa, while often misunderstood as a monster, Medusa’s story holds deeper truths. The snakes adorning her head symbolize hidden wisdom and protection. Those who gaze upon her reflect on their own inner darkness and fears.

Meretseger, the Egyptian cobra goddess of the Theban necropolis, Meretseger watches over sacred lands with a vigilant eye. Her serpentine form embodies protection and guardianship over hidden knowledge buried beneath the sands of time.

Renenutet, The Egyptian cobra-headed goddess of nourishment and abundance, Renenutet’s serpentine presence signifies the cycles of growth and harvest. She bestows blessings upon those who cultivate wisdom with patience and diligence.

Wadjet, the Egyptian cobra goddess of protection and royalty, Wadjet’s image adorns crowns as a symbol of divine authority. Her wisdom shields those who honor her with grace and guidance.

Nagapooshani, the Hindu serpent goddess revered for her transformative powers and connection to primal energy. Nagapooshani’s serpentine form represents the kundalini energy that rises within seekers on the path to enlightenment.

Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena’s association with snakes reflects her strategic intellect and ability to navigate challenges with grace. Her wisdom shines like a beacon for those in search of clarity amidst chaos.

Astarte, the Phoenician goddess of fertility and war, is often depicted with serpents coiled around her arms, symbolizing rebirth and regeneration. In her embrace, the snake represents the shedding of old skin to reveal a new self, much like the cycles of life and death.

Isis, the Egyptian goddess of magic and motherhood, is closely associated with the serpent as well. In Egyptian mythology, she used the power of snakes to protect her child Horus, and to bring healing to the sick. The snake here embodies protection and healing energies, guiding us through the shadows to find light.

Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love, music, and joy, also shares a connection with serpents. In some depictions, she wears a headdress adorned with horns and a sun disk flanked by cobras. These serpents symbolize her power to strike down those who threaten her devotees while also representing the duality of life – both destructive and regenerative forces intertwined. feeding off them for quite some time.

How Can I Celebrate All Snakes Day?

Honor the serpentine energies that weave through the mysteries of the universe.

• Create a ritual that pays homage to the wisdom and transformation symbolized by snakes.
• Meditate on the significance of snakes in various mythologies and how they represent renewal, wisdom, and healing.
• Set up an altar with symbols such as snake imagery, earthy tones, and offerings of herbs or crystals associated with transformation.
• Light candles in shades of green, black, or colors associated with snakes in your practice to welcome connection to the snake spirit.
• Perform a ritual dance or movement inspired by the sinuous movements of snakes, allowing yourself to embody their energy and tap into their ancient power.
• Educate yourself on the older ways of connecting with ancient wisdom and the history of paganism.

May you walk your path with wisdom and prudence. Blessed be on your journey of spiritual growth and healing.

Blessed be, Wise Ones!
Blessed be, Silent Ones!
Blessed be, Serpents!