365 Tarot Spreads: Revealing the Magic in Each Day - Sasha Graham 2014

Snake Bite Spread

On This Day

Snakes are a widespread mythological symbol in many cultures. Dualistic in nature, they are symbolic of both good and evil, life and death.

Today is the Feast of St. Paul on the island nation of Malta. Legend states that St. Paul was a prisoner aboard a ship to Rome when a storm drove it aground in Malta. Paul escaped and was warmly welcomed by the island’s people, but a snake bit him on the hand. Suffering no harm, he became the patron saint of snake-bite victims. The feast is celebrated with processions, drinking, tossing confetti, and family gatherings.

Summation of Spread

Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) cards make full use of snake symbolism. The Magician’s belt is an ouroboros, an ancient symbol of a snake devouring itself, representing eternal return. The Lovers card features a snake whispering to the female. The Wheel of Fortune contains a serpent, while in the Seven of Cups a snake slithers out of the top righthand cup.

What do snakes symbolize for you? The questions of this spread are inspired by snakes and snake bites because subconsciously they represent confronting undesirable or uncontrollable situations and the loss of power or control over yourself or circumstances.

Cast Your Cards

Cast your cards in the shape of a slithering snake.

1. What is my greatest fear?

2. What is the most poisonous aspect of my life?

3. How do I remove the poison?

4. What knowledge is needed?

5. Can I relinquish control?

6. What is the greatest challenge to my beliefs?

7. What belief do I need to let go of?

8. What will happen when I lose myself to the unknowable?

9. What is my transformation?

10. How does this affect my life?