A wonderful essay Paulette. I have a deep respect for the hidden, denied and shadows within. I also respect snakes in their physical presence among us and value their potent imagery in myth and traditions. I was fascinated to learn more about Shiva, Vasuki and the Nagas, you tell their stories so well and weaving them with the wedding story is so effective.
Can I tell you all the things I love about this piece?
The lovely sparseness of the story that bookends the wisdom in the piece. The image of the bride and groom stepping onto the spot where the snake was "relieved" and "aware" is such a fantastic ending.
The lists within the piece.
The way you introduced the "tough guy ex-cop neighbor."
"Perhaps transformation has always required learning how to hold the snake without pretending it cannot bite."
Thank you for sharing this fabulous piece, Paulette.
Thank you! It was such a fun challenge. At first, I didn't think there was anything to write about, then, as often happens with Caravan's prompts, a portal opened.
I am currently studying to be a Qigong instructor. I recently learned a pose called Standing Snake Body. The snakes have a lot to teach us, including spine flexibility.
Oh, I love that, Ilona! It reminds me of a yoga workshop I took with Richard Freeman years ago. He had us students move in a serpentine manner to loosen up the spine before guiding us through the poses. And then there’s the Cobra pose.
It pays to be aware when you live around snakes! Thanks for taking us on a deep dive into their symbolism. Have I ever felt the hiss of the subterranean just as everything seemed in order? Nothing comes to mind, but I'll need to give that one some thought.
There is so much here. I love how you start with a story going to Laura and end with the possibility of transformation and holding at all. And the wedding of course.
I think this might be my new favorite of your posts, Paulette! Childhood lessons in Tucson taught us what to do if we heard that rattle in the desert, and those directions stay with me all these years later. But no one ever taught us how to deal with non-serpent elements that we bury below the surface.
Mine was acknowledging and allowing myself to feel well-deserved anger that I buried far within my body where I thought it would be safe - and I would be safe. It took decades to acknowledge that anger, make peace with the people who drove it, make peace with myself. To your point, transformation took place that allowed me to heal and to be present with those with whom I once could not safely express the fullness of my response to them.
Oh my goodness, Cathy, that is a huge compliment. Thank you for reading and always for your thoughtful engagement.
Yes! We are taught, especially women, I think, that anger is bad and evil. It does such long-term damage when we deny parts of ourselves. Anger, when channeled and aligned, can be a profound agent of change.
This makes me think of the ‘Strength’ card in tarot.
Oh, I love it. Please say more.
A wonderful essay Paulette. I have a deep respect for the hidden, denied and shadows within. I also respect snakes in their physical presence among us and value their potent imagery in myth and traditions. I was fascinated to learn more about Shiva, Vasuki and the Nagas, you tell their stories so well and weaving them with the wedding story is so effective.
Leslie, thank you so very much for your careful reading and your comments. It means so much.
Yes...that underworld fascinates me. As do the myths. I think it's one of the reasons I was so drawn to Tantra. The stories pulled me in.
Can I tell you all the things I love about this piece?
The lovely sparseness of the story that bookends the wisdom in the piece. The image of the bride and groom stepping onto the spot where the snake was "relieved" and "aware" is such a fantastic ending.
The lists within the piece.
The way you introduced the "tough guy ex-cop neighbor."
"Perhaps transformation has always required learning how to hold the snake without pretending it cannot bite."
Thank you for sharing this fabulous piece, Paulette.
Oh, thank you so much, Holly! I'm so so pleased you love it. I feel like a kid in school, and I just received an A! LOL.
Being a part of Caravan is truly a blessing - from the classes to the community, it's the best.
Thank you for summarizing all of the ways that this piece is so effective. It is a great essay.
I'm thrilled you enjoyed it, Leslie!
“You ever catch a rattler?”
“I’ll be right over.”
We love this.
And the line about transformation being about learning to hold the snake without pretending it can't bite is brilliant.
Thank you, Paulette, for participating in this prompt. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece!
Thank you! It was such a fun challenge. At first, I didn't think there was anything to write about, then, as often happens with Caravan's prompts, a portal opened.
I am currently studying to be a Qigong instructor. I recently learned a pose called Standing Snake Body. The snakes have a lot to teach us, including spine flexibility.
Oh, I love that, Ilona! It reminds me of a yoga workshop I took with Richard Freeman years ago. He had us students move in a serpentine manner to loosen up the spine before guiding us through the poses. And then there’s the Cobra pose.
That good ole serpent gets a bad rap.
It pays to be aware when you live around snakes! Thanks for taking us on a deep dive into their symbolism. Have I ever felt the hiss of the subterranean just as everything seemed in order? Nothing comes to mind, but I'll need to give that one some thought.
Yes, it really does, Sandra. Thanks for reading and commenting. If something comes to mind, I’d love to hear.
There is so much here. I love how you start with a story going to Laura and end with the possibility of transformation and holding at all. And the wedding of course.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Corie. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Very much so!
Love this! I am painting snakes - Have been integral in bringing the snakes back to the land of Ériu. Love love. 🐍🔱❤️🔥✨
Beej, thank you so so much. It makes my heart happy knowing you are reading from afar!
I'd like to see what you’re painting. How can we do that?
Serpents are big in MX, too. I think so much of it is transformation, the ability to change lives. It is a great metaphor. Good post!
Thanks, Jeanine. Yes! Such a transformation is to be had.
Paulette follows hiss...
sees the goddess through myth’s mist.
Lilith’s serpent winks.
...
There you are... hiding?
Slender body, sneaky moves.
Welcome, sister snake.
You are a treasure, Marisol. Thank you for your beautiful words.
I think this might be my new favorite of your posts, Paulette! Childhood lessons in Tucson taught us what to do if we heard that rattle in the desert, and those directions stay with me all these years later. But no one ever taught us how to deal with non-serpent elements that we bury below the surface.
Mine was acknowledging and allowing myself to feel well-deserved anger that I buried far within my body where I thought it would be safe - and I would be safe. It took decades to acknowledge that anger, make peace with the people who drove it, make peace with myself. To your point, transformation took place that allowed me to heal and to be present with those with whom I once could not safely express the fullness of my response to them.
Thank you for this beautiful post! 😍
Oh my goodness, Cathy, that is a huge compliment. Thank you for reading and always for your thoughtful engagement.
Yes! We are taught, especially women, I think, that anger is bad and evil. It does such long-term damage when we deny parts of ourselves. Anger, when channeled and aligned, can be a profound agent of change.
Yes it can…! 😏
Great engagement in your story and connection to this Shiva story, well done Paulette 👏
Thank you so much, Susan. I'm so happy it was engaging! The folks at Caravan have been upping my writing.