THE MAGIC OF THE REPTILE WORLD
Reptiles are one of the most ancient forms of life. They are also the most adaptable, which has enabled them to survive through millions of years of evolution. There are over 6000 species of reptiles found around the world and living in all environments, except the extremely cold. Four main groups have survived since the time of the dinosaurs:
• Snakes and lizards,
• Crocodiles and alligators,
• Tortoise and turtles, and
• The tuatara found in New Zealand.
Of these groups, the turtles and crocodiles survived the great extinction of the dinosaurs. They have remained relatively unchanged since that time. Because of it they are replete with myths and tales from all parts of the world. Reptiles have basic characteristics that distinguish them from over forms of animal life. Reptiles are first and foremost coldblooded. Their body heat changes with the temperature of the air and environment around them. While mammals have an internal thermostat to maintain a steady body temperature, the reptile must seek out an environment that will help it survive. This is why snakes and lizards are often seen basking in the sun. They need that warmth to help them survive. They must use an outside source to raise and lower their internal temperatures.
To those with a reptile totem, this is very symbolic. It indicates a great sensitivity to the environments to which they are exposed. It is not unusual to find individuals with prominent reptile totems to have dramatic mood swings in accordance to what their environment is. These individuals often take on the tone and temperature of the environment. If in a group that is partying wildly, they can easily go along. If in a group that is studious, they will become so as well. If in a group that is cheerful and loving, they will display similar characteristics.
Parents of children with reptile totems should be careful to make sure the children keep the right company and participate in beneficial activities. Learning to handle peer pressure in a positive manner will be part of the lesson of anyone with a reptile totem. Reptiles teach us to be selective about what we expose ourselves to. Learning to control and work with the human aura and its interaction with other energy fields would be beneficial for those with this totem.
This is even further emphasized by the fact that reptiles have a skin that is covered with tough scales. This is a second characteristic that distinguishes reptiles from other animal life. These tough scales are protective and in the case of some reptiles, facilitate ease of movement. For those with reptile totems it can be a reminder to keep your tough side outward. This can be a difficult lesson for many people. We are often raised to be open and friendly to everyone. Unfortunately, there are people who take advantage of this.
Some reptile people will object to displaying a tough side. If these individuals will look closely at the scaly skin, it will usually appear smooth and even shiny in some cases, as with snakes. I try to remind these people that there can be strength and yet gentleness in them. Finding the balance can be difficult and can be part of the life lesson of those with a reptile totem. Being tough does not mean that you have to come off looking like the bad guy, and that is also what reptile totems can teach. You can be as strong and protective as necessary and still remain “shiny” in the eyes of those you are tough with.
Reptiles do breathe air, and most have at least one full lung. Most reptiles lay eggs. The symbolism of eggs in general was covered in the bird section of this book, and most of it applies here as well. The eggs of reptiles differ from birds, though, in that they almost always have a leathery shell. Many reptiles also lay their eggs, bury them and abandon them, which is partly why they have such a tough shell. Only a few reptiles will care for the eggs and the young, the crocodile being the strongest example. When the eggs hatch, most reptile young must survive on their own.
Young children with reptile totems often learn early in life how to take care of themselves. They must develop self-sufficiency and self-reliance to a great deal. Some children with reptile totems come into the world with the mind set and a strong sense of determination. Others must develop it for their own success. For most people with reptile totems, it is not unusual to find that the early years were often the most difficult, often having the most difficult lessons.
Some people will acquire reptile totems as they grow older or go through specific changes in their life. Such changes can be very dramatic-a kind of death/rebirth process, or they may be gentle assertions of new opportunities. When a reptile comes into your life, look for opportunities to assert yourself and develop self-reliance on some new level. The unfoldment of self-sufficiency will begin to occur.
The diet of reptiles varies. Reptiles eat everything from plants to large animals. It depends on the reptile itself. Garter snakes will eat earthworms, but black rat snakes will eat rats and mice. Some lizards feed only on plants and/ or insects. On the other hand, turtles are omnivorous; they will eat both plants and animals. Individuals with a reptile totem in a powerful position in their life may find that certain diet restrictions may not work.
As with any totem, studying its most common food source or prey can provide insight. If it is an animal or insect, learn something about it. If it is a plant, study it as well. Remember, even plants have certain characteristics which can be related. One of the most ancient forms of divination was through the symbolic interpretations of trees and flowers.
For the purposes of this book, I will be including amphibians among the reptiles, but as you will see, they are not the same. Many people assume that such creatures as frogs, toads and salamanders are part of the reptile family, but they aren’t. They may have similar adaptive characteristics, but they are as different from the reptiles as spiders are different from insects. Herpetology often includes the study of both reptiles and amphibians.
Amphibians lead a double life, which is significant and should be meditated upon by anyone with an amphibian totem. The word amphibian comes from two words-”amphi” = “double” and “bios” = “life.” Amphibians divide their life between land and water, and it is usually the second half that is spent at least partially on land.
From a symbolic aspect, this can reflect much about what has always been taught in lore about the power of amphibians. They are often the keeper of dreams (water element). The ability to live in water and on land can then reflect that lucid dreaming is going to be stimulated. Many amphibians are thought to be the keepers of knowledge of astral projection. On a more psychological level, they can also reflect a need to learn to use the emotional energies (water) constructively (land).
The most commonly recognized amphibians are frogs, toads, and salamanders. Most people think that salamanders are more closely related to lizards and reptiles than to amphibians, but this is not so. In spite of its appearance, a true salamander is more closely related to the frog. It must stay in moist areas, and it does have a slimy coat which lizards do not. A salamander could never survive in the heat and sun fire like a normal lizard.
So how do we distinguish an amphibian from a reptile? An amphibian is a vertebrate animal but it has no feathers, fur, or scales. It will usually have toes at some stage but no claws. Amphibians are cold-blooded like reptiles, needing the environment for a heat source. Their temperature fluctuates with their surroundings. Those with amphibian totems will find themselves being just as sensitive to the environment.
Amphibians, like some reptiles, will shed their skin as they outgrow the old one. The skin is usually eaten by amphibians though. This shedding of the skin is very symbolic of transformation, resurrection and rebirth. Any totem which does this usually indicates the same kind of rebirth energy about to manifest within your own life.
Amphibians do not drink water. Water is absorbed directly through the skin. Individuals with amphibian energy strong in their life will need to be around water. It is not unusual to find them spending great amounts of time in the bathtub or shower. Being around natural water sources will be essential for their overall health and well-being.
Amphibians usually go through metamorphosis of some kind. This is most obvious in frogs and the change from egg to tadpole (polliwog) and then to frog. Most people with amphibian totems can pinpoint specific periods in their life where major transitions have occurred or been triggered. They are very definable stages. If amphibian totems show up in your life, you may need to ask yourself in what stage of development or metamorphosis are you presently.
Like reptiles, amphibians lay eggs. Frogs and toads fertilize the eggs outside of the body and salamanders have internal fertilization. With most amphibians, preparation for reproduction begins the preceding autumn before the actual process in the spring. Because of this, these two times of the year can be the most powerful for individuals with amphibian totems. These can be the best times to initiate new ideas, projects and such.
A study of the foods your amphibian totem eats will also provide insight. Many amphibians eat insects, especially in the adult stage. As with any totem, study its unique characteristics and behavior patterns. This will hint at much of the energy pattern about to or already manifesting within your own life. With its double life, the amphibian will help you while asleep and awake.