Why does the snake shed her skin?

Lately I have felt like a snake overdue for molting. I’m apparently going through a growth spurt and it feels very uncomfortable; like I’m growing in size and my skin is too tight so I’m being squeezed. It’s unsettling as I’m noticing ways in which I am changing and have changed and yet I keep reaching back for these old ways and old parts of my identity? Why?

Mami Wata Incarnated as a Serpent (Cutts)

The Heroine’s Quest is not an easy one. I have my direction, my vision, and know my mission (for which I am grateful) but sometimes going through certain passages or ways are hard. Part of it is fear of the unknown and the feeling of loss that accompanies all change, even good change. This is the squeezing I’m talking about. I’m a snake ready to shed her skin and I have to squeeze myself through this current crag in the rocks to help me loosen my skin in order to leave a layer behind.

Why do Snakes Shed Their Skin?

A snake sheds its skin to allow for continued growth. The skin of a snake is different from the skin of a mammal in that it does not grow as the animal grows. When people get bigger with age, our skin grows right along with us. But snake skin has a limited capacity for growth and enlargement. Thus, when a snake outgrows the skin it’s in, it simply sheds the outer layer and starts fresh. A snake will shed its skin as long as it’s growing, and snakes grow all through their lives. Thus, a snake will never stop shedding until death.

Power Gives Birth to Passion (Cutts)

Are we any different? Do I have a choice? Does a tree have a choice? Not really. I have to follow my instinct; the internal urge for life and for growth. What will this change look like? I can’t be sure, I don’t know all of it now. I’ll just have to stay tuned for further direction.

The snakes did clue me in to something though…

Snakes don’t look too pretty while they are molting but after they shed they are much more vibrant.

What’s your experience with growth spurts? Are you going through one right now? Drop me a line and tell me about it, or leave your comments on this post.

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