Here's Exactly What a Snake Tattoo Can Symbolize

Snake tattoo from artist Miryam Lumpini

Snakes are slithering into the spotlight with celebs like Zoë Kravitz, Cara Delevingne, and SZA flashing serpent tats. But what do these mysterious inkings really symbolize? We asked some experts to unlock the hidden meanings behind the snake tattoo trend.

From symbolism and spiritual significance to popular styles and placement, here's everything you need to know about getting inked with this specific type of artwork.

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What Does a Snake Tattoo Symbolize?

"Snakes have gotten a bad rap in the West," says Dr. Jonathan Dubois, Ph.D., an adjunct professor at California State University-San Bernardino and Ph.D. archaeologist with a passion for art and symbolism. "However, for me, an avid practitioner of shamanism with a snake tattoo entwining his left arm, Snake is a powerful ally and brings lessons that can really help us."

According to Dubois, snake tats represent personal transformation or rebirth. "If Snake is coming to you, they may be letting you know that it’s time to let go of the old, poorly fitting skin to allow the new, beautifully shining one, to emerge." 

Maggie Wilson, author of the forthcoming book Metaphysical AF, agrees that a snake tattoo typically symbolizes change. "[It's] a form of 'rebirth' of their newfound personality or sense of self," she explains.

So, for many, a snake tattoo can remind them to let go of old versions of themselves.

“On a more obvious level, snakes shed their skin periodically,” says Dubois. “If Snake is coming to you, whether by showing you a physical sign like crossing your path or leaving their skin in a place that you would find it, they may be letting you know that it’s time to let go of the old, poorly fitting skin to allow the new, beautifully shining one, to emerge.”

Related: Medusa Tattoos Have Been Everywhere Lately, and Here's the Empowering Meaning Behind the Trend

Snake Spiritual Meaning

What is the deeper spiritual meaning behind the snake symbol? 

"The snake's spiritual meaning has long been associated with healing and change," says Wilson. "Snakes represent the cycle of death and rebirth symbolized by the ouroboros—the snake swallowing its tail. It is seen as the symbol of eternity."

According to Dubois, "Snake is the cosmic weaver, a weaver of stars. They connect us with our star nature." Dubois describes snakes energetically "stitching" people back together during healing rituals.

So a snake tattoo can signify awakening creative forces, our ability to transform ourselves or our connection to the cosmos.

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Is It Good Luck To See a Snake?

Many cultures actually believe spotting a snake brings good fortune.

"To the Native Americans, the snake is a symbol of healing and transformation," Wilson explains. "In Eastern cultures, the snake represents the creative and sexual life force within humans."

Dubois adds, "In Greece, the snake was a symbol of healing and alchemy. The caduceus symbol used in modern medicine was originally the god Hermes' staff with two snakes intertwined."

So for some, donning a snake tattoo can symbolize summoning luck, vitality or one's own inner healer.

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Snake Tattoos and Shamanic Traditions

"In many shamanic traditions, the snake is seen as a powerful spirit guide," explains Dubois. "When I went on a vision quest in my early 30s, I was shown three tattoos—one of Snake, one of Hawk and one of Spider. They are symbols of my commitment to my practice as a shamanic healer, teacher and guide."

For those who resonate with shamanic practices, a snake tattoo can signify a deep spiritual connection to this animal spirit and overall personal transformation.

Related: Amanda Seyfried Looks Uneasy While Playing with a Snake in New Video

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Snake Tattoo Ideas

Celebs and art lovers have sported small minimalist snake tats as well as full-sleeve designs. Miryam Lumpini, world-renowned tattoo artist, adds that “Snake tattoos typically symbolize power or rebirth, or danger, even, but for my clients, a snake (as with any animal or object) can symbolize whatever they would like it to symbolize, and it's my job to bring that out in the piece itself.”

Here are some cool snake tattoo ideas to consider:

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Ouroboros

This imagery shows a snake swallowing its own tail, symbolizing infinity or the cyclic nature of life, death and rebirth.

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Snake Wrapped Around Staff or Pole

Asclepius is the Greek god of medicine, healing, and rejuvenation, depicted holding a staff with a snake coiled around it.

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Floral Snake Tattoo

Snake tattoos with floral elements can be absolutely sssss-tunning.

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Cobra Tattoo

Cobras often symbolized divine royalty and protection in Ancient Egypt. They can signify danger but also power.

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Paired Snakes Tattoo

Two snakes intertwined represent duality—the balance between good/evil, life/death, etc.

Snake Goddess Tattoo

Goddess tattoo with a snake, like ancient Minoan snake goddess figurines, epitomizing fertility.

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Minimalist Snake Tattoo

A simple, small black snake tattoo can be subtle yet impactful. Placement on the wrist, finger or ankle is popular.

One thing's for sure—the snake tattoo trend is more than skin-deep. This sacred reptile symbol has powerful personal meaning for celebs and body art lovers today.

Next: The #1 Most Popular Tattoo Style for People Over 50, According to a Tattoo Artist

Sources

• Dr. Jonathan Dubois, Ph.D., adjunct professor at California State University-San Bernardino and Ph.D. archaeologist with a passion for art and symbolism

• Maggie Wilson, author of the forthcoming book Metaphysical AF

• Miryam Lumpini, world-renowned tattoo artist