Since contracting a snake as my familiar, I have learned many valuable things that are worth being passed on! Familiar or not, we must keep our slithery friends safe, and make sure we are doing the best we can for them.
Animal safety is just as important in witchcraft as human safety is!
1) Do not light candles, incense, or burn anything around your snake!
Snakes have some of the frailest little respiratory systems in the animal kingdom! The smaller the snake, the more sucsceptible they are to respiratory problems. If your snake is sneezing, coughing, or breathing heavier/faster, you should stop whatever you are doing immediately and call a vet if it persists.
2) Try not to expose your snake to anything highly scented.
For the same reason above– you don’t want to do anything that will put stain on their breathing. Try to avoid scented perfume or lotions on your hands if you’re holding them, and never spray anything near them.
3) Keep them contained if you don’t know how they’ll react.
Not only are snakes very fast and slippery– and could get out of your hands especially if you’re distracted by a spell– but they are curious creatures and like to investigate. They will get close to whatever you’re doing if given the chance, and could injure themselves or someone else. If their heads coil back and their neck forms an ‘S’ shape, that meants they’re scared or startled, and are getting ready to strike if they feel the need.
4) Never put them with other animals.
Unless it’s another snake, and sometimes not even then, do not leave them with other animals. Even if you have another familiar or animal you’re using in whatever you’re doing, don’t! They’re natural prey and are scared of bigger animals like cats.
5) Keep your snake warm!
They’re cold blooded creatures, and need to be held by someone warm or kept in a humid, warm, preferrably dark place. If they’re too cold they might try to get to a burning candle or the like, and injure themselves!
6) Everything about snake skin as an offering.
Snake skin, once it has been fully, naturally, and healthfully removed, can make a great offering for not only snake deities, but animal protection, wisdom, and rebirth deities. Snake skin does not have to be placed in an airtight container, however the longer it is exposed to (especially dry) air, the more fragile it can become. If you or someone/thing eats your offerings once you are done with them, make sure the snake skin does not touch it!
Thank you for reading this post! It’s important to keep all animals safe during magical practicies! My askbox is always open if you have more questions about snakes in witchcraft & as familiars.
teakepp 