This little creature crossed my path while I was on a walk with a fellow nature lover along the cliffs of Montauk. The weather is cool now and the snakes slow down their movement, so it was easy for me to get it's picture. I often see them in my garden but have not yet had the chance to photograph one so close. To see it's red tongue was truly amazing!
Farther into our walk we encountered a second snake.
In many cultures snakes are considered wise animals and are known to carry medicine, guard sacred temples, and carry powerful symbolic meanings.
Because the snake sheds its skin, it represents the energy of transformation and transmutation. It also represents fertility, life force, rebirth, immortality, wisdom and initiation.
Snakes can bridge obstacles with grace so they are powerful totem animals for when we need assistance moving through dense or difficult life situations.
This particular snake is called an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)