SNAIL SPIRIT GUIDE BROOCH

Snails symbolise many deep and powerful things that most of us might not realise. These little crawlers are more in-depth than ever imagined. Keep in mind that not only are there land snails, but there are also sea snails so in this regard this species bridges the gap between elements. And any animal that bridges the gap between two elements bridges the gap between the mundane and the spiritual worlds.

A snail symbolizes:

• bridging the gap between the element of Earth and Water
• the spiral or cycle of life, death, and rebirth
• the earth's rotation around the sun
• carrying one's home with them
• taking one's time and enjoying life at a slower pace
• Amun - ancient Egyptian ram-god
• Tecciztecatl - ancient Aztec god
• Fertility, abundance, things coming to fruition

First, if we look at the snail, what do we notice first? It's shell, of course! Most snails have a spiral shell that in itself holds much symbolism. The spiral to many ancient cultures represented the cycle of life, death, and rebirth...the rotation of the Earth around the Sun. In the spiral one could see the very essence of the Universe...of time itself.

The snail is a rather slow creature, taking its time going where he pleases. While some see the snail as being lazy, there is a positive trait behind taking one's time. If we are to rush everything in life, how will we be able to appreciate the small things? The snail is slow and steady and appreciates the path that he is on...not solely focused on where he is going.

At closer look and thought, we realise that the snail carries his defence mechanism on his back...his home, if you will. The snail's spiral shell acts as a mobile home to the ever-moving snail. It also acts as a protector in times of danger. The snail knows how to employ his own body's resources in order to defend himself against predators and dangerous species.

2 1/2 cm x 1 1/2 cm