By Jane Bauer

He that has been bitten by a snake is afraid of a rope.
Edward Albee

As we step into the Year of the Snake, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the power of shedding—letting go of what no longer serves us. Snakes, with their ancient ability to shed their skin, have long been symbols of transformation and renewal. And in this upcoming year, I find myself asking: How can we, like the snake, release what holds us back and make space for growth, healing, and the things that truly align with who we are becoming?

In Mexican culture, the snake carries a deep and powerful meaning. On Mexico’s flag, the eagle grips a serpent in its beak while perched on a cactus. This image isn’t just about the nation’s founding—it’s about balance, transformation, and the struggle that leads to wisdom. The snake here is not just a symbol of danger; it’s also a symbol of the great god Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent who represents life, knowledge, and the cycles of nature. It reminds us that sometimes, our greatest victories come from the struggles we face, and that embracing change—however uncomfortable—can lead to deeper wisdom.

Compare this with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. In this story, the snake is often seen as the tempter, the one who introduces sin into the world. But, in reality, temptation is a catalyst for change. It’s a break from the old way, a shift that forces us to reconsider, to evolve. Just as the snake sheds its skin to reveal something new beneath, we too can let go of old beliefs, outdated habits, and things that no longer serve our growth. In this Year of the Snake, I think it’s time to ask ourselves: What are we still holding onto that no longer serves us? And not only personal habits, but about the larger mindset we’re living in. Our culture of overconsumption, greed, and constant striving has disconnected us from what truly matters. We’re so focused on acquiring more—more stuff, more money, more distractions—that we’ve forgotten the peace and wisdom that comes from living more simply, from living in harmony with nature. What if we decided to shed that?

What if we let go of the pursuit of more and started reconnecting with the earth, with each other, and with the deeper parts of ourselves that are calling for attention? The snake’s ability to shed its skin is a powerful reminder that, sometimes, we need to let go of the superficial layers in order to reveal what’s underneath—the authentic, the raw, and the life-giving.

So let’s take a cue from the snake and shed the old patterns and return to nature, to what’s real, and to the deeper, quieter truths that sustain us. By letting go of what no longer serves us, we make space for renewal—both in our lives and in the world around us. Because, in the end, shedding isn’t a loss. It’s the beginning of something new.

See you in February,