snake, serpent

An example of the creative history of the snake comes from the Australian Aborigines. One version of their creation myth states that the Great Spirit Baiame lay sleeping and dreaming: dreaming of life - past, present and future. His dream was such a powerful one, and it so excited him, that he began to tremble violently, and with him the whole universe began to shiver and shake. These vibrations awoke his spirit helpers from another dimension, who offered to help him create this extraordinary dream. They called on Ularu, the Wise Serpent of the spirit realms. Suddenly a great rainbow appeared and became the Rainbow Serpent, who then created all the rivers, lakes, seas and water holes in the physical landscape. The Rainbow Serpent's water spirits then filled the rivers and seas to overflowing. The Dreamtime is said to be the non-physical dimension where the spirit ancestors reside, and where all the wisdom of the people is stored. Initiation as a medicine man, healer or elder gives conscious access to the Dreamtime.