Snakes span the symbolic bridge between lunar and solar associations as well as aspects between water and fire, the impressive variety includes regeneration and renewal, female sexuality, agricultural fertility. In tarot, the snake is a symbol on the Magician card. It is a reference to having authority over energy (recognising the power of the unseen and utilising that power).
As a Native American Indian symbol (depending on the nation/tribe) the snake can be a masculine symbol, associated with the phallus of lightning which is considered a medicine staff of tremendous assertive power. Other tribes lean in the direction of feminine attribution for the snake and pair it with mothering (creation), and lunar (moon) symbolism.
From the Celtic perspective, the snake was a symbol of secret knowledge, cunning and transformation.
In Eastern Indian myth the Sanskrit word for snake is naga and these are associated with the element of water.
Spider is an ancient symbol of mystery, power and growth. In Greek mythology, it was associated with Arachne and was meant to signify the association of fate and destiny. On the other hand, Native American tribes herald the spider as the creator of possibility.
The meaning of spider in India is associated with Maya. The term Maya describes the illusory nature of appearances.
In China, the tiger is considered the king of all beasts. The Chinese label the tiger as a symbol of strength, courage, determination, and military prowess. Tiger is seen as one of the four celestial animals in Feng Shui, and is regarded as the symbol of protection against evil. Furthermore, the tiger is associated with Tsai Shen Yeh, the Chinese God of Wealth, and this god is usually seen sitting on a tiger in Asian art.
In Tibet the tiger is an emblem of strength and courage, and, in Tantric Buddhism, its skin represents the transmutation of anger into wisdom and insight.
The wolf is well-established for its sharp intelligence, self reliance and an appetite for freedom. Mysterious and intimidating, this creature is known as the symbol for perseverance, stability, intuition, loyalty, and success. Native American tribes have regarded the wolf as a teacher and pathfinder. Highly intelligent and powerful, wolves have a special role in the pack and have a strong sense of community. The wolf is a symbol of freedom, independence, and responsibility, as well as protecting the people close to you.
Spoken word
Gill Harris [PoC]: Spider
Music
Gorillaz: The Joplin Spider
Health: Before Tigers [Gold Panda Remix]
Bonobo: Ten Tigers
Earl Klugh: I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Alice Russel: Mirror Mirror On The Wolf (Tell The Story Right)
The Cure: Lullaby
NIck Cave & Bad Seeds: Lovely Creature
Gregory Porter: Wolfcry
Through the Bohemian Looking Glass 