It's no accident that the caduceus, the staff entwined with double serpents, is the modern symbol of the medical profession. Snakes are the primary animals of healing and have been so since ancient days. Once maintained in the temples of healing that were the first hospitals, their venom both heals and harms. Their old skin fades and grows dull, only to be shed painlessly as the snake emerges vivid and youthful once again, revived and refreshed. Because they lack limbs, snakes are always in contact with Earth. They burrow in Earth's crevices, live in the sea and in trees; they are privy to all Earth's secrets. Snakes are the guardians and sometimes sharers of Earth's wisdom, the guardians of her treasures, including secrets of healing.This magical diagnostic technique is especially suited for conditions that defy conventional identification or treatment. An image of a snake is required. It may be a photograph, a stone fetish, or other artistic rendering, however, it must fit comfortably under your pillow and not disturb your sleep. 1. Bring the image to bed with you before going to sleep.2. Gaze into the snake's eyes and charge it with its mission: to reveal the mysteries of your ailment and its required treatment.3. Place the image under your pillow, then go to sleep. The goal is to incubate the required dream.4. Repeat this ritual until the dream has been received, clarified, and understood and no further dreams are required.Found in: The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells