One day sometime back in mid-February I noticed a snail hanging out on my window. 
This may not seem odd at first, since snails climb all over things, but my window is about 25-30 feet above the ground and there is no foliage anywhere near it. Why would a little snail about the circumference of a dime climb so high and stop on a smooth food-less sheet of glass? I figured it would climb back down soon once it got hungry, however that was not the case. This little determined snail had a message for me, but it would take some time before I would fully understand it.
Months went by. Blustery wind storms beat at the snail, but he held on tight, protected by his spiraling shell. I’d talk to him, telling him he really should climb down and eat and drink, but he would not budge. Due to the design of the windows, I couldn’t reach him and help him down. All I could do was wait patiently as time went on.
And then one day in July, the 18th to be exact, he was gone. I had been catching up on my Western Astrology studies when I noticed this, and I knew that that day the planet Saturn turned direct (after a retrograde period). Curious, I looked up so see when Saturn began his retrograde period, and sure enough it was February 19th, right about the time the snail appeared. Like snails, Saturn is one of the slow moving planets. He is the old wise man, the Hermit, and the teacher of teachers. His lesson plans, however, are not easy, as he likes to teach by throwing obstacles and hurdles in our way. His lessons require us to develop patience, endurance, acceptance, and deep understanding. He also represents conscience, moral values, stability, and solid foundations and structures.
I had had a feeling that the snail was telling me that I was going to go through a period where things were going to go slower than I had hoped, and that I would just have to accept that and be patient. The awareness of the astrological connection to his appearance was an affirmation of that. But during that same phase of life, by taking things in stride but still moving forward, I ended up overcoming obstacles, expanding upon my writing foundations, and greatly progressing with my writing. And my little snail guru was right there with me through it all!
Symbolism of the Snail:
- Patience and Endurance
- Ability to use slow movement to one’s advantage
- Importance of keeping oneself mobile
- Being grounded
- Importance in leaving a trail
- Self-protection and defense through retreat
- Awareness and Observation
- Consciousness
- Expansion (Spiral Shell: Expanding Consciousness/Cosmic Consciousness/Universe)
- Connection to the Moon and lunar cycles (hiding in shell/New Moon and exposed/Full Moon), and hence Dreams
- Time, Cycles, Phases, and Progress
Through the Peacock's Eyes 
Where would be the best place in your home to put a snail statute
Interesting question! I suggest in whatever area, based of feng shui, that you desire to be more patient. For example, if you need to be more patient with your creativity, then place a snail statue in the west.
Snails are lovely, aren’t they. I keep finding them floating in the pond. You’d think they were dead, but they revive once on terra firma again “@_____ Never quite worked that one out, tho something to do with my emotional life I expect.
Just peeping in, but an ode to a snail will get my attention. Beautiful creatures. I still do not understand why people want to eat them. (Maybe I just never get that hungry.) It took me long enough to even start 7M and 7W, that is why I used a snail in the dedication. Now I can tell myself that I was just moving at a Saturnal pace. Namaste.
Haha 🙂 Thanks for peeping in!
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Many blessings,
Cherokee Billie
Thank you so much. Your recognition is an honor!
You deserve it my friend! Many blessings, Cherokee Billie
Hello! Came by from Sindy’s blog 🙂 I really liked this post and your writing style as well 🙂
Thank you and thanks for coming over! Namaste _/l\_
What a symbolic tale, Julianne, loved it.
Somehow your post made me think of that other classic poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” which tells the story of the albatross which guides the ship through thick and thin, only to be shot. Where do I see the parallel I wonder?
Shakti
Thank you Shakti! It’s been over twenty years since I read The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. I will have find a copy to reread it. Namaste _/l\_
Great story and symbolism. I was invaded by ladybugs in August or September before I knew I would be moving, they were in my room for months just everywhere but I liked them.
That’s very cool! I think the ladybugs were bringing you good luck! 🙂
I thought the same thing, and they did!
I have a small snail shell sitting on my desk as I write…I wandered when I found it where he himself went…I was watering the gardens (Friday)and it’s unusual to find one we are so dry here and it was in the hot sunny spot….I was going to leave it, but it seemed to be where ever I went….so I brought him inside with me…promptly look up Ted Andrews “Animals-Speak…(short version)
***Snail….”protect your vulnerable emotions and spirit.Bring your Holy Inner Child out of the shell. Look at the walls you have built around you.”
it is an off white
Your words will give me more to think about….this was an excellent post…I like the connection you made with Saturn….Thank you for sharing…
Take Care…
)0(
maryrose
Thank you! I hope more insights and messages come to you! Namaste _/l\_
My first impression of the spiral/circles of the snail’s shell was that they are a reflection of the rings of Saturn, similar to the rings of a tree trunk. Without Saturn, nothing would have lasting value, lessons wouldn’t be learned. Beautiful post. Happy trails as you move forward at your own pace.
Thank you!
beautiful analysis –
all best wishes
with regards
Thank you! Namaste _/l\_
Lovely text, simply lovely! Reminds me of my vipassana course, I went out of my meditation cell (finding it hard to meditate) to see a spider building its cobweb in the middle of nowhere. That encouraged me to go and try harder exactly as this small creature did, and it came out to be one great experience!
Beautiful! Even the smallest of creatures can teach us something. Namaste 🙂
Julianneji thanks – that was wonderful the connection between the snail and Saturn – in indian astrology everyone fears the Saturn phases of i think 2 and half years when one faces the greatest trials of ones life – astrologers say keep mustard oil under your bed – in saturn temples in india on saturdays devotees afflicted by the saturn phase pour mustard oil on his statue of black rock – he is slow so the phase does not pass quickly, he also limps and anyone looking into his eyes becomes cursed – there are many myths about lord saturn – but he is not evil, rather his bitter medicine spills out the poisons within us and after the bitter experiences during his phase we emerge cleansed, introspecting and reforming ones failings.
Yes, the Saturn return (2.5 years) and especially Sade Sati (7.5 years) can be very trying and painful times, but if handled with patience and acceptance great cleansing and growth will occur. Saturn/Shani need not be feared, for he only wishes for us to heal and learn! 🙂
the hard way
yay – go snail and thanks to the animal kingdom for keeping us grounded. a great story!
Yes indeed! 🙂
Oh my beautiful friend…you can not imagine how fitting this post is today!! I too honor and listen to the animal kingdom. And this morning while leaving my home…I spotted a slug crawling his way across the already hot concrete. As I bent down to greet him gently…he withdrew his antanae directly into his head. I had never recognized that talent before. So i giggled…and left him to BE. But only a few hours later in Disney (we had a family fun day planned)…a quite large snail showed himself to me. He was about 15 foot off the ground…on the side of a plain concrete building with no greenery around its base. I knew intuitively that this was not a coincidence…but I continued on with my day. And then…just in case Spirit thought I may forget to “listen”…they brought your beautiful Light and talents in to the mix!!! We all weave our energies together so magically!! ♥ THANK YOU for being the precious LIGHT you are!! I so honor you!!
Thank you! Three snail signs for you…a very good sign indeed! Namaste _/l\_
What a lovely little messenger he was…the smallest creatures have so much to teach us if we stop and listen with our hearts..i stopped in the driveway once and got out to move a snail…my car posing an obvious threat..who am I to decide that he did not have a purpose and a goal that he still had to achieve..people laugh at me sometimes but I don’t mind..i do what makes my heart feel is right..to me snails represent a slow and steady path..taking with them all they need on their backs..moving slowly taking in their surrounds..gently probing the air and reverting inwards when they feel threatened 🙂
I would not laugh at you! Perfect description of the snail too! 🙂
🙂
what a wonderful story! seems like the snail may have some Cancerian / lunar qualities as well..
Thank you! Definitely! I became aware of more signs/symbols/messages as I was writing this. 🙂
Wow, talk about really hanging on there for a while. I like the symbolism!
Thank you!