- THE RITE OF THE SERPENT GATE
Crossing Fear, Shedding Identity, Embracing Transformation
(from The Codex, Chapter 3)
Purpose
The Serpent Gate represents the threshold between the known self and the awakened self.
It is the moment where fear, resistance, ego, and illusion coil like a serpent guarding the door of transformation.
To cross the Serpent Gate is to:
• face shadow and fear
• shed outdated identity
• transition into a higher understanding
• symbolically reenact the serpent’s molt
• accept the unknown
• claim inner sovereignty
I. THE CIRCLE OF THE SERPENT
The ritual begins with a circle drawn on the ground:
• chalk indoors
• cord or rope
• stones or branches outdoors
• or even traced with a finger
At the east of the circle, place a serpentine symbol, rope spiral, or even a simple S-curve.
The Guide proclaims:
“Here coils the Threshold.
Here waits the Serpent Gate.”
All participants respond:
“We approach the Gate with courage.”
II. THE SHADOW RECOGNITION
The Guide says:
“Name the fear that binds you.”
Seekers, one by one, step forward and speak:
• a fear
• a hesitation
• a limiting belief
• an old identity
• something they resist becoming
Each fear is written onto a slip of paper or breathed into a stone.
The Guide affirms:
“What is named loses power.”
III. THE COIL OF CONFRONTATION
The seeker stands before the Serpent Gate symbol.
The Guide recites:
“To cross, you must shed.
To shed, you must face.
To face, you must be still.”
The seeker closes their eyes.
Three breaths:
- Inhale: “Courage.”
- Hold: “Confrontation.”
- Exhale: “Release.”
IV. THE SHEDDING
The seeker removes something symbolic:
• a bracelet
• a strand of rope
• a cloak
• a written fear
• a statement of identity
• an object representing the old self
They place it before the Gate.
The Guide says:
“Leave behind what you are not.
Shed what you no longer carry.”
V. THE CROSSING
The seeker steps over the Serpent Gate symbol.
This act represents:
• crossing the threshold
• surviving the serpent
• shedding the old skin
• rebirth into the new self
The Guide declares:
“You have crossed.
Rise transformed.”
Others in the circle respond:
“We witness your becoming.”
VI. CLOSING
All recite:
“Fear dissolves.
Identity sheds.
The path continues.”
The Rite is complete.