A snake in a dream: what the old books say
On a snake in a dream, both old books look at the colour and the scene: a snake biting the right shoulder reads well in both (Kanavu Nool v.23, Kana Nool v.5); the Kanavu Nool also reads a white snake well, and a black cobra as not favourable.
Source: Kanavu Nool, Chennai 1880 (v.2, 3, 11, 19, 23); Kana Nool, Madurai 1903 (v.5). In our own words
These are traditional beliefs from two old printed books, not predictions. The books sometimes give harsher readings than these, and we do not reproduce them. "Not favourable" here means only that tradition reads a minor setback.
What the books say
Beside each line is the book, verse (v.) and page (p.): 1880 is the Kanavu Nool, 1903 the Kana Nool. Both labels together mean both books say it.
- Good by tradition A snake biting the right shoulder or arm: Kanavu Nool: honour even kings would admire; Kana Nool: wealth in many ways. The two books say it independently 1880 v.23, p.7 · 1903 v.5, p.3
- Good by tradition Seeing a white snake: The family flourishes and gains grow 1880 v.3, p.3
- Good by tradition A snake, scorpion or leech on the body: Wealth and children come 1903 v.5, p.3
- Not favourable Seeing a black cobra: Tradition reads a minor setback 1880 v.2, p.2 · 1880 v.19, p.6
- Not favourable Snakes multiplying in a swarm: Tradition reads a minor setback 1880 v.11, p.5
What the books leave out
Neither book has a snake chasing you, entering the house, rearing its hood, or biting anywhere but the right shoulder. Verse 10 of the 1903 text has a line on a gleaming snake whose key word can mean either "fear" or "benefit", so we have not put it in any tier. We do not make up readings for scenes the books leave out.
Frequently asked
Is a snake in a dream good or bad?
The books say it depends on the colour and the scene. A snake biting the right shoulder reads well in both books, and a white snake reads well in the Kanavu Nool; a black cobra and a swarm of snakes sit in the not-favourable group of the Kanavu Nool. All of it is traditional belief only.
What does it mean if a snake bites you in a dream?
A bite on the right shoulder or arm reads well in both books (Kanavu Nool v.23, Kana Nool v.5). The books have nothing on a bite elsewhere, a snake chasing you or one entering the house, and we say nothing the books do not.
