Copperhead's poop & letting go of shame

I asked for a sign. Copperhead's poop delivered the answer.

Nature’s messages reach us through our senses and, when we ask, nature communicates with us in a way that we understand.¹

Seeing copperhead slithering on the garage floor last night was a quick attention grabber, followed by stepping back to give the venomous snake space and give myself a safe distance to observe and call for help.

NOTE: Although the copperhead’s poop will become the star of this story, we did not see the poop until after the snake had left the garage.

(Relatively fresh) snake poop on garage floor.

A short time after the commotion of guiding copperhead from the building using (gently) a garden hoe and water spray from garden hose, we wiped down the tools and floor and setup fans for drying the room. I thanked copperhead for getting my attention early so we could work together on our common goal: safety. Copperhead wanted to be safely outside and we wanted to see her leave. At each stage of her exit, copperhead moved toward the door and away from us, never showing aggression.

Soon after, my spouse pointed to the snake poop behind a work bench. That’s when I knew the star of this nature message was the snake’s “nature call.” The snake pooped on the garage floor — a place where I would see AND understand the message.

Earlier in the week, I’d asked for guidance in setting new moon intentions that included the following actions:

• Releasing / letting go; and

• Attracting / letting in.

I’d asked for help because I KNEW something old has been blocking my energy flow in present time. I wanted to be specific. So, I asked for a message delivered in a way that I would understand* and the message received — snake poop — was very clear: shame. For me, poop has always equated to shame. I love that the message was delivered in a way that I would uniquely understand.

I’ve come a long way on the poop = shame front after raising a puppy. When potty training a puppy, poops in appropriate places are cause for celebration and treats. As her mom, I pick up her poops with gratitude: I am pleased that she is digesting her food and eliminating in the grass. Even now, as a teenager, our dog does her poops outside and we cheer and reward her with a cookie when she comes inside. There is no shame involved. NONE.

Snake customarily represents transformation, a message delivered by shedding her skin. In the past, snake has shared with me her messages of flow, mutual respect, and situational awareness. Shame, like poop, can become impacted. Impacted shame is a bonafide block resulting in a great deal of pain.

I am ready to release shame, including the shame I feel around poop, my body, and sexual trauma. Shame will no longer block my energy flow.

Thank you copperhead snake for your message. I am grateful.

---

1. This is my general ask in daily gratitude practice: Thank you for the messages shared with me. Please continue to deliver messages in a way that I will understand … and if I’m not catching on, please deliver the message at least three times.