magical power, and the power named were those of the High Bard or Chief Druid or High Wizard.

Snakes were sacred to the Celts, who revered the snake as a messenger bringing wisdom from the Underworld. They were considered priests and priestesses equal to the Druids themselves. The shedding of skin represented the transformations that occur within a person's life. The retreat of the reptile underground served to show the introspection of the spiritual man or woman. The hatching of their eggs was the sudden inspiration, insight, and realization that blessed their thoughts. The Druids saw change as healthy and necessary, just like shedding the old wrappings.