Why Snakes?
Snakes evoke powerful and complex responses within people, a collective phenomenon that is experienced on an individual basis. I believe these responses are the instinctual and cellular wisdom of our DNA in communication with us about a species that demands our respect and awe. It is partially this intuitive calling to learn about my inner wisdom, to embody my inner serpent as well as the deep healing I have received from my snakes that compels me to be a snake priestess.

Who I Am & What I Do
My name is Serpentessa and I am rebirthing the ancient serpent wisdom into the world today through the teachings of my live gentle snakes in a variety of workshops, performances and ceremonies. My (red tail) boa constrictors are very good-natured around multitudes of people and occasions.

Reading peoples' body language and respecting individuals' boundaries during an experience with my serpents is a vital part of the path of any snake priestess. I do exceedingly well incorporating the varied powerful responses into a mutual dialogue of the senses, weaving the universal with the personal realms into an enjoyable and memorable experience. The direct result of a journey with my serpents is a powerful experience of living in the mystery of the present moment.

My Education, Skills and Achievements
In addition, I am a professional belly dancer. My early Middle Eastern dance education included study under Serena, Ibrahim Farrah and others. Today I take private lessons with Jehan Kamal. Current studies for continued professional development include attendance at dance seminars by Samara, Anahid Sofian, Aszmara, Rayhana, Rachel Brice, Dalia Carella and Shamira. I am also a graduate of Priestess Path Apprenticeship under ALisa Starkweather, a visionary healer and ceremonialist.

Theatrical collaborations include, but are not limited to Gilgamesh: The Quest, NYC, Horse's Mouth Productions, City Center, NY, and Jehan's GODDESSDANCE, which featured me dancing as a Snake Priestess. This Off-Broadway show has been quoted as a "Middle Eastern Riverdance" by the Village Voice.

The majority of my theatrical choreography and workshops incorporates a mythological theme experienced within a current perspective that integrates the personal realm within the collective realm for audience and/or participants.

How I Work With You
I have developed my workshops, classes and ceremonial rituals with and without the snakes, ranging from introductory to intensive levels and presented in a variety of formats and locales ranging from cultural events, corporate functions, spiritual retreat centers, private schools, children's events and individual sessions. Over 10,000 people have engaged with my snakes and many have a photo memento to prove it!

With my serpents:
~ Serpent and the Moon Temple Belly Dance workshops
~ Rites of Passage ceremonies
~ Blessingways
Co-ed workshops include:
~ Dream Healing with Snakes in the Asklepian Tradition
~ Slow Contact Improvisation with Serpents
~ Transformative Empowerment Stratagems
~ Walking Labyrinths
~ Basic Snake Handling 101 to men, women and children
Without the snakes:
~ Temple Belly Dance classes

My Philosophy
Working with and performing with snakes is a privilege and responsibility I take very seriously. I consider them as an equal (albeit silent) partner and collaborator. They have never been a prop and never will be! The health and welfare of my serpents has remained of paramount importance throughout the 25 plus years I have lived with snakes.

To facilitate education about red tail boa constrictors and the instinctual responses to snakes in general, I have created a Dvd titled, Belly Dance with Snakes: Embody Your Inner Serpent. Consisting of 3 main chapters and optional commentaries, there is in depth content on embodying your inner serpent, interacting and dancing safely with red tail boas and several mythologically themed theatrical performances. Please visit the Dvd page for more info.

I am grateful for the many blessings, experiences and relationships that enter my life through the inspired teachings of these wild and powerful, humble and peaceful beings. In return, all the serpents ever ask of me is - to just be willing.