In the past, I had only had negative experiences with other's pet snakes. They were regretted purchases - unwanted animals languishing with the minimum of care in ugly bare tanks. I had no positive associations at all with them as pets, and only knew that illegal smuggling trade resulted in a lot of dead animals, and sick animals with unnecessary sad fates due to greedy cruel people. I think this came from an early reading of a National Geographic article (we subscribed when I was a kid). That kind of thing had a big influence on me, but then, I was the kid sending off spare change to Green Peace to stop the bludgeoning of baby Harp Seals.
Back a couple of years ago, I'd find myself thinking about snakes while spinning wool and flax. That activity tends to be somewhat hypnotic anyway. I started researching them, and unexpectedly discovered that I wanted one.
To me they are kind of a symbol of cosmic energy - they have a fun new age hippy theme about them. I find the Genesis story intriguing because humanity got smarter after Eve was coaxed to take the bite; with a knowledge of good and evil, and an ability to make the choice, we became adults, and were no longer children.
I think discretion is a good thing. If people aren't going to take it well, I don't need to share. Compared to the '70's that I grew up in, we live in a VERY prissy society. Taking offence seems to be a central part of most peoples' daily existence. Really, it is not worth wallowing in.
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