Snail

Meaning & Symbolism

The Snail, with its slow and steady pace and the spiral of its shell, symbolizes the feelings of sadness and depression. Sadness is often a temporary emotion, triggered by specific events or losses, and can feel like a heavy cloud that passes with time. Depression, however, is more persistent, dragging one into a state of prolonged despair, where even simple tasks can feel overwhelming and life seems to move in slow motion, much like a Snail’s crawl. The Snail’s ability to sleep for up to three years mirrors the stagnation and isolation that can accompany depression, where it feels as if life is on hold, and nothing can rouse you from the darkness.

The spiral of the Snail’s shell represents the cyclical nature of these emotions; it can feel like you’re revisiting the same dark places over and over again. Yet, just as the spiral is not a perfect circle, each turn is slightly different, offering opportunities for growth and change, even if they are not immediately apparent. Interestingly, a Snail can crawl upside down, symbolizing the strength to move forward despite being in an upside-down world—a reflection of how, even in the midst of depression, one can still navigate through life, albeit slowly and with difficulty.

We often get sad or depressed when our deeper needs are not met, or when we feel disconnected from ourselves or others. Sadness can be a mask for deeper emotions such as grief, loneliness, or frustration. Depression, on the other hand, can be a sign that we’ve become stuck in our own emotional “slime,” repeatedly retraumatizing ourselves by focusing on negative thoughts and feelings. To shift these emotions, it’s essential to get honest with ourselves and explore what’s truly behind our sadness or depression. This could involve identifying unmet needs, reaching out for support, or making small, manageable changes to our daily routines to slowly move toward healing.

To begin shifting out of depression, start by taking small steps—like a Snail—toward activities that bring you even a small amount of joy or comfort. This could be as simple as spending time in nature, talking to a friend, or engaging in creative expression. Also, consider seeking professional help, as depression often requires guidance and support to overcome. It’s important to recognize that while the process of healing may be slow, each step forward is progress, no matter how small.

Try shifting feelings of sadness or depression towards hope and optimism (Giraffe) by considering the following needs: 

Growth, honesty, support, consistency, stability, sustenance, order, reassurance, movement, creativity, play, humor, affection, touch, belonging, self-expression, mourning, beauty, purpose, security, appreciation, perspective, rest…

-Tanya Casteel ©Cosmic Animals