There are various forces that operate behind the physical universe that we do not sense because of the inherent limitation of our senses. In all traditions there have been mystics whose subtle senses were open and they beheld these forces often, though not always, with remarkable similarity in their form and functioning. We use the word myth because we do not have or have lost that vision. These forms therefore are quite representative.
Dragons represent powerful forces that govern the movement of Time, – both good and bad, often both together depending upon how we view it. Reptiles, in general represent small but often deceptive forces. Snakes represent energies engaged in evolutionary processes, – both good and bad. Thus, for examples, most snakes, especially dark ones represent hostile forces that either impede or restrict (python) or even pose a threat to inner life. Some however such as a cobra, white snake, iridescent snake are positive evolutionary energies that help advance rapidly.
Affectionately,
Alok Da