Describe symbolism in Sisters of Isis: The Summoning by Lynne Ewing

The girls each receive a bronze snake, which can be seen as symbolic in a number of ways. In various mythologies, snakes are seen as a life force and a guardian of sacred spaces, thus, these snakes might protect the girls from danger. In other cases, however, they are symbols of evil and vengefulness. As a result, the reader must wait to see which direction the symbolism of the snake will take.