Kundalini in Hinduism is a form of divine feminine energy located at the base of the spine at the root chakra. This energy is present in many esoteric traditions. The word Kundalini is a Sanskrit term from ancient India, meaning a coiled snake. Kundalini is rising energy and consciousness. It is the source of the life force energy in the subtle body, consisting of nadis, chakras, prana, and bindu. “Yoga science suggests that this energy triggered the formation of the child in the womb, and then coils 3 ½ times at the base of the spine to hold the energy field in stasis until we die when it uncoils and returns to Source.” (KG) The capacity to raise energy levels in the body has been explored for thousands of years.
Kundalini can arise from the base of the spine due to spiritual practices or life events. Many yogic and tantric traditions can help awaken this energy. When awakened, the energy can be gradual or quick; some find it frightening while others find it blissful. As the stagnant energy flows freely upward through the seven chakras, it expands consciousness. The awakening can trigger positive and/or negative affects. When Kundalini energy begins to flow, it can become stuck on blockages as “everything in your life comes up for review.” (Gaia) The blockages may be caused by the person’s physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual body. As the person reawakens this energy, they often let go of things holding them back, a type of out with the old and in with the new perspective occurs, which can cause upheaval in people’s lives.
The nervous system is said to change as it adjusts to the increase in Kundalini energy. It is described as hot energy moving upward from the base of your spine. The person becomes more attuned to what is happening around them as they let go of the ego. The majority of people never reach full enlightenment, but experience the movement of Kundalini in the body. (Kara) People who awaken their Kundalini are said to experience more profound empathy that is almost telepathic. They also claim to have a greater sensitivity to energy levels. Some have psychic abilities, their creativity increases, and a sense of internal peace and knowing that they are part of the all fills them. According to some, the purpose of awakening your Kundalini is to awaken your divine purpose; it is believed to purify the energy systems. Once the Kundalini energy reaches the Crown chakra at the front of the brain, it is permanently awakened; there is no regression.
Kundalini energy doesn’t need to be awakened to have a spiritual awakening. Kundalini is a powerful phenomenon that occurs in consciousness, while a spiritual awakening is the consciousness waking up to its true identity. Kundalini Psychosis can cause hallucinations and altered states of consciousness, which can occur if one isn’t ready for the energy surge.
Kundalini energy is also called the serpent power. The awakening of this energy is seen as significant in Eastern traditions, but it is barely mentioned in Western traditions, except Christian mystics who are said to have experienced Kundalini energy.
Awakening your Kundalini is not a religious practice. It is a process of releasing energy from the base of your spine up through the rest of your chakras to create a communication system with your inner self and help balance your energies. Kundalini yoga uses sounds, universal mantras, energy healing, exercise, and meditation to release trauma from the energetic body. When you practice Kundalini yoga, your frequency shifts. When the Kundalini energy rises you may be guided to give up things that are bad for you like alcohol and drugs, to help clear the channels. The result is said to be an indescribable expansion of consciousness into spiritual realms beyond form and thought. People who experience Kundalini energy consider it life-changing.
If you are interested in awakening your Kundalini, I would suggest a trained and experienced yoga teacher who has experience with awakenings would be beneficial, but trusting your intuition is always best. A Kundalini awakening is not dangerous, but it can be unsettling, and a person should prepare emotionally and mentally. Kundalini and Hatha yoga work on strengthening the nervous system, increasing bodily strength, and promoting overall fitness.
To read more about the Caduceus symbol: https://lahilden.com/rod-of-hermes/
A special thank you to: http://www.kundaliniguide.com/what-is-kundalini,https://www.gaia.com/article/kundalini-awakening-signs,https://karaleah.com/2018/10/kundalini-awakenings-symptoms-process-benefits-support-help/,https://twospiritsonesoul.com/blog/everyone-always-asks-me-whats-the-difference-between-kundalini-and-spiritual-awakening-whats-the-difference-between-kundalini-and-spiritual-awakening/,https://niafaraway.com/kundalini-energy/