Many spiritual seekers are surprised to find their bodies undergoing subtle and not so subtle changes. Kundalini, a Sanskrit word (kundala) for coil of rope is the divine cosmic energy present in both cosmos and human beings. The goddess Kundalini is the generator of life, forming the blueprint and nervous system. When her work culminates in the birth of a human being, she lies quietly at the base of the spine, the muladhara chakra of the body.

At puberty, the goddess awakens and begins the journey to rejoin her partner at the crown of the head. All life involves duality, a separation from the divine, only to reunify into wholeness. The process of reunification is a spiritual awakening. Kundalini travels up the the central channel to the top of the skull. She pierces in turn each of the spinning energetic centers. She opens the mind to new experiences, knowledge and powers. The body is also changed. When kundalini reaches the topmost center, the thousand-petaled lotus opens and the adept attains full spiritual perfection.

As one practices their spiritual path of self-knowledge and healing, they may find bodily reactions such as:

a) straightening of the spine (for me, I get chiropractic type adjustments)
b) an overwhelming sense of love and compassion for all sentient life
c) sometimes a burning sensation in the lower back, back of the neck and headaches
d) experience of divine light within
e) energy vibrating throughout the body
f) spontaneous bliss

The process is generally not overnight, but a slow awakening best explained by a spiritual teacher. The final culmination produces an ecstastic union of worldly and supernatural powers and freedom from he world. Kundalini is often seen as a blood red color thread throbbing and humming during its ascension. This sound is the eternal vibration of the creator aspect whose energy is the Word or (vac.)

Kundalini is not found in classical Yoga but only in later texts and in the Upanishads. The tantric aspects represent both masculine and feminine principles are resident in each person and when united create the resident androgynous god/goddess.