Kundalini

In the past, the belief was that the Kundalini energy would rise from the Root chakra and move upward in a criss-cross fashion (symbolized by the two snakes of the caduceus.) This pattern represented the male/female principle and it crossed at major chakras until reaching the Crown chakra. The joined energies then moved downward over the front of the body and re-entered through the solar plexus, thus completing the circuit.

The method most often used to attain this energized and expanded state of awareness was intense and sustained medication. In attempting to acheive the desired goal, the initiate concentrated to the extent that aall else in the environment was eliminated from the concious mind. A negative side-effect of this method was that-not realizing the real power of this process - the initiate often experienced trauma to the psyche and the physical body.

The initiate, not properly prepared, was often unable to cope with the instantaneous surge of power and expanded awareness. As this powerful energy leaped from one major chakra to another, it had the effect of a hammer blow. Another result was that the state of expanded conciousness was short lived.

In the New Age approach - utilizing the 12 chakra system - it is suggested that, during meditation, one concentrate on bringing the energy from the Root chakra upward to the Solar Plexus. Maintaing the energy at that level, the individual then visualizes energy moving downward from the Crown chakra.

When bringing the energy from the Root chakra, it should be visualized as a pale, aquamarine-blue flame. Then visualize bringing a silverr-white shaft of pure light from the Mind of the Creative Source through the Crown chakra, allow it to pass through the Brow chakra, move gently through the other Major and Minor chakras and come to rest in the Solar Plexus. The two energies are then combined in the Solar Plexus to form a flame of blue-white, diamond clear light.

By raising the Kundalini in this manner, from the bottom and the top to the center - from the Earth and the Universal Mind - the effect is more of a flowing quality throughouut the body. There are no violent blows or "jumps", but rather a wave of feeling. Heat is created by this method also, but it is gentle, warm radiance rather than a searing flush.

Another reason for trauma expeienced in the old method was that the tremendous force of energy came in contact with blocks in the system. Blocks are false defenses that have been created by individuals to insulate or 'defend' them from certain feelings. The new method allows the individual to deal more gently with such blocks. Confronting many of these defenses is part of the preparation before engaging the power of the Kundalini.

Also, in the New Age method, the conciousness is expanded tremendously and may be maintained for as long aas desired with no ill side-effects. It should be realized that even in this second meeethod the individual is extremely sensitized on thte physical and spiritual level. This may cause some discomfort because of the volume and intensity of the information being received. The New Age method allows for greater control of this energy.