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The Basics of Kundalini Serpent Symbolism
 ​​By Stephen Reedy


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The general idea of Kundalini is simple: There is a massive amount of energy trapped inside of us and there are ways to get it out. To grasp the basics of this dense philosophy, we must first understand why this hidden super-force is represented by a snake. The serpent is one of the most common symbols in Esoteric Philosophy, shared by a plethora of cultures across all ages. Simply put, the snake represents the energy of the physical. Is it good? Is it bad? That depends, as it’s not correct to ascribe value judgements to it, for an injurious use of your energy may be the very thing that inspires you to do some powerful self-improvement.

Instead of calling our energy “good” or “bad,” occult symbolism defines its function as “towards evolution” or “away from evolution.” In esoteric artwork, a snake that is pointed downwards generally represents one’s energy being aimed exclusively towards the short term appetites of the physical Earth below—towards basic, animalistic activities. Put another way, it is the opposite of seeking evolution, the opposite of ascension to a higher realm of non-physical realities. We see this in images and stories of slithering demons, destructive dragons, or most famously, that tempting little reptile in the Garden of Eden that led to “the fall of humanity.” When this energy is aimed upwards, like the snake climbing up The Tree of Life or The Staff of Hermes, it represents using energy to ascend beyond the physical. It displays a personal quest of seeking evolution beyond base animal perception.

This power that fuels our minds, bodies, and emotions can be a gift or a curse, depending on how we use it. And thus, we can now explore the basics of why the energy inside our human vehicles is symbolized by the serpent…

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  • HOME
  • ABOUT PRS
    • Manly P. Hall >
      • Manly Hall, A Personal Perspective
    • PRS Board & Staff
    • Contributing Artists >
      • Guy Blakeslee
      • John Bucher
      • Sandra del Castillo
      • Devon Deimler
      • Edgar Fabian Frias
      • Mandy Kahn
      • David Orr
      • Marina Pacowski
      • Stephen Reedy
      • Fahad Siadat
      • Eliza Swann
    • Press
  • EVENTS
    • Past Events
    • Online Classes
    • Videos on Demand
  • EXHIBITIONS
  • Library
  • PRS Journal
    • Past Issues >
      • India
      • Winter Festivals
      • Water
      • The Veil
      • Harvest
      • Fire
      • Moon
      • Solar
      • Rebirth
    • Journal Subscribers >
      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues >
        • December - Winter Festivals
        • November - Water
        • October - The Veil
        • September-Harvest
        • August - Fire
        • July - Moon
        • June - Solar
        • May - Rebirth
    • Journal Submissions
  • Shop
    • New Arrivals
    • Best Sellers
    • PRS Merch
    • Books by Manly P. Hall >
      • The Secret Teachings
      • The Signature Editions
      • New Editions for Contemporary Seekers
      • Vintage Lecture Notes
      • MPH Essays
      • MPH Book SALE
      • Manly P. Hall Book Bundles
    • MPH Audio >
      • MPH Collection at BetterListen.com
    • MPH E-Books
    • Reprint Series curated by MPH
    • Books and Catalogs >
      • Dr. Obadiah Harris
    • Gifts & Curiosities >
      • Gift Cards
    • Tote Bags
    • Rare and Used Books
    • Symbolic Prints and Posters
    • Tarot, Oracle, and Affirmation Decks
    • Curbside Pickup
    • Shipping Update
  • Support
    • Volunteer
    • Roof Restoration Fundraiser
  • Rentals