The Basics of Kundalini Serpent Symbolism
By Stephen Reedy
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…
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…
Nothing comes from nothing. Manly Hall’s vision for the All-Seeing Eye was entirely supported by contributions from its readers who paid for their subscription with gifts made according to their means. Manly Hall wrote,
“This magazine is published and distributed privately to those who make possible with their financial support its publication. The magazine cannot be bought and has no fixed value. Like all of the ancient teachings which it seeks to promulgate, it has no comparative value, but the students must support it for its own intrinsic merit.”
