Kundalini, creative power & the snake in Shakti Yoga
Hello dear friend,
I'm just catching my breath after two powerful animal encounters! Just before writing this, a goanna (Lace Monitor) walked right through the front door of the temple where I'm working and nestled into the corner.
My dad happened to be around and gratefully helped me to usher the goanna back outside (they can be quite fierce!). Then when I stepped out, a snake slithered across my path, causing me to jump back with a gasp.
And - of course snake came to say hello - because I had just been writing about the snake on Instagram as a beloved ally, and that the "Sixteen days of Shakti" (more on that below!) coincides with the year of the snake beginning.
Snakes are interesting, because in some cultures and mythology they represent danger, or are considered a bad omen. In the church, the snake represents Satan and is associated with temptation and the fall of Eve in the Garden of Eden (don't even get me started on the implications of that story, especially for women!).
To call someone "a snake" is quite derogatory in the English language, which feels like a strong an unfair projection onto Snake for me!
Meanwhile, in Tantric wisdom and ancient Egyptian lore, the serpent power (called Kundalini in Sanskrit) represents the powerful energetic activation of our divine potential. The Nagas appear in Hindu and Buddhist culture, which are snake-like beings who act as guardians of waters and sacred sites, such as temples.
In Australia, the land where I live, the Rainbow Serpent is a powerful dreaming story that speaks to Creation and the song lines of the land.
I have an original piece of art by an aboriginal artist named Loretta Egan that adorns the wall of my practice space called "Protector" which some of you may have seen behind me when joining me in practice via Zoom.
I feel like everything has a shadow and light expression, and the way we choose to relate to this powerful creature and the energy of creative power determines how we experience and express it.
Anything that carries power must be wielded with wisdom.
Snakes make some people squirm (for others, it's full blown fear), and it makes sense that our hearts might beat faster if a snake crosses our path.
Personally, I've always loved and enjoyed the grace of a carpet python and the elegance of her motion.
I've appreciated the instincts of my animal body that know to keep a healthy distance from a snake.
And I will always stomp my feet if walking in an overgrown area to deter any snakes from my path (they sense vibration, which I relate to deeply!).
There is also something I find erotically activating, and I know many women (me among them) have had visionary or subtle realm experiences with the presence of Snake.
This reminds me of a scene in one of my favourite book series - the Maeve Chronicles (highly recommend) where Maeve has very erotically activating encounter with Snake in her inner vision whilst visiting the underworld.
I feel that snake taps us into the primal AND the mystical. And is a powerful symbol for Feminine awakening.
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In Shakti Yoga, we activate both our animal intelligence (the same intelligence that instinctively steps back in the presence of snake before we can even think about it), AND the mystical intelligence that is more connected to our subtle body and can very much be unlocked through our physical body - especially the spine.
Spinal movements are key in Shakti Yoga, and most people are not accessing the full range of movement in their spines which is essential for our vitality. In Shakti Yoga practice we regularly bring our belly to the ground like snake does, and feel our close connection with the earth - our womb to her womb.
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I've seen kundalini been commodified in a big way online over the last few years, and I feel a sense of duty to support women to be in right relationship with this inner power - our sacred life force. And for this indwelling Goddess to receive the respect and reverence she deserves.
At this point I feel to refer back to a blog post I wrote back in 2020 which describes my own intimate inner experiences of this energy (back in the days well before Substack existed!)...
I've been fortunate to work deeply with several teachers who work with kundalini energy in a very respectful and integral way - namely Sally Kempton and Clive Sheridan - both teachers within Tantric traditions.
And to invite you to join me in Sixteen days of Shakti Yoga practice starting on the new moon!!!!
Sixteen days of Shakti - 29th January - 13th February 2025
(from new moon to full moon)
🌑 The new moon on 29th January marks the beginning of the year of the snake – a powerful symbol of feminine energy that we work intimately with in Shakti Yoga as kundalini.
There is a great power in daily practice, and Sixteen Days of Shakti is for women who want to make that commitment to themselves, and reap the benefits in their bodies, minds and lives
My wish is that the habit you establish during this time sets you up with more confidence to continue a home practice of your own that nourishes your body & femininity, awakening you to the magical realm of shakti.
SESSION TIMES: 7am Brisbane time (AEST) for 40 minutes.*
Recordings available for 24 hours only, coming live is encourged!
The majority of the sessions will be taught by me with five incredible women joining me on the schedule - trained Shakti Yoga teachers who have completed the 9-month training with me.
RSVP to the FACEBOOK EVENT to keep updated with schedule and teacher announcements!
READ MORE/REGISTER FOR "SIXTEEN DAYS OF SHAKTI" (SLIDING SCALE)*
*If you enroll in the Teacher Training or Practice pathway, you will be granted free access to the "Sixteen days of Shakti".
Whether you're considering training with me to certify as a Shakti Yoga Teacher, or joining the Practice Pathway, this call is an opportunity to connect, learn more and ask questions!
We'll also be joined by three graduates who would love to share their experiences first hand with you.
When: 8am - 9am Saturday 18th January AEST (check your timezone here)
On this call I'll share:
* What exactly IS Shakti Yoga?
* What sets this training apart from other yoga teacher trainings
* An overview of the course curriculum (it's juicy!)
* What the 9-month training entails - all the logistics
* The magic and gifts this training will bring to your life!
* What is the Practice Pathway? (training without certifying)
* What you'll get out of the training and the transformation that is possible at the end of the 9-months
* All about the in-person retreat
* Live Q&A - come with your questions and curiosities!
This is not an ordinary Yoga Teacher Training!
This is an alchemical cauldron; an initiation into the radical path of shakti; a deeply healing and profoundly transformative journey that is interactive and personalised.
REGISTER FOR FREE INFO CALL 18th JANUARY: Pathways and possibilities
VIEW FULL COURSE OVERVIEW
Click here for the PRACTICE PATHWAY OPTION - 9-month immersion without certification
Ohh - and if you're in Brisbane or nearby, we've just announced Fire Dance dates for the next few months! 🔥🔥🔥
