In many Eastern traditions, the snake represents primal life force, a potent energy that slumbers at the base of the spine, waiting to be awakened.
Serpent Symbols in Mythology & Culture.
Across cultures and timelines, the serpent has symbolised wisdom, transformation, and divine connection.
✨ In Ancient Egypt, the cobra adorned the foreheads of pharaohs as a sign of royalty and divine protection.
✨ In Greek mythology, the staff of Asclepius - wrapped with a serpent - remains a symbol of healing today.
✨ Mesoamerican cultures revered the feathered serpent deity, Quetzalcoatl, as the god of creation and knowledge.
✨ In Hinduism, the cosmic serpent Ananta Shesha cradles the universe in infinite coils.
✨ In Buddhism, the naga (serpent spirits) are protectors of the Dharma.
Time and again, the snake is not something to be feared, but something to be respected, honoured, and awakened.
Awakening The Serpent Energy Within
In yoga, this ancient serpent energy is referred to as Kundalini - the coiled life force at the base of the spine. Through practice, we begin to awaken this dormant energy and encourage it to rise upward through the chakras, unlocking new levels of awareness, vitality, and spiritual connection.
Kundalini Yoga is often called “the yoga of awareness.” It combines breathwork (pranayama), dynamic movement (kriyas), mantra, and meditation to:
🔸 Expand consciousness.
🔸 Strengthen the nervous system.
🔸 Balance the chakras.
🔸 Ignite creative and spiritual potential.
The rising of Kundalini is said to be the meeting of Shakti (divine feminine energy) with Shiva (divine masculine consciousness) at the crown of the head - a sacred union of energy and awareness.
Kundalini at Soul Sanctuary
This month, we’re honoured to welcome Kathryn McCusker - experienced Kundalini Yoga teacher, to Soul Sanctuary. With deep respect for its ancient roots, Kathryn offers a transformative journey through breath, movement, and meditation to awaken and balance your inner energy. Blending yogic philosophy with nourishing practice, she invites you to explore the depths of your serpent energy - whether you’re new to Kundalini or already attuned to its rhythms, this is a powerful opportunity to ignite your inner fire and wisdom.
🐍 Begin with Discover Kundalini Yoga, a 7-minute introduction where Kathryn shares her personal story and explains the essence of Kundalini energy.
🐍 Then move into Awakening the Sacral Energy, a 30-minute class focused on the sacral chakra, where you'll connect to your creative and sexual energy. Here, the Kundalini serpent begins to stir, awakening clarity and vitality.
🐍 Soften into Knowing Through Intuition Meditation, a 13-minute meditation using a 4-stroke breath to activate the pituitary gland and deepen intuitive awareness.
🐍 Complete your journey with Balancing Kundalini Energy & Chakras, a 43-minute practice using kriyas and breath of fire to move energy through the chakras, offering integration, strength, and deep energetic alignment.
Together, these practices create a potent pathway into transformation, vitality, and deeper self-connection.
“The Kundalini snake represents one of the most powerful and transformative forces within the human body. Kundalini energy is often depicted as a serpent coiled three and a half times around the base of the spine. This serpent symbolises the primal, untapped energy and potential within every individual.” - Kathryn McCusker
Working with Serpent Energy On & Off The Mat
You don’t need to be in a Kundalini kriya to work with serpent energy. Here are some ways to embody the serpent both in your practice and in your daily life:
🌀 Move from your spine – explore spinal undulations in your flow. Let your movements be wave-like, fluid, and intuitive.
🔥 Breathe with intention – use breath of fire or alternate nostril breathing to activate energy and bring balance.
🪞 Shed old skin – reflect on patterns, habits or identities you’re ready to release. Journaling, breathwork, or simply noticing is enough.
🌿 Trust your inner knowing – serpent energy is intuitive. Let yourself be guided by inner wisdom, especially when the path feels unclear.
The serpent doesn’t rush. It waits. It observes. Then moves with power and precision.
May this month be an invitation to honour your own unfolding - to move with intention, rise with awareness, and meet your potential with trust and curiosity. Let the energy of the serpent guide you.
