Snake Hips

As many of us are already aware, Chakras are the energy centres in the body, rooted in ancient Indian spiritual traditions. Aligned along the spine, these seven wheels of energy are believed to influence physical, mental, and emotional well-being when balanced. 

In Tantra massage, chakras play a crucial role in channelling and balancing energy. Practitioners focus on awakening and harmonising these energy centres through touch, promoting not just physical relaxation but also spiritual and emotional well-being. The massage aims to stimulate a free flow of energy, fostering a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit.

However in the spiritual practice of Tantra there are three further energy canals or Nadis known as Sushumna, Ida and Pingala. Ida is the negatively charged moon energy which represents the female aspect in us, originating on the right side of the base of the spin whilst Pingala is the positively charged sun energy originating on the left side.

Like snakes, these two energy channels continue upward, circling along the Sushumna which is the path for the ascent of kundalini energy up from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and considered the central channel for the flow of prana throughout the body.  The aim in the spiritual practices of Tantra is to activate these energy centres and to bring the dual strengths of Ida and Pingala into unity with one another.  

As I read about the harmonisation of these sacred, sensual energies I was taken back to a powerful journeying experience on a Tantric Shamanic retreat that I attended a couple of years ago. Throughout the intense guided visualisation and breathwork, I received a vivid image of a cobra which remained throughout the session. It was such a strong, clear picture that my body soon began writhing and undulating like the Cobra itself, even making hissing noises in true snake fashion!

At the end of the journey, there was stillness. I remember seeing the cobra surrounded by a golden light, almost as if it had become actualised or enlightened in a brand new way. And I felt peace and joy. Perhaps Ida and Pingala had found their ideal flow in me during this moment. Who knows? Whichever way though, it was a beautiful experience.

How do the sun and moon energies live in you?