the Equinox - The Hermetic Library

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING
the spinal column called respectively Pingala and Ida, and
between these is placed the Sushumnâ, an imaginary tube, at
the lower extremity of which is situated the Kundalini
(potential divine energy). Once the Kundalini is awakened it
forces its way up the Sunshumnâ,* and, as it does so, its
progresses is marked by wonderful visions and the acquisition
of hitherto unknown powers.
The Sushumnâ is, as it were, the central pillar of the Tree
of Life, and its six stages are known as the Six Chakkras.† To
these six is added a seventh; but this one, the Sahasrâra, lies
altogether outside the human organism.
These six Chakkras are:
1. The Mûlâdhara-Chakkra. This Chakkra is situated
between the lingam and the anus at the base of the Spinal
Column. It is called the Adhar-Padma, or fundamental lotus,
and it has four petals. “In the pericarp of the Adhar lotus
there is the triangular beautiful yoni, hidden and kept secret
in all the Tantras.” In this yoni dwells the goddess Kundalini;
she surrounds all the Nadis, and has three and a half coils.
She catches her tail in her own mouth, and rests in the
entrance of the Sushumnâ.‡
“The Book of Concealed Mystery.” Note too the lotus-leaf that backs the
throne of a God is also the hood of the Cobra. So too the Egyptian gods have
the serpent upon the brow.
* Provided the other exits are duly stopped by Practice. The danger of
Yoga is this, that one may awaken the Magic Power before all is balanced. A
discharge takes place in some wrong direction and obsession results.
† The forcing of the Kundalini up the Sushumnâ and through the six
Chakkras to the Sahasrâra, is very similar to Rising on the Planes through
Malkuth, Yesod, the Path of p, Tiphereth, the Path of f, and Daäth to
Kether, by means of the Central Pillar of the Tree of Life.
‡ The following Mystical Physiology is but a symbolic method of expressing
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