Kundalini is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning either coiled up or coiling like a snake, there are a number of other translations usually emphasizing a more serpent nature to the word - 'serpent power' or suchlike.

It is a term in yoga, referring to an apparent reservoir of psychic energy at the base of the spine. Kundalini is curled up in the back part of the root chakra in three and one-half turns. Statements such as "It has unlimited energy stored in it and [the] velocity of its energy is... higher than the velocity of light" abound. It is sometimes believed to be an aspect of Shakti, the goddess and consort of Shiva.

It is a popular concept and is widely quoted among various disciplines of yoga and New Age beliefs. The concept was first popularized in the West through the work of C.W. Leadbeater.

Raising Kundalini

The force of kundalini is supposed to be raised through meditative exercises. As it raises from the root-chakra up it activates each chakra it goes through. The higher it gets, the more spiritual a person is supposed to be. In raising kundalini spiritual powers (siddhis) arise. These supposedly include clairvoyance of various sorts.

See also Qi, Qigong, Chakras clairvoyance